Dundas Peak Trail
Distance: 3.9km
Hiking time: 1 hour
Elevation: 110 metres
Located just 20 minutes from downtown Hamilton, Dundas Peak is located within Spencer Gorge Conservation Area. It is a beloved local lookout to the Niagara Escarpment and offers a fantastic little day hike ending with some great views. Take the trail along to the beautiful Webster Falls, then Tews Falls. The 3.9km trail ends at the gorgeous Dundas Peak lookout. Although the trail and lookout are beautiful in all seasons, it shines in autumn. The trail is also a pretty good workout if you put a little oomph into it.
Ishpatina Ridge Tower Summit
Distance: 4km
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Elevation: 693m
Ishpatina Ridge is located in Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Park and is one of the shorter trails in this list. We like Ishpatina Ridge because it’s mostly accessible for beginner hikers and even offers a great trail run option. The trail itself is only 4km (about 2 hours of your day) but comes with beautiful lakeside scenery and relatively smooth terrain. The trail is well marked but isn’t landscaped so you can get that needed sense of getting lost without the need to leave a trail of breadcrumbs. If you have trouble walking, watch out for the second part of the trail that gets a bit steeper but isn’t anything most people can’t handle regardless of skill level. Check out the park’s guide before you go.
MIzzy Lake Trail
Distance: 11km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Elevation: 96m
Sometimes a longer trail with some rough spots is what you’re looking for. When that mood strikes, the Mizzy Lake Trail may be what your soul needs. This trail stretches for 11km and includes many wildlife, small ponds, lakes, and plenty of tree-lined lanes. We don’t recommend Mizzy Lake for people that have trouble walking as the trail does come with lots of rough spots, including tangles, roots, and rocks. This is one trail that will slow you down and demand you take a look around. You can find details on how to get to Mizzy Lake on this site.
White Bear Forest Trail
Distance: 20km
Hiking Time: 8+ hours
Elevation: 396m
The White Bear Forest Trail can be accessed from the road and boasts trees as far as the eye can see. This is an old-growth forest, which means that the trees in White Bear are in all aspects of life, from newer growth to fallen trees and dead trees that remain standing. Old-growth forests are ideal for a real escape and offer plenty of picturesque views (bring a camera). The shade on this trail is also unique as the sun filters through the trees differently depending on the tree height and life stage. The trail itself is well maintained and easy to hike, making it suitable for all levels. Learn more about the trail and its significance here.
Bruce Trail
Distance: 21km
Hiking Time: 8+ hours
Elevation: 7253ft
The Bruce Trail, especially in Bruce Peninsula National Park is one of the most scenic trails you’ll find in the province. Here, the trail stretches 21km, so make sure to arrive early and plan to spend the day hiking. Caves, cliffs, white beaches, and water that looks like a scene from the Caribbean await hikers that venture to Bruce Trail. This park is popular during the summer months thanks to the fantastic beaches and water access. Still, it’s less populated and quieter during the fall when the weather is a bit cooler (making it an ideal place for a September or October trek). The trail starts easy and includes some wooden walkways but gets a bit more rugged as time goes by. You’ll want to check out the park website for tickets and other details before you go.
Lake Superior Provincial Park
Distance: Various
Hiking Time: 2-10 hours
Elevation: varies
The Lake Superior Provincial Park is one spot that many Ontarians miss out on when it comes to hiking. The park is known mostly for being a great picnic spot, but it also boasts many welcoming trails to all skill levels. Cliffs, beaches, waterways, forests, and fantastic Fall views are some of the reasons why the trails in this park are sought after by hikers in the know. We didn’t pinpoint a specific trail in this park because there are so many to choose from (especially if you want to canoe part of the trail you pick). We recommend visiting the park’s website to find out more about the various trail options and to purchase park passes in advance. The Lake Superior Provincial Park is open until Oct. 25.
Bluff Trail, Awenda Provincial Park
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 2-4 hours
Elevation: 899ft
Bluff Trail is not a difficult trail full of treacherous terrain, but it’s a great way to spend a few hours of your day, and it’s family-friendly. Bluff Trail is an ideal way to experience some of Ontario’s famed old-growth forests. This trail is perfect on a spring day, but it also offers Fall visitors some excellent scenery. The trail is well-maintained and comes with plenty of walkable paths. There are other trails in the park that are more challenging, but this is one of our favourite simple trails. To find out more about Bluff Trail and Awenda Provincial Park, check out the park’s website.
Boyne Valley Provincial Park
Distance: 6.5km
Hiking time: 2.5 hours
Elevation: 140 metres
Boyne Valley is one of Ontario’s hidden gems for fall hiking. Located near Shelburne, this trail offers a moderate hike through quiet woodlands and hilly terrain, with plenty of vibrant maple and oak trees putting on a spectacular autumn display. The park is lesser-known, ensuring a peaceful experience away from larger crowds, especially on weekdays.
Silhouette Trail, Killarney Provincial Park
Distance: 73km
Hiking Time: 1-3 days
Elevation: 8000ft
The Silhouette Trail isn’t exactly a day-trip, but it is worth adding to this guide because it provides a real break from everyday life and comes with fantastic scenery. If you have a long weekend or want to take a day or two off work, head to Killarney Provincial Park to explore the Silhouette Trail. This trail comes with views of the White Quartzite Hills that are part of the La Cloche mountain range. You’ll also pass by various lakes and other bits of water while hiking a challenging trail that is anything but boring. The park does offer camping options (book ahead online), and there are facilities available. Book before you go here.
Silver Peak, Killarney Provincial Park
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Elevation: 543m
Silver Peak in Killarney Park is an expedition camping trip that will require a canoe. If you’re up for a challenge, canoe to the trailhead via Bell Lake of Johnny Lake. You can leave your canoe at the trail entrance and follow the signs for Silver Peak. The trail is relatively flat but does creep up in elevation towards the middle of the course, and you will be climbing for almost an hour to reach the peak. At some points, the trail can get slippery and does require proper footwear (don’t attempt this one with running shoes). Silver Peak was once the future spot of a ski mountain, but the plans fell through, resulting in a rugged trail for hikers to explore. Leave a full day to check out this trail, and be sure to read more about the terrain before you go.
La Vigilance Trail, Renee Brunelle Provincial Park
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Elevation:
If you’re a history fanatic, you’ll want to take a day trip to La Vigilance in Renee Brunelle Provincial Park. The hike itself is a relatively easy 5km hike that offers a decently maintained trail easy enough for all skill levels. Still, the real gem of La Vigilance is the historical significance of Airplane Island which can be seen from the top of the trail. Airplane Island was established during the 1920s as a base for airplanes used to extinguish forest fires. The park’s main website contains additional information about the island and the trail.
Pines Hiking Trail, Quetico Park
Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 5-8 hours
Standing at the base of an ancient pine tree can help you gauge your place in the universe, and Pine Hiking Trail doesn’t disappoint when it comes to towering trees. This trail stretches for 10km and comes with some rougher knotty parts, but it is worth taking all day to explore. You can also head to Pickerel Lake for a beach day or pack a picnic and spend it under the pines. You will have to reserve a pass online before you go, so make sure to plan accordingly.
Centennial Ridges Trail, Algonquin Park
Distance: 10km
Hiking time: 4.5 hours
Elevation: 460m
Centennial Ridges Trail is a well-known and beloved loop trail around a lake and is rated as difficult. There are some very rewarding views thanks to two high ridges, some of which are considered the best in this incredible park, and that’s saying something. It can be muddy. The views in awesome are epic.
Goblin Lake Trail, Blue Lake Park
Distance: 11km
Hiking Time: 5-8 hours
Elevation: 159m
The Goblin Lake Trail follows the edge of Goblin lake and is both scenic and rugged. The lake’s borders can be muddy and may include some rockier points making proper footwear necessary. This trail is marked clearly for a reason: it’s easy to get lost while exploring the Goblin Lake Trail. But, if you follow the signs and stay on the main path, this is a great hike that’s ideal for a day trip. The trail is marked moderate by the park system and is best suited for hikers with some experience (not a great trail for smaller kids). Check out the Blue Lake Park website for additional tips.
White River Suspension Bridge Trail, Pukaskwa Park
Distance: 18km
Hiking Time: 5-8 hours
Elevation: 15m
The White River Suspension Bridge Trail is not for the faint of heart, but it is a trail that you have to try if you have some hiking experience. As the name suggests, this trail is a large part suspension bridge that stretches across 23 meters above Chigamiwinigum Falls. The bridge sways and swings making it fun to trek across but also heart-pounding. Before reaching the bridge, you’ll cross wetlands, swimmable waters, and plenty of picnic spots. Spend the day and enjoy all that Pukaskwa Park has to offer — campsites are also available through the park’s main website.
Walk of the Little Bonnechere River, Bonnechere Park
Distance: Various Lengths
Hiking Time: varies
Bonnechere Park is one of the lesser-known Ontario parks, but it’s worth exploring if you have some time to kill and want to try something a bit different. The Walk of the Little Bonnechere River is a compilation of 10 trails of varying lengths. Some of the trails are more difficult, but none are incredibly rugged. The trails provide a great view of the Bonnechere River and are an ideal way to spend the day water-side. The trails at Bonnechere Park are well-marked and maintained, and you can pick up a map at the park’s entrance. Some more details about the path can be found on the park’s website.
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