Ontario is full of incredible hiking trails. With natural characteristics such as waterfalls, caves and niagara escarpment, you don’t need to travel far to discover the large spaces in Ontario. And some of the biggest reasons why we escape in the wild is to move away from the congestioned streets of the city, the sound of traffic and find peace. It can be difficult on popular hiking trails. So I compiled a less well -known list of Ontario without crowds to help you find this peace in nature. And if you are looking for hiking trails near Toronto, you will love the next seven trails because they are all in one to two hours of the city.
One thing to remember with the following Ontario trails is that most have no installations like large provincial parks, so there may not be toilets or garbage cans on site. So, don’t forget to go on a responsibility and follow your waste. Also note that many following trails have free parking lots for all economical hikers.
7 trails from Ontario without the crowd
Lac Island conservation area
One of my recent favorite places to hike in Ontario is at Lac Island conservation area in Orangeville. Located on more than 300 hectares of land, this conservation area is not only huge, but offers so much natural beauty. There is a massive lake with incredible walks that cross it, enchanted forests will be more walks, a sugar bush and even an outdoor theater.
There are three main trails in the Island Lake conservation area, but the best is Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail which is an 8.3 -kilometer loop that brings you the best of the park.
Related article: Top 10 hiking tips for one day hikes
Kolapore forest
If you are looking for beaten track in Ontario, go to Kolapore Forest, located 20 kilometers southwest of Collingwood. The area is home to 50 kilometers of trails that lead you through a forest and meadows of mature decidents, a throat of almost 100 feet, along the rocky outcrops, and even in front of a waterfall.
Although the Kolapore forest is used as cross -country ski trails in winter, they make an ideal place to move away from crazy crowds for the rest of the year. Two notable trails across the area include the Bruce Trail trail and the lateral path of Crevice Metcalfe.
Please note: Do not enter the Kolapore forests unless you have a card of the trail system. You can buy one from the General Store of Ravenne or the Kolapore trails‘Website.
Silver Creek conservation area
An ideal place to hike in Ontario in the fall, or at any time of the year for this fact, is the Silver Creek conservation area. This huge park covers more than 1,000 acres and houses beautiful small rivers, lush forests, walks and the incredible niagara escarpment. And there are even a few small stunts!
The Silver Creek conservation area is located in Halton Hills and is only an hour’s drive west of Toronto. It is certainly one of the best trails in the least known Ontario. The park has no public facilities but has impressive trails. Bruce’s main path, 6 kilometers, reaches and leads you by most of the beautiful characteristics of the region. Another big path to follow is the Roberts Side Trail.
Are you looking for more incredible places to hike in Ontario this fall? Consult my list of more than 10 dreams Ontario autumn hikes.
Devil’s Chair
If you are looking for a calm path at a short distance from Toronto, plan to head to the picturesque area of Caledon. Here you will find beautiful trails that offer not only nice features, but also fewer hikers. A path that is a must is the Devil’s Chair. Located along the Bruce trail, you will find access to a winding road, so pay attention to your parking.
Devil’s Pulpit Trail takes you to the Niagara escarpment, on railroad tracks and on an old stone stage towards a Peek-A-Boo view. There is a fabulous side path called The Ring Kin Side Trail which will take you to the old ruins of the Hoffman lime oven. This side path loops to join the path below.
Related article: 5 ways to protect nature and reduce your imprint
Forest
Another trail without crowds in Ontario is the loop of the tracia forest located in the Loree forest of Gray county near Collingwood. Apart from my friend and I, we did not see another soul on the track when we visited a beautiful end -of -autumn day.
The Loree forest loop is an easy 5.3 -kilometer path at the top of the Georgian ski hill Peaks. The path leads you through variable terrain, from the forest to the meadows. It also takes you to the top of the slopes and offers incredible views of Georgian bay
Old Baldy Conservation Area
Another big path in Ontario less known is the old Baldy Lookout path that crosses the old Baldy conservation zone. The path is 4.3 kilometers long and takes you through a varied forest field, along steep cliffs, and offers incredible views of Beaver Valley.
The old Baldy conservation area is open all year round but know that the road that leads is steep and may not be a good choice in winter if you have no four -wheel drive.
Osler Bluff Trail
One of the best known trails in Ontario is the Osler Bluff Trail. It can be difficult to find, and there is a parking lot in the street, so that may be why more people are not flocking to it. But with the emblematic Bruce Trail who crosses him, you know it’s going to be good.
The Osler Bluff path is 8 kilometers long and takes you from top to bottom, hills, through meadows and dense forests, and has exceptional views of Gray. It is also here that you will find the highest point of the Bruce Trail at 540 meters (or 1772 feet) above sea level.
Make sure you have everything you need for a successful day hike!
Here is my practice Equipment guide for one day hikes.
No more crowd trails in Ontario
Forest trails of the local county – Many Ontario counties have large sections of county forests which house large free and generally not as busy trails. So be sure to consult the local area for them. Some keeping in mind are the forest of the county of Simcoe – find some of the best trails hereYork Forest Region – Find the best trails hereand Northumberland County Forest – Find the best trails here.
Hanover Community Trail System – In the charming little town of Hanover, in the county of Gray, there is a pretty path that crosses the city. The main track of Hanover Community Trail System Takes you through the Darroch nature reserve, on the bridges, and even after a “cascade” in the Karl Speck Wilken park. You will find access to the trails and parking at the Karl Speck Wilken Park.
James Cooper Lookout trail – located in the Algonquin highlands near Carnarvon, the James Cooper Lookout trail is an excellent short hike that offers a breathtaking view and is perfect for an autumn hike. The trail is a little less than 2 kilometers and is sometimes stiff.
Are you looking for more reading equipment on Ontario hiking? There are a crowd of big books, but where do you start? I did a little work for you. Some are not available online but can be found in local bookstores and retailers like the incredible Loops and slats collection, and Adventures with Bruce. Here are some other of my favorite hiking books.
Trail to the Bruce – This is an essential reading for anyone interested in La Bruce Trail or the history of the nature of Ontario. The book tells the fascinating story of the way the Bruce Trail was born.
Nature hikes: quasi-Toronto trails and adventures – It is an excellent book if you are looking for large hikes in and around the Toronto region. He has photos, cards, advice and more on more than 30 different hikes.
Ontario provincial Park Park Guide – This is an excellent guide for hiking in provincial parks. The guide contains information on more than 300 hiking trails found in more than 85 parks. It’s great for the average day hiker because many trails are about two hours and less.
Do you have a favorite place to hike in Ontario that doesn’t have the crowd?
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