Five Fun Hikes in the Greater Toronto Area

Summer in Toronto means that many locals will be hitting the trails and there’s endless trails to explore in southern Ontario.

The following are five fun trails in the Greater Toronto Area.

Bennett Heritage Trail

This is one of the most popular long hikes around Toronto and starts off Trafalgar Rd.

There are no steep climbs but quite a bit of walking up and down hills with over a half dozen stiles (fence ladders) to climb over.

There is some rough footing in areas of numerous limestone rocks. Lots of great sights along the way.

Where to start: Head to the Scotsdale Farm off Trafalgar Rd. and park for free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Distance: 13 kilometres
Time: One to two hours

Devil’s Punch Bowl Trail

This trail starts steep and then eases into the Lower and Upper Punch Bowl Falls. From there, you can walk along the boardwalk through Vinemount Swamp Forest.

Where to start: From the QEW take Centennial Parkway South onto Centennial Parkway and left at Ridge Road and park at the Devil’s Punchbowl. More info here.
Distance: Five-kilometre roundtrip
Time: One to two hours

Silver Creek Triple Loop

This is a great beginner/intermediate trail at Silver Creek Conservation Area that has no steep climbs but some hilly sections.

There are some nice lookout points and the walking fern section is rocky with slippery footing.

Where to start: Head to the Silver Creek Conservation Area and park at the Education Centre.
Distance: Nine kilometres
Time: Three-and-a-half hours

Albion Falls/King’s Forest Waterfall Walk

One of the finest lookout hikes around that will get you to the top of a stunning waterfall. Find more info here.

Where to start: From Hwy 403 take Lincoln Alexander Parkway east on Hamilton Mountain and exit at Upper Gage Avenue then turn left and then right on Mohawk Road East to Mountain Brow Blvd. Park on left.
Distance: 6.2 kilometres
Time: Two hours

Sherman Falls to Tiffany Falls

Sherman Falls drops over two cascades before meandering off. The relaxing area can be reached from the Bruce Trail and is worth a visit.

The falls is an impressive 17-metre high terraced ribbon waterfall where Ancaster Creek tumbles over the escarpment. It has a good year-round waterflow with a crest of eight metres. More here.

Where to Start: From Old Dundas Road in Hamilton, park for free on Lions Club Road in Ancaster.
Distance: 5.5-kilometre roundtrip
Time: Two hours