10 Amazing Hikes Near Toronto You Can Access by Transit
Toronto may be an urban jungle, but there are plenty of scenic nature trails in and around the 416. Many city-dwellers opt to use public transit on a daily basis, so how can you get to these hiking trails without a car?
Try out one of these 10 trails, which are all less than 90 minutes away from Ontario’s largest city and can be reached by bus, subway or train.
1. Mast Trail, Rouge National Urban Park
Length: 2.3 km (one way)
Time: 1-2 hours
Elevation: 85 m
Learn more: Click here
Head east of the city to Canada’s first urban national park. There are over 50 kilometres of trails, most in the easy to moderate range. The Mast Trail is a popular loop-style trail with plenty of side trails to explore and opportunities for birding. The trail follows the site of a former logging route that transported cut pine trees down to Lake Ontario more than 200 years ago.
Getting there: Take the GO train to Rouge Hill Station. From there, a short walk (1.7 kilometres) along the waterfront will get you to Mast’s southern entry point.
2. Scarborough Bluffs Trail, Bluffer’s Park
Length: 5.6 km
Time: 1.5 hours
Elevation: 15 m
The rocky cliffs at Bluffer’s Beach are the highlight of this trail, with views that you just can’t get in the city. The flat, sandy trails of the Scarborough Bluffs can be enjoyed by both beginners and experienced hikers. Note that due to the marina and beach nearby, the trails can be fairly busy in the summer months.
Getting there: Take the TTC on either Line 2 or Line 5 to Kennedy Station. From there, the seasonal 201 bus will take you to the Beach Loop at Bluffers Park.
3. Nassagaweya Trail, Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area
Length: 9 km
Time: 2-2.5 hours
Elevation: 144 m
Learn more: Click here
There are four trails located inside Rattlesnake Point, part of the Bruce Trail network. Try the Nassagaweya Trail if you’re looking for a challenge—the nine kilometre path offers a few steep climbs along the way and breathtaking views of the escarpment. It’s also a great way to take in the region’s native flora, including trees that are over 800 years old.
Getting there: Parkbus schedules seasonal trips to Rattlesnake Point and also offers guided tours, with departures from downtown Toronto.
4. Forks of the Credit Trails, Caledon
Length: 6.8 km
Time: 2-2.5 hours
Elevation: 209 m
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The loop around Kettle Lake inside Forks of the Credit Provincial Park incorporates part of the Trans Canada Trail. You’ll get some challenging elevation on this hike, along with great views of the lake. Continue along Meadow Trail, making sure to stop and admire Cataract Falls.
Getting there: Take the GO train to Brampton, then hop on the 37 GO bus to the Hurontario St. stop at Caledon Village.
5. Humber River Recreation Trail, Toronto
Length: 20.4 km
Time: 4.5 hours
Elevation: 189 m
Learn more: Click here
This easy recreational trail cuts through the western part of Toronto, but is so peaceful you’ll feel miles away from the city. You may even spot some local wildlife like beavers, who make their homes along the marshes. There are paved pathways for accessibility, and plenty of entry and exit points along the 20-kilometre trail.
Getting there: Take the subway to Old Mill station for a midway point along the trail, or try the 96B Wilson bus to enter further north near Humber College.
6. Elora Gorge Conservation Trail Loop, Elora
Length: 4.7 km
Time: 1.5 hours
Elevation: 145 m
Learn more: Click here
This hike is the furthest on our list from Toronto, but well worth it to view the stunning rock formations located inside Elora Gorge Conservation Area. You’ll see ancient forests and limestone cliffs on this moderately challenging loop trail around the Grand River. Be sure to check out the Hole in the Rock, a natural staircase formation set in the limestone.
Getting there: ParkBus offers same-day returns trips to Elora during the summer months, which you can book on their website.
7. Bronte Creek Provincial Park, Oakville
Length: 5.0 km
Time: 1-2 hours
Elevation: 51 m
Learn more: Click here
Head west to Oakville to explore this provincial park with breathtaking scenery. The 5-kilometre loop around the park is mostly flat terrain, making it ideal for families. You’ll see plenty of wildlife, like deer, and can also visit the Children’s Farm (which is not just for children) for more animal spotting.
Getting there: Take the GO train to Oakville GO Station. Then, transfer to the Route 13 local bus which will drop you a short walk from the park’s entrance.
8. Kortright Centre for Conservation, Vaughan
Length: 6.8 km
Time: 2 hours
Elevation: 114 m
Learn more: Click here
There are more than 16 kilometres of trails to explore at this conservation area, known for its educational nature programs. Start at the visitor’s centre before taking the trail loop through forests, meadows and wetlands. Bring insect repellent as it gets buggy in the summer months.
Getting there: Take Line 1 on the TTC to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. From there, you can switch to York Regional Transit, but a 12-minute cab ride will take you right to the centre’s main entrance.
9. Webster’s Falls, Dundas Valley
Length: 4.5 km
Time: 1-2 hours
Elevation: 104 m
Learn more: Click here
Another stop along the Bruce Trail, this hike is located inside Spencer Gorge Conservation Area. There’s plenty to look at along this out-and-back trail but the highlight is Webster’s Falls, located at the northern end. Watch out for some narrow trailways along this moderately difficult route.
Getting there: Take the GO train to Hamilton Centre, then the number 5 local bus to the end of the line.
10. Crothers Woods, Toronto
Length: 10 km
Time: 3 hours
Elevation: 165 m
Learn more: Click here
The Don Valley cuts right through the heart of Toronto, and is a popular spot for birders. You’ll also find 100-year-old maple and beech trees and trails that follow the route of the Don Valley River. This easy family-friendly trail can become packed in the summer months, so plan accordingly.
Getting there: The Route 51 TTC bus will take you near the parking lot at the trail’s northern entrance. Take the subway to Laird station then transfer to the 51.
