10 of the Best Hikes near Mississauga, ON
If you ask anyone from Toronto what they think of when they hear the name “Mississauga,” you’ll likely hear responses of “shopping malls, suburbs, highways” or perhaps one word: “driving.” It’s quite likely that people from other parts of the country think that Mississauga is part of Toronto (or haven’t even heard of it). While you might need a car to get around Mississauga due to its size and wide suburban structure, once you are there, you find yourself at the springboard to access many great provincial parks and conservation areas that are especially for great hiking.
So get out of the car and onto these 10 awesome trails near Mississauga, Ontario:
Kathryn Dickson
David J. Culham Trail
Erindale Park
Distance: 18 km
Time: 1 – 5 hours
Why it’s awesome:
This is the scenic trail in Mississauga where you take your girlfriend or boyfriend to propose! On any given day, you can find elaborate “Marry Me” signage and romantic displays of blankets and champagne and happy couples on the bank of the Credit River.
The long trail creates a route from Erindale Park up the Credit River Valley, all the way up to the City of Brampton. Many of Mississauga’s green spaces connect through here, giving you options in terms of a point of entry or loops.
How do I get to the trailhead? Numerous entry points along the way. The trailhead is accessed in Erindale Park, 1695 Dundas St W, east of Mississauga Road. Plenty of parking.
Read more: mississauga.ca
Distance from Mississauga: In the middle of Mississauga.
Silver Birch Trail Loop
Rattray Marsh Conservation Area
Distance: 2.3 km loop
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Why it’s awesome: Walking through this marsh, you can spot wildlife! Swans, geese, frogs and snakes have made homes here in this conservation area in the southend of Mississauga. This incredibly easy hike takes you over wooden boardwalks and well taken care of trails. It is remarkably scenic and takes you right by Lake Ontario for an awesome view of downtown Toronto on a clear day.
How do I get to the trailhead? There is limited parking available at Jack Darling Memorial Park (1180 Lakeshore Rd. West) and pedestrian-only access at Bexhill Road, Meadow Wood Road, Silver Birch Trail and Old Poplar Row.
Read more: cvc.ca
Distance from Mississauga: In south Mississauga.
Kathryn Dickson
Hilton Falls Trail
Hilton Falls Conservation area
Distance: 4 km loop
Time: 2 hours
Why it’s awesome: A 10-metre spectacular waterfall is the pièce de résistance and reward for your easy hike. It’s a great place to go on a hot day to cool off, to feel the mist from the water and get amazing Instagram shots.
Families can enjoy a picnic at one of the tables by the top of the falls or roast marshmallows in the evening. Ice cream is sold at the parking lot entrance.
How do I get to the trailhead? Take 5 Sideroad to Campbellville Road. Please note, there are entrance fees here, but the daily entrance fee receipt provides access to all Halton Parks for the same day.
Read more: conservationhalton.ca
Distance from Mississauga: 40 kilometres, approximately a 30-minute drive
Buffalo Crag Lookout
Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area
Distance: 3.2 km loop
Time: 2 hours
Why it’s awesome: Just a six-kilometre bike ride or quick car ride from the Hilton Falls Conservation Area parking lot is Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area. Head out on an easy trail to the Buffalo Crag lookout for one of the best views of the escarpment.
Trivia for fans of Schitt’s Creek: this is the conservation area where Patrick proposed to David on the episode called “The Hike.”
How do I get to the trailhead? Appleby Line, south of the 401. Please note, like Hilton Falls, there are entrance fees here, but they are for the day and with your receipt you can enter other conservation areas.
Read more: conservationhalton.ca
Distance from Mississauga: 36 kilometres, approximately a 30-minute drive
Kathryn Dickson
Bennett Heritage Trail
Silvercreek Conservation Area
Distance: 3.5 km loop
Time: 2 hours
Why it’s awesome: With trails open year-round, this is a place to get away from it all in the winter as well. Part of the amazing Bruce Trail system of trails, if you finish hiking around this conservation, you can continue on an eight-kilometre trail to Terra Cotta Conservation Area.
How do I get to the trailhead? Mountainview Road north turns into Confederation Street. Drive it to the top and follow the signage to the trails.
Read more: cvc.ca
Distance from Mississauga: 43 kilometres, approximately a 45 minute drive
Mount Nemo Loop Trail
Mount Nemo Conservation Area
Distance: 5.3 km loop
Time: 3 hours
Why it’s awesome: If you want to avoid crowds, this is the place to go. Mount Nemo is gorgeous, has caves and there are vultures circling the air. Here, you can go rock climbing or find a lookout where the CN Tower can be spotted on a clear day.
How do I get to the trailhead? Off Guelph Line, north of Burlington. Entrance fees, same as above.
Read more: conservationhalton.ca
Distance from Mississauga: 35 kilometres, approximately a 30-minute drive
Kathryn Dickson
Cliff Top Side Trail via Carriage Trail and Spillway Trail
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
Distance: 8 km
Time: 4 – 5 hours
Why it’s awesome: Getting to the Cliff Top Side Trail at Mono Cliffs takes a bit of time, but it’s worth it. There are a variety of trails in terms of levels. Some trails in this park are classified as moderate hikes, some are easy. Some trails are surrounded by forest while others are more of an open field setting. They range from well-worn, sandy paths to rocky trails to wooden boardwalks.
How do I get to the trailhead? The parking lot for this day use provincial park is just off 3rd Line, north of Mono Centre. A valid park permit is required to visit Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, a full day permit will cost $11.
Read more: ontarioparks.com
Distance from Mississauga: 71 kilometres from Mississauga. Located just outside Orangeville, Ontario, it’s about a one-hour drive.
PS. I wrote about it on my blog: kathrynanywhere.com
Terra Cotta Eastern Loop Trail
Terra Cotta Conservation Area
Distance: 5.3 km loop
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Why it’s awesome: Part of the famous Bruce Trail on the Niagara Escarpment, this conservation area is known as a hiking refuge in the heart of the new suburban developments. If you are looking to stop and enjoy the wildflowers, enjoy the scenery of a natural pond and still be pushed on rocky inclines, this is the hike to do it on.
How do I get to the trailhead? Accessed from 10 Line Road, 14452 Winston Churchill Blvd., Halton Hills (two kilometres north of the Village of Terra Cotta)
Read more: alltrails.com
Distance from Mississauga: 41 kilometres, approximately a 40 minute drive
Kathryn Dickson
Cataract Falls via Trans Canada Trail and Kettle Trail Loop
Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
Distance: 6.6 km
Time: 3 hours
Why it’s awesome: The hike to Cataract Falls and back to the parking lot looks tame, but has a lot of ups and downs to get your blood pumping. Rated as a moderate trail, you will forget you are anywhere near a city. Did I mention it’s friendly for the dog and kids as well?
Take a moment to sit by the pond on a bench and have a picnic as it will be one of the best soul-refreshing moments of your day.
How do I get to the trailhead? Parking lot is located at 17760 McLaren Rd, Caledon. A valid Ontario Parks day permit is required to visit Forks of the Credit Provincial Park. The cost is $11 for a full day permit.
Read more: ontarioparks.com
Distance from Mississauga: 50 kilometres from Mississauga. Located just outside Caledon, Ontario.
Kathryn Dickson
Dundas Peak via Bruce Trail and BT Side Trail
Spencer Gorge Conservation Area
Distance: 2.9 km loop
Time: 2 hours
Why it’s awesome: This is a really popular, easy-to-moderate trail and once you get there, you will see exactly why. This trail is a double whammy. On your way to the Dundas Peak lookout point, which gives you an amazing view of Dundas and Hamilton, you are treated to a great view of Tew’s Falls. This is the perfect place to take your time and take in all the nature in an area known for steel manufacturing.
How do I get to the trailhead? The trailhead is at the end of Falls View Road off of Harvest Road. A parking fee of $10 per vehicle and a per person fee of $5 applies to all visitors to Spencer Gorge. Children 5 years old and under are free. If you have paid for parking here, it’s worth it to keep walking and see Websters Falls. Note: there is no walking trail between Tews and Webster’s Falls
Read more: conservationhamilton.ca
Distance from Mississauga: 53 kilometres, approximately a 40-minute drive.
PS. I wrote about it on my blog: kathrynanywhere.com
Gear Picks for Day-Hikers:
Jacket: Arc’teryx Atom Hoodie
Boots: Oboz Bridger Mid
Water bottle: Hydroflask 621ml
Headlamp: Petzl Tikka
Daypack: MEC Trail 24
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