Find Your Next Adventure: The Best Hiking Trails in Ontario

Ontario is the most populous province in Canada; it is a province of massive scale and diversity with a range of options, including the urban hub of Toronto, the Canadian Shield, along with the serene coasts of the Great Lakes and the old-growth forests of the Niagara Escarpment. For outdoor enthusiasts, this means an incredible variety of hiking opportunities. With some of the most strenuous multi-day hikes and the most mellow walks, Ontario trails are both accessible and unique in their way of immersing one into the natural beauty that the province hides.

In this guide, we will look at the top 10 best hiking trails in Ontario that are selected due to their beautiful landscape, uniqueness, and accessibility. Put on your boots and get ready for an adventure!

If you’ve already spent time on Ontario’s day hiking trails, you know how much beauty and quiet this province holds

Top 10 hiking trails in Ontario for Unforgettable Views

With amazing views of inland seas, cascading waterfalls and pristine forests, there’s something for everyone in this list of the best places to hike in Ontario

Bruce Trail (Niagara Escarpment)

The Bruce Trail is one of the best hiking trails in Ontario that crosses an area of 890 km between Niagara and Tobermory and has gained recognition as one of the most famous hiking trails in Canada. It is a perfect place for nature enthusiasts, offering spectacular scenery such as waterfalls, forests, and the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario.

The path is split into different parts, each of which promises to offer a different experience, both in terms of easy walks as well as more complicated hikes. The Bruce Trail's biodiversity is one of its highlights, and the trail is characterized by several species of plants and animals that a hiker can encounter during the hiking period. The Bruce Trail offers unforgettable scenery in Ontario, whether you're an experienced hiker or new to hiking.

Bruce Trail offers a myriad of ways to explore the natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment on foot

Top of the Giant, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park (PP)

The Top of the Giant Trail is one of the greatest hiking destinations in Ontario, satisfying the needs of those who seek truly epic views and a difficult ascent. It is an outstanding park close to Thunder Bay, and it is situated on Sibley Peninsula, where this unique landform takes the shape of a sleeping giant. The challenging 22 km (13.7 miles) round-trip journey to the mountain top is well worth the effort, as it offers a great sense of achievement.

Although the first parts may be quite even, the last ascent is rather uneven and challenging to endure. But the pay-off, when you get it, is just unsurpassable: panoramic views untainted by any visions of the past or other human influences, over sheer 100-meter cliffs which overlook the majesty of Lake Superior to the horizon. It is a day-long affair that guarantees some of the most breathtaking views that you will get anywhere in the province.

Top of the Giant is one of the most popular trails in Canada for folks looking for a challenge with some amazing landscape views as a reward

Lion's Head Loop Trail, Bruce Peninsula

The Lion's Head Loop Trail is a picturesque hiking path located in the Bruce Peninsula area of Canada that provides breathtaking views of the clear waters of Georgian Bay. This 8 K loop trail leads the hiker through various terrains, such as forests, mountainous cliffs, and rocky coasts. Walking through the trail will be a rewarding activity because one will be exposed to spectacular views, especially at the top of the cliff, where one will get to see the panoramic view of the bay and its surroundings, as there are cliffs along the coast. 

Diversity of ecosystems along the trail is also an attractive feature, as it could be relatively easy to see some local wildlife and rare species of plants. The trail is moderate; however, it will provide experienced hikers and beginners with an unforgettable time. The Lion-headed lookout, which is one of the most famous vistas of the Lion Head Loop Trail, is its main attraction in where the sight of the terrific cliffs and the turquoise water of the Bay makes it one of the most scenic trails in Ontario. It is a feat that anyone who loves nature has to do, and definitely an adventure.

The La Cloche Silhouette Trail, Killarney Provincial Park

La Cloche Silhouette Trail is ranked among the best hiking trails in Ontario, with a total cover of 78 kilometers (approximately 48 miles) that provides challenging yet fulfilling hiking to backpackers. It is a 78-kilometer loop route that runs through the gorgeous Killarney Provincial Park, famous because of its white quartzite ridges, lakes of turquoise-clear color, and variety of ecosystems. Hikers should also be ready to manoeuvre through thick forests, climb higher terrains, and be treated with stunning panoramic views at hiking points such as Silver Peak. 

Each of the sections of the trail has its challenges and views of natural beauty. It is advised to take the hike within 7-9 days, therefore having enough time to appreciate the environment and stay safe since it has rugged terrain. The trail features good campsites that offer a rustic experience, and most campsites are located by undisturbed lakes. Along with those who are interested in authentic backcountry adventure, the La Cloche Silhouette Trail is one of the best places to visit in Ontario

A loop trail that goes up and over Killarney's many peaks and around its numerous pristine lakes.

Nokomis and Towab Trails, Lake Superior Provincial Park

To get a real rugged and breathtaking adventure along the largest freshwater lake in the world, one can only describe the Nokomis and Towab trails within Lake Superior Provincial Parks to be some of the best places to hike in Ontario. The Nokomis Trail provides an easier, but only slightly (trust me on this one), but absolutely splendid, 5.5-kilometer loop containing hikes through old-growth forests that provide hikers with absolutely breathtaking views as they watch the tops of cliffs pass by the edge of the Old Woman Bay and the sheer immensity of Lake Superior. Deeper in the park, the Towab Trail is a far more challenging, multi-day backcountry hike, and is about 24 kilometers one-way to the impressive Agawa Falls. 

Considered a difficult hike, the trail immerses hikers in the plush wilderness of the remote wild setting, along the rolling Agawa River in an inhospitable terrain, where solitude and awesome scenery of the river coexist, and a tangible contact with the sheer power of the Canadian Shield can be felt. Both tracks are examples of the wild beauty of the park that offers a balance of choice of walking this famous coastline.

Highland Backpacking Trail, Algonquin Provincial Park

Highland Back Packing Trail provides many hikers with a great experience in the scenic wilderness of Algonquin Provincial Park. This can only be described as an adventure with its 35-kilometer hiking trail that passes through lush forests, along calm lakes, and mountains, and is no easy journey. The trail is separated into various divisions so that the hikers can select what difficulty suits them. In the process, you will pass fantastic scenery, beautiful nature, and even different animals. 

The Highland Backpacking Trail has it all. No matter what you are after, a multi-day adventure or a tranquil trip into the Canadian wilderness, you will find it. Its secluded location and the variety of landscapes allow the trail to be used by people who want to unplug and get back to the nature of Ontario. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the best hiking place in Ontario

This backpacking loop is filled with amazing blue lakes and perfectly secluded backpacking sites, many of which are right next to the water.

Coastal trail, Pukaskwa National Park

Coastal Trail is one of the best places to go on a hiking trip, located in the stunning Pukaskwa National Park near Marathon, Ontario, along the shore of Lake Superior. It is a 15-kilometer hiking trail with spectacular sites of clear waters, high cliffs, and alluring greenery. As you walk along the coastal lands, you will come across the beautiful beaches, such as the Grotto, a natural cave that happens to be a beauty in the sea with turquoise water. The route is characterized by a variety of scenery, including rocky outcrops and woods, thus it is an interesting and different kind of hiking trail for outdoor lovers. 

In the process, one might come across some wildlife like deer, foxes, as well as some bird species. Seekers of direct contact with the natural beauty of Ontario will find the Coastal Trail just right- the combination of steep landscape features and calm coastal lines of the coastline makes the trail what it is. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a novice, the Coastal Trail is guaranteed to blow your mind as you undergo a memorable experience in the midst of one of the most picturesque areas in Ontario.

Coastal Hiking Trail is an adventurer's dream that offers a challenging but rewarding premier Ontario wilderness experience

The Crack, Killarney Provincial Park

The Crack in Killarney Provincial Park is one of the best places to hike in Ontario as its quiet ruggedness is only surpassed by the iconic beauty of the rewards that await those who make it up there. It is a part of the La Cloche Silhouette Trail, which is an immensely popular (but also very demanding) 6-kilometer (one-way) hike known because of its incredibly beautiful white quartzite rock formation, which can become quite slippery in rainy weather. The climb is a real exercise of agility and endurance since there is a lot of scrambling along boulders and through small crevices. But all the hard work is fulfilled as soon as one steps on top. 

The views are simply spectacular with hikers being rewarded at the top with a panoramic view of the entire park with the glimmering turquoise lakes, primeval forest and the white La Cloche mountains that extend to the horizon. It is not an easy experience but a very fulfilling one, giving you a classic taste of the indescribable beauty of Killarney.

Cup and Saucer Trail, Manitoulin Island

Cup and Saucer Trail, located on Manitoulin Island, is one of the top hiking trails in Ontario, offering a challenging and rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiasts. The main loop is approximately 4–5 km long, and it will guide the hikers through the dense jungle and rocky terrain and finally arrive at a gorgeous panoramic spot on top. There are also great panoramic views of the island that visitors are able to get from this point, views of dramatic cliffs, and the large blue waters of the lakes around. 

The major feature at the trail is the hill to the top of the Cup and Saucer rock formations; it offers an exhilarating and moderately arduous experience. Although the trail is known for being challenging, all the mountains and breathtaking panoramas it offers are totally worth it. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or you do not have a clue as to where you want to go, the Cup and Saucer Trail is the place to go,as it is one of the most scenic hikes in Ontario.

Cup and Saucer Trail is a beautiful walk through a deciduous forest

Barron Canyon Trail, Algonquin Provincial Park

The Barron Canyon Trail in Algonquin Provincial Park is one of the best hiking trails in Ontario to visit when you want a mix of a short hike with dramatic views. It is a short 1.5-kilometre loop, but the pay-off is an amazing cliff-top view of the Barron Canyon, a deep and ancient gorge cut by the Barron River and with near-vertical walls which fall close to 100 metres. 

Its panoramic view is situated at the edge of pine covered cliffs and meandering waterways which is very beautiful during the fall when the forest turns to colour. The trail is fairly easy but hikers are warned to be careful around the uncrowded edge of the cliff. 
 

A visit to the canyon becomes a learning experience as well as a thrilling journey thanks to interpretive signs along the path that provide information about the geological and cultural history of the canyon. No matter which side of the adventure you are on, this view is worth any effort and the Barron Canyon Trail offers something more and less in terms of hiking in Ontario locations.

This is a great place to take the family on a day trip, as this trail is very approachable

Lace Up Smart: Essential Tips for Hiking in Ontario

One of the Canadian provinces that has the most gorgeous and diverse landscapes is Ontario, and there is a great number of hiking trails of various difficulty and length. Whether on the rugged terrain of the Algonquin Provincial Park or the beautiful coast of the Bruce Peninsula, there is a hike anyone can enjoy. Nonetheless, a number of tips are vital when it comes to ensuring that you enjoy your hiking as well as being safe.

1. Know Your Trail and Prepare Accordingly

Research the trail you are going to hike before departing. The province of Ontario has a range of trails of diverse difficulty, ranging from simple walks to long, multi-day backcountry. Enquire on the length of the trails, the elevation gains and losses, and approximated timing, season conditions, and closures. The sites, maps, and offices used in the parks are great resources. On longer hikes, it is better to stay overnight, and you must bring some camping gear.

2. Wear Appropriate Footwear and Clothing

Hiking may be a physically challenging activity, and therefore, proper shoes are very important. When buying hiking boots, pick a thoughtful pair that is waterproof and that can minimize surfaces. Dress in layered moisture-wicking clothes so you are comfy in fluctuating weather. The Ontario weather can sometimes be unpredictable, and this is why you must carry a light jacket or rain gear even in the summer.

3. Stay Hydrated and Pack Snacks

Having sufficient water will help to stay hydrated, in particular, when hiking over longer distances. The thumb rule is to drink frequently, even when you do not feel like doing so. Also, bring high-energy food such as nuts, granola bars, or sundried fruits to maintain your energy. You should always take more water and food than you presume you are going to require.

Packing list for hiking in Ontario

4. Understand Wildlife Safety

Wildlife is abundant in Ontario and can be found more in the remote regions, such as bears, moose, and wolves, among others. There should be awareness of surroundings. Touring bear country, have bear spray and know how to use it. When hiking, always make noise to avoid shocking wildlife and make sure the food is stored away in a secure location. When you meet an animal, keep calm, without any form of approach.

5. Use a Map and Compass

Most of the hiking trails in Ontario are marked, but it never hurts to have with you a map and a compass or a GPS receiver. This is more so in backcountry hikes where the paths are less marked. Basic navigation learning can help you not to lose your way and make your hike safer and comfortable.

6. Check the Weather Forecast

Forests and mountainous climate in Ontario can change dramatically within a short period of time. Be forewarned of the weather before going out. When the conditions are not perfect, e.g., when there are thunderstorms or high winds, you should consider waiting until the weather conditions improve. During cold weather, make sure you can cope in case of abrupt changes in temperature or snow. In winter, icy paths wear crampons or microspikes.

7. Follow Leave No Trace Principles

Ontario hiking trails are natural valuables, and one should conserve their beauty. Leave No Trace Leave No Trace guidelines TR: Leave No Trace: Remain on established routes, carry all waste out, and avoid disturbing animals. Do not harvest plants or displace natural habitats. Also, overnight camping should be in designated sites only, and you need to be aware of the effects of campfires.

8. Hike with a Buddy

Although hiking is fulfilling when it is done alone, it is always safer to go with a friend. The difference can also be made when you are going through an emergency as having company with you. When you go hiking by yourself, give someone your route and the time you anticipate coming back.

9. Respect Park Rules and Regulations

Protected natural areas in Ontario are numerous, and they all come with their own rules and regulations. Always inquire about any special provisions concerning your trail or park, including limitations on camping, fires, and pets. Such laws assist in ensuring that future generations are able to enjoy the natural environment.

These crucial hints are what will keep you safe, make the trip enjoyable, and memorable when you are hiking within the beautiful landscapes of Ontario. With steep mountain walks or with a calm forest hike, all the beauty of Ontario is open to you!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ontario offers a diverse range of hiking trails, each with its own unique charm and challenges. From the rugged cliffs of the Bruce Trail to the serene beauty of the Barron Canyon, the province's top 10 hiking trails provide something for every adventurer. Whether you're seeking a short day hike or a multi-day backcountry adventure, these trails promise breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences. As you prepare for your outdoor adventure, it's important to ensure that your travel plans are in order. 

International visitors may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to Canada if they are from visa-exempt countries. Travelers from visa-required countries will need to apply for a visitor visa instead. By applying for an ETA, you can ensure a smooth entry into the country, allowing you to focus on enjoying the stunning trails and natural beauty that Ontario has to offer.