Related: Greenhouses & Gardens | Hiking Trails

For those who don’t have time to leave the city but still want to forest bathe within arm’s reach. These locations make it easy for the curious mind to explore.

As one of the largest urban parks in North America, Rouge Park offers a variety of hiking trails through diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and meadows.

Personal Note: this park really is a gem that is TTC accessible. There are a plethora of trails to choose from and they range from well groomed to a bit moderate. It’s common to hike in big groups here so bring your friends! I’d say this is the closest to feeling transported away from the city (while still being in the city), you’d get from a park so close by. Easy to spend the entire day here.

The Humber River trails follow the river's course and provide a mix of paved and unpaved paths. These trails offer a peaceful escape within the city.

Personal Note: I overlooked this trail for many years but when I finally visited, it exceeded my expectations. I think this is a trail that doesn’t get as much credit as it deserves and is a great nearby alternative to High Park if you find it too busy. Although it’s not particularly remote, there are stretches where you really do feel solitude. A mix of pavement and wooded areas. White-tailed deer are really common here, so you might just spot one! Locals don’t even bat an eye when they come trotting through. Check for the hidden path that runs parallel to to the trail.

Also known as the Leslie Street Spit, this unique urban wilderness offers a range of trails along the waterfront. It's known for birdwatching and lake views.

Personal Note: Fantastic spot for recreational activities like biking and trail running! Typical of a city hike - not rugged at all, but it’s an experience to feel the marvel of a man-made park. You’ll see bits of construction debris throughout (fun fact: this park used to be dumping ground but has since transformed into a natural marvel). If you’re into birding this is the place for you! As new birder myself, this is a great spot to visit at all times of the year. The cormorants nest in the spring, there are songbirds through summer and winter has an enormous amount of waterfowl that visit. Even though there are a lot of birds, don’t expect the park to necessarily be swarming with them - bring binoculars and keep your ears open.

High Park is a prominent green space in the city and offers various trails through forests, around ponds, and to viewpoints. It's particularly popular during the cherry blossom season in the spring.

Personal Note: High Park is a typical city park, I’d say the trails aren’t really the highlight, more so that this is a really easy meeting spot for locals to have a picnic on one of its many grassy areas. It’s also a stone’s throw away from Lakeshore, another great nature spot to drop by. That being said, there are lots of side trails that are much more private than the main path - just be sure to stay within the trodden areas! Think of this park not so much a hiking spot, but a hang out spot.

Ready to head out of the city? Check out one of my Trip Reports.

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