Epic Lesser-Known Ontario Trails to Hike without the Crowds
I love hiking in Ontario! With natural features like waterfalls, caves, and the Niagara Escarpment you don’t need to travel far to experience the great outdoors. And some of the biggest reasons we escape into nature is to get away from the congested streets of the city, away from the noise of traffic, and to find peace. This can be difficult on popular hiking trails. So, I’ve compiled a list of lesser-known Ontario trails without crowds to help you find that peace in nature. And if you’re looking for hiking trails near Toronto then you’ll love the following seven trails as most are within one to two hours of the city.
One thing to remember with the following Ontario trails is that most do not have facilities like large provincial parks. So, many don’t have washrooms or garbage bins on site. So, please remember to hike responsibly and track out your waste. Also, note that many of the following trails have free parking lots for all you thrifty hikers.
Island Lake Conservation Area
One of my favourite places to hike in Ontario is at Island Lake Conservation Area in Orangeville.
Set on over 300 hectares of land, this conservation area is not only huge but offers so much natural beauty. There’s a massive lake with incredible boardwalks crossing it, enchanted forests will more boardwalks, a sugar bush, and even an outdoor theatre.
There are three main trails in Island Lake Conservation Area but the best one is Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail that is an 8.3 km loop bringing you all around the best of the park.
Kolapore Forest
If you’re looking for off the beaten path trails in Ontario then head to Kolapore Forest, located 20 km southwest of Collingwood. The area is home to 50 km of trails that take you through mature deciduous forest and meadows, a nearly 100 foot gorge, along rocky outcrops, and even past a waterfall.
While the Kolapore Forest is used as cross country skiing trails in the winter, they make a great place to hike away from the crazy crowds during the rest of the year. A couple of notable trails through the area include the Bruce Trail and Metcalfe Crevice Side Trail.
Please Note: Do not enter the Kolapore Forests unless you have a map of the trail system. You can purchase one from the Ravenna General Store or the Kolapore Trails’ website.
Massassauga Point Conservation Area
When it comes to hidden gems in Prince Edward County, Massassauga Point Conservation Area is definitely one! This off the beaten path park is a must if you’re looking for less crowded trails in the County.
The conservation area covers 24 hectares and has a ton of great features. It has beaches, 4 kilomettres of hiking trails and cool ruins. I love that you can hike right along the water and I only saw one local walking her dog on my entire hike.
In addition to the water views, the park has an old limestone quarry and the ruins of an 1890s hotel.
There’s a decent sized parking lot and parking is $6 per vehicle and payable with an app.
Insider Tip: A unique way to experience Massassauga Point Conservation Area is with this guided audio hike. It takes about the park, its history and unique environment.
Silver Creek Conservation Area
One of my favourite places to hike in Ontario in the fall, or any time of year for that fact, is Silver Creek Conservation Area.
This huge park covers over 1,000 acres and is home to lovely little rivers, lush forests, boardwalks, and the incredible Niagara Escarpment. And there’s even a couple of little waterfalls!
Silver Creek Conservation Area is located in Halton Hills and is only an hour’s drive west of Toronto. This is definitely one of the top lesser-known Ontario hikes near Toronto.
The park has no public facilities but has some awesome trails. The main Bruce Trail, 6 km of it, runs through and leads you by most of the area’s beautiful features. Another great trail to hit is the Roberts Side Trail.
Devil’s Pulpit
If you’re looking for a quiet trail a short distance from Toronto then consider heading to the picturesque area of Caledon. Here you’ll find beautiful trails that not only offer cool features but also have fewer hikers.
One trail that is a must is the Devil’s Pulpit. Located along the Bruce Trail you’ll find the access off a winding road, so be careful where you park.
Devil’s Pulpit trail leads you up into the Niagara Escarpment, over some train tracks, and up old stone steps to a peek-a-boo view. There’s a fabulous side trail called the Ring Kiln Side Trail that will take you to the old Hoffman Lime Kiln ruins. This side trail loops around to join the trail further down.
Loree Forest
Another crowd-free Ontario trail is the Loree Forest Loop located in Grey County’s Loree Forest close to Collingwood. Other than my friend and I, we didn’t see another soul on the trail when we visited one beautiful late fall day.
The Loree Forest Loop is an easy 5.3 km trail at the top of the Georgian Peaks Ski Hill. The trail takes you through varying terrain, from forest to meadows. It also takes you to the top of the slopes and offers some incredible views over Georgian Bay
Jane Goodall Reclamation Trail
Sudbury is famous for some awesome trails, but one that isn’t as popular is the Jane Goodall Reclamation Trail. In addition to being great for those looking to avoid crowded trails, the trail is significant as it celebrates the resilience in making Sudbury green again.
The Jane Goodall Reclamation Trail is located along Highway 17, 20 minutes east of downtown Sudbury. Once home to a mine, the land was a wasteland but was part of the regreening program that began in the late 1970s.
Now the parkland is a lush and green oasis that’s perfect for those looking for those looking to enjoy some hiking in Sudbury. The trail is short, an under 1 km loop. It includes lookouts and an oak tree planted by the incredible environmentalist whom the trail is named for, Jane Goodall.
Insider Tip: If you want to learn more about the trail, this guide shares information that includes stops along the trail, the area’s history, and more.
Old Baldy Conservation Area
Another great lesser-known trail is the Old Baldy Lookout Trail that runs through the Old Baldy Conservation Area. The trail is 4.3 km long and takes you through varied forest terrain, along steep cliffs, and offers incredible views over Beaver Valley.
Old Baldy Conservation Area is open year-round but be advised that the road leading in is steep and may not be a good choice in the winter if you don’t have four-wheel drive.
Osler Bluff Trail
One of the best of the lesser-known places to hike in Ontario is the Osler Bluff Trail. It may be tricky to find, and there’s on-street parking, so that may be why more people don’t flock to it.
But with the iconic Bruce Trail running through it you know it’s going to be a good one.
The Osler Bluff Trail is 8 km long and takes you up and down rolling hills, through meadows and dense forest, and has some outstanding views over Grey County.
It’s also here that you’ll find the highest point on the Bruce Trail at 540 metres (or 1772 feet) above sea level.
Make sure you have everything you need for a successful day hike!
Here’s my handy gear guide for day hikes.
More Crowd Free Trails in Ontario
Local County Forest Trails
Many counties in Ontario have large stretches of county forests that are home to great trails that are free and usually not as busy. So be sure to check out local area for these.
A few ones to keep in mind are Simcoe County Forest – find some of the best trails here, York Region Forest – find the best trails here, and Northumberland County Forest – find the best trails here.
Hanover Community Trail System
In the charming small town of Hanover, in Grey County, there is a lovely trail running through town.
The main trail of the Hanover Community Trail System takes you through Darroch Nature Reserve, over bridges, and even past a “waterfall” in Karl Speck Wilken Park. You’ll find trail access and parking at Karl Speck Wilken Park.
James Cooper Lookout Trail
Located in the Algonquin Highlands near Carnarvon, the James Cooper Lookout Trail is a great short hike that offers awesome views and is perfect for a fall hike. The trail is just under 2 kilometres and is steep at times.
Are you looking for more reading material on hiking in Ontario? There are a host of great books out there, but where do you begin? I’ve done some of the work for you. Some are not available online but can be found at local bookshops and retailers like the amazing Loops & Lattes collection, and Adventures with Bruce. Below are a few more of my favourite hiking books.
40 Days & 40 Hikes – this is a must-read for anyone interested hiking the Bruce Trail!. The book shares how you can hike Canada’s longest marked trail by doing day hikes.
Nature Hikes: Near-Toronto Trails and Adventures – this is a great book if you’re looking for great hikes in and around the Toronto area. It has photos, maps, tips, and more on over 30 different hikes.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. By clicking through and purchasing through these links I may make a small commission to help run this blog.
PIN FOR LATER REFERENCE
