17 Breathtaking Ontario Hikes To Do This Summer

Damn, Ontario.

1. Cyprus Lake Trail

Instagram: @curtmcq_naturepics

Distance: 5 km

Located in Bruce Peninsula National Park, the Cyprus Lake Trail is perfect if you're looking for a short and scenic hike. Don't forget to check out the grotto to reward yourself with a celebratory swim afterwards!

2. Cranberry Bog Trail

Instagram: @peterobrien.inpics

Distance: 3 km

Located in Killarney Park, the Cranberry Bog Trail is for hikers who don't mind getting their boots a little wet. Walk along bogs, marshes, and swamps, which are also full of wildlife.

3. Scarborough Bluffs Trail

Instagram: @carolynjxchen

Distance: 5 km

If you're looking for a little quiet from the big city, head out on the Scarborough Bluffs Trail. Don't forget to bring your camera and walk along the edge of the bluffs to take in the breathtaking view.

Note: Some areas have very steep hills.

4. Kabeyun Trail

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Distance: 40 km

Located in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, this popular trail begins at Thunder Bay Lookout and travels along the coast of Lake Superior. If you're not feeling the 40 km, there are several shorter hikes that will give you the same coastal views and rugged experience.

5. Spencer Creek Gorge and the Old Dundas Station Loop

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Distance: 6.2 km

Located in Hamilton, this trail is ideal for those who really want to soak in the natural beauty. Hike up a forest trail and look out onto the spectacular view of Tew's Falls. When you're ready to move on, walk up the valley of Spencer Creek, one of the most beautiful valleys on the Niagara Escarpment.

6. Kag Trail

Instagram: @josiedinsmorephotography

Distance: 2.5 km

The Kag Trail in Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park will take you back in time. As you wander through woodlands, look up at the glorious red pine trees. Although this is a relatively short hike, this trail has steep cliffs and is recommended for experienced hikers.

7. Shield Trail

Instagram: @jjoshwhite

Distance: 4.8 km

Located in Bon Echo Provincial Park, this trail shows the true beauty of the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield. The rock face is 100 metres above Mazinaw Lake, one of the deepest lakes in Ontario.

8. Barron Canyon Trail

Instagram: @smashincashin

Distance: 1.5 km

Soak in Algonquin's sights while walking along the rim of the spectacular Barron Canyon. The trail features stops along the way that explain the formation and history of the canyon.

9. Elora Gorge Trail

Instagram: @zavfire

Distance: 10 km

Grab your day bag and hike among the scenic limestone cliffs of the Elora Gorge. Follow the trail marked with cedar trees as you make your way to the real showstopper of the trail: A 20-foot waterfall.

Note: This trail is only open between April and October.

10. Lookout Trail

Instagram: @thenorthjunction

Distance: 14 km

This trail in Pancake Bay Provincial Park will give you the best views of not only Pancake Bay, but its surrounding wildlife. Don't be surprised if you see a moose along your way. The trail also features two large lookout platforms for all your Instagram needs.

11. East Forest Trail

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Distance: 1.5 km

Hike through the dense cedar forest in Fleetwood Creek Natural Area on the East Forest Trail. After making your way through the forest, climb up the valley slope and finish your hike walk in an dreamy open meadow.

12. Cup & Saucer Trail

Instagram: @allison_langlois

Distance: 14 km

This trail is on the Manitoulin Extension of the Niagara Escarpment, and features both adventure trails and hardwood bush. Hikers can do the whole trail or choose a section that is best suited for them. They have paths ranging from 15 minutes to 4 hours, with various difficulty levels.

13. Cedar Sands Trail

Instagram: @brittheis

Distance: 2 km

Explore the Sandbanks Provincial Park by taking on the Cedar Sands Trail. Don't forget to stop at the viewing decks for the opportunity to really take in the views of the river and magical dunes.

14. Pinhey Forest Trail

Instagram: @sarah_rrdh

Distance: 6.7 km

Near Ottawa lies an entirely new world. Hike the Pinhey Forest Trail and walk through a colourful coniferous forest. There is also a designated picnic area that is the perfect spot to refuel.

15. Ball's Falls Conservation Area Trail

Instagram: @con_ont

Distance: 10 km

This conservation area located outside St. Catharines is bursting with colour. Explore the habitat of many species of animals, birds, and reptiles while taking in the water. These stunning views are waiting for you.

16. Niagara-On-The-Lake Waterfront Trail

Instagram: @snlayson

Distance: 7.3 km

The Waterfront Trail is located at the northern section of the Niagara River Recreation Trail. If you'd like to walk off some of that wine, grab a sturdy pair of shoes and head out on the trail. And don't miss the two military forts along the way.

17. Rideau Trail

Instagram: @rideautrail

Distance: 300 km

This is the longest trail in Eastern Ontario, spanning all the way from Kingston to Ottawa. The trail can be broken up and completed in sections, or hikers can choose to tackle just a small section of it. The trail covers a variety of landscapes including urban paths, forests, farmland, and beautiful waterways.

Note: This trail is for advanced hikers.