This feature is Part 3 of 6 of our “Escape the City” series, presented with SAIL – your outdoor equipment store.

Part 1: Discover These Family-Friendly Camping Spots Near Toronto

Part 2: Discover Where to Go Fishing Near Toronto

 

Hiking is great… the fresh air, getting active, and of course, the views that you get to take in at the end.

But if you’ve “been there, done that” when it comes to hiking in and around the Toronto area…this list is for you!

Within just a few hours of the city you’ll find hikes with incredible views that will have you saying “hey Ontario, you look good!”

Gather your kids, hop in the car, and make a day of it. Or even a whole weekend!

Devil’s Punchbowl

1 hour from Toronto

Devil’s Punchbowl is one of the most stunning natural formations along the Niagara Escarpment.

  • The Hike: Devil’s Punchbowl is part of the Dofasco 2000 Trail – which is an 11.5km trail through Upper Stoney Creek.
  • The View: On a clear day, you can see the Toronto skyline from the observation platform. A nearby lookout also offers spectacular views of Stoney Creek & Hamilton Harbour.
  • Don’t Miss: Take in two separate waterfalls at Devil’s Punchbowl: Upper Falls, a 33.8 metre ribbon waterfall and Lower falls, a 5.5 metre classical waterfall.
  • FYI: If it hasn’t rained in a while, the falls may slow down to a trickle. But don’t worry – the colourful layers of rock are still photo-worthy…even when dry!

 

 

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Elora Gorge

2 hours from Toronto

The Elora Gorge is one of the most beautiful and spectacular natural areas in the Grand River valley.

  • The Hike: There are 3 kilometres of walking trails in the conservation area, offering epic views of the Gorge. Want more? After you’ve taken in the Gorge, head over to the Elora Cataract Trailway, a 47 kilometre trail linking the Grand and Credit river watersheds.
  • The View: The Grand River rushes past 22-metre high cliffs. Riverside trails and scenic overlooks will give you stunning views of the water far below where kayakers and tubers make their way through the rapids.
  • Don’t Miss: When you need a rest from hiking, take a ride down the Grand River in an inner tube!

 

 

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Rock Glen Conservation Area

3.5 hours from Toronto

Located on the skirts of Arkona, Rock Glen Conservation Area is a unique island of nature within the Ausable Bayfield watershed jurisdiction.

  • The Hike: 5 km hiking trail with stairs, boardwalks, and a bridge allowing you to explore the steep sides of the glen and waterfall
  • The View: Rock Glen Falls is a 10.7 metre-high waterfall just upstream of the Ausable River
  • Don’t Miss: Fossils dating back 350 million years have been found in this area. While digging is prohibited at the park, you can check out the impressive collection of fossils at the nearby Arkona Lions Museum.

 

 

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The Grotto, Tobermory

4 hours from Toronto

The Grotto is a scenic cave containing a pool of blue water, located on the Georgian Bay shoreline in Bruce Peninsula National Park, near Tobermory, Ontario.

  • The Hike: Follow the crushed gravel Georgian Bay Trail for 1km to reach the shoreline
  • The View: enjoy the Grotto’s natural rock formation and surrounding crystal clear water
  • FYI: There are a variety of longer hikes you can take to the Grotto – although the terrain is rough and recommended only for experienced hikers!

 

 

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Mazinaw Rock, Bon Echo Provincial Park

2 hours from Toronto

Bon Echo is the home of the Mazinaw Rock, a 100-metre high rock featuring over 260 Indigenous pictographs

  • The Hike: Take a ferry to the beginning of the 1.5km Cliff Top Trail that leads you to the top of the Mazinaw Rock. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy three observation decks overlooking the lake.
  • Don’t Miss: The sandy beaches at Bon Echo! There are 3 to choose from to cool you down after your hike.

 

 

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Wherever your adventure takes you, make sure you’re equipped with the right gear. Visit your local SAIL store for all your outdoor needs.

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