We’re well into fall now and with the leaves already turning in Ontario, there’s no better time to plan your next hiking adventure. Luckily, there are numerous boardwalks near Toronto that offer spectacular fall views and give you an up-close look at beautiful bodies of water. Boardwalks are fun for everyone, whether you’re an avid hiker or a novice, and most of these spots are less than two hours away, making them an ideal day trip from Toronto.
It is time to get outdoors to see the colourful leaves. To help you plan your next hike, here are the eleven must see walking trails in Ontario that will lead you to breathtaking fall views.
Once the air gets crisp, it is the perfect time to spend some time outdoors. But if you aren’t an avid hiker, don’t worry. These flat walking paths are a leisurely adventure with exceptional views.
Here are the eleven must see walking trails in Ontario that will lead you to breathtaking fall views.
Hardy Lake Provincial Park
Fee: Free
Address: Highway 169, Torrance, ON
Travel Time: 2 hr 15 min (197 km) from CN Tower
Why a must visit: You can follow the 8-kilometre loop trail to a secret island.
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Island Lake Conservation Area
Fee: $5.75 per person
Address: 673067 Hurontario St., Orangeville, ON
Travel Time: 1 hr 7 min (80 km) from CN Tower
Why a must visit: You’ll get to follow a boardwalk over a lake that connected to tiny islands and through the forest.
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Glen Stewart Park
Fee: Free
Address: 351 Glen Manor Dr., Toronto, ON
Travel Time: 21 min (9.8 km) from CN Tower
Why a must visit: Glen Stewart Park and Ravine are proof that you don’t actually have to leave the city to explore gorgeous boardwalk trails. This multi-level boardwalk is engulfed in beautiful oak and maple trees, making it the prime location for a fall walk.
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Rattray Marsh Conservation Area
Fee: FREE
Address: 1180 Lakeshore Rd W, Mississauga, ON L5H 3L1
Travel Time: 33 min (28 km) from CN Tower
Why a must visit: You’ll get to follow a boardwalk over a marsh and through the forest.
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Dundas Peak Lookout
Fee: Reservation $10.00; Parking $10.50; Entrance/person $5.00
Address: Harvest Rd, Dundas, ON L9H 5K7
Travel Time: 1 hr 8 min (71 km) from CN Tower
Why a must visit: You’ll get to follow a walking trail over 2 amazing falls (Webster and Tew) and through the breathtaking lookout forest view.
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Bruce Trail, Blue Mountain
Fee: $39 – $79 Explore All Day Pass/person
Address: Blue Mountain, ON L9Y 1C2
Travel Time: 1 hr 56 min (163 km) from CN Tower
Why a must visit: A must visit attraction especially in fall season to witness the breathtaking fall colours of the trail while riding the Gondola cable car.
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Westminster Ponds
Fee: Free
Address: 696 Wellington Rd., London, ON
Travel Time: 2 hr 15 min (188 km) from CN Tower
Why a must visit: Roughly a two-hour drive from Toronto, this conservation area is filled with magical fall views. You can explore a combination of trails and boardwalks that lead to a total of six breathtaking ponds. Be cautious on rainy days, as the trails are subject to becoming muddy.
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Mississauga Valley Park
Fee: Free
Address: 1275 Mississauga Valley Blvd, Mississauga, ON L5A 3R8
Travel Time: 31 min (24 km) from CN Tower
Why a must visit: It is a very relaxing walk and see countless bright yellow trees.
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White Walker Walk
Fee: $14
Address: 4330 River Rd., Niagara Falls
Travel Time: 1 hr 36 min (127 km) from CN Tower
Why a must visit: You can get up close and personal with the roaring waters of Niagara Falls. Follow the beautiful boardwalk trail to various viewing platforms where you can see epic whirlpool rapids. The best part? It’s less than two hours from Toronto.
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Kelso Conservation Area
Fee: $9.50 per person
Address: 5437 Steeles Ave. W., Milton, ON
Travel Time: 56 min (60 km) from CN Tower
Why a must visit: For a picture-perfect adventure you can walk on a boardwalk that has water on one side and a forest on the other.
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Crawford Lake
Fee: $7.75
Address: 3115 Conservation Rd., Milton
Travel Time: 54 min (65 km) from CN Tower
Why a must visit: There is so much to see and do at Crawford Lake Conservation Area, including a walk around the lake on this beautiful looping boardwalk. When the fall colours are in full effect, you can see them reflect off of the water and it’s a simply magical view.
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Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
In Ontario, a vaccine passport is required to access some events, services and businesses, including restaurants and bars.
