Whitchurch-Stouffville, as part of the Oak Ridges Moraine, provides a slice of rural life in the Greater Toronto Area. About 30 miles north of downtown Toronto by car, this municipality of about 36,500 people incorporates small communities and countryside, making for some great hiking and walking. Sustainable development is planned for the greater community in order to preserve existing land. This means that you'll be able to enjoy Stouffville's leafy paths, quiet pastures and rippling blue lakes well into the future.
This 4- to 5-mile trail is paved in asphalt, making for an easy stroll. Hop on the trail just south of Main Street and continue on to enjoy a miniature tour of Stouffville as the trail winds through Memorial Park to Main Street, Stouffville Creek and eventually around the 52-acre Stouffville Resevoir. Enjoy natural woods and wetlands while trying to spot some of the wildlife and birds characteristic of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Lunch on Main Street or chow down at Memorial Park's picnic facilities. The trail is open year-round and parking is available at the library on Library Lane.
This mile-long gravel trail makes for easy walking year-round. Situated in tranquil Vandorf Park, the path winds past ponds, woodlands and tributaries of the East Holland River. Start at Woodbine Avenue and spot local wildlife while walking or skiing. Don't forget to pack a picnic, as well. Those who want to learn more about the region will enjoy the nearby Whitchurch-Souffville Museum, which displays the area's rich heritage. If you're hankering to keep walking, the Vandorf Park trail connects to the Oak Ridges Trail, a 124-mile path through the Oak Ridges Moriane.
Those looking for more of a challenge will enjoy the Walker Woods trail. This 9-mile dirt trail meanders through the Oak Ridges Moraine, a ridge created when a glacier retreated from the area around 10,000 and 12,000 years ago. It's Canada's largest moraine. You can expect hilly terrain with sandy or gravelly earth and protruding boulders. Lakes, ponds and wetlands created by falling blocks of ice from the glacier dot the woodland. There are a number of side trails, so follow your map closely to avoid getting lost.
The Walker Woods path connects to a longer trail through the Glen Major Forest, for 30 total miles of trails. The 3,825 acres of surrounding land are a protected area, containing mixed coniferous and deciduous forest. The trail surface is grass and natural, and it attracts horseback riders and cyclists as well as hikers. The paths are well-maintained. Due to the large area, there's a variety of trails to choose. The trailhead is located on 7th Concession, past the Lafarge Quarry. Parking and trail maps are available.
