Toronto may be Canada's biggest city, but dive deeper and you'll discover a network of well-maintained trails that wind alongside picturesque rivers, down quiet ravines and through forests of maple and pine. Toronto's 250 miles of trails extend well into the east end, a perfect destination for lovers of the outdoors due to its number of natural features. Enjoy the quieter side of Toronto and take a stroll or down one of the city's scenic and easily accessible trails.
Enjoy the peaceful banks of the Rouge River via a short stroll on the Finch Meander Trail at Morningview Trail and Old Finch Avenue. This easy 0.15-mile trail winds along the river toward grassland and bluffs. For more of a challenge, try the Cedar Trail at Meadowvale Road and Old Finch Avenue. The 1.4-mile trail lets you walk alongside Little Rouge Creek before dipping through meadows and wetlands. The trail can be quite steep. Similarly difficult is Mast Trail at 7450 Kingston Road. This 1.4-mile route winds through ferns and forest between Little Rouge Creek and the Rouge River.
The 1.8-mile Morningside Park Trail at Morningside and Ellesmere Road is mostly asphalt, has facilities for picnics and is close to the center of Scarborough. Bluffer's Park at Brimley Road and Kingston has plenty of parking and a travel trail. Check out the popular 12,000-year-old Scarborough Bluffs alongside Lake Ontario. The park thankfully takes you away from the crowds that gather farther west, so you can enjoy the lake's shoreline in peace and quiet.
One of Toronto's most famous trails runs along its waterfront, which borders Lake Ontario. The Waterfront Trail actually spans more than 800 miles and connects with communities outside the city. The eastern Toronto section combines trails and on-road portions that take you through residential areas. The flat asphalt section between downtown and the Beach neighborhood is perfect for cycling by the lake, while the boardwalk trail that runs from Ashbridges Bay to the beach is great for a stroll. This popular spot is close to picnic facilities and restaurants, and offers a great way to enjoy the breezes off Lake Ontario.
The peaceful Don Valley trails by Pottery Road are true urban oases. The 6.8 miles of trails meander through steep, verdant ravines that will get you off the beaten path -- plus the asphalt trails give you the option to stroll, hike, cycle or jog. Crothers' Woods in particular offers a quiet place to unwind where few others venture. The wetlands and leafy forests are now more accessible, with a hiking and dog-walking trail and parking available at the Loblaws Superstore on Redway Road.
