Hiking We Will Go! Thousands of Kilometres of Trails to Explore North of Toronto

By Kate

March 23, 2023

From beginner loops to epic treks, this spring explore thousands of kilometres of trails set against the stunning backdrop of cottage country’s iconic landscapes.

Looking to stretch the legs and breathe in fresh country air after a (seriously) long Canadian winter? Starting just two hours north of Toronto you’ll encounter hiking trails to suit every adventurer, whether you’re a seasoned backcountry explorer or new to the wilderness. Here are some suggested trails to get you started.

Algonquin Park

Canada’s oldest provincial park has been welcoming day trippers and overnight campers for over 100 years, and it’s no secret why visitors return again and again; in a word, this place is breathtaking. And hikers are not the only species you’re likely to encounter in spring; keep an eye out for moose coming to the side of Highway 60 (which traverses the park) to lick salt as you head towards your trail.

Algonquin Logging Museum Trail located at km 54.5 from the West Gate
Barron Canyon Trail km 29.0
Bat Lake Trail km 30.0
Beaver Pond Trail km 45.2
Berm Lake Trail Achray Campground
Big Pines Trail km 40.3
Booth’s Rock Trail km 40.3
Brent Crater Trail Brent Road
Centennial Ridges Trail km 37.6
Eastern Pines Backpacking Trail Grand Lake – Achray Access Point
Fire Tower Trail Algonquin Visitors Centre km 43.0
Hardwood Lookout Trail km 13.8
Hemlock Bluff Trail km 27.2
Highland Backpacking Trail km 29.7
The Jack Pine Trail Achray Campground
Lookout Trail km 39.7
Mizzy Lake Trail km 15.4
Peck Lake Trail km 19.2
Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail km 42.5
Track & Tower Trail km 25.0
Two Rivers Trail km 31.0
Western Uplands Backpacking Trail km 3.0
Whiskey Rapids Trail km 7.2

Almaguin Highlands

Located directly north of the more widely-known region of Muskoka, the beautiful Almaguin Highlands of Ontario offer an opportunity to explore a more tranquil side of cottage country, and to enter Algonquin Park from the west side on paths less-travelled. A region composed of multiple charming villages, a hiker will enjoy an excursion here that evokes a desire to come back again soon.

Almaguin Community Trails South River
Animosh Trail Kearney
Bare Rock Trail Kearney
Beaver Meadow Trail Mikisew Provincial Park
Cornelia Levering Broadmeadows Trail Magnetawan
Craig Lake Dam Trail South River
Dam Trail Magnetawan
Ebertson School Trail Kearney
Heritage River Walk Burk’s Falls
High Rock Lookout Point Sundridge
Horseshoe Trail Kearney
Lakeview Trail Mikisew Provincial Park
Lion’s Park Boardwalk Kearney
Loxton Beaver Trail South River
Magnetawan River Route Burk’s Falls
Maple Canyon Trail Mikisew Provincial Park
Moose Mountain Trail South River
Old Bethune Trail Kearney
Old Dog Trail Mikisew Provincial Park
Old Muskoka Trail South River
Old Nipissing Road Trail Magnetawan
One-a-Day Trail South River
The Point Trail Mikisew Provincial Park
Seguin Trail Emsdale
Settler’s Trail Emsdale
Smythe Creek Trail South River
Sprucedale Recreational Trail Sprucedale
Tom Thomson Trail South River
Tower Trail South River
White’s Farm Trail Kearney

Loring-Restoule

Located in what is known as “The Golden Valley” of Ontario, Port Loring–Restoule is a bit of paradise that’s waiting to be discovered by avid hikers. Instead of heading to familiar spots to get your outdoor fix, consider going a bit “off the grid, as Nature intended”, and discover a new favourite trail in the province.

Angels Point Trail Restoule Provincial Park
Fire Tower Trail Restoule Provincial Park
Gibs Trail Restoule Provincial Park
Grawbarger Trail Restoule Provincial Park
Loring Deer Yard Trail Port Loring
Pine Grove Nature Trails Port Loring
Rangers Point Trail Restoule Provincial Park
The River Trail Restoule Provincial Park

Muskoka

Turns out Muskoka is not only famous for lazing on a dock in summer. In all four seasons, this popular vacation destination boasts great trails to explore, whether off the beaten path or closer to towns as well. Take advantage of these trails if you are looking for something a little less intense.

Parry Sound: The Bay & Beyond

West Parry Sound district is home to many municipalities and provincial parks, and plenty of spots to explore the rugged terrain of the shores of incredible Georgian Bay – the world’s largest freshwater archipelago – and inland wonders too.

Baker Trail The Massasauga Provincial Park
Balsam Trail McKellar
Beausoleil Island Trails Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Beaver Dams Trail Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Guncotton Trail McDougall
Gut Lake Trail Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Humphrey Nature Trails Seguin
Lighthouse Point Trail Killbear Provincial Park
Lookout Point Trail Killbear Provincial Park
McCrae Lake Conservation Trail McCrae Lake
Moon Island Trail The Massasauga Provincial Park
Muskiig Trail Carling
Nesbitt Trail Ardbeg
North Shore Rugged Hiking Trail Parry Sound
Pakeshkag Lake Trail Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Recreational Trail Killbear Provincial Park
Rose Point Trail Seguin
Rotary and Algonquin Regiment Waterfront Fitness Trail Parry Sound
Seguin Trail Seguin
Swan Lake Trail Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Twin Points Trail Killbear Provincial Park
Whitestone Lake Recreational Trail Dunchurch
Wreck Island Trail The Massasauga Provincial Park

South Algonquin

Take a trip to the southeast side of Algonquin Park to explore the welcoming villages of South Algonquin. Check out the trails in Whitney and Madawaska this spring.

Bear Lake Trail Madawaska
Bear Mountain Trail Madawaska
Kluke Lookout Loop Madawaska
Old Railway Trail Whitney
Spectacle Lake/Burnetts Mountain Trail Madawaska

Guided Hikes/Walks

Looking for a guide to lead the way on your next hike? Check out these organizations that offer guided and interpretive walks in the region.

Algonquin Adventure Tours Algonquin Park
Canadian Adventure Expeditions Algonquin Park
Georgian Bay Biosphere Mnidoo Gamii Parry Sound & Area
Muskoka Conservancy Bracebridge & Area
Waaseyaa Cultural Tours Algonquin Park

Town Centre Trails

If leisurely strolls are more your style, consider these picturesque walks through some of the region’s historic towns.

Baysville Trail Baysville
Bracebridge Bay Downtown Historic Walkway & Falls Bracebridge
Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery Huntsville
Heritage River Walk Burk’s Falls
Muskoka Wharf Gravenhurst
Rotary and Algonquin Regiment Waterfront Fitness Trail Parry Sound
Tower Hill Lookout & Heritage Garden Parry Sound

Additional

Looking for something completely different? Check out these unique spots:

Dyer Memorial Nature Reserve Huntsville
Explore South River South River
Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery Bala
Park to Park Trail Killbear to Algonquin
Screaming Heads Burk’s Falls

Resources/Planning

Discovery Routes Trails Organization
The Friends of Algonquin Park
The Friends of Killbear
Muskoka Trails Council
Ontario Trails Council

To plan your stay in the great Canadian wilderness just north of Toronto this spring, click here.