Are you an Ontario resident ready to hit the trails? From easy trails that will only take you a couple of hours to multi-day treks, there are tons of options when it comes to hiking Ontario. In this article, we’re going to share 10 of the best hikes in Ontario so you can find the perfect trail for you.

(Close to the border of Quebec? You can also take a look at our list of top Quebec hiking trails!)

Does Ontario have good hiking trails?

When it comes to hiking, Ontario has lots of trails and scenic views to offer. While the province doesn’t have the towering mountain ranges that can be found out west, Ontario does have some beautiful scenery with plenty of lakes, forests, rivers, and rock formations. Plus, let’s not forget about some of the most beautiful fall foliage colours in the world!

So, does Ontario have good hiking trails? Try out some of these options on this list of top hikes in Ontario and let us know what you think:

Cup and Saucer Trail 

Located on Manitoulin Island, the Cup and Saucer trail is considered to be one of the best hikes in Ontario thanks to its beautiful views and the fact that it’s accessible year-round. There are about 12km of trails to tackle with varying difficulty depending on the route you take. Most people hike a 5.1km ‘out and back’ type route that’s considered to be moderately challenging. The trail can take anywhere from 1.5-4 hours, but after a steep climb you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view overlooking the North Channel and Lake Manitou. 

For those planning on this hike in the winter, it’s recommended that you have crampons as it can be very icy. Several reviews also suggest bringing a GPS as the markers are limited and sometimes hard to see in the snow.

Top of the Giant via Kabeyun Trail

This 22.7km trail takes, on average, 6 hours to complete but is considered by many to be one of the top hiking trails in Ontario. Located in the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in Thunder Bay, many who visit this trail actually bike in the first part as it’s relatively flat. After about 7km or so, things get challenging - you’ll have to climb up a steep zig-zag path, but you’ll then find multiple viewpoints over Lake Superior and, of course, the interesting rock fractures in the cliffs, which are magnificent on their own.

The trail is best accessed from spring to fall, and previous hikers mention that hiking boots and poles come in very handy for this route.

Mizzy Lake Hike

Algonquin Park is a playground for many hikers and nature lovers. It’s home to a number of different hiking trails, but the Mizzy Lake Hike is a firm favourite and often thought of as one of the best hiking trails in Ontario. It’s also accessible year-round.

Mizzy Lake Hike is a 12.2km loop that takes hikers through the forest and around some of the ponds and lakes of the provincial park. This hike takes on average about 4.5 hours to complete, although chances are it’ll take a little longer, because there’s plenty of wildlife in the area and you’ll no doubt want to stop and watch. From deer and moose to otters and ermines and plenty of birds, you’ll want to keep your eyes open!

La Cloche Silhouette Trail

If you’re an avid hiker up for a multi-day adventure, then consider adding La Cloche Silhouette Trail to your list. La Cloche Silhouette Trail is located in Killarney National Park and takes about 7-10 full days to complete. At 78km long, hikers will be rewarded with some of the best scenery in the province, including many views that inspired the famous Group of Seven painters.

Not only is it a long trail, but it’s also quite difficult in some areas due to the many steep and rocky sections. Hikers will also pass through valleys and alongside lakes, so note that during heavy rainfall it can be slippery and muddy, with some areas posing extra difficulties to pass. However, those up for the challenge will find some breathtakingly scenic views.

It’s also important to know that since this is a multi-day hike, it does need to be planned well in advance in order to book space at the campsites. You can do this by calling Ontario Parks Central Reservation Number at 1-888-668-7275.

The Bruce Trail

This route is not for the faint of heart, but if you are an avid hiker and adventure seeker, then add this trail to your list of the best hikes in Ontario. After all, The Bruce Trail is the oldest and longest footpath in all of Canada, so if you’re looking for one of the best hiking trails in Ontario, it doesn’t get more epic than that! 

The Bruce Trail stretches from Niagara Falls to Tobermory and covers over 900km. It’s recommended you plan 30 days for this trail and, like La Cloche Silhouette Trail, you will need to plan in advance and make accommodation arrangements during your hike. You can visit the official Bruce Trail website for more information on how to plan. Not keen on 30 days of hiking? You can explore the Bruce Trail in smaller, more manageable sections. The area around Hamilton is known for its waterfalls while Tobermory has fantastic cliffs and viewpoints.

Centennial Ridge

Located in Algonquin Provincial Park, Centennial Ridge is known as a difficult trail spanning 10.4km with high ridges crossing Mount Allan and offering scenic lookouts. There are a lot of ups and downs, as well a rocks and tree roots to be mindful of on the paths. However, those who make the journey are rewarded with some great photo ops.

Be sure to grab a pamphlet or read the signage about the loop; there are some pretty interesting facts about this Ontario hiking trail’s history and stories about each viewpoint. Also, please note that a valid park pass is required if you would like to hike this trail.

Top of the Giant Trail

This 21.8km loop from the parking lot is a challenging but rewarding trek. The Top of the Giant Trail take hikers to one of the tallest cliffs in the province, earning it a spot on the list of great hiking trails in Ontario. However, those searching for the prize of those unimpeded views will have to work for it. This is labelled as a difficult trail, taking the average hiker between 6-10 hours to complete.

Reviews on AllTrails suggest bringing hiking poles as the trail can be slippery and muddy sometimes, in addition to plenty of snacks and water to keep hydrated. Like many of the Ontario hikes on this list, a park permit is required.

Eagle’s Nest Lookout

Ontario hikers looking for some beautiful trails with scenic views that don’t come with a ‘difficult’ warning label should add the Eagle’s Nest Lookout to their list. Located in Calabogie, this loop trail is only 2.7km and takes the average hiker a little less than an hour to complete, making it a great option for new hikers or those who are short on time.

Plus, there’s lots of small wildlife and birds to see here. While there are also moose, wolves, and bears in the area, chances are extremely slim that you’ll spot any, given that this is a more popular trail. One top recommendation from past hikers is to download offline maps or bring a paper one, as the trail markings are not always clear.

Hilton Falls Trail

While many hiking trails in Ontario are long and difficult with steep elevations and rocky rides, there are some shorter and easier trails that are perfect for families looking to hike in Ontario. One of these is the Hilton Falls Trail on the Niagara Escarpment. It’s a 4.5km loop through a conservation area that leads to a scenic waterfall viewing area, and along the route you’ll find information panels, a picnic area, mill ruins, and plenty of local flora and fauna.

Lake Superior Coastal Trail

Hiking Ontario enthusiasts looking for multi-day trail options should head out to Lake Superior Coastal Trail. This linear hike stretches for 65km along Lake Superior, and although you don’t have to hike the entire length, there are plenty of access points allowing you to break it up into smaller sections if you prefer.
 
Rugged cliffs, dense forests, and beautiful lakeside scenery are the highlights of this trail, but note that it is for experienced hikers. The trail isn’t super popular, so you may not run into many people along the way. Please make sure you are confident and prepared, especially if you’re doing a multi-day trek. Plan ahead, have maps handy, and don’t forget to make a reservation!

Get covered with car insurance before your hiking trip

One final tip before you pack up your vehicle to head to your next hiking adventure: ensure that your car is properly protected to drive you to and from all these great hiking trails in Ontario. Get Ontario auto insurance from Sonnet, and if you run into any issues, filing your auto insurance claim is simple and can be done online. Happy trails and safe driving!

Hannah Logan is a Canadian travel writer who dreams of being just like Indiana Jones. You can follow her travels on her personal travel blog Eat Sleep Breathe Travel where she shares her travel tales and (mis)adventures around the world

Hannah Logan is a paid spokesperson of Sonnet Insurance.