Hands down, hiking is the best way to experience the beauty of Canada’s vast wilderness. Ontario is huge, and most of the northern parts of the province are untouched and rarely explored. But the southern areas, along the Great Lakes coastlines and in the south-east between Ottowa and Toronto are much easier to get to and far more well-known. There are many great Ontario day hikes, and I in no way came even close to seeing what this province has to offer.
These are just five of the short hikes I did in Ontario that I loved and wanted to share.
1. Track and Tower, Algonquin National Park
Algonquin National Park is one of the most popular parks in Ontario, and for good reason. It has so many great day hikes, but the Track and Tower was my favourite. This trail is true to its name, with lots of uphill sections. Most of these parts have wooden steps built on top of the rocks to make it easier to pass through.
At the top of the trail, a small gap in some trees leads out onto a rocky promontory with the most stunning views across the forest. A lake shimmers in the near distance, with another slightly further off. The view comes on so suddenly it takes you by surprise. You’ll need some time at the top to take it all in.
The Track and Tower trail is a 7.5km long loop, and takes about three hours or so. On the lower parts of the trail, you can also find historic abandoned railway tracks and some old, rusting cars that have blended right into the forest.
2. Lake of the Woods, Killarney Provincial Park
This loop trail isn’t on the main road running through the park, so it’s a bit quieter than some of the other hikes in the area. The road to the trail head was a huge test of my driving skills, with more potholes than any Irish country road I’ve been on.
In the previous few weeks of my cross-Canada roadtrip, I had been hoping and praying to catch of glimpse of a bear, but no luck. After all, it was top of my Canadian Wildlife Bucket List. As I was doing yet another Ontario day hike, I really had my fingers crossed. About twenty minutes into the Lake of the Woods hike, I got a sudden whiff of a strange smell. I decided not to say anything, as one of my hiking buddies was terrified at the thought of coming face to face with a bear. As we completed the loop, we met a couple starting out who had just passed a black bear crossing the road, only a few minutes previously. I was jealous, my buddy relieved!
The trail itself takes you up over high granite promontories and down to the shores of a small lake. A short headland sticks out into the water, where the mosquitoes are blissfully absent. The trail is only 3.5 kilometres, but the steep sections mean it’s a great workout.
3. Manito Miikana, Pukaskwa National Park
Every now and then while travelling, I have a moment that stops me in my tracks and makes me think ‘yes, this is why I chose this life’. I had one of those moments at the top of the Manito Miikana trail. And with a name that translates to ‘Spirit Trail’, it’s no wonder. A pretty good sign that this is one of the Ontario day hikes you don’t want to miss.
The hike starts along a sandy beach on the shores of Lake Superior, before meandering up through boulder-strewn forest. But the magic moment came when the trees parted at the top of the rocky promontory and the view of the lake and island-filled coastline spread out before me. It was the most perfect place to sit and have a rest before continuing on down the other side.
The Manito Miikana Trail is only 2km long, but combining it with the connecting Beach Trail doubles the length and gives you a chance to see the Lake Superior coast up close and admire the huge pieces of driftwood covering the sand.
4. Little Falls, Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
Not the most strenuous hike on this list, but a fun and beautiful one nonetheless. Starting above the thundering Kakabeka Falls, the track wanders through the thick trees, climbing over twisted roots and down steep banks, all the way to a smaller waterfall in the heart of the forest.
After taking in the sight of Little Falls, continuing along the trail takes you down to the river bank. A deep rumbling gets louder until you turn a corner and see a large hydroelectric station on the other side of the river. Not exactly the prettiest view, but it’s soon left behind. Climbing back up to the top of the cliffs of the Kakabeka Gorge, take the time for one last look at the Falls, or a picnic in the grass next to the river.
The Little Falls trail is a 4km loop of moderate difficulty, but I really think most people could handle it. Just be careful on the slippery path!
5. Cup and Saucer, Manitoulin Island
Cup and Saucer or Spearhead and Spear-handle? I definitely prefer the latter, a translation from the indigenous Ojibwe name for this part of the Niagara Escarpment, which stretches all the way across eastern Ontario as far as New York.
More commonly known as the Cup and Saucer Trail, this day hike is the most popular on Manitoulin Island, but that doesn’t mean it’s particularly busy. With 12km of trails running through the area, and 2km of adventure trails, it’s easy to find a hike to suit you. You could spend 15 minutes to 4 hours here, but either way you’ll definitely need some time at the top of the escarpment to both catch your breath and take in the views across the island. If you’re not a fan of heights, maybe don’t go too close to the edge! But always be careful – that’s a long drop right there.
Safety Tips For Day Hikes
No matter how short or long a hike you’re planning on doing, it’s really important to be prepared. I’m not an expert, but the following tips have always helped me when I’m out in nature.
- Always take enough water (or more than you think you’ll need if you can carry it), and remember to drink it.
- Snacks always keep me going, both mentally and physically!
- Keep a small first aid kit in your backpack, stocked with plasters (band aids), antiseptic wipes, safety pins and re-hydration tablets. Better to be safe than sorry!
- Check the weather before you start out and tell someone where you’re going, especially if you’re going alone. Give someone your general plan, including your planned route and when you’re expecting to be back. If you’re travelling alone, there’s always the park staff to talk to before you set off.
- Wear suitable shoes and clothing, with an extra layer or rain jacket packed away in your backpack in case the weather changes.
Some really good resources for hike details and safety tips are the Parks Canada website (for national parks), the Parks Ontario website (for provincial parks). Park websites will also have plenty of suggestions for other great Ontario day hikes.
Day Use Park Entry Fees
Algonquin Provincial Park: $18.00 per vehicle per day
Killarney Provincial Park: $12.25 per vehicle per day
Pukaskwa National Park: $5.90 per person per day
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park: $12.25 per vehicle per day, or you can pay $5.25 for a couple of hours. As the Kakabeka Falls are right by the car park, the staff at the gate will give you a 15-minute grace period if you just want to hop out to quickly see the falls.
Have you done any of these Ontario day hikes? Are there any others you would recommend? Let me know in the comments!
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