It’s been a tough couple of years, but there’s one positive thing to come out of COVID: people have really embraced hiking, even in the winter. For a while there, it was the only way to get together with friends, and now a lot of us are hooked on this fun (and free!) winter activity.
Humber Arboretum
Photo credit: Jim Lisowski, AllTrails
Humber Arboretum and West Humber River Recreational Trail
You’ll find one of the city’s most beautiful places for a hike right beside Humber College’s North Campus – and it’s a great destination any time of year. Walk along the river, cross picturesque bridges, explore smaller trails, check out waterbirds (we’ve spotted blue herons a couple of times) and enjoy a little quiet time communing with nature.
Leslie Street Spit
Leslie Street Spit/Tommy Thompson Park
This 12k there-and-back trail has pretty stellar views of the lake and the Toronto skyline. The area is known for its wildlife: you could see snowy owls, minks, beavers, swans and more. This time of year, you can also admire the amazing ice formations along the shore (they’re a photographer’s dream). The flat trail can get icy though, so bring your crampons, and dress warm against the wind.
Moore Park Ravine
Photo credit: Alex Vermey, AllTrails
It’s always a nice surprise to find yourself in a wild place in the middle of the city, and Moore Park Ravine is one of those hidden gems. This popular 6k trail, which passes through the lovely Rosedale-Moore Park neighbourhood, takes you under overpasses, through forests, along rivers – and past the Evergreen Brickworks (the perfect place to stop for a hot chocolate along your route).
Scarborough Bluffs
A little under 7k there and back, this route is all about serene views of the lake and the beautiful white cliffs in Bluffer’s Park. The main trail is easy, but if you’re looking for a bit more challenge, it has a few offshoots that will get your heart rate up.
Nuthatch, Hilton Falls
Photo credit: Tamara George
If you’re looking to venture a little farther afield, Hilton Falls in Milton is a fun destination for a winter walk. Multiple trails let you choose your level of cardio challenge, and the frozen waterfall makes for some very Insta-worthy pics. If you like birds, bring a little birdseed: if you hold out a handful and wait, you might just be rewarded by a chickadee or nuthatch stopping by for a snack.
Note: to keep numbers down during COVID, Hilton Falls and all Halton Conservation areas require reservations. Also, this is the only hike on the list that isn’t free: there’s a fee per person or per car to enter the park.
Looking for a great winter hike in your neighbourhood? Alltrails is an app that has details about hiking and walking spots across the city – and around the world. The free version has lots of info, but if you do a lot of hiking, the paid version is worthwhile.