Southern Ontario is home to hiking trails that lead to breath-taking swimming spots, nature lookouts, waterfalls, and so much more awaiting discovery. Unfortunately, for many potential reasons, driving to these locations is just not always a choice for some hikers and adventurer seekers. Lack of a personal vehicle should not keep you from exploring this wonderful province, and GO Transit sees to it! Trip Shed’s has taken the guess work and planning out of your next day hike for you! Here are our suggestions for day hikes in Southern Ontario that are public transit accessible.
Whether you are hoping to bike, hike, or walk with your four-legged friend, Culham Trail will meet your needs. As you journey through these 18km you will enjoy the sights of old homesteads, orchards, dams, rail and mill sites, and a variety of green spaces.
Rouge National Urban Park is bound to fill your day of hiking with the large variety of trails it offers. With 15 different, easy to difficult, trails to choose from you will can explore the opportunity to bird watch, cycle, fish, hike, or swim! The Toronto Zoo also has many biodiversity links to the park, which allows you to also witness the great natural ecosystems of the area.
You can take twists and turns along the escarpment and through the natural forest on this trail. Along your trip soak up incredible views of the Dundas Valley, Western Hamilton, Cootes Paradise, the Greater Toronto Area, and Niagara Escarpment. Sections of this forest provide excellent birdwatching and other potential wildlife sightings. Most outstanding of all, you will pass a couple great waterfalls to absorb on your trek as well.
A popular, easy, route for birdwatchers, fishers and hikers, Rockwood Conservation Area offers towering limestone cliffs, caves and glacial potholes. Visitors also enjoy exploring the ruins of the Harris Woolen Mill and cooling off with a dip at the sandy beach.
Overlooking the rapid Niagara River and naturally forming whirlpools, are the rugged paths of Niagara Glen Park. The forest has lots of wild flora and fauna in its beauty, but there are also many openings in along the trail to stop and admire the river as well. Have you explored any of these day hikes? Which will be at the top of your summer bucket list? Let us know in the comments!