I hope spring is coming soon because winter can kindly leave.
Spring is the time to start leaving our homes again and (hopefully) start going on nature walks and exploring what Ontario has to offer. I’ve compiled a list of some routes I’ve hiked over the past few years, or ones that were recommended to me by friends. I’ve included the distance from Osgoode as well, and hopefully the diversity of these routes prompts some of you to explore the province as the weather improves. While some spots are great for a day trip, I would recommend staying overnight if possible to truly maximize on the experience.
(Disclaimer: please research the spots yourself to see if it’s a viable route or still open/safe to explore. These are suggestions from places I’ve been over the past few years.)
- Webster Falls and Tews Falls
Location: HAMILTON, ON (1 hour from Osgoode)
Though a little far, Hamilton has a lot of great routes to explore, and I make it a point to go back every year. These falls are hiking distant apart from one another and lead to the famous Dundas Peak. One year, I hiked to the back of Webster Falls and sat to enjoy the mist and shade. If you’re an adrenaline junkie or would love to test your “parkour” skills, these falls are not to be missed. There are a number of small hiking areas within the region as well that connect to longer trails, so I recommend planning in advance and (perhaps) coming back to get as much out of the area as you can.
- Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
Location: MONO, ON (1 hour from Osgoode)
If you’re looking to expand your trips a little more “north” in the province, Mono Cliffs is another great hiking spot. When I went here, I didn’t know which direction I was going and ended up jumping rocks 200 feet above ground! The climb to the peak was full of vibrant colours, and the path was of moderate difficulty (truthfully I think I made it hard because I had NO sense of direction). There were also tons of trilliums as I hiked the different routes, which was rare for me but absolutely beautiful.
- Algonquin Provincial Park
Location: WHITNEY, ON (2.5 hours from Osgoode)
The one thing I constantly thought about while hiking a here was that it reminded me of a summer camp a horror movie (I know, what a great way to encourage people to go here!). But even though the lake and woods looked so similar to those movies, it was truly mesmerizing. Similar to other parks, Algonquin has a variety of hiking trails ranging in difficulty. You could spend a day or rent a cottage for a few nights to check off as many areas as you can. The foliage when the seasons change is one of the best things about the park. As the weather gets warmer, if you’re an experienced camper, you could always make time to go kayaking or explore the backcountry of the park. The possibilities are endless!
(FYI: the pictures I took don’t do the place any justice. It’s even more captivating in person.)
- Little Cove Provincial Park
Location: TOBERMORY, ON (3.5 hours from Osgoode)
I know what you’re probably thinking: “THAT long of a drive to get there?!” But when I tell you that there’s only the bluest prettiest water there, I mean it. To be fair, I’m probably getting a little carried away as well with my locations by this point, but I stand by what I said. This is a great spot to spend time with friends or family in the summer and the beaches along the shore are like no other. I’m a big fan of the Bruce Peninsula Area (the Georgian Bay is also nearby and the water is C-L-E-A-R) and watching the sunset here has been part of the most relaxing summer nights I’ve ever had. While it’s a shame that it’s this far, I think that this place is a hidden beauty that many people don’t know about. If you’re ever here, I would also recommend checking out The Grotto.
- Scarborough Bluffs Park
Location: SCARBOROUGH, ON (45 mins from Osgoode)
I’ll be honest, I’ve never been here. BUT every avid hiker I’ve spoken to has audibly gasped when I’ve confessed this so it must be worth checking out, right? It’s about 15km long and there are 11 parks along the Bluffs, with one of them leading to a beach which you can swim in during the summer time! Google the pictures of the park—you’ll be surprised at the beauty that’s near the GTA! I figured I’d end here with a fairly close spot to check out.
Altogether, there are plenty of spots to check out in Ontario that get outside of Toronto. Websites such as “AllTrails” also provide insight on the logistics of the travels and some spots that may be closer than you think.
Enjoy your break from the term and stay active!