It can be said that there’s nothing quite like spending a day immersing yourself in nature, and there are plenty of stunning long boardwalk hiking trails to enjoy this experience in the Toronto area.
If you’re looking to take your hiking adventure to a new level, you’ll definitely want to explore some of the beautiful boardwalk trails in and around the city, where you’ll find some breathtaking scenery.
Many of these boardwalks are accessible in the winter months, allowing you to wander through enchanting snowy landscapes.
Here are 10 beautiful hiking trails around Toronto.
1. Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Price: Varies
Address: 328 Presqu’Ile Pkwy., Brighton, ON
When it comes to beautiful boardwalk trails, the long hike in Presqu’ile Provincial Park will capture the attention of many.
The Marsh Boardwalk is an easy 1.2 km loop trail that takes about 30 minutes to complete. This boardwalk features 800 meters of wooden boardwalk with two observation decks leading you into the marsh.
Along the way, you’ll find interpretive signs where you can learn about the area and its wildlife.
The park also has a sandy beach and the second oldest operating lighthouse in Ontario.
2. Island Lake Conservation Area
Price: $7/adult
Address: 673067 Hurontario St., Orangeville, ON
Proudly boasting “820 acres of lake, wetland, and forested land,” this natural conservation area is a fantastic place to spend a whole day exploring.
There are several trails to explore, including the 8 km Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail that’s characteristic of the park. This hike will take you around Island Lake, offering beautiful views and several boardwalks crossing over water.
You’ll also find boardwalk sections leading through pristine stands of trees.
3. Rattray Marsh Conservation Area
Price: Free
Address: Jack Darling Memorial Park, 1180 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga, ON
Rattray Marsh is a “natural gem” along the shores of Lake Ontario. It features a rare cobblestone beach and beautiful boardwalks overlooking the natural wetland area.
The Knoll Trail is a 0.3 km boardwalk that takes just 10 minutes to walk and connects to the Pedestrian Waterfront Trail.
One of the highlights of the area is the pebble beach along the Waterfront Trail, considered rare globally.
4. White Water Walk
Price: $17.50/adult
Open until Sunday, November 5, 2023
Address: 4330 River Rd., Niagara Falls, ON
This quarter-mile-long boardwalk is worth adding to your group’s list. It takes you alongside the Class 6 rapids of the Niagara River, “one of the wildest whitewater rapids in North America.”
Along the way, you’ll see the 410-million-year-old rock layers of the Niagara Gorge and the majestic turquoise waters as they flow through.
5. Mel Stewart – Lake Gibson Conservation Park
Price: Free
Address: Allanburg, Thorold, ON
This riverside park offers 29 acres of scenic beauty and a beautiful boardwalk trail. The wooden boardwalk runs right over the lake, offering stunning water views.
The park also features a turtle-shaped garden and some benches along the trails where you can relax amidst nature.
6. Crawford Lake Conservation Area
Price: Starting from $10.50 per adult
Address: 3115 Conservation Rd., Milton, ON
This “truly special park” offers a high boardwalk trail and a rare meromictic lake.
The 1 km Crawford Lake Trail has a winding boardwalk around the turquoise lake. You can wander through lush forests and enjoy the vibrant lake views.
The boardwalk is also a beautiful place for long winter walks and feels like stepping into Narnia.
7. Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
Price: Varies
Address: 795086 3rd Line EHS, Shelburne, ON
Located just outside Toronto, Mono Cliffs is a popular spot for long hikes in nature. An iconic trail is the Spillway Trail, which leads straight through a rocky gorge.
The 1.3 km hike features boardwalk sections and takes you amidst towering rock walls.
For more stunning hikes in the park, you can venture across the 30-meter-high rock face on the Cliff Top Trail. You’ll find some captivating staircases leading you through tree canopies and beautiful picturesque landscapes.
Remember to book ahead as reservations are required for this destination.
8. Glen Stewart Ravine
Price: Free
Address: Glen Stewart Ravine, Toronto, ON
You can find this beautiful boardwalk trail without leaving the city. Glen Stewart Ravine is a place with an enchanting trail that leads through a forested ravine and crosses a stream.
The wooden boardwalk will take you under a canopy of leaves, especially beautiful in the fall when the forest turns vivid with reds and yellows.
9. Valens Lake Conservation Area
Price: $16/vehicle and driver
Address: 1691 Regional Road 97, Flamborough, ON
This rustic conservation area offers 10 km of trails and is a beautiful place to spend a day, especially in the fall. It offers a taste of the ‘North’ without going too far from Toronto.
You can stroll on a 300-meter long boardwalk right over the water.
During the winter months, you can cross-country ski along some of the trails for a wonderful adventure in the cold weather.
10. Devil’s Glen Provincial Park
Price: Varies
Address: Simcoe County Rd. 124, Glen Huron, ON
Situated along the Niagara Escarpment, this provincial park offers breathtaking scenery. You can admire the incredible valley views from the boardwalk trail. Autumn is the ideal time to visit when the valley transforms into a colorful canvas.” Please note that prices, opening hours, and other details may change over time, so it’s a good idea to check the latest information before visiting these hiking trails.
