Ontario has some great hiking trails and parks, but many of them are over crowded. If you’re looking for a great hike with less people, this is the place to be!
Aubrey Falls Provincial Park
Located near Thessalon, Ontario lies a hidden gem called Aubrey Falls Provincial Park. It’s a non-operating park, and it has a short out-and-back trail to a waterfall and beautiful views. I personally wouldn’t come to the area just for this, but if you’re in the area visiting Potholes provincial park, Wawa, or Sault Ste. marie, it’s worth the visit.
- Parking: Free
- Length: 2.1km (linear)
- Difficulty: Easy
Porath Mountain
Located in Hastings Highlands, this is a great spot for a sunset hike. It has pretty gradual elevation gain, and such a pretty lookout.
- Parking: Free (on the road)
- Length: 3.1km (linear)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Willisville Lookout
Located near Whitefish Falls, one of my all time favourite hikes in Ontario. It’s short, steep, and beautiful. I recommend watching the sunrise here.
- Parking: Free
- Length: 1.4km (linear)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Manitou Mountain
Manitou Mountain has a beautiful trail network that features the very popular Eagles Nest Lookout. The rest of the trail network is barely talked about, but it has multiple enjoyable lookouts and views.
- Parking: Free
- Length: 12.2km (linear)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Heavens Gate Ridge
This is one of Ontario’s best hikes in my opinion. The views, challenging terrain and fresh air are so rewarding.
- Parking: Free
- Length: 12.2km (linear)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Mount Ararat
This is part of the La Cloche Ridge Conservation area. My favourite part about this trail is that it takes you to the bottom of Mount Ararat along a lake which is a spectacular view. Then you get to look at the lake from the top after hiking up!
- Parking: Free
- Length: 12.2km (linear)
- Difficulty: Easy
Buck Lake
If you’re visiting Muskoka, make sure to stop in to Limberlost forest! Buck lake and Solitaire lake are very noteworthy trails here.
- Parking: Free (donation)
- Length: 4.3km (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy
Devils Rock
Located on the shores of Lake Timiskaming, Devils Rock is a trail everyone should experience at least once. It’s short, easy, and so stunning.
Note that it is not maintained in the winter.
- Parking: Free
- Length: 1.5km (Trail A – recommended) 6.6km (Trail B)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Huckleberry Rock
A cute hike in Muskoka with beautiful rock face, lookout of the water, and rock cuts. It is a great spot to watch the sunset. It’s also kid friendly!
- Parking: Free
- Length: 2.9km (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Thanks so much for checking out this post, I hope it helps you discover somewhere new to add to your adventure plans!
Until next time, keep on trekkin’ 🥾
Katie
yourmatiekatie 