To me, hiking in Spring is about beating the crowds and exploring the places that don’t require as much greenery to be the main focal point of the views. Rocks and waterfalls are my personal Spring hiking highlights!
I’ve compiled 6 of my favourite hikes to do in Spring in Ontario. Let’s get started, shall we?
AY Jackson Lookout / Onaping Falls
Starting off strong with a beautiful waterfall located near Greater Sudbury, ON. It requires a bit of a scramble if you go to the waterfall, or you can just admire the waterfall from the lookout right off the parking lot. It’s also a great stop for a picnic.
About this trail:
- 2.4km Loop
- Moderate
- Features a lookout and waterfall
- Free parking
Smokey Hollow
Here is a trail where I don’t even consider the waterfall to be the main point. You see the waterfall right off the parking lot, and then venture down the trail and it’s personally one of my favourite places to hike in Spring, Summer or Fall. It is definitely the muddiest trail on this list, but also one of the most gorgeous trails in Southern Ontario.
About this trail:
- 2km Linear
- Easy
- Features waterfall and rapids
- Free parking
- Gets muddy
Devils Punchbowl
This is a must see spot in Ontario. I love this hike in any and all seasons, it always takes my breath away. Make sure you take the Bruce Trail Side Trail for Devils Punchbowl as it is the easiest trail to access from the parking lot and it is completely safe and legal to use. Park at the lookout and admire the views of Lake Ontario first!
About this trail:
- 1.6km Linear
- Easy
- Features waterfall and punchbowl (optional: lookout)
- Paid parking ($7 CAD)
Sauble Trail
Located at Sauble Falls Provincial Park is the Sauble Trail which is an easy and family-friendly hike. This is a great time to beat the Summer crowds at this park, and there are a lot of things to do in this area. There is marked poison ivy in a few sections of the trail. There’s also a playground there for children! This is my daughters favourite place to hike (she just turned 3).
About this trail:
- 2.4km Loop
- Easy (family-friendly)
- Features waterfall
- Paid entry fee into park
Rockwood Conservation Area
Rockwood has 2 short hiking trails for you to check out. One features a gorgeous lookout, and the other features multiple caves to explore! There’s also little waterfalls, a beach and it is a great place to paddle. It can get very crowded in Summer, so I personally enjoy this place a little more in late Spring.
About hiking here:
- 2 Linear trails (under 2km each)
- Easy (family-friendly)
- Features caves, a lookout and boardwalks
- Paid entry
Recollet Falls Trail
Located in French River Provincial Park is this beautiful 3km linear trail. It offers beautiful views along the edge of the French River, has an amazing visitors centre and also has a suspension bridge you can go on. In the winter, the bridge is mainly used by snowmobiles. psst…Insider Scoop: It’s also a great place to watch the sunset!
About this trail:
- 3km Linear
- Easy
- Features views of French River and Suspension Bridge
- Entry fee into park
Spring Hiking Tips:
- Wear sturdy footwear
- Prepare for some mud
- Pack water
- Walk through the mud to prevent affecting the trails
I hope this inspires you to find a new exciting trail to check out this Spring!
Happy trails,
Kate 🥾
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