5 wonderful winter hikes near Toronto

Winter hiking can be a great way to shake off the blues and get out of Toronto to enjoy nature.

While hiking is often thought of as a warm-weather endeavour, there are advantages to getting outside during the winter. It can be a mood-booster in a time when shorter days lead to seasonal disorders. There’s also no need for bug spray.

However, hikers should check the weather forecast to avoid getting stuck during a winter storm. Wear layers, gloves, a hat and invest in good footwear.

Many hikers attach micro or nano spikes on their boots for traction on icy trails. Forest trails can be unexpectedly slippery. Hiking poles are also useful in winter.

Micro spikes are needed on some trails in winter.

Also, because the days are short, make sure to start your hike well before sunset. Check the latest status of the trails and be aware that some parks charge entrance fees.

Once prepared and dressed for the weather, getting onto forest trails can be spectacular, particularly after a fresh snowfall.

Here are five spots for winter hiking near Toronto:

Kortright Centre

This conservation centre offers more than 16 kilometres of hiking trails that are open year-round. Explore forests and meadows, follow the boardwalk through the marsh and take in the scenery and wildlife from various lookout points.

There are eight trails of varying lengths and difficulty. The Cold Creek Trail, Innovation Trail and Spruce Trail are all considered easy at around one kilometre. More difficult trails include the Lookout and Ridge.

Kortright is located north of Toronto in Woodbridge.

The trails in winter at Kortright Centre. Photo: Karen Longwell

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park

This park offers a short, easy walk in the woods and a more challenging route for experienced hikers.

The Carriage-Spillway loop is a five-kilometre easy route that takes about one hour to complete. The mostly flat terrain takes hikers through a densely forested area with cliff-face views and old-growth White Cedars.

The Walter Tovell – Cliff-Top Side Trail loop is about 10 kilometres and takes around two-and-a-half hours to complete. This hike includes some steep hills, boardwalks and a viewing platform. This hike is recommended for individuals with winter hiking experience.

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is located just north of Orangeville.

Short Hills Provincial Park 

This is a non-operating provincial park, which means there are no services or fees.

There are easy hike options here, such as the Paleozoic Path, which is under one kilometre in length with accessible features. The trail goes through Norway Spruce, Hard Maple, White Pine and contains a viewing platform for a breathtaking look at Swayze Falls.

The more challenging Swayze Falls Trail is just over six kilometres and includes views of the falls along with forested areas.

Short Hills Provincial Park is located in the Niagara Region, near St. Catharines.

Swayzee Falls at Short Hills Provincial Park. Photo: Gogerr

Forks of the Credit Provincial Park

Forks of the Credit is a great location for day use winter adventures and it’s less than an hour from Toronto. Some trails are used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. However, trails are not maintained or track-set. Be sure to use caution during the winter months.

The Trans Canada – Kettle – Meadow Loop is three kilometres and is on relatively easy terrain. The area is very open and has a small lookout down towards Kettle Lake.

Cataract Falls via Trans Canada Trail and Kettle Trail Loop is longer and more challenging, at nearly seven kilometres.

Forks of the Credit Provincial Park is located just south of Orangeville.

Smokey Hollow

This area is beautiful year-round but it can be magical during winter. The Waterdown Trail takes hikers to Smokey Hollow Falls. It is a scenic in-and-out hike at around 11 kilometres. It’s considered moderately challenging and includes stairs and steep hills.

Smokey Hollow is in Waterdown (part of Hamilton).

Winter hiking at Smokey Hollow. Photo: Karen Longwell