Winter Hikes in Toronto

A crisp winter walk is the perfect antidote to holiday feasting. Toronto’s ravines and waterfront make for great hiking, even in the snow.

Best winter walks in Toronto

• Don Valley trails: start at Evergreen Brick Works and explore the ravine trails.
• Rouge National Urban Park: Canada’s first national urban park, in east Toronto, with forest and river trails.
• Scarborough Bluffs: dramatic cliffs over Lake Ontario; Bluffer’s Park is a good base.
• High Park: easy loops, often snowy and peaceful.
• Tommy Thompson Park: a long spit into the lake, great for birdwatching (check winter opening times).
• Toronto Islands: a quiet winter escape by ferry.
• Humber River trails in the west end.

Near Toronto

Conservation areas across the GTA, including along the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail in Halton, offer longer winter hikes. See Christmas in Halton Region.

Toronto’s ravine system

Toronto has one of the largest urban ravine systems in the world, a network of forested valleys carved by the Don and Humber rivers, Highland Creek and the Rouge River. These green corridors cut through the city, so you can be on a peaceful forest trail minutes from a subway station. In winter, with snow on the trees and the city hushed, they’re at their most beautiful.

Easy winter walks for families

• High Park: wide paths, Grenadier Pond and the High Park Zoo.
• Evergreen Brick Works: flat trails around the quarry ponds, plus a café and Sunday market. Evergreen Brick Works
• Toronto Islands: flat, car-free paths with skyline views.
• Edwards Gardens and Wilket Creek: gardens leading into a ravine trail.
• Tommy Thompson Park: a flat walk out into the lake (check hours).

Longer winter hikes

• The Don Valley trails from Evergreen Brick Works north toward Sunnybrook Park.
• The Humber River trail from the lake to Étienne Brûlé Park and beyond.
• Rouge National Urban Park’s Vista Trail and other forest trails in the east end.
• The Bruce Trail along the Niagara Escarpment, about an hour from the city.

What to wear

• Waterproof boots with good grip, plus ice cleats on icy days.
• Layers: a base layer, a warm mid layer and a windproof shell.
• A hat, gloves and a neck warmer.
• A small backpack with water, snacks and a thermos.

See what to pack for a Toronto winter.

Winter hiking safety

Check the weather and sunset time, tell someone your plans, and turn back if trails are icy or flooded. Ravine trails can be slippery near water.

Winter hikes: FAQ

Can you hike in Toronto in winter? Yes. Many trails stay open year-round; some are not maintained in winter.

What’s the best winter hike in Toronto? The Don Valley trails from Evergreen Brick Works, or the Scarborough Bluffs for dramatic lake views.

Winter hiking tips

• Wear traction: ice cleats or microspikes make icy trails much safer.
• Dress in layers and bring a warm hat and gloves.
• Start early: it’s dark by about 5 p.m. in December.
• Stay on marked trails, especially near ravine edges and the Bluffs.

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