Kandice VincentToronto has its fair share of amazing public parks—perfect for a quick stroll or a sunny picnic. But if you’re looking for a mini-getaway—like wilder trails, deeper forests, and bigger views—national parks are the way to go.
Just beyond city limits, you’ll find breathtaking national parks and protected areas. I always visit them whenever I’m craving a total outdoors adventure; I can go for a quiet paddle, a chill hike, maybe even a s’mores roasting sesh.
If you also need a nature fix that goes beyond your neighborhood park (I mean, who doesn’t?), here are the best national parks near Toronto.
Rouge National Urban Park
Media credit: denpars
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/rouge
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rouge-national-urban-park/
Address: 7277 14th Ave, Markham
Hours: Mon – Sun: 7:30 AM – 9 PM
Contact: (416) 264-2020
Tucked into Toronto’s Scarborough area and spilling into Markham and Pickering, Rouge National Urban Park offers natural beauty and outdoor fun.
This park has a unique mashup: you’ve got Carolinian forests, wide meadows, working farms, marshlands, and even a beach on Lake Ontario. You’ll also find Toronto’s only campground here, plus some of the oldest Indigenous sites in the region.
Rouge is packed with awesome activities for all ages. You can take part in Parks Canada’s fun, free programs like Learn-to-Camp and Learn-to-Hike programs or fireside storytelling sessions.
The best part is that you don’t need to venture far—it’s just a short drive from the Toronto Zoo or Rouge Beach.
Pro Tip:
Join one of Rouge Park’s free guided walks led by friendly Parks Canada staff and volunteers who’ll help you spot wildlife and connect with like-minded adventurers.
Thousand Islands National Park
Media credit: parks.canada
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/1000
Instagram: https://www.instagram.comthousand-islands-national-park/
Address: 1121 Thousand Islands Pkwy, Mallorytown Landing
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: (613) 923-5261
Located along the beautiful Thousand Islands Parkway on the St. Lawrence River, Thousand Islands National Park is totally worth the road trip from Toronto. Despite being the smallest national park in the country, it packs more than enough beauty.
Imagine dramatic views of rocky shorelines and ancient granite formations, many of which are the tips of ancient mountains. You might also spot turtles, rare birds, or foxes.
If you’re bringing the kids, you can pop over to Mallorytown Landing, where you’ll find aquariums, live animal exhibits, playgrounds, and fun activity zones. Just keep in mind that most of the islands are only accessible by boat.
As a bonus, admission to the park is free, though some services like parking and mooring have fees.
Pro Tip:
You can book an oTENTik on McDonald or Gordon Island for a private getaway. It’s the perfect launch pad for paddling adventures or a relaxed group hangout.
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Media credit: withlove_duquettes
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/georg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgian-bay-islands-national-park/
Address: 2611 Honey Harbour Road, Honey Harbour
Hours:
- Mon – Tue, Sun: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Fri – Sat: 9:30 AM – 7 PM
Contact: (705) 527-7200
Georgian Bay Islands National Park is located in the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, and it’s made up of dozens of islands within Georgian Bay.
The crown jewel here is Beausoleil Island, the largest in the park. Here, you can go hiking or biking through woodlands, lakes, and rocky lookouts. If you want to stay longer, you can book a waterfront campsite or rustic cabin.
Fall is especially lovely, with guided group hikes led by Parks Canada interpreters who bring the island’s stories and ecosystems to life.
Fun fact: This magical place actually inspired the works of Canada’s iconic Group of Seven artists—a collective of Canadian landscape painters.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to book a ride on the dayTripper boat from Honey Harbour to Beausoleil Island. It’s just a 15-minute trip (but still very scenic); however, reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Point Pelee National Park
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/pelee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pointpeleenationalparkcanada/
Address: 1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: (519) 322-2365
Perched on the southern tip of mainland Canada, Point Pelee National Park might be small, but it’s still packed with biodiversity and breathtaking scenery.
One of the reserve’s most iconic spots is the boardwalk that stretches into Lake Erie. Make sure to strike a pose here, and if you can, time it with the sunset.
This area is especially popular with birders. Springtime brings the famous Festival of Birds, when thousands of migrating birds pass through, and birdwatchers from all over flock in to catch a glimpse.
As for activities, you can go for a paddle in a canoe or kayak, take a dip in the lake, or camp out under the stars.
Pro Tip:
We recommend renting a bike to explore more trails. Cycling the Point Pelee Park’s 4.5 km trail is one of the best ways to see more in less time.
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Media credit: rosie_poirier
Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/bruce
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bruce-peninsula-national-park/
Address: Tobermory
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: (519) 596-2233
Bruce Peninsula National Park is a rugged area known for its stunning cliffs that plunge into the blue waters of Georgian Bay.
Two of its biggest highlights are the Grotto and Singing Sands. The Grotto is a stunning sea cave with clear waters and rocky ledges—perfect for brave cliff jumpers. On the other side of the peninsula is Singing Sands, a beach surrounded by rare orchids.
This park is part of the Niagara Escarpment and is designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, so expect a range of natural ecosystems as you hike along the Bruce Trail. It’s also home to some wildlife like black bears, so be careful!
For those who want to stay overnight, semi-wilderness camping and yurts are available, plus backcountry camping for the more experienced.
Pro Tip:
Camping reservations at Bruce Peninsula are required from May through October, and spots go fast. If you can swing a midweek visit in spring or fall, you’ll beat the crowds and catch seasonal gems like bird migrations or blooming wildflowers.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Media credit: algonquin_pp
Website: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/algonquin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/algonquin_pp/
Address: Ontario 60
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: (705) 633-5572
Just a few hours from Toronto, Algonquin Provincial Park is a massive reserve that spans 7,600 square kilometers. With thousands of rivers and waterfalls, this spot is practically made for paddling.
The place is also filled with rocky ridges and maple-covered hills, which you can explore by paddle or on foot. If you prefer to stick a little closer to the road, Highway 60 offers drive-in access to eight scenic campgrounds.
Outdoor lovers will be spoiled for choice as well—hiking and biking trails weave through forests and past lakes, while anglers will find world-class trout fishing. Birdwatchers should bring their binoculars, too—spring migration here is spectacular.
It’s equally beautiful during off-seasons—fall is known for its dazzling color show, while winter brings activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, and staying in cozy heated yurts.
Pro Tip:
If you’re visiting in the fall, check the official Fall Color report before you go—it’ll help you time your trip perfectly for those breathtaking golden and crimson views!
Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
Media credit: ontarioparks
Website: http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/kawarthahighlands
Instagram: https://www.instagram.comkawartha-highlands-provincial-park/
Address: 106 Monck St, Bancroft
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: (613) 332-3940
Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park is the largest protected area in Southern Ontario outside of Algonquin. It offers pristine lakes like Bottle Lake and Sucker Lake scattered throughout the landscape.
Canoe routes wind through wetlands and dense forests. These lead to campsites, hidden beaches, and still lakes, where you can watch the sunrise in total silence.
While the park is perfect for canoeing and backcountry camping, you can also enjoy it on foot with shorter hikes near access points. Just be aware that facilities and parking are limited, so plan ahead.
This park is open year-round, and its raw, untouched beauty shines no matter the month. And because it sees fewer crowds than other parks, it’s the perfect spot if you want some real solitude.
Pro Tip:
At Kawartha Highlands, you should always be water-wise and adventure-ready. Wear a life jacket when paddling, stick to marked trails and portages, and come prepared for uneven backcountry terrain.
Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park
Media credit: qeiiwildlandspp
Website: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/queenelizabeth2wildlands
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qeiiwildlandspp/
Address: South Central Ontario
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/contact
Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park is one of the largest and least developed parks south of Algonquin. It lives up to its name—it’s wild by nature and by experience.
The park is home to more than 50 different vegetation patterns, making it ecologically diverse. Along the way, you might spot moose, black bears, beavers, and even the rare northern ribbon snake.
For those looking to get active, the Ganaraska Hiking Trail Wilderness Section offers one of the most challenging treks in Central Ontario. Stretching over 500 km, it takes you past gorgeous sights like Victoria Falls, Little Gull Lake, and Hunter’s Lakes.
There are also six major canoe routes that weave through the park’s remote lakes and waterways—perfect for a backcountry paddle trip.
Pro Tip:
Queen Elizabeth is a non-operating park with no services, so pack all the essentials. Make sure to carry a map or GPS and let someone know your plans.
The Toronto Island Park
Media credit: blindeszebra
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/beaches-gardens-attractions/toronto-island-park/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toronto-island-park/
Address: Toronto
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM
Contact: 311
The Toronto Island Park is just a breezy 13-minute ferry ride from the downtown core. This chain of 15 interconnected islands offers pedestrian-friendly paths, bridges, and no cars to worry about.
Once you’re there, you can explore the 5 km stretch of trails from Hanlan’s Point to Ward’s Island, with plenty of scenic stops along the way. You’ll also find gorgeous beaches (even a clothing-optional one at Hanlan’s Point!).
In winter, the island stays open—just bundle up and enjoy the quieter side of the park. There are heated shelters, open washrooms, and wide-open spaces—plus, the views of the frozen lake are stunning.
Accessibility is also a bonus—free wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the park is mostly flat and easy to get around.
Pro Tip:
Catch an early ferry and bring a picnic blanket. You’ll beat the crows, snag a good spot on the lawn or beach, and have time to explore the full length of the islands without rushing—just don’t forget to check the last ferry back!
Boyd Conservation Park
Media credit: ieva_yi
Website: https://trca.ca/parks/boyd-conservation-area/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boyd-conservation-area/
Address: 8739 Islington Ave, Vaughan
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 8 PM
Contact: (905) 851-0575
Situated in the headwaters of the Don and Humber Rivers, Boyd Conservation Park offers forested trails, wide green spaces, and river views—all just north of Toronto.
The park is especially popular for picnics and BBQs, with 17 designated picnic sites that can host large family reunions or community events. Their friendly onsite staff can help you find the right picnic site.
It’s also a popular hiking spot, with paths that go through the Humber River Valley. In the fall, the park even transforms into a hub for cross-country running, hosting local races via its gorgeous shaded course.
For day camps and daycare outings, Boyd is a total win, too. Kids can enjoy shaded picnic shelters, explore nature, and play in open fields.
Pro Tip:
Book your picnic site in advance during peak summer weekends. Boyd Conservation Park is a popular hotspot for family events and community outings during this season.
