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Home » Recent posts » The 11 Best Urban and Nature Walks in Toronto That Are Worth Your Time

The 11 Best Urban and Nature Walks in Toronto That Are Worth Your Time

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Working late hours haunched in front of the computer has really taken a toll on my back as I’ve gotten older. To help with these growing pains, I gradually added walking to my routine.

Luckily, Toronto is one of the most walkable cities in Canada. Public parks and urban trails are just around the corner, which made it so much easier for me to turn walking into a habit. 

If you, too, want to improve your health or simply want to up your routine, this guide is for you. I’ve rounded up my favorite routes so you can have the best walks in Toronto.

1. Tommy Thompson Park

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Website: https://tommythompsonpark.ca

Location: 1 Leslie St

Operating hours: 

  • Monday-Friday, 4–9 PM
  • Saturday-Sunday, 5:30 AM–9 PM

Phone: +14166616600

Admission: Free

Tommy Thompson Park is an urban wilderness nestled on a man-made peninsula called the Leslie Street Spit. Home to cobble beaches, coastal marshes, meadows, and more, it’s a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city living.

It has a flat, mostly paved trail that stretches approximately 5 km one way, making for a 10 km round trip if you go to the tip and back. Although it’s quite an easy trail, its length ensures you’ll enjoy around 2 to 3 hours of serene exploration.

Aside from the scenery, you can look forward to seeing all sorts of wildlife, including over 300 bird species. Pack binoculars when you’re out exploring.

2. Riverdale Park

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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/343/index.html

Location: 550 Broadview Ave

Operating hours: 24 Hours

Phone: +14163922489

Admission: Free

Riverdale Park has one of the best views in Toronto(best views in Toronto). Although most people come here to sit on a hill and watch the sunset, I recommend going on walks in the hidden forest on the East side.

Just go north of the running track and you’ll find a trail leading to a lilac forest. It’s lined with mature trees, providing ample shade during the warmer months.

The entire trail is 3 km long, which should take 30 to 40 minutes depending on your pace. Since this is a dirt path with twigs, stumps, and fallen branches, wear comfortable shoes before you set off.

3. Humber Bay Park

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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/1074/index.html

Location: 100 Humber Bay Park Road East

Operating hours: 24 Hours

Phone: +14163922489

Admission: Free

Split into East and West sections, Humber Bay Park offers stunning lakeside paths totaling roughly 2 km. You can even take your dog with you on walks around this waterfront park.

The trails are flat and well-maintained, weaving through wildflower meadows, marshlands, and rocky shores. You need about an hour or two to loop around both sides of the park, as well as to sightsee. 

My favorite time to visit is from late spring to early summer because I can enjoy a quiet walk and other outdoor activities without huge crowds. From May to October, you’ll find a farmers’ market in the area, where you can treat yourself to some refreshments.

4. Trillium Park

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Website: https://ontarioplace.com/en/whats-on/trillium-park/

Location: 955 Lake Shore Blvd W

Operating hours: Daily, 6 AM–11 PM

Phone: +14163149900

Admission: Free

There are many manicured waterfront parks in Toronto, but one of my favorites is Trillium Park. It has a paved path along the rocky shoreline, offering stunning views of Lake Ontario and the Downtown core.

What I like about going on walks here is that I can take my dog with me. As long as your furry companions are well-behaved and leashed, they can join you on this scenic urban adventure.

It’s only a 1.1-kilometer trail, which should take around 12 minutes. If you want to build a quick, low-impact walk into your routine, this is a really great place to start.

5. Brickworks and Moore Park Ravine

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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/409/index.html

Location: 205 Moore Ave

Operating hours: Daily, 8 AM–11 PM

Phone: +14163922489

Admission: Free

The trail through Brickworks and Moore Park Ravine is a serene woodland escape lined by mature trees. What I like the most about it is that it’s kid and dog-friendly, making it an easy and enjoyable outing for the whole family.

I like to start at 205 Moore Avenue and walk all the way to the Evergreen Brick Works, a former industrial site transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. The walk takes just 25 minutes, so you’ll want to set aside at least an hour for the round trip. 

If you’re planning to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or browse the seasonal farmer’s market at the Brick Works, give yourself extra time to soak it all in.

6. Martin Goodman Trail

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Location: 339 Queens Quay W

Operating hours: 24/7

Admission: Free

Another popular spot for a walk along the waterfront is the Martin Goodman Trail, extending from the Humber Bay Arch Bridge to the Rouge River. It’s a sprawling 56 km multi-use path with paved roads that welcome pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists.

I don’t walk the full length of the trail, which would easily take over 4 hours for a roundtrip. But the great thing about this path is that it’s well-connected to public transport, so you can just hop on a streetcar if you feel too tired to walk back.

For a shorter, scenic stroll, I recommend starting at HTO Park, a sandy urban beach located across from Rees Street parking. Then, just walk east to Sugar Beach, where you can rest under the colorful umbrellas and admire lakefront views.

7. Moccasin Trail Park

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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/2738/index.html

Location: 55 Green Belt Dr 

Operating hours: 24/7

Phone: +14163922489

Admission: Free

Moccasin Trail Park is a 15-hectare forest with a walking path that goes through a woodland. With low foot traffic and a tranquil atmosphere, it’s perfect for leisurely strolls.

You can start at the parking lot on Green Belt Drive. From there, follow the paved path into the woodland and around the pond until you see a small tunnel that takes you under the Don Valley Parkway.

Once you reach the other side, you can choose your adventure: turn left for a shorter loop, or head right to explore further. 

The latter reveals more charming footbridges and forested areas. Plus, the East Don Treste is on this route, which is a historical landmark and a popular place to take photos.

8. High Park

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Website: http://www.highparktoronto.com/

Location: 1873 Bloor St W

Operating hours: 24/7

Phone: +14163380338

Admission: Free

High Park, the largest public park in the city, is a haven for walkers. Its 5 km network of trails winds through diverse landscapes, from wooded ravines and open meadows to the picturesque Grenadier Pond. 

The paths are a mix of flat, paved walkways and natural dirt trails, with the occasional steep hill to keep things interesting. This variety makes it accessible for walkers of all ages and fitness levels.

While the fiery fall colors at High Park are truly breathtaking, spring holds its own kind of magic. Strolling underneath the cherry blossom trees is an experience you ought to have at least once in your life.

9. Toronto Islands

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Website: https://toronto-islands.ca/

Location: Toronto Islands

Operating hours: Daily, 9 AM–5 PM

Phone: +905312787046

Roundtrip Tickets: $9.11 Adult, $5.86 Seniors, $5.86 

A short ferry ride transports you to the Toronto Islands, a serene escape with over 15 km of interconnected walking paths. The trail, which is a moderately challenging route, takes about two and a half hours to complete.

If you don’t want to do the full loop, explore the beaches, the quaint village, or the old lighthouse to make your stroll more interesting. There are many restaurants and cafes around, so you can always stop for refreshments.

The only con to visiting the islands is that huge crowds of tourists come here, especially in the summer. If you want to enjoy a peaceful stroll with fewer people around, visit during early spring or early fall.

10. Edwards Gardens

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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/473/index.html

Location: 755 Lawrence Ave E, North York

Operating hours: Daily, 10 AM–8:30 PM

Phone: +14163928188

Admission: Free

Edwards Gardens is a botanical oasis in Toronto’s Don Valley, offering a serene escape for walkers. The park features paved pathways that wind through beautifully landscaped gardens, charming bridges, and trickling streams.

As you stroll around the grounds, you’ll see various wildlife, especially ducks waddling around or floating on the ponds.

Most of the trails are easy and well-maintained, making them suitable for all ages. I suggest staying for at least an hour to take in all the scenery and perhaps snap photos around the gardens.

11. The Meadoway

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Website: https://themeadoway.ca/

Location: Gatineau Hydro Corridor, Scarborough

Operating hours: 24/7

Admission: Free

Stretching from the Don Valley to Rouge National Urban Park, The Meadoway is another greenspace where you can have peaceful leisurely walks. It’s 30 minutes away from the Downtown core, but it’s worth the trip.

Following the flat, paved walking trails will take you through natural grasslands, community gardens, and quaint neighborhoods. If you want to see the flowers in full bloom, visit around spring.

Although the trees and meadows are bare in the autumn months, it’s the best time to go birdwatching. So, pack those binoculars for your stroll!