Living in the city feels a lot easier when you know how to escape it. And it doesn’t take much—there are so many hiking trails near Toronto. The challenge is getting there without a car.
While there are plenty of hikes close to the city, many are nearly impossible to reach without driving. Technically, some are transit-accessible, but spending two hours each way on GO or TTC creates the opposite feeling of why we hike in the first place.
So, here’s our list of the best hikes that are actually accessible by transit from Toronto. Each one can be reached in around an hour, giving you more time on the trail and less on the train.
Toronto is famously a “city within a park.” But to truly feel like you’ve escaped it, you’ll need to get a little more creative and explore places that are often overlooked. You’ll be amazed how remote you can feel. All of these hikes are accessible by bike or TTC.
While the crowds head to Centre Island or Hanlan’s, Ward’s is a quiet gem. This lesser-visited part of the island offers a peaceful escape. Exit the ferry and head east toward the Port Lands—before long you’ll reach the Keating Channel and a trail into woodlands that feel almost untouched. Head out toward Lake Ontario and you’ll find yourself staring across an endless expanse of water, imagining you’re far from the city.
Start with this trail for inspiration, then follow your curiosity. You’ll feel like you’ve discovered an undiscovered side of Toronto.
You’ll be astonished at how many trails lie hidden in the Don. Venture past the Brick Works and you’ll find routes that feel like they shouldn’t exist in the middle of a city. With surprising elevation changes and a huge amount of wildlife—from woodpeckers in the trees to beavers in the river and even deer in the woods—it’s a true urban wilderness. There are over 80 km of trails, so you can choose your own distance. Start at E.T. Seton Park at Eglinton and head either north or south as far as you like, with plenty of looped options. This 4 km loop along Beaver Flats is a great place to begin. Just watch out for mountain bikes!
Now easier than ever to reach thanks to new bike lanes, Tommy Thompson is an otherworldly experience. Also known as the Leslie Spit, it’s a man-made peninsula created from dredged material and construction debris—the signs of which are still visible along the water’s edge. Despite this unpromising origin, it has become a tranquil wildlife refuge, free from cars and dogs. One side offers expansive views of Lake Ontario; the other gives you some of the most striking views of Toronto’s skyline.
The park is especially known for its wildlife. Beavers, rabbits, and even mink are commonly spotted, and the birdlife is incredible. The re-naturalization has been so successful that it has hosted nesting bald eagles in recent years.
Once again, this is a “choose your own adventure” kind of hike. This 12 km route will take you through many of its highlights.
Head a bit farther out and you’ll find trails where you can walk for hours without crossing paths with many others from the city.
It’s hard to believe there’s a 15 km wooded loop trail in Scarborough. Just take the GO Train to Guildwood from Union—about a 30-minute ride—and explore this trail that follows the pretty Highland Creek, taking you away from civilization and back again a few hours later. Don’t miss the beach under East Point Park for a truly unique Scarborough experience. This AllTrails route is highly recommended.
A true conservation area that feels remarkably wild given its proximity to Brampton. You’ll find a variety of trails, from 3 to 10 km, making it a great destination for Toronto-based nature lovers. The park features an extensive network of multi-use trails that wind through wetlands, forests, grasslands, and along the West Humber River, offering a range of terrain and scenic views. Notably, the Claireville North Multi-Use Trail adds 3.7 km of accessible pathways, complete with pedestrian bridges and river views. Whether you're seeking a leisurely walk or a more vigorous outing, Claireville has something for everyone. This route covers many of the park’s highlights in a single loop.
Perhaps Mississauga’s best-kept secret. A series of trails follows the Credit River from Erindale through Riverwood Park and all the way to the historic village of Streetsville. The river is home to several small rapids, and wooded trails stretch the entire way. You can reach it in just over an hour from Union via GO Train. Try the 13 km out-and-back Culham Trail, or search AllTrails for shorter loop options.
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