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Family-Friendly Hikes near Toronto

We track 32 routes that match this search near Toronto. They average 2.7 km and 60 m (197 ft) of ascent, with the longest running to 6.5 km.

That is 64 percent of the 50 routes we map near Toronto. They are shorter than the local average, 2.7 km against 17.3 km, which is what makes this a practical shortlist for a half day. They also climb less than the area average, 60 m (197 ft) against 381 m (1,250 ft), so they suit a recovery day or a group with mixed fitness.

Family routes here are short, gently graded and interesting enough to keep younger legs moving. Every one is under seven kilometres with limited climbing. Most of these are on the gentler end, which makes the list a good starting point if you are new to the area.

Trails

Easy

Chickadee Loop Trail

Ontario · Canada

Distance
2.7 km
/ 1.7 mi
Elevation gain
60 m
Typical duration
39 min
  • Lake
Easy

Evergreen Trail

Ontario · Canada

Distance
2.1 km
/ 1.3 mi
Elevation gain
46 m
Typical duration
30 min
  • Lake
Easy

Kingfisher Loop Trail

Ontario · Canada

Distance
3.2 km
/ 2.0 mi
Elevation gain
71 m
Typical duration
47 min
  • Lake
Easy

Bartlett Creek Trail

Ontario · Canada

Distance
1.1 km
/ 0.7 mi
Elevation gain
25 m
Typical duration
17 min
  • River
Easy

Forty Mile Creek Trail

Ontario · Canada

Distance
2.9 km
/ 1.8 mi
Elevation gain
65 m
Typical duration
43 min
  • River
Easy

Beaver Dam Trail

Ontario · Canada

Distance
4.4 km
/ 2.7 mi
Elevation gain
96 m
Typical duration
1 hr 3 min
Easy

Conley Tract

Ontario · Canada

Distance
1.7 km
/ 1.1 mi
Elevation gain
37 m
Typical duration
25 min
Easy

Esquesing Trail

Ontario · Canada

Distance
1.3 km
/ 0.8 mi
Elevation gain
28 m
Typical duration
18 min
Easy

Grantham Rail Trail

Ontario · Canada

Distance
4.8 km
/ 3.0 mi
Elevation gain
107 m
Typical duration
1 hr 10 min
Easy

Green Line

Ontario · Canada

Distance
0.7 km
/ 0.4 mi
Elevation gain
16 m
Typical duration
10 min
Easy

Lookout Trail

Ontario · Canada

Distance
1.2 km
/ 0.8 mi
Elevation gain
27 m
Typical duration
18 min
  • Panoramic viewpoint
Easy

Graffiti Alley

Ontario · Canada

Distance
0.6 km
/ 0.4 mi
Elevation gain
14 m
Typical duration
9 min
Easy

Nipegon Trail

Ontario · Canada

Distance
0.8 km
/ 0.5 mi
Elevation gain
17 m
Typical duration
11 min
Easy

North Park Trail

Ontario · Canada

Distance
1.2 km
/ 0.8 mi
Elevation gain
27 m
Typical duration
18 min

The shortlist, side by side

The ten highest scoring routes on this page, so you can compare effort before opening any of them.

Distance, ascent, walking time and difficulty for the top routes
RouteDistanceAscentTimeDifficultyBest season
Blue Springs Side TrailOntario1.6 km36 m24 minEasyApril to October
Sugar Shack Side TrailOntario1.5 km34 m22 minEasyApril to October
Eastern Ravines & Beaches Discovery Walk - Beach sectionOntario5.5 km121 m1 hr 20 minEasyApril to October
Eastern Ravines & Beaches Discovery Walk - ravine sectionOntario4.0 km88 m58 minEasyApril to October
Bruce Trail Side Trails - Iroquoia SectionOntario0.8 km18 m12 minEasyApril to October
Chickadee Loop TrailOntario2.7 km60 m39 minEasyApril to October
Evergreen TrailOntario2.1 km46 m30 minEasyApril to October
Kingfisher Loop TrailOntario3.2 km71 m47 minEasyApril to October
Bartlett Creek TrailOntario1.1 km25 m17 minEasyApril to October
Forty Mile Creek TrailOntario2.9 km65 m43 minEasyApril to October

If you only have time for one, start with Blue Springs Side Trail, Sugar Shack Side Trail, Eastern Ravines & Beaches Discovery Walk - Beach section. Those are the routes people come back to. Every route on this page links through to a full guide with the map, elevation profile, seasonal advice and what to bring.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

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