By Natalie Tuesday, October 14, 2025

As the leaves change and the crisp fall air sweeps through Ontario, you don’t have to venture far from Toronto to experience the vibrant beauty of autumn foliage. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape or a day-long outdoor adventure, there are plenty of stunning hiking trails near Toronto that offer breathtaking views of the fall colours. Here’s a roundup of the best fall hikes close to Toronto where you can immerse yourself in nature’s autumn displayand enjoy some of the top hiking spots in Ontario.

Rattlesnake Point – Nassagaweya Canyon Trail (Milton)

Located just 45 minutes from downtown Toronto, Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area in Milton is one of the best places to see fall colours near Toronto. The Nassagaweya Canyon Trail is a 7.2 km round-trip hike that takes you along the Niagara Escarpment, offering spectacular views of the forest canopy below. With several lookout points perched atop cliffs, you’ll be able to capture panoramic fall foliage photos of the vibrant reds and golds. The trail is well-marked and suitable for all skill levels, making it a popular choice for families and casual hikers in southern Ontario.

Dundas Peak – Spencer Gorge Conservation Area (Hamilton)

Situated just outside Hamilton, about an hour from Toronto, Dundas Peak is a must-visit fall hiking destination in Ontario. The 3.9 km round-trip trail offers jaw-dropping views of the Spencer Gorge and its surrounding forests, which burst into fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow during the fall season. Along the way, you can also visit Webster’s Falls and Tews Falls, two of the most photographed waterfalls in Ontario. Dundas Peak is an Instagram-worthy fall hike for good reason — make sure to book a reservation during peak weekends.

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park – Cliff-Top Trail (Dufferin County)

About 1.5 hours from Toronto, Mono Cliffs Provincial Park offers a peaceful and less-crowded hiking experiencewith equally spectacular fall colours. The 3.7 km Cliff-Top Trail takes you through dense maple forests and limestone cliffs, providing incredible views of the surrounding countryside. Visit from late September through mid-October to catch the peak of fall foliage in Ontario. This park is ideal for nature lovers and photographers looking for quiet hiking trails near Toronto.

Hilton Falls Conservation Area – Hilton Falls Trail (Milton)

Just a 45-minute drive from Toronto, the Hilton Falls Conservation Area is home to the 4.2 km Hilton Falls Trail, a family-friendly loop featuring stunning fall colours and a picturesque waterfall. The trail leads through mixed hardwood forests that transform into a kaleidoscope of colour each autumn. The highlight of the hike is Hilton Falls itself, where you can relax and enjoy the waterfall framed by golden leaves — a perfect fall photo spot near Toronto.

Rouge National Urban Park – Vista Trail (Scarborough)

If you’re looking to experience fall colours without leaving Toronto, Rouge National Urban Park is your go-to. Just 30 minutes from downtown, the Vista Trail is a 1.5 km scenic loop that takes you through meadows, wetlands, and forests. You’ll enjoy views of the Rouge River surrounded by brilliant foliage. This urban hiking trail offers a quick fall getaway within the city, and it’s perfect for families, beginners, and photographers alike. Don’t miss the Rouge Valley Lookout for sweeping views of the Toronto fall landscape.

Crawford Lake Conservation Area – Escarpment Trail (Milton)

Located near Milton, less than an hour from Toronto, Crawford Lake Conservation Area combines natural beauty and cultural heritage. The 4.3 km Escarpment Trail winds through hardwood forests glowing with fall colour. You can also explore the reconstructed Iroquoian village, making this an educational and scenic fall hike for families. It’s one of the best Ontario fall hikes for those who love both nature and history.

Forks of the Credit Provincial Park – Meadow Trail (Caledon)

Roughly an hour northwest of Toronto, Forks of the Credit Provincial Park in Caledon offers rolling hills, riverside trails, and incredible fall scenery. The 3 km Meadow Trail leads through open fields and forests with the Credit River weaving through the valley. Visit in October to see the sugar maples and oaks at their most vibrant. Be sure to stop at Cataract Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Toronto and a top fall photography location in Ontario.

Kelso Conservation Area – Kelso Summit Trail (Milton)

Only 45 minutes west of Toronto, Kelso Conservation Area features a 3.5 km Kelso Summit Trail that climbs the Niagara Escarpment for panoramic fall views. At the top, you’ll enjoy sweeping vistas of the forests and rolling hillsblanketed in autumn colour. For a unique experience, take the chairlift at Glen Eden Ski Resort to see the fall foliage from above — one of the best viewpoints in Ontario for photographers.

Other Notable Fall Hikes to see the Fall Colours in Ontario

The Bruce Trail

One of the most iconic hiking trails in Ontario, the Bruce Trail is Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, stretching over 890 km along the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. In fall, this trail offers spectacular colour displays and access to numerous waterfalls across Hamilton, Halton, and the Bruce Peninsula. Pair your hike with a visit to Blue Mountain Village for fall festivals and mountain views over Georgian Bay.

The Balsam Lake Lookout Trail

The Balsam Lake Lookout Trail is a 2.6 km loop in the Kawarthas that takes about 90 minutes to complete. Walk through open meadows, cedar swamps, and deciduous forests filled with brilliantly coloured leaves. Located within the Trent-Severn Waterway, this is one of the best short hikes in Ontario for a relaxing fall nature escape.

Niagara Glen

At the Niagara Glen, enjoy a 4 km network of forest trails leading to viewpoints over the Niagara River Gorge and Whirlpool. The area is part of Ontario’s Carolinian forest zone, where fall colours are rich and vibrant. Combine your hike with bouldering or sightseeing for a full day of adventure in Niagara Falls.

Algonquin Provincial Park

No list of the best fall hikes in Ontario is complete without Algonquin Provincial Park. Known for its lakes, rivers, and sugar maple forests, Algonquin bursts into red, orange, and yellow hues from mid-September to mid-October. Try the Lookout Trail for sweeping vistas, or explore by canoe for a classic Ontario fall experience.

Tips for Enjoying Fall Hikes in Ontario:

• Plan ahead: Some popular parks like Dundas Peak and Rattlesnake Point require reservations during peak fall weekends.
• Arrive early: Fall weekends can get busy, so come early or on a week day for peaceful trails and better parking.
• Dress in layers: Ontario’s fall weather changes quickly — stay comfortable and warm.
• Bring water and snacks: Stay energized during your hike.
• Check fall colour reports: Visit the Ontario Parks Fall Colour Report to time your trip for peak foliage.

🍁 Enjoy the magic of autumn in Ontario — one trail at a time!

Natalie