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Top Nature preserves in Toronto, Canada
Top Rated Nature preserves in Toronto
Top Reviewed Nature preserves in Toronto
Reviews
Fairly easy hike. We went for the Orchard loop incorporating over half of the Cedar trail.
The initial leg of the trail is fairly easy followed by moderate elevation. Occasional views of the river. The orchard trail winds up on a dirt road adjacent to the railway tracks. If you make it a loop, you walk a quarter of the trail besides the railway tracks.
We went there in the evening, starting out around 5 and completing around 6:10, not many people around.
The initial leg of the trail is fairly easy followed by moderate elevation. Occasional views of the river. The orchard trail winds up on a dirt road adjacent to the railway tracks. If you make it a loop, you walk a quarter of the trail besides the railway tracks.
We went there in the evening, starting out around 5 and completing around 6:10, not many people around.
Hands down best place in the city to enjoy a full summer sunset over the Toronto skyline! Many hidden gems off the beaten path to explore the waters edge… go find your spot!
During the pandemic, I almost went there every day to ride my bicycle, go fishing, take a walk, and enjoy the scenery. It’s like a treasure in downtown for me. It’s inconvenient to use the restroom when you go deep inside the park. Pets are not allowed, which was good for my daughter who is afraid of big dogs.
A great place for a long(!) walk in Toronto. Such a nice escape from the city and filled with picturesque wildlife. Lots of bikers and runners there too.
If you’re a pet parent, be aware that there are no dogs allowed in the park.
If you’re a pet parent, be aware that there are no dogs allowed in the park.
please respect this conversation area, pick up your trash, respect wildlife, and stay on the trail.
incredible park to get some of the best views of the city while surrounded by nature. extremely thankful the city is investing in preserving this area for Toronto’s wildlife. It’s a great spot to go for a walk, run or cycle. There are no toilets nor garbage bins to plan ahead. There are poisonous plants if you step outside the trail, so watch out for yourself and if you’re visiting with kids, keep an eye on them. And again, pick up after yourself and respect the signage this is a nature reserve as well.
I’d be careful at night as it’s a popular spot for people to come for a smoke or a drink.
incredible park to get some of the best views of the city while surrounded by nature. extremely thankful the city is investing in preserving this area for Toronto’s wildlife. It’s a great spot to go for a walk, run or cycle. There are no toilets nor garbage bins to plan ahead. There are poisonous plants if you step outside the trail, so watch out for yourself and if you’re visiting with kids, keep an eye on them. And again, pick up after yourself and respect the signage this is a nature reserve as well.
I’d be careful at night as it’s a popular spot for people to come for a smoke or a drink.
This is a lovely place for a walk. We took the Vista Trail and came back via the Orchard Trail. There were some great elevated views of the river and it was quite peaceful. It was nice to see that some parts of the trails have been renovated.
2023 June 4★
A nice long trail with views of the city.
Expect to spend at least 30 minutes here by bike and well over an hour by walking.
Bike parking and car parking for about 50 at the entrance.
Rental bikes also available.
Washrooms available at the entrance.
A nice long trail with views of the city.
Expect to spend at least 30 minutes here by bike and well over an hour by walking.
Bike parking and car parking for about 50 at the entrance.
Rental bikes also available.
Washrooms available at the entrance.
Amazing hiking place. Tried various trails in one day Cedar, Orchard, Vista and Mast loop and our favourite was Orchard Trail. Cedar trail has some very beautiful pockets but some part of route doesn’t feel that exciting. Vista and Mast trail are also beautiful, especially some off route hiking trails and is good for a short walk amongst nature if you live close by. I would definitely visit it again and maybe in another season to get a different hiking experience
Used to be a landfill in the 50’s but now is a very nice trail with alot of hard works from a very committed group of super volunteers (including myself) from Dont Mess With the Don
Biked here on a Tuesday evening (open to the public at 4pm I believe), and it wasn’t very busy — plenty of room to move. The bugs weren’t too bad for the end of May; it was a sunny day. Simple path in and out with lots of little foot trails here and there. You are only permitted to ride on the main paved sections, with a gravel path at the end near the lighthouse, so if you are cycling, this is a fairly easy route. The pavement is bumpy in places though, so do mind where you put your attention. It is quite serene here — a gem of ride or hike with views of the downtown skyline. Great jaunt away from the hustle and bustle. There is a parking lot at the beginning of the park, quite easy to get to; a water fountain to fill your bottle and all different types of birds for those who keep track of such things. 🙂 Will definitely be riding here again soon.
One of the best parks in the Toronto area, this park offers a fantastic biking and walking trail with a focus on wildlife conservation. You'll have the opportunity to spot a wide variety of birds, reptiles, and fish. The park staff is incredibly knowledgeable and can provide valuable insights. It's worth noting that there are several poisonous plants in the park, so exercise caution and stick to the designated trail—avoid taking shortcuts.
Went there in April. Maybe better during late Spring or early Summer. Took us an hour to walk from the entrance to the light house. I think it's great for bikers and bird watching. Bring water and be sun protected.
Lovely yet busy trail in the Rouge Conservation Area near the Zoo. Great for trainspotting.
Rouge National Urban Park - Orchard Trail and Cedar Trail
This past of the park has the most beautiful views of fall colours. There is a viewing deck where you can look down and see the Rouge River as well as the trees changing colors.
There is a trail going down to the Rouge River.
The trail is a mix of forest and open meadows.
It is busy during the fall with the Park hosting sports and family events.
This past of the park has the most beautiful views of fall colours. There is a viewing deck where you can look down and see the Rouge River as well as the trees changing colors.
There is a trail going down to the Rouge River.
The trail is a mix of forest and open meadows.
It is busy during the fall with the Park hosting sports and family events.
I went hiking here with a couple of friends! We enjoyed the scenery… it was peaceful and fun. You hear nature mostly. We went hiking for 3 hours just wandering around and having fun. We also sat down and had a picnic near the creek. Love how the place is not as busy as high park since it’s not as popular. Also you see nice people hiking as well mostly elderly just enjoying the nature.
Hiked Orchard and Vista loop. It is about 5km. Looked like it had a light snow yesterday, the scenery was beautiful. It was a Saturday morning, the weather was nice. It was not busy. The walk was pleasant.
This place is awesome for mtn biking. Not safe for ppl walking or with little kids . Very steep and rocky. Took off one star for the dog people leaving poo behind. Not cool dog ppl.
Great for hiking solo or running, best for biking. Definitely not for strollers.
Narrow trails all the time. Muddy after a rain fall.
Constant ups and downs.
I heard a wildlife in the bushes but didn't face it.
I parked my car by the Loblaws.
No need for tickets, access for free.
Narrow trails all the time. Muddy after a rain fall.
Constant ups and downs.
I heard a wildlife in the bushes but didn't face it.
I parked my car by the Loblaws.
No need for tickets, access for free.
Nice short trail, features a river and a pond. Will take about 45 min to complete at a moderate pace. May not be suitable for kids as some parts are bumpy and uphill steep. Not a loop so you have to trace your steps back to the parking lot which is big enough but can get filled if you get there late.
Beautiful trails in dense forest, right in the middle of the city. The trails are a bit narrow, and are also shared by bikes, so bit careful. A bonus: abandoned railway track.
Perfect location to launch a mountain bike adventure. The summer riding is amazing. Don't mess with the Don is doing good work to maintain the area. Still a nice winter riding area. Upgrades to the trails are making a significant difference.
Beautiful trailhead hidden away in the busy city. The trees turn amber in late october and the forest turns golden. Saw a very healthy deer as well.
Great trails for not too fit people to enjoy some time outdoors in nature. A lot of people mentioned this but there are many mountain bikes that share the trails, so do be mindful of that and you won’t have any surprises! There was quite a bit of fungi growing along the trail when we visited in mid-October, which was interesting to see and not pick. If I was more knowledgeable, maybe I’d choose to come here to forage!
This is one of my favourite trails to go through in Toronto. It's easily accessible by transit, but once you're in the woods, you quickly forget the city. There are a couple of beautiful spots to sit and relax. There is also an area with several slopes to have some fun on your bike as well.
Just pay attention for cyclists and understand that we're all sharing the trail. They go pretty fast here but they also generally try to slow down for people walking. There are parts of the trail that is just barely wide enough for one person.
Just pay attention for cyclists and understand that we're all sharing the trail. They go pretty fast here but they also generally try to slow down for people walking. There are parts of the trail that is just barely wide enough for one person.