I love to run, play fetch, and engage in a good game of tug. But what I love most is going out on hikes. Nothing beats being in nature. If you are looking for some trails to check out in the Greater Toronto Area, consider taking a hike on one or all of my top 5 favourite trails. I give them all 5 paws! Remember to practice safe hiking. Maintain a safe distance from other hikers and stay on the trails.

Great place take in the wonderful sights and sounds of nature as you walk through the forest. I usually do the Irwin Quarry Side Trail and Roberts Side Trail Loop. It Is quite challenging. The route takes you up and down escarpment rocks and can be slippery in wet weather. The Roberts Side Trail is fairly flat and features a nice board walk as you get closer to the park entrance. It is free to enter. Get there early as street parking spots are limited.

Trails

• Bennett Heritage Side Trail - 0.8 km

• Bruce Trail - 6.3 km

• Great Esker Side Trail - 3.9 km

• Irwin Quarry Side Trail - 1.1 km

• Roberts Side Trail - 1.5 km

• Walking Fern Side Trail - 0.8 km

Address

Fallbrook Trail & Side Rd 27
Halton Hills

A great nature preserve located in the northern part of Brampton. Heart Lake Conservation Area is a popular destination for families, runners, and cyclists alike. It is my go-to place for an evening hike. I personally love the Esker Trail. There are subtle elevation changes as you navigate through the path. The variation keeps the hike interesting and fun. Most of the trails are tree-covered offering you reprieve from the hot sun. Weeknights are excellent times to go check out the park. You will need to pay to enter through the main entrance. It is free if you have a CVC or TRCA membership. There are several entry points scattered around the perimeter of the park that provides free access.

Trails

• Esker Trail - 3.1 km

• Lake Trail - 3.7 km

• Rayner Trail - 0.6 km

• Terry Fox Trail - 1.0 km

• Wetland Trail - 2.5 km

Address

10818 Heart Lake Rd
Brampton, ON L6Z 0B3

Something for everyone. Terra Cotta Conversation Area offers scenic trails are varying degrees of difficulty. Great place for day hikes. Grab your pack and head out for walks through mature forests around ponds and small lakes. This is part of the Credit Valley Conservation network of conservation areas. It is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is a fee to enter. It’s free if you have a CVC membership. More details can be found here.

Trails

• McGregor Spring Pond Trail - 1 km

• Vaughn Trail - 1.6 km

• Terra Cotta Lane - 2 km

• Wetland Trail - 0.4 km

• A.F. Coventry Trail - 1.5 km

• Escarpment Trail - 0.4 km

• Graydon Trail - 2.5 km

Address

14452 Winston Churchill Blvd
Halton Hills, ON L7G 0N9