Five Bucket List Day Hikes in Ontario: Are They Worth It?
Ontario is home to some of the best hiking, and there's something for everyone. Ontario Parks manages 340 provincial parks and 295 conservation reserves covering over nine million hectares of land in the province, not to mention the endless user-maintained and crown land trails.
By getting out hiking, the trails provide firsthand experiences, educate us in understanding the natural environment, foster respect for nature, and turn the outdoors into a natural classroom.
When you go hiking, you get to experience nature up close and learn about the different environments within Ontario. Hiking trails have been and will continue to be a big part of the environmental movement. They're a great way to teach people about nature and give them access to Ontario's natural beauty so that they can appreciate, respect, and learn more.
Don't let age, skill level, or interests hold you back. Ontario's hiking trails are open to all, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn about culture and history, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Five Bucket List Day Hikes in Ontario:
Are They Worth It
Based on personal experience, I recommend adding these five bucket-list hikes to anyone's list of must-visit destinations.
Top Of The Giant: Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
The iconic Sleeping Giant of Thunder Bay offers perhaps the most incredible view in Ontario from the top of the province's tallest cliffs.
Although this is a day hike, I recommend booking a few nights at the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park campground before setting off on one of the top hikes in Ontario.
Top Of The Giant is a challenging 23.2-km trek (with 577 metres of elevation gain) to the view (according to Alltrails). We completed the hike within 7 hours. At first, I had a hard time believing this was a day hike. Still, after completing it, I realized the first 7km was a flat walking trail leading to the official trailhead before the climb began.
Park at the Kabeyun South Trail Head near the end of Highway 587. From there, you'll take the Kabeyun Trail for 7 km to reach the Talus Trail, which you'll then hike for 0.8 km before reaching the turn-off for the Top of the Giant Trail.
The Crack: Killarney Provincial Park
The Crack is one of the most popular hiking trails in Ontario. Killarney Provincial Park is unique with its pink granite and white La Cloche mountains, so it's no wonder The Crack is always on the top hiking lists in Ontario. Fortunately, Killarney P.P. is essentially in my backyard; living in Sudbury is only an hour's drive away, and I have hiked The Crack multiple times.
Even if you have extensive hiking experience, do not underestimate this one. The hike up the Crack is initially flat, but it does get steep. The boulders are massive, and you will scramble more than you will hike towards the view.
When you are at the top, as long as it's sunny, you'll have the best view of the park. Depending on your pace, fitness level, and hiking experience, plan to allow yourself 4 – 5 hours and to be down an hour before dark. Bring a lunch or a snack, sit at the view, and enjoy!
Park at The Crack Parking lot in Killarney Provincial Park. Which is a 7 km drive east of the permit office at George Lake. The total out-and-back trail is 7.6km with a 232m elevation gain. The Crack is very well marked, but please keep in mind that it is part of the La Cloche Silhouette Trail (a 78km 7-day backpacking hike).
Lion's Head Lookout: Lion's Head Provincial Park
How could you not hike Lion's Head Lookout when visiting Tobermory? This iconic hike is highly rated for a reason. From stunning 200-foot cliffs, you can see the turquoise-blue Georgian Bay in all its glory.
To start your hike, park your car at the Bruce Trail Parking Lot on McCurdy Drive Parkette and follow the trails outlined on the map provided at the trailhead. The hike is 7.1km out and back with an elevation gain of 181m. Please remember that this trail is considered moderate, but there is some tricky footing with rocks initially. The view is absolutely worth the trek. Bring yourself a snack or lunch to find a spot and enjoy on a sunny day.
The Cup and Saucer: Manitoulin Island
I may be biased, having spent my summers on Manitoulin. Still, The Cup and Saucer is definitely worth hiking! There are a handful of different trails, but I recommend the 5km out-and-back trail, which offers more incredible views to the East Lookout.
The trail is accessible from Highway 540. Starting in Little Current, travel west on Highway 540 for approximately 20 km to Bidwell Road. Continue on Highway 540; the new parking area and trailhead are on the east side of the road.
Nokomis Trail: Lake Superior Provincial Park
If you have yet to visit Lake Superior Provincial Park, put all your other plans on hold and go now! Lake Superior P.P. is absolutely stunning; the drive from Sault Ste-Marie offers endless views (make sure to pull over to take them all in safely).
Last summer, I took a solo road trip up to Lake Superior, and I plan on going there again this year. With endless trail options, I couldn't decide which ones to hike, so I chose the most popular.
Starting with the Nokomis Trail is a 4.2km loop that gives you views of Old Woman Bay. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, hiking clockwise, allowing you to take in all the viewpoints. Park at Old Woman Bay, and please be careful when crossing the highway to get to the trailhead.
Are these five popular Ontario hikes worth the hype? Absolutely.
Ontario offers many hiking options, each offering its unique appeal. Despite the myriad choices, five trails consistently earn a spot at the top of hikers' bucket lists.
These trails are renowned for their breathtaking vistas, diverse landscapes, and captivating experiences, making them a must for any hiking enthusiast. I am repeatedly drawn to these trails, eager to hike the unmatched beauty and charm.
Here are a few things to consider when hiking any of these trails:
These five hikes are popular because they will get incredibly busy during the summer months. If possible, obtain your parking pass or permit in advance.
Because these hikes attract many people throughout the year, please remember to leave the trail better than you found it. Do not leave garbage, go off the trail or disturb the surrounding area.
Proper footwear is always recommended; at minimum, wear running shoes with a good grip. Be careful of your surroundings, and hike at your own pace.
Always be prepared, bring water and snacks, download the trail, and let someone know where you are if you are hiking solo.
Remember to be a kind human and respect nature, fellow hikers, and animals on and around these trails.
