You can reach six excellent hikes from downtown Toronto by TTC, GO Train, or ferry, all in under an hour. These are trails where you actually feel like you have left the city, not just crossed a park.
We put this list together because "transit-accessible" often means two hours each way, which defeats the purpose. Every hike here gets you to a real trail quickly, so you spend more time walking and less time waiting for transfers.
The best transit-accessible hikes near Toronto are Ward's Island (ferry, 15 minutes from downtown), the Don Valley Trail Network (80+ km of trails accessible by TTC), Tommy Thompson Park (5 km peninsula into Lake Ontario), Highland Creek in Scarborough (GO Train, 30 minutes), Claireville Conservation Area (about an hour by transit), and the Culham Trail in Mississauga (GO Train, 45 minutes). Here is what each one offers.
Three hikes within Toronto's city limits feel surprisingly wild: Ward's Island, the Don Valley trails, and Tommy Thompson Park. All three are reachable by TTC or ferry in under 40 minutes from downtown, and each one will make you forget you are in a city of three million people.
Ward's Island is the quietest part of the Toronto Islands and the best place to feel truly removed from the city without leaving it. Take the ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (a 15-minute ride) and head east toward the boardwalk. The loop trail is about 4.5 km, mostly flat, and takes roughly 90 minutes at a relaxed pace. Once you reach the south shore, you are staring across open Lake Ontario with the skyline behind you.
While the crowds head to Centre Island or Hanlan's, Ward's is a different experience entirely. Exit the ferry and walk toward the Port Lands area, where woodlands feel almost untouched. This AllTrails route is a good starting point, then follow your curiosity.
Transit: TTC streetcar (509/510) to Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, then Ward's Island ferry. About 30 to 40 minutes total from Union Station. Check the ferry schedule before heading out, as times vary by season.
The Don Valley has over 80 km of trails running through the middle of Toronto, with surprising elevation changes and wildlife including woodpeckers, beavers, and deer. Start at E.T. Seton Park at Eglinton and head north or south as far as you like. The main trail from E.T. Seton Park to Corktown Common is about 13.5 km one way.
For a shorter option, the Beaver Flats loop is a 4 km route that gives you a real taste of how wild this valley gets. The trails pass through Todmorden Mills, Evergreen Brick Works, and Riverdale Park, so you can enter and exit at multiple points along the way. Watch out for mountain bikes on the narrower sections.
Transit: Multiple TTC access points. Take the subway to Broadview or Castle Frank station for southern access, or bus routes 51 (Leslie) or 54 (Lawrence East) to reach E.T. Seton Park. About 30 to 45 minutes from downtown depending on your entry point.
Tommy Thompson Park is a 5 km man-made peninsula extending into Lake Ontario that has become one of Toronto's best wildlife refuges. It is home to beavers, rabbits, mink, and even nesting bald eagles in recent years. One side offers open views of Lake Ontario; the other gives you some of the best skyline views in the city.
The park was built from dredged material and construction debris, signs of which are still visible along the water's edge. Despite this origin, the renaturalization has been remarkably successful. This 12 km route takes you through the highlights, and the trails are mostly flat and paved.
Transit: TTC bus 83 (Jones) south from Donlands subway station, or the 501 streetcar along Queen to Leslie Street and walk south. About 25 to 35 minutes from downtown. Note: the park is open weekends and holidays from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM, and weekdays only from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Three trails outside the city are reachable by GO Transit in under an hour from Union Station: Highland Creek in Scarborough, Claireville Conservation Area near Brampton, and the Culham Trail along the Credit River in Mississauga. Each one offers longer, quieter trails where you can walk for hours without running into many other people.
Highland Creek is a 14.6 km wooded loop trail in Scarborough that follows a pretty creek through ravines and ends at a beach under East Point Park. Take the GO Train (Lakeshore East line) from Union Station to Guildwood, a 30-minute ride, and the trail starts right from the station. The elevation gain is modest at about 40 metres, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
The Highland Creek and Waterfront Loop on AllTrails is the recommended route. Allow 3 to 3.5 hours for the full loop. Do not miss the beach at East Point Park for a unique Scarborough experience you probably did not know existed.
Transit: GO Train Lakeshore East line to Guildwood GO Station. 30 minutes from Union Station. Trail access is directly from the station.
Claireville is a true conservation area with trails ranging from 3.7 to 10.8 km that wind through wetlands, forests, grasslands, and along the West Humber River. It feels remarkably wild given how close it is to the city. The Claireville North Multi-Use Trail (3.7 km) is fully accessible, with pedestrian bridges and river views, while longer loops take you deeper into the landscape.
This AllTrails route covers the park's highlights in a single loop. Whether you want a short, flat walk or a longer outing through varied terrain, Claireville has options.
Transit: About 1 hour and 10 minutes from downtown Toronto via GO Train to Brampton, then Brampton Transit bus routes 11, 38, or 50 to the park.
The Culham Trail follows the Credit River for 13.2 km from Erindale Park through Riverwood Conservancy and into the village of Streetsville, passing several sets of rapids along the way. The elevation gain is about 154 metres over the full distance, giving it a bit more challenge than the other trails on this list. The complete trail system stretches 18 km if you want to extend your route.
Take the GO Train (Milton line) from Union Station to Erindale GO Station, then walk about 15 minutes to the trailhead. The 13 km out-and-back Culham Trail is the best route, or search AllTrails for shorter loops if you want a quicker outing. Allow about 3 to 3.5 hours for the full trail.
Transit: GO Train Milton line to Erindale GO Station. About 45 minutes from Union Station, plus a 15-minute walk to the trail.
Yes. Toronto has several excellent hiking trails accessible by TTC, GO Transit, and ferry. The Don Valley Trail Network alone has over 80 km of trails reachable by subway and bus. For trails outside the city, GO Train connects to Highland Creek (30 min from Union), the Culham Trail in Mississauga (45 min), and Claireville near Brampton (about 1 hour 10 min).
The Don Valley Trail Network is the most versatile TTC-accessible hike in Toronto. It has over 80 km of trails with multiple subway and bus access points, varied terrain, and real wildlife. For a shorter, more unique experience, Tommy Thompson Park offers a 12 km trail along a peninsula into Lake Ontario.
Three great trails are directly accessible by GO Train from Union Station. Take the Lakeshore East line to Guildwood (30 min) for Highland Creek, the Milton line to Erindale (45 min) for the Culham Trail, or connect to Brampton Transit (about 1 hr 10 min) for Claireville Conservation Area.
Yes. Ward's Island (4.5 km, flat, ferry access), Tommy Thompson Park (flat, paved trails), and the Claireville North Multi-Use Trail (3.7 km, fully accessible with pedestrian bridges) are all beginner-friendly and reachable by transit. Highland Creek is also manageable for beginners with just 40 metres of elevation gain over 14.6 km.
Tommy Thompson Park is open weekends and holidays from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM, and weekdays only from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM. It is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. Check the official website for the most current hours before visiting.
If you want to explore trails like these with a group of good people, Wilderness Union runs guided hikes and outdoor adventures from Toronto throughout the year. We handle the logistics so you can just show up. Check out our upcoming adventures and events and join the crew.
