York Region Nature Trails
Welcome to York Region!
York Region is located in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Southern Ontario. The Region is comprised of nine area municipalities covering approximately 1,776 square kilometres, stretching from the City of Toronto in the south to Lake Simcoe and the Holland Marsh in the north, and bounded by Peel Region in the west and Durham Region in the east. The dominant physical features of the Region are Lake Simcoe and the Oak Ridges Moraine, an east-west rolling topography, including forested areas, wetlands, and kettle lakes covering 500 square kilometres. These features enhance the quality of life for the Region’s residents, provide abundant recreational opportunities, and are a basis for tourism in the Region.
York Region’s extensive network of trails and forests are among the Region’s most cherished attractions. Born of ancient routes used by First Nations, the trail network now extends throughout each of the nine cities and towns. Trail explorers can choose between paved urban trails or rugged forest paths. Hikers will be amazed at the diverse landscape, wildlife and vegetation waiting to be appreciated. Explore the Oak Ridges Moraine trail, kettle lakes, wetlands, forests and a variety of other points of interest.
You will find some of the best hiking and nature trails in Ontario right here in York Region.
Link to York Region website:
https://www.york.ca/wps/portal/yorkhome/!ut/p/a1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfGjzOKNjEzMPAydDbwMPPwtDDzdzANMXSw8DA28jYAKIoEKDHAARwNC-sP1o8BK8JjgpR-VnpOfBHZNpGNekrFFun5UUWpaalFqkV5pEVA4o6SkoNhK1UDVoLy8XC89Pz89J1UvOVHVAJuOjPziEv0IFIX6BbkRBrpRSZXljoqKAEtNyFU!/dl5/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/#.W5Al7vZFzx8
Anchor Park Trail Holland Landing Park is accessible from the north side of Doane Rd. east of Yonge St. and has a parking lot that is open most of the year except in mid winter. There is also pedestrian access from Parkside Dr. The Park gets its name from the giant...
The Aurora Community Arboretum offers scenic walking trail through a diverse collection of trees and plants. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll and nature observation. It consists of 100+ acres east of Industrial Pkwy N, between St. John’s Sideroad...
Bartley Smith Greenway Trails The Bartley Smith Greenway is a 15 kilometre trail system following the course of the West Don River. The Bartley Smith Greenway is broken into northern and southern trail segments. The northern segment, approximately four kilometres...
Explore the trails that wind through the beautiful Humber River valley at Boyd Conservation Area. Located within the headwaters of the Don and Humber Rivers, Boyd Conservation Area offers a unique opportunity to enjoy nature in the city. The park is one of the GTA’s...
Bruce’s Mills Conservation Area Escape the city and let nature be your guide on the trails at Bruce’s Mill. Step onto a winding boardwalk that leads you through bright fields into the forest canopy. Follow a wooden bridge across a soft stream, navigate the...
Cawthra Mulock Nature Reserve Surrounded by intense agricultural and urban development, the reserve provides refuge to a variety of wildlife. The most notable feature of this property is the diversity of habitats it encompasses. The property hosts a large tract of...
Centennial Park Trail A well-established system of trails exists in Centennial Park. An information sign is posted and outlines the trails available, and colour markings on the trees help hikers and cyclists find their way. In addition to existing plant and animal...
Cold Creek Conservation Area Trails Cold Creek Conservation Area is an ecologically diverse and sustainable natural area. It is a model of sustainability that can be achieved by protecting and enhancing the area’s natural environment while providing outdoor education,...
The Dave Kerwin Trail is Newmarket’s newest trail system and stretches from Davis Drive to Newmarket’s northern boundary, connecting neighbourhoods and focal points in the community. The trail also connects to Environmental Park, located at the corner of Woodspring...
Happy Valley Forest Tract is located at the centre of King. It is one of the largest intact hardwood forests on the Oak Ridges Moraine. The forest is classified as a provincially significant Area of Natural and Scientific Interest by the Ontario Ministry of Natural...