Hiking Toronto for Dog Lovers

Hiking Muskoka When we're able, we use our talents as hikers in Toronto to explore other parts of Ontario. This entry is one of the series from our October visit to Muskoka.  Cooper's Falls Trail is a 7.3 hike each way and is located near Gravenhurst with beautiful lakes and the Canadian Sheild landscape.  The Cooper's Falls Trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail that spans 27,000 km across Canada. There are no waterfalls on this trail, instead expect typical Canadian shield terrain and marshy ponds. Expect to climb over large rocks that are typical in this part of Ontario. The trail is mostly well marked with blue signs. We had some trouble finding the trail past Larroger Road. Parts of the trail are very muddy so wear appropriate footwear.  The leaves were still colourful during our hike, which made the scenery spectacular. We turned around halfway but met several hikers who trekked both ways. Parking There are parking lots at each end:  Housey's Rapids Road...

Like most hikers who live in Toronto, I don't always have the opportunity to hike trails in other parts of the province. I stay fit and active by hiking as often as possible in Toronto so that when I can leave the city, I can enjoy many more trails. Recently we spent two weeks in the Muskoka region of Ontario. This is affectionately known as "cottage country” to many. Hardy Lake Provincial Park is located 19 km west of Gravenhurst, ON on Highway 169. Camping is not allowed, but hiking is very popular. The park is nearly 1800 acres and features million-year-old rocks sloping into Lake Hardy. There are multiple well-marked and well-maintained trails meandering through the park. The forest is made up of mature hardwoods, including maple, oak, beech, hemlock, red oak and white pine. Autumn colours are quite incredible. I loved the park so much that I went twice in a week. On a weekday, we hiked 10 km and saw very few people. Our second hike was on a Sunday in October, and the park...

This ravine park a hidden gem in Toronto. It is a beautiful park in a forest surrounding a section of Taylor-Massey Creek. You may know of the Taylor Creek Trail. Warden Woods Park is east of the Dawes Road and Victoria Park entrances to Taylor Creek Park, on the other side of the Dentonia Park Golf Course.  Off-Leash Dog Park The Warden Woods Off-Leash Dog Park is located on Pharmacy Ave between St. Clair Ave East and Danforth Ave. The ground is packed gravel with shade trees along the fence. The same parking lot is used for the dog park and the hiking trail.  Suggested Route The hiking trail, also known as the Gus Harris Trail, was named after Scarborough's mayor from 1978 - 1988. The paved trail turns into a crushed gravel trail and runs from the parking lot to St. Clair Ave E, near Warden Ave. At St. Clair, a path along the road takes you into the forested side of the creek. The forest trails are well-established and easy to follow. The entire hike is 5 km in length....

Start at a beautiful dog park and then take a pleasant 5 km hike for chances to see salmon migrating, deer, blue heron, blue jays, and some of the best autumn vista views. Suggested Route After visiting Botany Hill Park, hike along the Highland Creek River using the newest trails in Morningside Park. Once you get to the western parking lot, hike over the steep hill for views and then hike back along the river to your starting point. New Trails The city is building new trails with bridges and paved paths in the section of Morningside Park below the Botany Hill Park. The trails are closed when active construction occurs, but the trails are safe to explore on weekends and evenings.  Parking There are several parking lots in Morningside Park, but for this blog entry, I start the trail from Botany Hill Dog Park on  Orton Park Road , where there is street parking. Botany Hill Dog Park The Botany Hill Dog in Scarborough has all the best features for an off-leash dog playgro...