The best city hikes and walks around Lake Ontario

Sunnyside Beach is a beautiful sandy waterfront spot with open lake views, seasonal swimming areas, and easy access to the waterfront trail used by walkers and cyclists. Nearby facilities and historic structures, including the Sunnyside Pavilion, make it a popular stop along the Western Ravines & Beaches Boardwalk route.

The Eastern Ravines & Beaches Discovery Walk links wooded ravines, neighbourhood streets, lakeshore boardwalks, and waterfront parks in the east end. Typically starting at Glen Stewart Ravine, the walk runs down toward Lake Ontario and continues along the Beaches boardwalk through Woodbine Beach and Ashbridge’s Bay Park. The path covers approximately 7 to 9 kilometres and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. This section follows the wooded Glen Stewart Ravine and its spring-fed creek down toward the Beaches, connecting natural forest footpaths with the more expansive Eastern Ravines & Beaches route.

Ames Creek is a beautiful spring-fed stream that flows through Glen Stewart Ravine and is one of the few remaining natural watercourses in Toronto’s urban landscape. It winds along the forest floor beneath a canopy of red oaks and maples, with raised boardwalks allowing visitors to follow its course while protecting the wetland habitat. The creek continues toward Lake Ontario, where it eventually disappears underground before reaching the waterfront.

Glen Stewart Park is a small urban green space in Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood, known for its wooded setting and trails that lead into the adjacent Glen Stewart Ravine, offering a natural escape within the city. The park’s paths wind through a forested landscape dominated by native trees and connect with elevated boardwalk sections along Ames Creek. The area supports diverse plant and bird life and is valued both for recreation and its environmentally sensitive ecosystem.

HTO West is a relaxed urban waterfront park with a sand-covered beach area, Muskoka chairs, and bright yellow umbrellas, with views across Toronto Harbour to the Toronto Islands. While swimming is not permitted, its terraced lawns and boardwalk connection make it a popular spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and watching boats pass by.

The Bentway Trail is an urban, multi-use trail that runs for 1.75 kilometres, mostly beneath the Gardiner Expressway. The trail is open for walking, cycling, and skating in the winter. It is an accessible paved path, with seating and gathering areas, occasional public art and event spaces, Wi-Fi, and water fountains at entry points.

Perth Avenue Parkette is a small, quiet green space tucked between residential streets in Toronto’s Junction Triangle. There is a nice bench here, mature trees and a drinking fountain, making it a peaceful spot to pause along the West Toronto Railpath. Though modest in size, it provides a welcome break from the surrounding urban bustle, ideal for a quick rest, a chat with neighbours, or a moment of shade on a sunny day.

Located near the West Toronto Railpath, this is a great local brewery with a welcoming taproom, rotating seasonal releases, and a bike-friendly vibe. Whether you're meeting friends or cooling down solo, it’s a laid-back spot that makes it easy to linger after a ride or walk.