Spring is just around the corner! If you need any more of an excuse to get out there and explore the beautiful trails Ontario, Canada has to offer, we have some for you. Whether you’re looking for a change in elevation or you want an easy stroll, grab your camera and enjoy the colorful and dramatic scenes scattered across the landscape.
As the snow begins to melt, and wildlife and flowers emerge, you can’t help but want to hit the trails to see some of the most beautiful hiking destinations in the world. Although there are beautiful hiking locations in the world, Ontario is by far one of the most mesmerizing of them all, and the photo opportunities are endless!
When the rabbits, bears, and beavers notice the ice thawing and the blossoms are blooming, you’re sure to get some of the most awe-inspiring photographs you’ve ever taken. Make sure your batteries are charged and bring an extra memory card because you will want to hit the trail this spring!
If you’ve checked out our seven best winter hikes, you have to try some of the best spring hikes in our province. We’ve considered day hikes, backpacking, camping, and some things in between when it came to the ten most jaw-dropping photographic opportunities in Ontario’s great outdoors.
1. Scarborough Bluff Trail
Distance: 4.7 km
Elevation Gain: 12 m
Scarborough Bluff Trail tops our list for its accessibility and wildflowers! As the foliage returns to these trees, so do the birds. You can take photos from the lovely beach cliff, bluffs, dunes, or in the shade of the trees. This easy hike makes it convenient to bring your camera along, just be mindful of the sand.
2. Kabeyun Trail
Distance: 36.7 km
Elevation Gain: 414 m
This moderately challenging hike will test your calves and balance but offers a great opportunity to snap a few shots of wildlife. You can even take a few photos of Thunder Bay’s Sleeping Giant. Light dances off the water to create some stunning seascapes. If you want some great photos of your dog, bring him along, too. This trail is dog-friendly as long as you keep your pup on-leash.
3. Cedar Sands Trail
Distance: 1.9 km
Elevation Gain: 13 m
This short loop is great for a quick trip to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air. This hike is a great way to get back into the swing of things after taking some downtime in the winter. If you want to take some photos while enjoying some serenity, this trail is perfect. This lovely spot is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your best friend to run and frolic in the spring air, too.
4. Kag Trail
Distance: 2.3 km
Elevation Gain: 93 m
The Kag Trail offers robust and breathtaking pine trees that tower over the trail. This woodlands hike can be a paradise for deer and smaller mammals. Steeped in history, you can learn a lot about the region. This trail is one of the best-kept secrets in Ontario.
5. Elora Gorge Trail
Distance: 7.2 km
Elevation Gain: 227 m
The Elora Gorge Trail is a nature lover’s dream. This piece of our pristine environment is great for birding and bridges! And the views at the gorge are like no others. This is an easy hike and the rushing, clear water makes a photographic muse that’s sure to inspire some beautiful compositions. If you want a relaxing day on the trail, this hike is a perfect choice.
6. Niagara-on-the-Lake Waterfront Trail
Distance: 7.3 km
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Waterfront Trail would have climbed a bit higher on our list if it was slightly less frequented by people. While this trail may not offer the most peace and quiet in all of Canada, it does provide a variety of activities and scenic views. You can even bike the on-road portion if you want to. Take some pictures of the forts or the lake, and pack a lunch while you’re at it.
7. Bruce Trail: Iroquoia Section
Distance: 114 km
Elevation Gain: 2,211 m
Grab your backpack and hit the Bruce Trail. The Iroquoia section offers vibrant springtime wildflowers, happy birds, and dramatic cliff faces. This trail is somewhat challenging, so make sure you’re wearing the right shoes and don’t bite off more than you’re up for. If you bring the tent and decide to tackle the entire section, you will find serene waterfalls, babbling brooks, and a plethora of wildlife.
8. Algonquin Lookout Trail
Distance: 2.31 km
Elevation Gain: 80 m
While the Algonquin Lookout Trail is well known for its fall colors, it also offers excellent spring interest. This short loop trail has astonishing views that beg to be photographed. You may even spot a few moose and some smaller critters like squirrels, chipmunks, and wild turkey. This easy hike has some of the best views of Algonquin Provincial Park.
9. Ball’s Falls Conservation Area Trail
Distance: 1.6 km
Elevation Gain: 26 m
Ball’s Falls Conservation Area Trail make not make you break a sweat, but it will make you break a smile. This trail is known for its birding and stunning waterfalls that will dazzle and amaze you. And this hidden gem doesn’t receive much traffic. This hike makes an excellent day hike and you won’t get too tired carrying your camera equipment.
10. Rideau Trail
Distance: 387 km
Elevation Gain: 163 m
This historic and exciting hiking trail offers views of Foley Mountain and the Ottawa River. If you want to hike the whole trail, you’ll need to prepare yourself for some quite a time investment. Most people choose to just hike one of the three sections of a shorter leg. No matter where you wind up hiking on the Rideau Trail, you’re guaranteed some solace and some great photos. As the wildflower re-emerge, make sure you stop to take in their under-rated elegance.
Once you’ve collected some springtime memories and plenty of photographs, be sure to share your experience with others to encourage the love of our parks. You can even sell some of your best photos in an online store. Find the perfect layout for your website and post options for different print sizes. Let your fans display your work in their homes.
As the sun returns, make sure you enjoy some time in the great outdoors. Ontario has some of the best hiking, fishing, and camping in the world–be sure you get to enjoy it. Bring your camera and take some vibrant photos that will inspire others to explore the wilderness, too.
Partnered post.
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