There’s nothing quite like the beauty of our Great Lakes and the bodies of water in and around the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. There’s no better time to get out there and explore one of Ontario’s stunning waterfront walking trails. Here are some of the top spots in our region where you can soak up some jaw-dropping sights, peaceful sounds, and calming surroundings that are easily accessible by GO Transit. There’s variety here - some routes are more leisurely than others, and some will require a serious time commitment.
Humber Bay Park (Lakeshore West – Mimico GO Station)
Trail length: 1.9 km
Looking to get out for a few hours and enjoy the outdoors in a park-like setting? The highly accessible paved trails of Humber Bay Park are an ideal spot for those who are looking for waterfront walking trails in Toronto with awesome views of the city’s skyline. It’s also a wonderful spot for bird watchers hoping to catch a glimpse for waterfowl and shorebirds.
✔️ Must-see: The Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat, which features native wildflowers, shrubs, trees, grasses, sedges and a variety of physical features known to support butterflies throughout all life cycles.
Pro tip: If you’re visiting Humber Bay Park during the warmer months remember that the weather tends to be a couple degrees cooler by the water, especially if there’s a breeze. Bring a light jacket if you plan to stay and watch the sunset.
Getting to Mimico GO station is easy, plan your trip today and buy your ticket online.
Martin Goodman Trail - Harbourfront to Ontario Place (All GO Transit train lines)
Trail length: 30.6 km
Hit your daily step count effortlessly and bask in the tranquility of Lake Ontario at Martin Goodman Trail, a quintessential destination for a lakeside walk in Toronto. Accessible year-round, this trail is great for all fitness levels and is frequented by those looking for a leisurely stroll, a challenging run, or a sweaty cycling session.
✔️ Must-see: If you’re up for a longer walk, make sure to check out the Humber Bay Arch Bridge, one of the most photogenic spots in the city.
Pro tip: Martin Goodman Trail is wonderful for walking and it is the longest bike trail that is maintained and cleared by the City of Toronto throughout the winter. If you’re looking for a change of pace, you can rent a bike and get 10% off of an annual Bike Share Toronto membership with your PRESTO card.
Getting to your local GO station is easy, plan your trip today and buy your ticket online.
Hamilton Waterfront Trail (Lakeshore West - West Harbour GO or Hamilton GO Centre)
Trail length: 7.5 km
For a journey off the beaten path, make sure to check out the Hamilton Waterfront Trail, a largely off-road route with inspiring views of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment. This family and dog-friendly trail is best used from May until October, is highly accessible and perfect for rollerblading, cycling, skateboarding, walking and more.
✔️ Must-see: While discovering the best of Hamilton’s walking trails, make a stop at Pier 4 Park. It’s especially great for those with kids, as it features an 80-foot tugboat play structure with full view of the water.
Pro tip: GO Transit allows leashed dogs on our trains and buses any day or time – outside of rush hour – and dogs ride for free! When visiting any walking trails in Ontario, make sure that your dog is leashed to keep everyone happy and safe.
Getting to West Harbour GO station or Hamilton GO Centre is easy, plan your trip today and buy your ticket online.
Ajax Waterfront Park (Lakeshore East – Ajax GO)
Trail length: 6 km
Ajax’s waterfront is a gem of unspoiled beauty and it stretches across the Town's southern border along the shores of Lake Ontario. It’s one of the most picturesque waterfronts in southern Ontario and the perfect place to take photos that will excite your followers on social media. Ajax Waterfront Park is a completely off-road from end to end and offers one of the best hiking trails in Durham Region.
✔️ Must-see: Carruthers Marsh features scenic views, a pavilion equipped with restrooms and concessions, and a park and splash pad for the whole family to enjoy.
Pro tip: When taking photos for your social media channels, zoom out a bit more as it allows you to improve the visual composition. Then you can place the focus more effectively where you want it.
Getting to Ajax GO station is easy, plan your trip today and buy your ticket online.
Allandale Station Park (Barrie – Allandale GO)
Trail length: 6.7km
Imagine a beautiful waterfront setting, grassy hills, and an unforgettable view of Barrie’s skyline. You’ll find all of this and more at Allandale Station Park, a destination for those seeking the best walking trails in Barrie. This shoreline park has some of Barrie’s best hiking trails in addition to walking trails, a picnic pavilion, and a community center. Allandale Station Park is dog-friendly, so bring your furry fam along for the trip, and don’t forget that dogs ride for free on GO Transit.
✔️ Must-see: The Moments of Algoma Group of Seven interpretive panel that links the Group’s travels in Algoma Country to the Allandale train station.
Pro tip: Remember to “take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints”. If you’re picnicking and bringing a meal into nature, everything that you’ve brought with you must go back out. We need to work together to preserve our green spaces for generations to come.
Getting to Allandale GO station is easy, plan your trip today and buy your ticket online.
We hope that you’re inspired to get outside and explore some of the great things mother nature has to offer in our great region. Before you head out, don’t forget to check your schedule. If you found this helpful, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.