Lesser-known GTA spots that are worth a family hike
It can be hard to find activities for your kids in the Toronto Area, but luckily there are loads of places within shouting distance to give them a bit of nature time. Study after study has demonstrated the positive impact on a child from simply walking through a forest. It doesn’t have to be strenuous, or in some far-off locale — just a walk in the woods can restore peace, balance and calm to a child. It’s also one of those forms of exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise.
Remember to bring lots of water, especially if you’re hiking in summer, a phone with GPS to make sure you don’t get turned around, and maybe a snack or two for the little ones. Have fun!
Seneca College, King Campus
Location: West side of Dufferin Street, between 15th & 16th Sideroad
If you’re a full-on downtowner, you may not be familiar with Seneca’s King campus. Located in the hills and forests of York Region, the school includes rolling farmland, a lake and the former mansion of Flora Eaton (of the long-lost Eaton’s retail empire), and a large woodlot with lots of hiking trails. Oddly enough, all the trails are named after Led Zeppelin songs (I kid you not). There’s also a viewing platform on the south shore of the lake, which lets you view the abundant bird life. The lake does not appear to be swimmable. For parking, you can pay to park on campus or pull to the shoulder at the trailheads on Dufferin or Keele.
The 99 Steps (Thornton Bales Conservation Area)
Location: 19th Sideroad, between Dufferin & Bathurst
My nine-year-old counted the steps and says there are actually only 78, but they provide the means for descending from the parking area down into the forest. Once there, you’ll find a number of trails that weave through the many ravines through a thick wood with lots of ancient trees. It’s a lovely oasis that at times feels downright primeval, though parking (on the north side of 19th Sideroad) is limited and it can get pretty crowded on weekends and holidays, so try to arrive early.
Nevada Park — North Maple Regional Park
Location: Nevada Crescent, near Kirby and Dufferin
Nestled in a big valley and surrounded byupscale suburban housing, Nevada Park on its own is a pretty little getaway, with hilly fields, paths and a playground. However, if you walk over to the pond and past the little pumphouse, you’ll enter a nice path that winds its way down to the North Maple Regional Park, which itself is a huge park with gorgeous fields, both natural and groomed, artificially-grassed soccer fields, a fancy new fieldhouse with washrooms and changing rooms, and even a collection of Adirondack chairs that give you a nice view of the place. This path will make your kids feel like explorers, especially when you “discover” the NMRP.
Bond Lake
Location: Yonge Street, north of Stouffville Road
You’d never expect to find a big lake right beside Yonge Street, but there it is, just sitting there, surrounded by trees. There is a path that will let you circumnavigate the lake, which is maybe a half hour walk, but behind the abandoned farmhouse is a second path that takes a switchback up a hill and connects you to the Oak Ridges Corridor, which is a long east-west trail that extends along both sides of Yonge and goes almost all the way to Leslie Street. The parking lot is small, but I’ve never been unable to find a space there. As for the lake, the signs say it’s not safe for swimming, but I have seen people swimming and boating in it. The waters do look inviting, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
North Tract York Region Forest
Barely marked on maps (or on the site), this is a very pretty patch of wood that varies between evergreens and heavy undergrowth to open areas full of birds and butterflies. One of the many hiking spots on McCowan, it contains a number of trails that are wide and sandy. Do note that horseback riders sometimes use the trail as well, so be ready to step aside (and watch where you put your feet).
