The best walks and hikes around London

Thames Valley Trail is a long-distance hiking trail stretching over 270 kilometres from the shores of Lake Erie to St. Marys in southwestern Ontario. Maintained by volunteers, it follows river valleys, farmland, forests and conservation areas, with sections passing through London along the Thames River. This section runs along the river closely and is a great way to spend time in a beautiful natural setting.

The Thames River flows through London, forming the scenic backbone of the city’s parklands and trail system. At the Forks of the Thames, its north and south branches meet before continuing west toward Lake St. Clair. Sections of the Thames Valley Loop and the broader Thames Valley trail network follow the riverbanks, linking riverside parks, natural areas and multi-use pathways along its course.

Kains Woods is a beautiful Carolinian forest, known for its tall hardwoods, steep riverbanks and quiet natural setting along the Thames River. The woodland protects diverse plant and bird life and features a network of unpaved trails that wind through mature trees and down to the water’s edge. Popular with hikers and trail runners, it offers a more rugged, natural experience compared to the city’s paved multi-use paths.

The floating boardwalks lead you to a hidden pond full of life in Sifton Bog. Take your time to appreciate the colors of the moss carpets, the green water, the surrounding forest, and the birdlife.

A short boardwalk trail leading deep into a rare peat bog, surrounded by tamarack trees and still, open wetlands. The walk is easy and unique, giving you a chance to see a sensitive ecosystem up close.

A quiet woodland loop tucked behind the neighborhood, with soft dirt paths winding through mature trees and small pockets of wetland. Expect birds, shaded sections, and a calm, tucked-away atmosphere.

A small community green space with open lawns, scattered trees, and a short trail. It’s simple but convenient, and well connected to other parks like Hyde Park Woods and Sifton Bog, and also close to the Thames River. You can choose your route and wander around this forested corner of the city using the trail network in the area.

The Thames Valley Trail runs along the north side of the North Thames River through Kilally Meadows, following a quiet corridor of floodplain forest, meadows, and wetlands. It’s part of a 110-kilometre hiking route that links London to St. Marys and Delaware, passing through conservation areas and natural river valleys. You'll likely see herons and plenty of turtles along the way as you walk along this peaceful stretch of trail.