The best walks and hikes around Whitby

A wooden bridge carries Devil’s Den Trail across the creek here, giving you an easy crossing without having to pick your way over rocks or through the water. The bridge sits in a greener, more enclosed section of the trail, with dense vegetation along the creek banks. It’s a simple spot, but a nice change of pace before the trail continues back into the woods.

Devil’s Den Trail is one of the main routes in Heber Down Conservation Area. The trail passes through shaded ravine terrain, crosses bridges and boardwalks, and leads to the area known as Devil’s Den, a narrow valley once tied to local folklore. The story goes that this area was once used as a layover spot for horse thieves in the late 19th century, and later crossed by a railway bridge whose concrete remnants still remain today. With steeper grades and a more enclosed feel than some of the park’s other paths, this trail is ideal for a more rugged and immersive walk through the valley.

This paved lot is the main access point for the trails in Heber Down Conservation Area, with plenty of parking and washrooms just off Cochrane Street. From here, you can quickly reach the wooded paths, bridges, and the steeper terrain leading into Devil’s Den, making this a popular starting point for longer loops through the conservation area. There is a parking fee of around $6 per vehicle, or it is waived with a CLOCA membership pass.

Established in 1972, Lynde Shores Conservation Area offers a network of flat, easy trails that wind through marsh, meadow, and lakeshore forest. Boardwalks and wide paths take you through the mix of wetlands and wooded pockets that draw in waterfowl, deer, and plenty of songbirds creating a relaxed environment near the shore of Lake Ontario.

The Levay's Lane Trail offers an easy loop with a mix of shaded paths and open clearings. The route follows gentle terrain, crossing small bridges and pockets of wetland where songbirds and waterfowl are common. A short branch of the trail goes along Cranberry Marsh to the shore of Lake Ontario where you'll find a small beach.

Following the Lake Ontario shoreline, the Whitby section of the Waterfront Trail offers long, easy walking and cycling routes with steady lake views, breezy open stretches, and access to several parks and marina areas. The path is mostly paved and flat, running past Lynde Shores, Whitby Harbour, Iroquois Beach, and the waterfront promenade, with plenty of spots to stop for views of the lake. Boardwalk sections, shaded pockets, and signed wayfinding make it simple to follow, and it connects seamlessly to the rest of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. A scenic, reliable lakeside route ideal for relaxed rides, long walks, or sunrise outings by the water.

Whitby Harbour is a historic and important port on Lake Ontario. It is known for its sheltered basin, which facilitated regional trade, particularly grain exports, in its early history. Today, it is a central hub of the town of Whitby, serving both commercial and recreational purposes. The marina offers over 300 berths and is home to the Whitby Yacht Club. (Visit June 4, 2025) Source: https://bobsnautical.com/index_Whiby.htm

Between 1843 and 1846, a breakwater was built, creating a harbor basin in Whitby from the natural bay where Pringle Creek flows into Lake Ontario. In 1857, a wooden lighthouse was built on the west pier, which is connected to the breakwater. The wooden tower was removed in 1958, and a lighthouse was erected on the new east pier instead. Since 2021, the white cylindrical tower on the east pier displays a red flashing light, while a mast on the west breakwater displays a green flashing light. (Visit June 4, 2025) https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=2275