The best walks and hikes around Vaughan

This short, multi-use trail forms a loop from the parking area near the Visitor Centre. While the full loop is only 1.3 kilometres, the trail does cross paths with other trails in the Kortright Centre for Conservation so you can create a longer excursion if you have the time and inclination to do so.

The trails in Nashville Conservation Reserve follow a mix of wide gravel paths and quieter woodland routes that weave through rolling moraine terrain, making it easy to choose anything from a short walk to a longer outing. The trails cross open meadows, shaded forest, and sections near the Humber River, with gentle hills and changing scenery giving different parts of the network their own feel. Popular for hiking, biking, and winter skiing, the routes offer a peaceful escape with a more natural, less manicured atmosphere than many city parks.

The Humber River spans 126 kilometres and flows from the Niagara Escarpment and Oak Ridges Moraine to Lake Ontario. Its watershed spans over 900 square kilometres and includes forests, meadows, wetlands, and urban areas, making it one of Ontario’s most ecologically and historically significant rivers. Designated a Canadian Heritage River in 1999, the Humber served as a vital travel corridor for Indigenous peoples and early European settlers, making it an ideal spot to pause and reflect on the river’s history and appreciate its beauty.

Nashville Conservation Reserve is a large protected natural area on the Oak Ridges Moraine, where forests, meadows, wetlands, and the winding Humber River create one of the largest natural landscapes in the north GTA. There is a network of trails that run through mature woodland, river valleys, and rolling terrain, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and cross-country skiing in winter. Though close to urban areas, the reserve feels surprisingly quiet and remote, with long stretches of forest and riverside scenery giving it a more secluded feel than many nearby parks.

This forest is one of the most famous spots in the province for its tall, old maple trees. As you walk along the well-maintained gravel paths, you will notice how quiet and peaceful the woods feel, even though the city is just a short distance away.

As you start your walk, you will notice the trail is wide and flat, making it a very easy trip for you and your family. In the springtime, you can see small wildflowers peeking through the soil, while the autumn brings a bright ceiling of yellow and gold leaves.

A large conservation area in Vaughan known for its forest trails, wetlands, and educational programs. The centre has a well-marked network of walking, running and biking trails, ranging from short loops like the Maple and Cold Creek routes to longer tracks like the Wetland Trail. Surfaces vary between dirt, gravel, and boardwalks, and the terrain stays mostly level throughout. With parking, visitor facilities, and multiple trail connections, it’s a practical starting point or midpoint for routes in the surrounding greenbelt.

An easy trail that skirts the edge of Kortright’s wetlands, giving clear views over the marsh and its seasonal wildlife. The route is flat and follows a mix of dirt surface and short boardwalk sections. The trail connects directly to the wider network at Kortright, making it a practical add-on for any route passing through the conservation area.