Walks and Views

A section of the NCC's Capital Pathway along the Queen Elizabeth Driveway, beside the Rideau Canal Skateway, running from the Laurier Bridge to Dow's Lake. The NCC clears it of snow in winter, while most of the pathway network is not cleared. Free to use.

A section of the NCC's Capital Pathway along Colonel By Drive, beside the Rideau Canal Skateway, running from the Laurier Bridge to Hog's Back. It is one of the few pathway sections the NCC clears of snow in winter, while most of the rest of the network is not cleared. Free to use.

A 6.3 km NCC trail in the Mer Bleue sector of the Greenbelt, reached from parking lot P23 or by linking from Trail 51. Its southern section has a wooden footbridge that is a good spot for seeing turtles and frogs. Leashed dogs are permitted from April 15 to November 30. Parking at P23 is free year round and access to all Mer Bleue trails is free.

A 6.7 km NCC trail in the Mer Bleue sector of the Greenbelt that starts at parking lot P21 and is open year round, including in winter; in summer only its southern portion is open. Leashed dogs are permitted from April 15 to November 30. Parking at P21 is free year round and access to all Mer Bleue trails is free.

A 2.1 km NCC trail in the Stony Swamp sector of the Greenbelt that leads to the ruins of a historic lime kiln. Interpretation panels along the way point out the heritage kiln, beaver ponds and beaver dams. Start from parking lot P10, one of the free year round Stony Swamp lots; leashed dogs are allowed from April 15 to November 30. Free access.

The Centennial Flame burns just inside the Queen's Gate in front of the Peace Tower, on the open lawn of Parliament Hill. The grounds are where Canadians gather for Canada Day, watch the summer Changing of the Guard and stroll among the Hill's statues and monuments. The grounds are public and free to walk.

Sylvan Park sits on top of the Scarborough Bluffs, and from here the Doris McCarthy Trail drops down through the wooded Gates Gully ravine to the Lake Ontario shoreline below the cliffs. It is one of the few ways to walk from the top of the Bluffs down to the water, with big views at the bottom. The trail is steep in places, so wear good shoes; parking is on the street only. Open year round. Free.

A quiet clifftop park in the Guildwood area that the City lists among the places to view the Scarborough Bluffs and Lake Ontario. It is a peaceful stop for a short walk with big lake views; parking is on the street only. The bluff edge is unstable, so stay behind fences and keep well back. Open year round. Free.

A small park on Undercliff Drive that the City lists as one of the places to see the Scarborough Bluffs above Lake Ontario. Come for a quiet look at the cliffs and the lake, especially at sunrise; parking is on the street only. The bluff edge is unstable, so stay behind fences and keep well back. Open year round. Free.

A neighbourhood park in east Scarborough that the City lists as a place to take in the Scarborough Bluffs and Lake Ontario. It is a calm spot for a short walk away from the busier Bluffer's Park crowds; parking is on the street only. The bluff edge is unstable, so stay behind fences and keep well back. Open year round. Free.

A quiet clifftop park on top of the Scarborough Bluffs with sweeping views over Lake Ontario. It is one of the City's listed spots for seeing the Bluffs, with a parking lot on site. The edge is unstable, so stay behind the fences and well back from the cliff. Open year round. Free.

More than 30 kilometres of mostly underground walkways linking over 75 downtown buildings, six subway stations, Union Station, City Hall and Metro Hall. It is a warm way to explore downtown in winter, lined with about 1,200 shops, restaurants and services. Walking the PATH is free; grab the City's PATH map so you do not get lost.