Walks and Views

Twin waterfalls where the Rideau River drops straight into the Ottawa River, seen from a park at 50 Sussex Drive, a short walk from Rideau Hall. It is a quick, striking stop on a walk or bike ride along Sussex Drive, and a section of the nearby path is cleared of snow in winter. The park is free to visit, with parking on site.

A dramatic set of falls where the Rideau River tumbles over rocks next to the Rideau Canal, with viewing spots, picnic tables, a gazebo and history displays. It is one of the most impressive free sights in the city, especially in spring when the water is high. The site is open from early May to December 1 (weather permitting), and parking is free.

A green ravine valley cutting through midtown Toronto, with a trail that winds past woods, wetlands and open meadows. It feels like a walk in the countryside only steps from the subway, and has outdoor fitness equipment along the way. Free and open year round.

A long, flat linear park built on an old railway line, crossing midtown Toronto under a canopy of trees. It is an easy, peaceful walk away from traffic, with bridges over Yonge Street and neighbourhood ravines along the way. Free and open year round.

A long sandy beach on Lake Ontario with a wooden boardwalk running east along the shore through the Beaches neighbourhood. It is lovely for a sunrise or sunset walk in any season, with a playground, outdoor fitness equipment and picnic sites along the way. Free and open year round.

A small, beautifully planted garden on the waterfront whose winding paths and terraces were designed to echo a piece of music. It is a peaceful spot for a stroll by the boats and marina on Queens Quay West. Free and open year round.

A lakefront park on two peninsulas jutting into Lake Ontario, with shoreline paths, ponds, picnic sites and great views back to the downtown skyline. A short walk north along the waterfront brings you to the elegant white Humber Bay Arch Bridge over the mouth of the Humber River. Free and open year round.

A nature park in the old Don Valley brick quarry, with ponds, meadows, walking trails and a dog off leash area, right next to Evergreen Brick Works. Climb the trails on the north slope for a sweeping view over the valley toward downtown. Free and open year round.

Set on top of the Scarborough Bluffs, this park mixes woods, waterfront, formal gardens and a unique outdoor collection of public art and architectural fragments saved from old Toronto buildings. It is a magical place for a slow walk among the stone columns and facades. Free and open year round.

A lakefront park at the foot of the Scarborough Bluffs, the tall white cliffs that line about 15 km of Lake Ontario. Walk along the beach and waterfront for dramatic views of the cliffs, and bring a picnic. Stay behind the fences and well away from the unstable edge of the bluffs. Free to visit, with a parking lot.

A long human made peninsula reaching into Lake Ontario, now a wild urban park with more than 300 recorded bird species and great views of the Toronto skyline. Walk the trails out toward the lighthouse at the tip. It is open weekday evenings 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends and holidays 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; pets are not allowed. Free entry and a free parking lot at the entrance.

One of the largest urban parks in North America, with forest and river valley trails, wetlands, farmland and lots of wildlife on the eastern edge of Toronto. Parks Canada also runs free guided walks with volunteers and staff. The park is free and open 365 days a year, and its parking lots are open 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Note that Zoo Road Day Use Area and Rouge Beach and Marsh are currently closed, so check the bulletin before you go.