Urban Hiking

For most people the concept of hiking consists of remote areas, dirt paths and forests.  However, modern forms of hiking are also available for those who live in suburban or metropolitan areas. Most city centres have areas designated for walkers, runners, hikers and bikers.

One of the more common urban walking trails in Southern Ontario is the Waterfront Trail. This runs 620 km along Lake Ontario and will now be extending to Lake Erie. Some popular areas of the trail are in Oshawa, Toronto, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-lake. The trail is generally paved and easy to walk with many scenic parks and views along to enjoy throughout.


An urban hike does more than offer physical benefits, it gives us the chance to explore the terrain we live in and interact the space we call  home. Get out and explore your neighbourhood!


See your city website for walking areas and options. For example: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/trails/discover.htm

Dufferin Quarry Bridge Trail (Milton)

If you are driving along highway 401 through Milton, between Guelph and Mississauga, you may notice a bridge up in the escarpment. It took me years to discover that there is a trail that leads to it! This is known as the Dufferin Quarry Bridge Trail.

The Bridge

This hike is quite long and will require more attention to the routes and paths that you take. Make sure to enter at the Hilton Falls Side Trail and stay along the Bruce Trail, marked with white trail blazes. This walk features a forest path with rocky cave areas to explore (as does many of the trails in this area). Once you reach the bridge you will have a scenic view of the active Dufferin Quarry, town of Milton and some of the near by golf courses. The only flaw of this trail is that you will have to walk 2 km on the side of the road, however this might be an easy stroll as it is a flat walk!

View of Dufferin Quarry

Note: There will be a small fee for parking at the Hilton Falls Side Trail parking lot.