Category Archives: Hiking

hike [hahyk]: verb, hiked, hik-ing, noun
- a really great walk in the company of nature.

The next time someone tells you to take a hike, you should! While some would say that it doesn’t sound that thrilling to go for a really long walk or a really really really long walk, hiking is unquestionably popular. Why? Well, if you really think about it you can hike just about anywhere, at any time of the year, with no special equipment or training. If you already know how to walk and own a good pair of shoes or boots, you’re pretty much set to start exploring. Hiking is about more than just walking. It is a chance to go beyond the road, to experience the stillness of nature or explore the city beyond the rush.

Ontario is a great place to go hiking with literally thousands of kilometers of trails where you can roam. From a short day hike to a multi-day hiking expedition, from mild to intense, marked trails to trail blazing, hiking can be your avenue to the best fishing, the perfect campsite, or that once in a lifetime photo. For those looking to try trekking in Ontario, there are many long distance trail systems to choose from. Hop from one bed and breakfast to another or settle into a lodge and explore a different trail every day. A hiking vacation in Ontario can also include other activities such as wildlife viewing, art workshops and cultural tours.

If you’re having visions of being swarmed by black flies and mosquitoes, well, let’s just say it’s possible. But by and large it is worth the trouble. By yourself, with friends or as part of a guided group, many resorts and lodges in Ontario offer tours, retreat packages and workshops that will keep you on your hiking toes. There are also hundreds of provincial parks and conservation areas with dedicated trails, special events and organized packages. And yes, there are even festivals devoted entirely to hiking too!