Let’s be honest: regular hiking trails can start to look a little repetitive after a while. But what if your next outdoor adventure didn’t involve climbing a steep hill, but rather floating directly over a lake? Boardwalk trails are stunning adventures, but hovering over a lake brings a mix of tranquility and excitement as you’re surrounded by gorgeous views.
Tucked away across Ontario’s diverse wetlands and provincial parks is a series of incredible floating boardwalks. Most might not even know they exist, but they offer some of the most dramatic, immersive views in the entire province.
Here are the absolute best floating trails in Ontario you need to experience at least once.
Crawford Lake Conservation Area is a day-trip adventure, simply waiting to be enjoyed. The lovely conservation area near Toronto has a boardwalk trail surrounding a rare body of water known as Crawford Lake.
To fully enjoy the views, you’ll have to embark on a wooden boardwalk that loops around the lake.
It spans 1.8 km and loops around the lake. It then weaves through lush forest landscapes.
Where: 3115 Conservation Rd., Milton, Ont.
Cost: $10.50 per adult, $7.25 per child (5-14)
Located right in Huntsville, Ont., this trail is said to be one of the most amazing hikes in the whole area. And that says something.
According to Muskoka Tourism, the Hunters Bay Trail is a walking, running and cycling trail adventure that spans 3.6 km in length.
Where: Main Street West (off Highway 11), Huntsville, Ont.
According to the National Capital Commission (NCC), the Mer Bleue Bog is “one of the most outstanding natural features of the Greenbelt, and is one of its most visited areas.”
Here you’ll find interpretive boardwalks, sand ridges, natural hiking trails, and forests. The most popular walk in the area is the Mer Bleue Bog Trail due to its storytelling route.
This is a 1.2 km long boardwalk that is the most photographed part of the Greenbelt, according to the NCC. The boardwalk here is accessible, which is great for families as well.
“The wooden footbridge in the southern section of Trail 50 is an excellent spot for observing turtles, as well as several species of frog, including the bullfrog,” per the NCC.
Where: Ridge Road, Ottawa, Ont.
According to Destination Ontario, Point Pelee has a one-kilometre boardwalk trail that loops through the inland marsh with lookout spots and telescopes to view birds and other wildlife.
When fall consumes the surrounding foliage, it’s a sight to see.
Where: 1118 Point Pelee Dr., Leamington, Ont.
This gem is found in one of southern Ontario’s largest cities – London, Ont. It’s considered a single-track trail that includes portions of a beautiful wooden boardwalk that lead out to Redmond’s Pond. It features interpretive signage along the way, according to Destination Ontario.
Parking is available at the Oxford Street entrance.
Where: 1210 Oxford St. W., London, Ont.
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Karen Doradea
Managing Editor, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.
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