27 of the Best Hiking Spots & Nature Parks in the Durham Region

The Durham Region hosts over 300 kilometres of recreational trails throughout the region with all-season hiking opportunities and fantastic nature destinations. Home to the beautiful landscapes of the Oak Ridges Moraine, iconic conservation areas, and plenty of city parks with wonderful trails, there is no shortage of outdoor getaways.

Durham Regional Forest

Teeming with old plantation forests that span across 596 hectares on top of the Oak Ridges Moraine, this regional forest contains more than 16 kilometres of trails with varying lengths and landscapes to explore.
Address: Concession Rd 7, Uxbridge
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Long Sault Conservation Area

The largest conservation area in the Durham region, Long Sault is tucked into the Oak Ridges Moraine and offers more than 18 kilometres of trails ranging in difficulty. Well-marked trails bring hikers past plantation, wetland, mature forest, and lots of wildlife.
Address: 9293 Woodley Rd, Bowmanville
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McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve

The McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve is made for the enjoyment of wildlife habitat and is a picture-perfect setting for a hike. With many vistas and a network of walkways including a waterfront trail, this multi-sensory reserve is ideal for a beautiful outdoor experience.
Address: 1908 Colonel Sam Dr, Oshawa
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Purple Woods Conservation Area

Purple Woods Conservation Area accommodates hikers year-round, with a short 1.3 kilometres of trails, the area has spectacular views, Discover Walk trails and stunning colors each season. The highlight of the area is the actively tapped 150-year-old sugar maple forest.
Address: 38 Coates Rd E, Oshawa
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Harmony Valley Conservation Area

This mixed bag of habitats – coniferous plantations, meadows, wetlands, and the creek, makes for a wonderful spot to go hiking. Harmony Valley is also home to the historic Lake Iroquois Shoreline.
Address: 915 Grandview St N, Oshawa
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Cedar Valley Conservation Area

Cedar Valley Conservation Area offers an amazing walk through the woods with a hidden water stream and a well-maintained park. The trails are less well-maintained than other areas in the region but have a rugged atmosphere and gorgeous scenery.
Address: 1655 Canadore Crescent, Oshawa
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Seaton Trail

The Seaton Trail runs for 13 kilometres and follows historic fishing and hunting routes on the creek used by aboriginal people. Hiking on this significant trail will take you past creeks and valleys that used to be home to several water-powered mills.
Address: West Duffins Creek, Pickering
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Durham East Cross Forest Conservation Area

This natural core area on the Oak Ridges Moraine features wetlands, headwaters, cold springs, and vital forests and meadows that can be experienced on a hike on 7 kilometres of marked trails.
Address: 4531 Boundary Road, Nestleton Station
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Heber Down Conservation Area

5 kilometres of trails run through Heber Down Conservation Area, boasting scenic vistas and tons of opportunities for recreational activities, like hiking. The area is also the host of the annual kids Fishing Day in May.
Address: 5000 Cochrane St, Whitby
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Secord Forest Oak Ridges Trail

Located in the unique geographical space of the Oak Ridges Moraine, this trail passes by stunning countryside scenery in Southern Ontario, and some of the many rivers that drain into Ontario and part of the Durham Forest.
Address: Goodwood
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Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens

Home of the famed Peony festival, the Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden (OVBG) is a network of parks and gardens along the Oshawa Creek from Adelaide Avenue to Gibb Street. The gardens are home to more than 300 varieties of peonies becoming one of the largest modern collections of peonies in North America. Visit in late May or early June to enjoy peonies in full bloom. In addition to peonies, you can also enjoy daylilies, formal structures and water features. Virtual Tour

Address: 155 Arena St, Oshawa

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Lynde Shores Conservation Area

The Lynde Shores Conservation Area has 5 kilometres of trails and a waterfront trail right by the waters, popular for canoeing and fishing. Three marsh-viewing platforms add to the by-the-water charm of the area.
Address: 1225 Victoria St W, Whitby
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Oshawa Valleylands Conservation Area

This beautiful, clean, well-maintained conservation area has authentic waterfront trails and a peaceful setting. Apart from its numerous hiking opportunities, it is a great place to watch nature in all its glory.
Address: 219 Southlawn Ave, Oshawa
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Lakefront West Park

Right on the shores of Lake Ontario, the Lakefront West Park offers views of Lake Ontario and a waterfront trail that stretches 1400 kilometres along Ontario. The trail also passes by many parks and nature habitats.
Address: 1221 Phillip Murray Ave, Oshawa
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Petticoat Creek Conservation Area

The Petticoat Creek Conservation Area offers a natural corridor for wildlife to travel along the creek towards Lake Ontario and is dotted with 69 types of trees and extensive varieties of wildlife.
Address: 1100 Whites Rd S, Pickering
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Greenwood Conservation Area

The Greenwood Conservation Area is an escape from the city, a chance to take advantage of some of Ajax’s trails on the banks of Duffins Creek. Experience the forest and the steep-sided river valleys on a hike in the area.
Address: 2290 Greenwood Rd, Ajax
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Glen Major Forest

Glen Major Forest, along with Walker Woods, provide the public with 47 kilometres of recreational trails for many activities, including hiking. This complex spans more than 1500 hectares and is surrounded with agricultural land.
Address: Uxbridge
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Darlington Provincial Park

Darlington Provincial Park is a family-friendly place with picnic facilities, camping grounds, a long sandy beach, and four hiking trails ranging from 1 to 2.6 kilometres. One of these includes the waterfront trail that follows the shore of Lake Ontario.
Address: 1600 Darlington Park Rd, Bowmanville
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Ganaraska Forest Trail

The Ganaraska Forest Trail is a quiet stroll in the forest that combines rolling hills and mixed forest and plenty of wildlife. Your hike can span across many groomed track-set trails in the Central Forest.
Address: 3839 Wilcox Rd
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Altona Forest

This site of ecological importance is an Environmentally Significant Area that straddles the Carolinian and Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest regions. With over 130 types of wildflowers and over 100 bird species, there is plenty to see on your trek through the forest.
Address: 1883 Altona Rd, Pickering
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Brooklin Lions Trail

This accessible and educational trail not only features a creek and tablelands with lots of wildlife, it is 1.6 kilometres of beauty for hiking. Visitors can take a self-guided tour using the trail guide available online.
Address: East of Highways 7 and 12, Village of Brooklin (Whitby)
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Second Marsh Wildlife Area

The Second Marsh Wildlife Area has an extensive trail system that provides access to nearly 400 hectares of accessible waterfront open space. Well-maintained and full of signage, viewing decks, and beautiful landscape features, this area offering a fantastic hiking experience.
Address: 555 Wentworth St E, Oshawa
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Michael Starr Trail

Built on the former CN line, this 2-kilometre trail offers wildlife habitat and green space, but also runs through the city of Oshawa’s urban core. It is a little taste of nature by the downtown area featuring landscape features, trees and shrubs, and benches.
Address: Ritson Rd N & Hillcroft St
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Bowmanville Valley Trail

Meandering along the Bowmanville Creek, this creek is ideal for fishing due to its popularity with fish species. This down-to-earth nature spot is perfect for a tranquil hike on well-maintained trails.
Address: Hampto
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Courtice Millennium Trail

Winding across the Black Creek and woodlands and meadows, the Courtice Millennium Trail isa leisurely trail for an easy hike out in nature with natural amenities.
Address: West of the Courtice Recreation Complex
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Samuel Wilmot Nature Area

The Samuel Wilmot Nature Area is a significant contribution to the ecosystem of Lake Ontario’s north shore. This ecological area is a provincially sensitive wetland with a walking trail system with interpretive and viewing opportunities.
Address: 0A6, Waterfront Trail, Newcastle
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Waterfront Trail

Pick a waterfront park on Lake Ontario and hike the trail. Whether you choose to walk along Millenium Park (Frenchman’s Bay) or travel to Carruthers Marsh you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Ontario.