Toronto 
One of the best parks for year-round adventure in southern Ontario is only a 40-minute drive from Toronto, and an even shorter drive from places around the west end of the city.
Credit: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
The Albion Hills, directly north of Etobicoke, are a haven for trail adventures, make for a scenic picnic area, and an easy or quick escape from the city. The area, also known as the Albion Hills Conservation Park, is one of the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority’s many parks that help protect the mature or old-growth deciduous forests around the city.
Here are the best ways to make the best of your trip, no matter the season:
Four Seasons of Fun
Each season at the Albion Hills Conservation Park offers a reason to visit. The snow-covered trails and snow-capped trees of the park create a beautiful winter wonderland for days on the trails. This could include hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. After the snow melts, the park becomes attractive for any urban or city-dweller as a way to get outside and enjoy some fresh air after a long winter. This is when the Albion Hills begin to take on their lush, vibrant shades of green. Year-round cycling is also permitted on specific park trails, with winter hiking trails open to fat-tire biking and a series of mountain biking trails for spring, summer, and fall.
As spring turns to summer, more activities become available at the park like swimming and cooling off on the splash pad, or disc golf (on one of two courses). A day trip to the Albion Hills Conservation Park on a warm or sunny summer day would have enough activity options to fill an entire day. Many of the same activities are available at the park through spring, summer, and fall. But as the weather cools off, and the pool or campground close for the season, the forests start to put on a show.
The impressive and vibrant fall foliage of the Albion Hills offer opportunities for scenic hikes, picnics, or bike rides, nature photography, family or special occasion photography, and birding or wildlife viewing.
Albion Hills’ Summer & Winter Trails
The trail system at the Albion Hills Conservation Park is a major highlight for a visit at any time of the year. The park’s extensive trails wind around the forested area. Parking is available near each of the major trailheads at Meadowview, Elmview, the Chalet, and Old Lakeview/the Aquatic Facility.
- When the snow covers the Albion Hills, the park remains open for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and skate skiing. Plus, equipment rentals are also available for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. There are designated trails for cross-country skiers, with the rest of the trails open to hikers, snowshoers, or bikers.
- The park boasts over 50km of double-track and technical single-track trails for mountain bikers, and a designated winter trail for fat tire bikers. Plus, the park also has a bike-wash station for those who kick up mud or dirt on the trails. Those bike trails are divided into a series of shorter routes and loop options, with several options to combine multiple into one longer route.
- The summer trails include dozens of kilometres worth of hiking trails as well, including part of the Humber Valley Heritage Trail, short loops, and longer loops. Each of the trailhead areas near the parking lots also has washrooms.
Picnics at the Albion Hills
This park boasts several different picnic areas with tables and shelters, as well as other features like the trailheads, a playground, the pool area, and a toboggan hill for those winter outings.
- Any time of year can be a good time for a picnic at the Albion Hills! Whether its post-hiking, biking, or skiing and sledding, many of the park’s activities are sure to work up a hunger. Grab snacks on your way into the Albion Hills, enjoy the trails, pool, or disc golf, and pick between the open areas or a sheltered picnic site for a family feast.
- Caledon and Bolton are both to the south of Albion Hills Conservation Park, and along ON-50 to create a convenient place to stop for picnic foods. Follow that highway into town to find all the local takeout options that can help cater your picnic: there are places for coffee, café drinks, and baked goods, or heartier meals like Indian takeout, pizza, sandwiches, and burgers.
- Alternatively, those travelling into the Albion Hills from the north will have many tasty takeout options from the towns of Tottenham or Orangeville.
Albion Hills Campground
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Camping
The camping season at the Albion Hills Conservation Park and Campground runs from mid-May to mid-October to provide three seasons of outdoor adventure opportunities. The campground is in a scenic river valley area next to the Humber River with several amenities to make for a comfy stay, like laundry, showers, and washrooms, and all the other services of the park within walking distance (pool, trails, picnic sites, or camp store). Plus, larger groups also have the option to book the Albion Hills group campsite.
More Warm-Weather Activities at Albion Hills
Disc golf is one of the newest activities available to enjoy at Albion Hills, with the park having opened an 18-hole course in 2023 and a new 9-hole course in 2024. This provides a chance for everyone of all ages to try out the sport, with the 9-hole course a great chance for kids to try the game.
- Cool off during the summer months with a day at the Albion Hills Aquatic Facility (open June-September); the pool and splash pad are within a scenic natural setting but still offer amenities like washrooms, changerooms, and picnic areas.
- The 24 Hours Summer Solstice bike race event is hosted by the Albion Hills park each June. The event includes shorter race events, the 24Hour Race, kids’ bike activities and workshops, and 24-hour food service for racers and spectators.
Just For Fall
As a dense forest of broad-leafed deciduous trees, one can expect a broad spectrum of fall colours across the Albion Hills. These mature trees, like maples, oaks, or hickories, create a scenery of dark greens, bright reds and oranges, and deep yellows or golds.
- And among these trees are over 100 different species of birds, with the fall season as one of the busiest for birding in the park. Birding along trails like the Humber Valley Heritage path, or the Centreville Creek loop, is an excellent spot for both fall scenery and spotting the birds. There may be birds of all different sizes, including larger species like hawks and owls, songbirds, waterfowl, and more.
Planning Your Trip – Albion Hills Conservation Park
What: The Albion Hills are one of many parks operated and protected by the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority. Find the park to the northwest of Metro Toronto, or directly north of Mississauga and Etobicoke; it will be one of the first natural areas and parks to explore after leaving the GTA to the north.
As a forest of southern Ontario, the Albion Hills and Humber River Valley, which cuts through the southern edge of the park, are dominated by broadleaf deciduous trees to offer lush and green spring or summer landscapes, and colourful fall scenery. The large park boasts year-round recreation with camping, swimming, hiking, and biking, available to enjoy for 3/4 seasons.
During winter, visitors can still enjoy the trails and picnic areas, with some trails open to cross-country skiers and the remainder open to snowshoeing or hiking.
Location and how to get there: 16500 Regional Rd. 50, Caledon
50km north of Etobicoke and Mississauga via ON-50
Best time to go: open year-round; camping and aquatic facility open June-September
How much: day use $5.30-$8.00 per person; camping $46.45-$53.30 per night
For more information:
Albion Hills Conservation Park
