The Best Outdoor Activities in and Around...

This diverse city that sits on Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore is bustling with jaw-dropping architecture and plenty of Canadian charm, especially for those keen to explore the outdoors.

Loved by over 40s

View All Trips

One of Canada’s most diverse cities, Toronto is a hive of cultural activity that any travel enthusiast will want to experience, and its proximity to Lake Ontario makes it an adventurer’s dream destination. Here is Culture Trip’s guide to the best outdoor activities in Toronto.

Walk, run or bike the Waterfront Trail

Hiking Trail

One of the first things you’ll want to do is head down to the lakeshore and check out the Waterfront Trail. It’s divided into three sections and runs from Etobicoke in the west, to Toronto central and Scarborough in the east. The trail is hugely popular and great for cyclists, particularly because of the mixture of asphalt and off-road surface. There is also a boardwalk for pedestrians. If you do head to the section of the trail at the foot of Lower Spadina Avenue, look out for the Wavedeck installations.

Sunbathe in Bluffer’s Park

Park, Hiking Trail

Looking west from Cathedral Bluffs Park out over Bluffers Park marina in eastern Toronto, Ontario

Bluffer’s Park in Scarborough is one of the city’s most beautiful beaches and is extremely popular, especially on the weekend. It’s perfect for families because there is a supervised area with shallow waters, making it perfect for swimming. While there, make sure you check out the Scarborough Bluffs, a nine-mile (15km) white cliff that rises 300 feet (90m) above Lake Ontario’s waters.

Head to the Toronto Islands

Park

The Toronto Islands are a must-do on any itinerary. Take a ferry ride to this chain of 15 small islands where you could spend all day wandering around. Once you get there, there’s plenty to see and do. Lay on the beach, have a picnic, play frisbee, rent a bicycle or get lost in the William Meany Maze. There is also plenty for the kids to do, including the educational Franklin Children’s Garden and Far Enough Farm. If one day isn’t enough, there are camping options available, too.

Have a picnic in High Park

Park

This is the city’s largest park, boasting nearly 400 acres (162ha) of open green space. There are a number of walking trails, a playground for kids and designated picnic spots where you can sit back and enjoy nature. If you happen to be in the city in late April or the beginning of May, look out for the blooming cherry blossoms near Hillside Gardens, while from mid-June until the end of August the park hosts a number of outdoor Shakespearean performances. These are free events, and the performances are known for being of excellent quality. Those who want to get in on the action should arrive early to get a spot – and don’t forget to pack a picnic to enjoy while you watch.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points

See Our Culture Trips

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.