8 Best Hiking Trails in Burlington: Views, Bruce Trail, and Waterfront Walks

With more than 130 kilometres of main hiking trails, Burlington is one of the best places in the region to get outside on foot. The city sits between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, and about half of it is rural, so a hike here can mean limestone cliffs and old-growth cedars one day and a flat lakeside stroll the next. This guide covers the 8 best hiking trails in Burlington, Ontario, for every level, from beginner-friendly boardwalks to escarpment lookouts.

Best Escarpment and Bruce Trail Hikes in Burlington

Burlington is part of the Iroquoia section of the Bruce Trail, the public footpath that runs from Niagara to Tobermory. These hikes give you the escarpment at its best.

1. Mount Nemo Conservation Area

Mount Nemo is Burlington's most famous hike and the best place in the city for a big view. The 169-hectare park on the Niagara Escarpment has about 5 kilometres of cliff-edge and forest trails, split into the South Loop (2.3 km) and the North Loop (2.6 km), and a short section of the Bruce Trail passes through it.

The payoff is the Brock Harris Lookout, 295 metres above sea level, with views stretching roughly 50 kilometres on a clear day. Look up for turkey vultures, and look around for ancient Eastern White Cedars, some more than 1,000 years old. Mount Nemo is also stunning in fall.

Gate fees apply, and reservations are recommended, though not required. Stay on the marked trails and keep well back from the cliff edge.

2. Kerncliff Park and the Ian Reid Side Trail

Kerncliff Park at 2198 Kerns Road is a hidden gem and a great hike for beginners. This former quarry has been turned into a peaceful mix of forest, wetland, and escarpment, and the Ian Reid Side Trail is a 1.4-kilometre Bruce Trail hike. A wooden boardwalk winds through a marsh-like setting, and the park is part of the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System. Walk to the escarpment edge for views over Burlington and Lake Ontario, and visit in early morning or late afternoon for the best light.

3. Royal Botanical Gardens Hendrie Valley

The Hendrie Valley trails offer 4.5 kilometres of paths and five lookouts, with boardwalks, creek crossings, and wooded sections along Grindstone Creek. The Bruce Trail runs through the valley and connects to the wetlands of Cootes Paradise via the Ray Lowes Side Trail. It is a great pick for wildlife, birdwatching, and fall colour. The cultivated gardens, including Hendrie Park, require admission or an RBG membership, so check rbg.ca for current details before you go.

4. City View Park

As the name suggests, City View Park is the place to see Burlington from above. It is an easy, short Bruce Trail hike of under two kilometres, and it connects with Kerncliff Park, so you can link the two for a longer outing.

Best Easy Nature Walks in Burlington

Not every hike needs to be a climb. These trails are shorter, gentler, and a good fit for families.

5. Hidden Valley Trail

Start at Hidden Valley Park on Hidden Valley Road in Aldershot and follow the Hidden Valley Trail along the shores of Grindstone Creek. It is a short, easy walk right inside the city, with plenty of parking. Pair it with the park's two playgrounds and seasonal splash pad for an easy family day.

6. Lowville Park

In north Burlington, Lowville Park offers nature trails, picnic facilities, and an old stone schoolhouse that gives the park a step-back-in-time feel. It is a lovely spot for a relaxed walk and a picnic.

Best Waterfront Walks in Burlington

If you want a flat, scenic walk instead of a climb, the lakefront delivers.

7. The Waterfront Trail

The Waterfront Trail links Burlington's lakefront parks and is one of the easiest and most popular walks in the city. Start at the Brant Street Pier at Spencer Smith Park and head toward the Burlington Canal, on a stretch that is completely off-road and perfect for walkers, runners, and cyclists. The trail also connects to Paletta Lakefront Park, Burloak Waterfront Park, and Burlington Beach, and the Burlington and Appleby GO stations have signed cycling connections if you want to arrive by transit.

8. Beachway Park

Beachway Park at 1100 Lakeshore Road has about two kilometres of lakeside trails, sandy beaches, and views of the Skyway Bridge. Follow the multi-use trail along the shore, and watch for fall colour along the park's edges. It is a quiet alternative to the busier downtown waterfront.

Burlington Hiking Tips

When Is the Best Time to Hike in Burlington?

Burlington's trails can be enjoyed all year. Fall is especially popular, when the escarpment turns gold and red, and morning or late afternoon gives you the best light and the quietest trails. Summer is great for waterfront walks, and winter brings snowy escarpment hikes for those with proper footwear.

What Should You Know Before You Go?

Wear sturdy footwear, bring water, and check conditions and trail closures before you head out, especially at conservation areas where parking and gate fees may apply. Trails through natural areas carry some risk, so stay on marked paths and keep back from cliff edges.

Burlington Hiking FAQ

Where Is the Best Hiking in Burlington?

Mount Nemo Conservation Area is the top pick for views, Kerncliff Park is the best for beginners, and the Hendrie Valley is great for wildlife and fall colour.

Does Burlington Have Part of the Bruce Trail?

Yes. Burlington is part of the Bruce Trail's Iroquoia section, with access points at places like Kerncliff Park, City View Park, the Hendrie Valley, and Mount Nemo.

What Are the Best Easy Hikes in Burlington?

Kerncliff Park's boardwalk and Ian Reid Side Trail, the Hidden Valley Trail, Lowville Park, and the flat Waterfront Trail are all good for beginners and families.

Do You Need a Reservation to Hike at Mount Nemo?

Reservations are not required but are recommended, and booking online can save you money on gate fees.

Where Can You Hike With a Lake View in Burlington?

The Waterfront Trail from Spencer Smith Park, Beachway Park, and the trails near LaSalle Park all offer Lake Ontario views.

Explore More of Burlington

Looking for more ways to enjoy the outdoors? Check out our guides to the best parks in Burlington and the best things to do in Burlington, and follow Burlington 365 for local events and hidden gems around Burlington.