Welcome to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail family-friendly ideas section. This section is full of ideas suitable for anyone looking for walking ideas under 5 km and cycling options under 30 km.

Book cover for Happy Trails40  family-friendly cycling opportunities in the Greater Toronto Area

Check out Shawn Smith’ s book Happy Trails for 40 day trip ideas to get outdoors and explore the Greater Toronto Area through off-road trails. Many of the trip ideas include the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail–as well as so many more trail ideas.

Image of Map from Conservation Ontario - click to visit site

Ontario Conservation Areas provide great family-friendly trail experiences

Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities collectively own and operate close to 300 Conservation Areas that are accessible to the public and many are part of or connected to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and the Greenbelt Route.

Each Conservation Area has a wonderful trail network that features lakes, rivers, and streams as well as wetlands, sand dunes, beaches, waterfalls, caves, forests and natural heritage sites.

Visit Conservation Ontario and use the interactive map and guide to plan your day-trip to some of Ontario’s most scenic natural areas. The all-season guide allows you to select 33 different activities including off-road cycling, cycling, hiking, fall colours and so many more.

Learn more about Ontario’s Conservation Authorities and the essential role they play to protect our watersheds and natural spaces. They are unique to Ontario and are the leaders in protecting and managing impacts on water and other natural resources in partnership with all levels of government, landowners and many other organizations.