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.
Walkers, Families on Wheels or Bladers: Lamoureux Park- Tour Cornwall’s large and vibrant waterfront park. Approx. 1.5 km (3 km return trip)
Cyclists: Cornwall Canal to Lamoureux Park- Cycle along the historic Cornwall Canal, on a dedicated off-road trail. Explore Lamoureux Park before return trip. Approx. 6 km (12 km return)
Map: See Maps 7-5 and 7-6 in the Maitland to Quebec section
Highlights
- 0km: Cornwall Canal This canal is all that remains of the original historic Cornwall Canal, which was flooded in 1958 to make way for the St. Lawrence Seaway. A 4.4 km dedicated multi-use path now follows the south side of the old canal, allowing travelers to ride right along the water’s edge. Parking available at the western tip of Second St.
- 4.4km: Lamoureux Park Located right on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, this vibrant park offers plenty of sights and activities for the whole family. Tour the Eco Gardens or catch a show at the Bandshell. The park also houses a clock tower, children’s playground, the Cornwall Community Museum, an aquatic centre, and a marina. A historical plaque tells the story of the founding of Cornwall.
For walkers, the park provides a 3 km return trip along the Waterfront Trail with plenty to see and do. Parking is available at the west end of the park. Washrooms at the Cornwall Civic Complex and Aquatic Centre.
Seasonal Events All summer long, the Lion’s Club Bandshell in Lamoureux Park features “Summer Arts in the Park”. Events include premier performances, puppets, and poetry, showcases of local artists and international touring companies, musicians and writers. Calendar of Events.
Walkers, Families on Wheels and Bladers: Water St. to King St.
Situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, Gananoque is a charming town with lots of beautiful historical architecture. Take a stroll along the river, visit historic 1000 Islands village and then head north to the old downtown. A possible side trip follows the Gananoque River. Approx. 1 km (2 km return)
Map: See Map 6-8 in Kingston to Brockville Section
Highlights
- 0km: Historic 1000 Islands Village Located on Water St at the foot of Market St in Gananoque,1000 Islands Village offers a unique gift shop and some charming buildings recreated in a historical style. Parking available on Water St.
- .3km: The 1000 Islands History Museum Built in the style of the old hotels from the Golden Era, this building houses a number of exhibits and interactive displays designed to educate and entertain. Explore the War of 1812 and learn about local geography and wildlife at the 1000 Islands History Museum.
- .7km: Downtown Gananoque Downtown Gananoque boasts many magnificently restored buildings and houses. Much of downtown looks as it would have 100 years ago. Head north on Stone Street to get to King Street (stop for some ice cream at Nana Splitz on Stone Street if you’re looking for a treat). End your walk by following King St. east to the Gananoque Chamber of Commerce, where you can connect to other hiking trails in the area.
Side Trip along the Gananoque River From King and Park Streets, a scenic hiking trail takes you north along the Gananoque River. A map of the trail can be found at the Gananoque Chamber of Commerce, 10 King St. E.
Other Attractions:
Gananoque Boat Line If you have the time, a boat cruise is the best way to explore the Thousand Islands. You won’t want to miss a chance to see the magnificent Boldt Castle, a 120-room century-old castle built on an island in the St. Lawrence River.
1000 Islands Playhouse If you’ve still got some energy left, why not catch a play at the celebrated 1000 Islands Playhouse. Situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence, the playhouse offers shows throughout the summer.
Annual Events Every August, tourists, and vacationers flock to Gananoque for the Festival of the Islands, one of the largest celebrations in Eastern Ontario. This ten-day event offers loads of family-friendly entertainment. Find out more at www.festivaloftheislands.com.
(3 trip ideas)
Walkers, Families on Wheels and Bladers - Confederation Park to Van Wagner’s Beach.(eastern side of the Hamilton Recreational Beach Trail) Approximately 2.5 km (5 km return) of restored beaches and sand dunes. Excellent casual eateries and patios along the way. Interpretative panels describe Hamilton’s rich waterfront heritage – both natural and cultural.
Lift Bridge to Kinsmen Park: (western side of the Hamilton Recreational Beach Trail) Approximately 3 km (6 km return) of stunning views of Lake Ontario, restored beach lanscapes and sand dunes. Great interpretative panels with historic photos. A must-stop is Dieppe Park.
Cyclists and Bladers - Confederation Park to Spencer Smith Park – Enjoy a relaxing 11 km ride from (22 km return trip) on off-road trails passing by beautiful sand dunes and restored beaches. Great swimming (yes, in the Lake) at Beachway Park in Burlington. Stop at Scooters in Burlington for an ice cream break.
Maps: Maps 1-11, 1-12, and 1-14 through 1-16 from Lake Ontario Zone 1.
Direction of travel means you will be reading the maps from right to left.
Highlights
0km: Confederation Park 84 hectares of natural space and parkland. For a break from the summer heat, be sure to take in Wild Waterworks — a water theme park featuring Canada’s largest outdoor wave pool (entry fee applies): phone # 1-800-555-8775. If you prefer to swim in the Lake then check out Burlington’s Beachway Park described later. Ample parking, washrooms, and concession stands throughout the park. Camping is available at this park.
2.5km: Van Wagners Beach Baranga’s on the Beach and Hutches. Two great patios. Great fries at Hutches.
4km: Kinsmen Park Wading pool, playground, benches, and picnic tables, washrooms and parking.
6.5km: Dieppe Veteran’s Memorial Park Imagine landing on the beaches of France during WWII, under fire and having to race up the heavy stone beach in full army gear to find cover and begin your advance. This park is designed to recreate this experience and honour the nearly 200 Hamilton residents who lost their lives in this battle.
7km: Burlington Canal Lift Bridge Access from Hamilton is found under the bridge itself. On the Burlington side, use great care when crossing Eastport Drive.
The bridge is fascinating to watch – a great piece of engineering ingenuity.
9km: Beachway Park and Scooters A wonderful beach with great swimming and shady, mature trees. Great ice cream at Scooters. Washrooms, showers & parking available.
10km: Spencer Smith Park, Burlington Beautiful park with lots of programmed events such as outdoor concerts. Visit Burlington Tourism or the latest events listings. Close to downtown Burlington’s shops and restaurants. Parking & washrooms available.
As a special treat—take the GO to Port Credit! The station is approximately .5km north of the Trail! Find dares and schedules on the GO Transit website.
Cyclists - An easy 8 km ride east from Port Credit to Marie Curtis Park (16 km return trip) on off-road trails and residential streets. Feeling energetic–do the whole Mississauga Trail (19 km one way).
Walkers, Families on Wheels or Bladers – Start in St. Lawrence Park and walk west to Rhododendron Gardens for a lovely 2.5 km (5 km return). If you drive to the area instead of taking the GO train, consider a side trip to Rattray Marsh.
Maps: See Hamilton to Toronto Section Maps 2-8 and 2-9
Highlights
- 0km: St. Lawrence Park You’ll find lots of excellent interpretative signs and exhibits (outdoor) explaining the area’s past as home to the operations of the St. Lawrence Starch Company.
- 1km: Port Credit Village Marina Vibrant and attractive marina at the mouth of the Credit River. Enjoy lunch as Snug Harbour, which serves excellent family fare at moderate prices. The views of the river are lovely any time of year. Heritage buffs will enjoy the many historic photos of Mississauga’s waterfront. Washrooms, restaurants, shops, and parking available.
- 2km: Saddington Park Popular spot for shore fishing and for remote control power boats. On June 30th to July 2nd the park will be home for the popular Mississauga Waterfront Festival. Washrooms and parking available.
- 2.1km: Imperial Oil Site After 12 years of negotiation, Imperial Oil, and City came to an agreement on how to incorporate the Trail on this former industrial site—once a Texaco refinery.
- 2.5km: Ben Machree Park This small park is called a window on the Lake.
- 2.6km: Rhododendron Gardens Created by Dr. Joseph Brueckner, a retired scientist who wanted to create a “where people can go to find peace and rest from their daily worries, an island where they can find harmony and beauty.”
- 5.6km: Side Trip to Rattray Marsh Entrance to the Marsh is located in the southwest corner of Jack Darling Memorial Park, which has playgrounds, splash pads, and beaches! Located at the mouth of Sheridan Creek, this is a great example of how people can make a difference. The area was slated for a housing development and marina until concerned citizens rallied to save it. No cycling is allowed in the Marsh. It is definitely worth walking through!
As a special treat- take the GO to Port Union! The station is approximately .3 km east of the pedestrian tunnel that leads to Port Union Waterfront Park. Call 416-869-3200 for fares and schedules.
Walkers, Families on Wheels or Bladers: An easy walk or ride through Port Union Waterfront Park. Approx. 1.8 km (3.6 km return)
Maps: Map 2-14 in the Lake Ontario – Hamilton to Toronto Section
Highlights of this section…
- 0km: Port Union Village Common Your trip starts here. Arrive by Go Transit or park at the Go station. Port Union Waterfront Park is accessible by a pedestrian tunnel at the foot of Port Union Rd, about 300 m west of Rouge Hill Go Station. Parking is also available at East Point Park.
- Port Union Waterfront Park This wonderful new amenity is the newest addition to Toronto’s waterfront park system and showcases a brand new stretch of Waterfront Trail. Complete with cobble beaches and a major peninsula just south of the pedestrian access, this park provides scenic vistas, natural landscape and a great playground for children. Take a stroll along the beach and enjoy nearly 2 km of newly built Waterfront Trail.
- 1.8km: Highland Creek The newly built bridge over Highland Creek marks the western end of Port Union Waterfront Park. If you want to continue your hike from here, on the far side of the bridge you’ll find a connection to the Highland Creek Trail. This trail follows the creek north and many feel it’s among the best ravine trails in Toronto.
3 Trip Ideas
Walkers and Families on Wheels – Port Weller – Happy Rolph Bird Sanctuary to Malcolmson Eco Park, approximately 2.5 km one way (5 km return trip).
Port Dalhousie – Tour around the old port, approximately 2 km leisurely stroll. Take in shops, patios, beach, lighthouses and ride the antique carousel.
Cyclists – Port to Port – Enjoy a relaxing 10 km ride from Port to Port (20 km return trip) on off-road trails and residential streets. Break at Port Dalhousie.
Maps: Lake Ontario – Niagara to Grimsby Section Maps 1-3 and 1-4
Highlights
- 0 Happy Rolph’s Bird Sanctuary and the 9/11 Walkway
: The sanctuary offers picnic areas, a playground, and a farm petting zoo. Take in the beautiful grounds that feature one of Canada’s finest rhododendron collections. Home to hundreds of migratory birds.
Parking and washrooms, some concession stands. - 2 Lock One : If the timing’s right you may enjoy the treat of seeing one of the large ships that use the Welland Canal. To your south, you’ll see the gateway to the Greater Niagara Circle Route. Continue west on the Waterfront Trail and you’ll pass through a wonderful eco-park.
- 2.3 Malcolmson Eco Park (Entrance): Look around you to see a fresh new approach to creating parks. Rather than formal gardens, this park will restore the natural habitats of Carolinian forest, Savannah grassland, and wetland environment. Stonedust paths take you through its 36 acres. Look for the Waterfowl Pond, Amphibian Wetland, and the Greenhouse Compound.
- 3.5 Municipal Beach: Just north of Malcolmson Eco Park and on the Lake.
- Public washrooms and swimming available.
- 10 Port Dalhousie (Lakeside Park):
Beautiful, vibrant, historic harbour offering many restaurants and patios, quaint shops, theatre, gardens and boat tours. By the lake, you’ll discover a wonderful beach where you can swim, restored 19th-century lighthouses, picnic pavilions, and an antique carousel, which you can ride for just 5 cents! Take in the area’s rich heritage on one of many historic walking tours available.
Parking and washrooms available.
2 Trip Ideas
Walkers, Families on Wheels or Bladers – Rotary Sunrise Park to Thickson Woods offers a wonderful waterfront excursion for the family! You’ll pass by beaches, great playgrounds and an expansive meadow –a birders paradise and end at Thickson’s Woods -the last remnant of old-growth white pines on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Save some energy to hike the Wood’s enchanting paths! (3.5km, 7km return). Starting at Heydenshore Kiwanis Park cuts the trip down to 3 km one way)
Cyclists – Start at Lynde Shores Conservation Area at the western edge of Whitby and cycle to Second Marsh for a brisk but beautiful 19 km (38 km return trek). Catch a break at Lakeview Park in Oshawa before visiting the Marsh. If that seems too daunting, start at Thickson Woods to reduce the mileage to approximately 20 km return.
Maps 2-3 to 2-16 from Lake Ontario Zone 2
Maps 3-1 to 3-6 from Lake Ontario Zone 3
GO Train: Whitby GO Rail Station has a signed connection to the Waterfront Trail that uses an off-road path along Henry and Watson streets.
If you are driving: Paid parking is available at Lynde Shores Conservation Area, Whitby municipal lot at 5019 Gordon Street, Whitby, ON, Canada. Parking is also available in Oshawa at Lakeview Park (1908 Colonel Sam Dr, Oshawa, ON L1H 8P7), GM Headquarters (1908 Colonel Sam Dr, Oshawa, ON L1H 8P7) and Darlington Provincial Park (1600 Darlington Park Rd, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K3). Check the interactive map for other suggestions.
Highlights
- 0 km: Lynde Shores Conservation Area: Visit this stunning natural area with access to two provincially significant wetlands. Great as a destination itself. Be sure to bring bird seed as the chickadees will land on outstretched hands to feed.
- 3.5 km Iroquois Beach: Watch for turn off the path leading to this wonderful sandy beach. Take a quick dip into Lake Ontario or enjoy a picnic lunch.
- 5 km: Port Whitby Wonderful new clubhouse located on a natural harbour. Washrooms, restaurant, lounge, and parking.
- 5.6km: Rowe House Museum
Tribute to the tenacity of local heritage enthusiasts. Enjoy various historical and other exhibits in this beautifully restored home that belonged to the first mayor of Whitby Captain James Rowe.
Washrooms and parking available. - 6.5km: Rotary Sunrise Park Long pier stretching out into Lake Ontario and beautiful pergola.
- 7.1km: Heydenshore Kiwanis Park Great playground for kids under the shade of mature trees. Lovely beach.
- 9.4km: Thickson Woods This is the last remnant of old-growth white pines on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Its forest paths are enchanting and you can easily spend 30 minutes hiking among its treasures. This is a real favourite with kids. Just north of the Woods is a meadow. Both the forest and meadow were purchased and cared for by dedicated volunteers striving to protect this natural asset.
- 12.6km: Lakefront West Park New addition to Oshawa’s waterfront park system.
- 17 km: Lakeview Park
Vibrant waterfront park with excellent beach and 3 museums with interesting stories to share. Playgrounds and concession stands.
Washrooms and parking available. - Larry Ladd Harbour Trail and Bridge-unveiled in 2018 to honour Larry Ladd, a passionate local water advocate. The new extension moves the Trail off Simcoe St.
- 21.4km: Second Marsh at General Motors Headquarters. Largest remaining urban wetland in the GTA, Second Marsh is another testament to people stepping up to protect our natural heritage. The Marsh has a network of trails, boardwalks, and lookouts with excellent interpretation panels to help explain the significance of the marsh. The Waterfront Trail takes you through the Marsh along its edge, which is stunning, but you should leave some time to explore the paths. The Marsh hosts many educational events and walking tours. Visit Second Marsh for more information.
- 23.5 km: Darlington Provincial Park. End the ride with a swim, continue on the Trail to Darlington Provincial Park. Great ice cream sold at the Park store, and lovely public beach.
A Summer of Adventure!
Durham West — Rouge River to Oshawa Harbour
From the mouth of the Rouge River to Oshawa Harbour is 40 km of scenic Lake Ontario waterfront. Connected with a combination of dedicated trails and quiet neighbourhood roads, this is a great area to begin exploring with your family.
Whether you choose to do a 5-km walk, 20 km or 40 km bike ride you’ll enjoy great waterfront views, bluffs, beaches where you can stop to cool off with a dip, many bridges including a cool metal catwalk and Thickson Woods, an old-growth White Pine conservation reserve with a wonderful loop hiking trail.
Terrain
Easy terrain, mostly paved trail with some sections on quiet streets and boardwalk.
Walkers-give yourself 45 to 60 minutes to do 5 km. Recreational cyclists: 10 to 15 km in one hour, since this is a popular trail, cyclists should be prepared to take it slow.
Start and Finish — here are our suggestions for starting points and stops to take in this section of Trail. Select the distance that suits you.
0 km — Rouge Hill GO Station (6251 Lawrence Ave. E, Toronto, ON) Just steps away from the Trail located in eastern Toronto. In fact, leave the car at home and take GO to the start. As you ride along this section of the Trail, you’ll notice signs commemorating Toronto Councillor Ron Moeser for his leadership in helping create a Scarborough waterfront that was connected and accessible.
2 km — Rouge Beach — Surprising how many people don’t know about Toronto’s easternmost beach now part of the Rouge National Urban Park. This a great place to swim and fish. The mouth of the Rouge River was the beginning of a major portage between Lake Ontario and the Holland River, giving access to Lake Huron for First Nations. The Waterfront Regeneration Trust is currently working with Parks Canada to create a trail up the river valley from the mouth of the Rouge to the GlenRouge Campground located near 401. A bridge takes you to the City of Pickering and atop a bluff with a gorgeous view.
3.8 km — Petticoat Creek Conservation (1100 Whites Rd South Pickering, ON L1V 6K7)—Parking (paid). Pool closed during the pandemic. You know you’ve arrived as you travel over the stunning high-level bridge over Petticoat Creek with wonderful views of the lake and the mouth of the Rouge River.
5.8 km — Rotary Frenchman’s Bay West Park and Beach (939 Beachpoint Promenade, Pickering L1W 2A4)– designated as an Environmentally Sensitive Area and is part of a restoration project led by the TRCA. It is one of the few remaining coastal ecological communities within the Greater Toronto Area. Limited parking here. There is a kilometre-long sandy beach with marram grass and eastern cottonwoods–essential to the protect this sand dune complex. Respect and enjoy.
10 km — Liverpool and Annland, Pickering, just north of Millennium Square. There are chip trucks, restaurants and shops on Liverpool Road near to the lake where you can grab a bite or refreshment. Unfortunately, the incredible waterfront park and boardwalk were destroyed by high lake levels in 2017 and 2019. The City has removed the damaged boardwalk and closed the trail in this area. A detour using quiet streets is marked on maps.
15.6 km — Rotary Park Pavilion (177 Lake Driveway W, Ajax, ON L1S 7J1)—Parking, washrooms. The Duffin’s Creek bridge takes you across Duffin’s Creek and Wetland and into Ajax’s Rotary Park, a gorgeous park set under the shade of trees with stunning views of Lake Ontario. During Covid, the park facilities are closed; portable washrooms are available.
Continuing on the Trail eastward, you reach Lion’s Point, which rises 20 metres from the shore. This is the highest elevation on the Ajax waterfront and affords a great view of Lake Ontario’s curving shoreline.
17.4 km– Veteran’s Point Garden. Shaped to recall the prow of a battleship, the garden commemorates Ajax’s contribution to the Second World War with interpretative plaques.
25.4 km — Lynde Shores Conservation Area—limited parking. The Trail runs through this popular conservation area. It offers many lovely paths to viewing platforms overlooking the provincially significant wetland or other natural features.
29.6 km — Rotary Sunrise Lake Park (Water Street, Whitby, Ontario)–Parking, washrooms. Take a stroll out onto the Whitby Pier to feel surrounded by the Lake.
30 km — Kiwanis Heydenshore Park (589 Water St, Whitby, ON L1N 9V9)—Parking and a wonderful beach.
33 km — Thickson Woods– Watch for the entrance to the hiking path through this last remnant of old- growth white pines on the south side of the Trail. It is a favourite location for birders and an enchanting walk. Once reserved for masts of sailing ships of the British Royal Navy, the towering pines provide a vital resting place for countless migrating songbirds each spring and fall. The forest stands today thanks to handful of naturalists who were determined to protect the stand from logging in 1983. When no other agency recognized the value of protecting and preserving this part of the waterfront, they created a land trust and sought the support of hundreds of people to help them purchase the land. With that success in hand, they purchased the meadow to the north to create a natural buffer for the forest from development.
35.6 km — Lakefront West Park (1221 Phillip Murray Ave, Oshawa, ON L1J 6Z8) Parking. Washrooms are closed.
40.6 km — Lakeview Park, Oshawa (near Second Marsh)–55 Lakeview Park Ave. Beach, washrooms are closed during the pandemic. This park is at the heart of the City of Oshawa’s waterfront park system. It was donated to the Town by General Motors of Canada in July 1920. The sprawling grounds are offer shade and great lake views.
Located on the west side of the park along the path and at a gazebo overlooking the lake you’ll find a plaque commemorating Nelson Mandela’s life. Then Oshawa Mayor John Henry said the spot is a place for reflection, where residents can gaze out at the changing lake on cloudy days, dark days and sunny days and think about Mr. Mandela’s life and how he experienced cloudy days and dark days as a political prisoner and sunny days in his golden years.
What to bring:
Don’t forget your sanitizer, snacks and water as facilities are not fully open.
Download the Printed Maps:
Map 2-14 in this bundle.
Maps 3-1 to 3-5 in this bundle.
Note: on Map 3-1 Cyclists are permitted to use the sidewalk. Bayly Road does not have cycling facilities and high volumes of traffic.
Use our custom interactive Google map to check distances and points of interest.
40 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.
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.