The Best Outdoor Trails for Running Enthusiasts in Southern Ontario

As anyone who has read my previous blog entries is aware, I’m a big lover of nature. However, my day job—I’m a partner at the firm DLA Piper LLP specializing in labour and employment law, as well as the forensic inspection of media devices—affords me very little in the way of fresh air and exercise. From 9am to 5pm every Monday to Friday, I’m mostly indoors pouring over paperwork, conducting meetings with clients and colleagues, and presenting cases in court. 

But that’s why I use my spare time to fly fish regularly on the Saugeen River in Bruce County, and it’s also why I moved away from the Greater Toronto Area to a working, 100-acre farm in the sleepy, rural Ontario township of Ancaster. 

It’s also why I run every day and have been doing so for a very long time. While it’s true that I run competitively on occasion, most of the 50-60 kilometers per week that I log are of a more casual and recreational variety, usually taking the form of a spirited jog through the outdoor trails of Southern Ontario in order to get my heart rate up, imbibe some fresh air, and clear my head. 

That being the case, the topography and natural backdrops of the locations I choose matter a great deal to me. Over the years, I’ve tried just about every outdoor trail I can find within a reasonable distance of where I live, which translates into most of the major ones in Southern Ontario, and I thought it might be both a fun and informative exercise to highlight which, in my humble opinion, are the best outdoor trails for running enthusiasts in Southern Ontario.

The Bruce Trail 

The Bruce Trail is the longest and oldest marked footpath in Canada, stretching over 900 kilometers from Niagara to Tobermory. While I haven’t run the whole thing (yet), I’ve covered enough sections to say that it offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the lower portion of the province. With rugged terrain, limestone cliffs, and sweeping views of the Niagara Escarpment, this trail is ideal for runners who like a challenge and don’t mind a bit of elevation change.

The Dundas Valley Conservation Area 

This is my go-to trail when I want something scenic and reasonably close by (Dundas is only a hop, skip, and a jump from Ancaster) but not too intense. The Dundas Valley Conservation Area offers a network of well-maintained trails, with the Main Loop being a personal favorite. Winding through dense forests, open meadows, and gentle hills, it provides a great mix of terrain. It’s especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange, making for a truly picturesque run.

The Ganaraska Trail

The Ganaraska Trail is one of my favorite spots when I want a bit of variety in my runs. Stretching about 500 kilometers from Port Hope to Rice Lake, this trail takes you through a little bit of everything—dense forests, serene farmlands, and gorgeous waterfront views. It’s great for runners who like a mix of terrains, whether you’re in the mood for a quiet jog through the woods or something a bit more challenging along the lakeshore. No matter which leg of the trail you choose, you’re guaranteed to find something beautiful along the way.

So, there you have it! The three Southern Ontario trails that are, in my considerable experience, the cream of the crop for runners. I hope you found this blog post helpful, and with any luck, maybe I'll see you in one of these lovely locations someday!