10 Most Beautiful Trails in London, Ontario: Full Review with Pros & Cons (2022)

Are you looking for the best trails in London, Ontario?

No matter what season you find yourself in London, it is worth discovering where the locals go for a beautiful, nature-filled walk. Whether you’re on the search for the best hiking trails or just casual walking trails, our guide highlights 10 of the best trails in London, Ontario for all skill levels.

And if you’re on a tight budget, we’ve got you covered. These trails are all free, all year round!

London: The Forest City

London is known as the Forest City, and this is for good reason! The city of London has over 350 parks, forests, and environmentally significant areas.

As a result, there are a ton of great outdoor activities to do in the London area. From taking an epic hike, to mountain biking forested trails, to cross-country skiing the paths in the snowy winter, London’s trails have you covered.

Many of the trails we recommend in this post are connected to the Thames Valley Trail system. This system of trails runs for over 110 km, from the town of St Mary’s, through London, and south past the town of Delaware. Thames Valley Trail Association does amazing work to support this system of trails and frequently organizes hikes for community members to join.

Furthermore, the Thames Valley Parkway is London’s longest paved trail system of multi-use pathways that run for over 40 kilometers through the city, including from Kilally Meadows in the northeast, to Springbank Park in the west, to Meadowlily Woods in the southwest, and through various other parks and green spaces along the way.

In addition to these well-trafficked areas, there are dozens of beautiful hiking paths that give you the feeling of escape from the busy city. These trails will give you the experience of nature that Southwestern Ontario is known for, all while remaining inside the city limits.

We have put together our own review (from our experiences) of some of the best walking and hiking trails in London, so that you can easily choose the best place for your next nature walk through the Forest City, without having to guess which will be worth your time!

Updated 2022: We’ve updated our list to include two of the best hiking trails near London – Fanshawe Conservation Area and Komoka Provincial Park. While these locations are just outside of the city and may require paid entry (depending on time of year) most hikers would agree that they are definitely worth it!

Table of Contents

10 Most Beautiful Trails in London, Ontario
10. Euston Park
9. Kilally Meadows Trails
8. Westminster Ponds Trails
7. Warbler Woods Trails
6. Meadowlily Woods Trails
5. Sifton Bog Hiking Trails
4. Kiwanis Park
3. Springbank Park
2. Medway Valley Forest Trails
1. Kains Woods Trail
BONUS: Best Hiking Trails Near London, Ontario
Bonus #1: Fanshawe Conservation Area
Bonus #2: Komoka Provincial Park

10. Euston Park

Trail Length: The perimeter trail at Euston Park is approximately 2 km, with additional trails in the inner part of the park.
Route Type: Loop, point-to-point
Difficulty Level: Moderate (due to the incline of some of the trails and trails that run through the wooded area)
Time: Outer loop should take 20-40 minutes
Address: 90 MacKay Ave, London
Parking: Free, with various entry points off of Winston Ave, MacKay Ave, or Rachel Street.

Pros: The gravel outer loop trail makes for easy walking and biking, and the grassy open meadow is beautiful, giving a unique feel amongst London’s parks. The many hills make for a fun challenge to otherwise flat parks in the city. The naturalization area is also home to lots of birds and pollinators, and the informational signs provide unique learning opportunities for kids.

Cons: When wet, the grass and the inner trail conditions can be muddy and slippery. There are some fairly steep inclines at certain parts of the park, but these can also be avoided due to the many inner paths that all interconnect.

Note: Euston Park is part of The Coves Environmentally Significant Area (ESA), which offers additional trails a few kilometers north, from the intersection of Elmwood Ave and Wharncliffe Road to Greenway Park.

9. Kilally Meadows Trails (Kilally Valley Park)

Trail Length: 10.3 km of managed trails in the Kilally Meadows Environmentally Significant Area, or 7 km loop following the river (hiking trails on north side of river and multiuse pathway on south side).
Route Type: Point to point, loop
Difficulty Level: Easy
Time: 1.5-2 hours for the 7 km loop
Address: There are various access points. The main access point is at the east dead end of Windermere Road (east of Windermere and Adelaide St).
Parking: Free parking is available at the end of Windermere Road. Free street parking is available along various other access points, including access points to Kilally Valley Park.

Pros: Kilally Meadows offers both trails and a paved multi-use pathway. Trails follow the river on both sides, offering nearly constant views of the water. The north side hiking trails are a beautiful escape to nature while keeping you on an easy trail, and the south side paved path is appealing to many looking for a well-trafficked path to walk.

Cons: The north side paths can be very wet depending on weather. Large city buildings are visible along much of the path, which can take away a bit of the feeling of escape from the city.

8. Westminster Ponds Trails

Trail Length: Westminster Ponds has 11 km of maintained trails. There are various loop options based on how long you wish to walk.
Route Type: Point to point, loop
Difficulty Level: Easy, with moderate side trail options
Time: We recommend spending 1-1.5 hours here.
Address: There are various access points. The main access point is at the Tourism London Welcome Centre, at 696 Wellington Road.
Parking: Free parking is available at 696 Wellington Road.

Pros: The Westminster Ponds Loop trail frequently leads along the different ponds, offering beautiful waterfront views. The sunset is beautiful over the water, and there is a scenic viewing platform over Saunders Pond near the beginning of the main trail. The sounds of birds and insects give the feeling of being deep in nature. There are a few picnic tables along the main trail. The main trail is well-worn and easy to follow. Westminster trails are some of London’s best hiking trails by water.

Cons: Due to the proximity to busy city roads, the traffic can be heard and buildings can be seen along much of the trail. The trail conditions can be muddy where the path runs along the water.

7. Warbler Woods Trails

Trail Length: There are 5.5 km of maintained trails in Warbler Woods. The main trail is 1.9 km each way (out and back trail).
Route Type: Out and back, point to point
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Time: Main trail is 1.9 km each way. Expect to spend at least 1 hour total to walk out and back.
Address: Various access points in west London. Main trail access points at Warbler Woods Walk or off Byron Baseline.
Parking: Entry from Warbler Woods Walk has a parking lot and is the recommended entryway. The entryway off Byron Baseline is quite hidden and there is no parking close by. If you access the other sections of trail from other access areas, you should be able to park along the residential roads for free.

Pros: The Warbler Woods Environmentally Significant Area offers beautiful, blazed trails running through a mature forest. This forest is nestled between beautiful residential neighbourhoods and feels far removed from the city centre. The paths are well-marked with yellow or white blazes.

Cons: The trails (including the main trail) run up and down many hills and include some steep inclines. These can be particularly difficult if icy or muddy. You will definitely get your heartrate up on these trails (either a pro or con!), and they are not really for those wishing for an light, easy path to walk.

6. Meadowlily Woods Trails

Trail Length: There are 4.6 km of managed trails in the Meadowlily Woods Environmentally Significant Area.
Route Type: Loop, point to point
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Time: 1-1.5 hours for the main trail loop (not on the multipurpose pathway)
Address: Main access is at the end of Meadowlily Road.
Parking: Free parking along Meadowlily Road.

Pros: These trails are well-trafficked and run along the Thames River, offering scenic riverside views. Hikers are easily able to escape the sounds of the city. The trails run through a mature forest on rolling hills. On the north side of the river is the Thames Valley Parkway (called Meadowlily Trail, opposed to Meadowlily Woods Trail), is a busy paved trail which makes for a great alternative to the hiking trails.

Cons: The trails can be confusing when they branch off. Stick to marked trails. The rolling hills can be more difficult to walk when icy or wet.

5. Sifton Bog Hiking Trails

Trail Length: There are 2.8 km of managed trails at the Sifton Bog. The main trail from 1210 Oxford St W to Hyde Park Woods and Naomee Park is 2 km each way. The popular Dock Trail is 0.4 km each way.
Route Type: Out and back, point to point
Difficulty Level: Dock Trail: Easy; Hiking trails: Moderate
Time: 1 hour for the main hiking trail, 15 minutes for the Sifton Bog Dock Trail.
Address: Main entrance (including the Dock Trail entrance) is at 1210 Oxford St W, London. Other access points to the trails are at Naomee Park or Hyde Park Woods.
Parking: Free, limited parking at 1210 Oxford St W. Street parking is available at Naomee Park and Hyde Park Woods.

Pros: The Sifton Bog is London’s most unique ecosystem, and is one of Canada’s most southern bogs. This nature hike is enjoyable for adults and particularly educational for kids. It is picturesque and feels especially enchanted! The Sifton Bog Dock Trail is wheelchair accessible and makes for easy walking. Sifton Bog is easily one of the coolest places to hike in London, and offers both amazing short trails (such as the Dock Trail) and long trails.

Cons: The access to the main hiking trail at 1210 Oxford St W is not obvious and is at the very start of the Dock Trail, on the left hand side just before the start of the dock. The hiking trails are not always very obviously marked. The dock is fairly narrow (tight for side-by-side walking). The dock can also get slippery when wet, icy, or with falling leaves. The Dock Trail is not a trekking trail, but rather a short walking trail that is well-trafficked.

4. Kiwanis Park

Trail Length: 3.3 km of paved trail
Route Type: Point to point
Difficulty Level: Easy
Time: 45 minutes each way; Since there are multiple access points and loop options within the park, you can easily spend 1-1.5 hours here.
Address: There are various access points. The main access point to the playground is on Kiwanis Park Drive. Access is also available off of Hale St, Abbott St, Graydon St, Cronyn Cres, Glass Ave, Trafalgar St, Moffatt Ave, and Borden St.
Parking: Free parking spaces are available on Kiwanis Park Drive. Free street parking is also available along various other access points.

Pros: Kiwanis Park is a beautifully maintained green space in east London. There are open grassy areas and lightly forested areas, particularly along the parts of the path that follows Pottersburg Creek. Since the park follows the creek from Dundas Street to Hamilton Road, there are many opportunities to spot wildlife like ducks and deer. The highlight for many, Kiwanis Park also offers large playgrounds, a splash pad, skatepark and ball diamond!

Cons: Kiwanis Park is a city park with an long paved path, making it a great place for walking, biking and rollerblading but not for the feeling of total seclusion or for hiking.

3. Springbank Park

Trail Length: Springbank Park has 4 km of multiuse pathway, with short side trail options.
Route Type: Out and back, point to point
Difficulty Level: Easy
Time: We recommend giving yourself 1 hour or more to walk the paved path.
Address: 1085 Commissioners Rd W, London; 205 Wonderland Rd S, London
Parking: Free, with large parking lots at the Springbank Gardens Community Centre, Civic Garden Complex, East Springbank Gate, Springbank Gate and West Springbank Gate.

Pros: The park is very well maintained with a very busy paved multi-use path. The path runs along the wide Thames River, and provides beautiful scenic views over the water. There are various park benches along the way, and some photo-worthy large, knobby willow trees. Springbank Park has one of London’s longest walking trails by water and some of the most scenic views in the city.

The west end of the park has an incredible inclusive kid’s playground and splashpad, and pavilions and barbeques for public use. There is a beautiful multicultural presence in the park, as it serves as a gathering place for so many communities from all around the city.

Cons: If you’re looking for a secluded place that feels like an escape from the city, this is not what you will find! The paved trails are definitely for walking/biking opposed to hiking. While the nature is beautiful, it is often busy and feels like a city park.

2. Medway Valley Forest Trails

Trail Length: There are 11 km of maintained trails that run from Sunningdale Road to behind Brescia University College.
Route Type: Point to point, loop options
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Time: Various options, opt for an out and back hike to control your timing.
Address: Various access locations, with the popular access point at the intersection of Gainsborough Road and Whiteacres Drive, or at the Ontario Museum of Archaeology (1600 Attawandaron Rd, London). See the Upper Thames Valley Conservation Authority’s guide to the Medway Valley Forest Trails for all access points.
Parking: There is free parking along Gainsborough Road, in front of the Medway Valley Heritage Forest sign. If you enter the trails along one of the various other residential entry points, including along Attawandaron Road, you should be able to park for free along most residential streets.

Pros: The Medway Valley Forest runs along the Medway Creek and this trail offers great views of the river and plenty of spots to dip your toes in the water or have a picnic. The trail system is extensive, and main trails are marked with a yellow blaze.

There are various access points along different streets and the trails are well maintained. Though this trail system is well-trafficked, it does not usually feel busy, and you can easily feel like you’ve escaped the city.

Cons: The terrain is sometimes rough, with various ups and downs, meaning there is the potential to be muddy or icy in winter. There are some spots where you may need to unexpectedly cross a creek to continue along the trail (or follow a different path). There are also various signs indicating “closed trail” and it is uncertain whether the trails are truly closed.

1. Kains Woods Trail

Trail Length: 7.5 km
Route Type: Loop (last 2 km on residential streets)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Address: Enter the trail at the intersection of Westdel Bourne Road and Kains Road, in Kains Woods Environmentally Significant Area.
Parking: Parking is free along the residential area of Westdel Bourne Road. To get to the hiking trail you will first need to walk about 10 minutes through a paved path on the edge of the residential community. Follow the paved path around the pond until you see the fenced entrance to the hiking trail.

Pros: This trail offers scenic views, following the Thames River for the majority of the hike, blocking out all views and sounds of the city. You will feel that you are truly in nature and may spot deer, beavers, and many birds.

Cons: There are many hills on this trail (including some steep hills), and it can become muddy or icy in winter. Proper footwear including crampons and poles are recommended in winter.

BONUS: Best Hiking Trails Near London, Ontario

If you have a bit more time on your hand and want to explore some of the best hiking trails near London, Ontario, we highly recommend a visit to Fanshawe Conservation Area in the northeast, and Komoka Provincial Park in the west.

BONUS #1: Fanshawe Conservation Area

Trail Length: Over 20 km of trails (trail map here)
Fanshawe Lake Trail – 20 km (hike/bike)
Meadows Trail – 2.1 km
Tamarack Trail – 1.3 km
Pond Trail – 1.1 km
Route Type: Various loop options
Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging hike
Time: Fanshawe Lake Trail (loop) takes an average of 5 hours but you can hike out-and-back to control your time.
Address: 1424 Clarke Road, London
Parking: During the season of May 1 to mid-October, vehicle entry fee to Fanshawe Conservation Area is $15 (HST included).

Pros: There are so many things to do in Fanshawe Conservation Area, making it a great place to camp or head to for a day trip. There are multiple trails of differing lengths, meaning you can cater your trip to your needs and wants.

Many of the trails, including the Fanshawe Lake Trail, take you along the Fanshawe Reservoir meaning your hike is filled with lots of scenic lookouts. Located on the outskirts of the city, hiking here does feel relaxing and far-removed from the city.

Due to the proximity to London International Airport, you will likely see lots of low-flying airplanes (usually small ones), which can add a fun element to your day out, especially for young children.

Cons: A trip to Fanshawe Conservation Area in season does cost you the price of a day pass ($15), but if you go in the off-season (mid-October to April 30) you can hike for free. Fanshawe Lake Trail is both a hiking and mountain biking trail, so extra attention should be given. Check trail conditions before you hike (prone to being wet/icy) and be prepared for uneven ground.

Note about park season: If you hike out of season the conservation area is open for free (no entry fee required) from Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm. All buildings and washrooms are closed out of season.

Note about Fanshawe Lake Trail: The direction of bike travel alternates daily, such that on even numbered days bikers must go clockwise, and on odd numbered days they must go counterclockwise. Bike helmets are also required for everyone biking in the park.

Note about cross-country skiing: Visitors during the winter months can enjoy cross-country skiing through the Fanshawe Pioneer Village pathways free of charge.

BONUS #2: Komoka Provincial Park

Trail Length: Over 17 km of trails (trail maps here)
Route Type: Various loops, point-to-point
Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging hike with moderate elevation change
Time: Various, but best to allow for a few hours to enjoy the trails.
Address: 503 Gideon Drive, London
Parking: Main Parking Lot is at 503 Gideon Drive and “The Ponds” Parking Lot is at 22290 Komoka Road. Parking fees are required at certain times of the year.

Pros: Beautiful maintained trails run along the Thames River through mature coniferous and deciduous (Carolinian) forest and into open meadows. The scenery changes frequently and makes for a very interesting and enjoyable hike.

You will feel completely removed from the city without having to drive far out of town. In fact, Komoka Provincial Park is the closet of Ontario’s provincial parks to London and arguably the best place to hike near London.

Cons: Komoka Provincial Park is not accessible by public transportation and usually requires parking fees. The trails are blazed with colour markers, but due to the size of the park and the overlapping of trails, they can be confusing. Traffic is often minimal, so take a trail map and keep track of your location using GPS to avoid getting lost.

Note: The blue, orange and yellow trails are for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. White trails are for hiking only.

Our Wrap Up: 10 Most Beautiful Trails in London

If you’re looking for the best hiking trails in and around London, Ontario, you’ve got some awesome options to explore.

Whether it’s along the Thames River, or on a floating dock in a majestic bog, we hope this guide helps you to find the right trail to let your mind escape into the great outdoors!

👉 Looking for more fun things to do in London, Ontario? Check out:
21 Best Things to Do in London, Ontario
33 Exciting Day Trips from London for All Seasons
31 Fun & Romantic Date Ideas in London, Ontario
London Ontario’s Farmers Markets: Complete Guide
👉 How about hiking trails in Elgin County? Check out:
Yarmouth Natural Heritage Area in Elgin County