Top Ten Trails to Check Out in Ontario's Southwest
Sophie Mutch is currently a grade eight student at École Secondaire Catholique Monseigneur-Bruyère in London, where she has served as Student Council President and been a member of the volleyball, basketball, cross-country and track teams. She has a strong interest in music & theatre, too. Sophie is the first contributor to our new ‘young & free future’ series … currently, we are providing grade eight students the opportunity to share articles on our website, and be paid, too! This is the second of three articles that Sophie will be writing for young & free press.
Spending time in nature has been proven to have many positive impacts on our mental and physical health. Getting outside is especially important right now because most of us are inside a lot more than usual because of the pandemic. We may not have fully realized the positive impact of physical activity and time outdoors until now. With that in mind, you might be looking for some fresh ideas to get outdoor exercise.
There are many trails all over southwestern Ontario that are open to the public. If you would like to check out trails in your area, you can visit the All Trails website or download the All Trails app! Keep a log of your hikes in the app, and download the iNaturalist app to help you identify cool things that you find on the trail. An iNaturalist account lets you upload pictures, and it will give you suggestions of what you have found. Other iNaturalist members can comment to verify that you've identified the right species. This app might help spice up a regular hike, as well as keep a virtual log of what you’ve seen.
OK, let’s take a hike! Here are my ‘Top Ten Trails to Check Out in Ontario’s Southwest’ …
944 Western Counties Rd, London or 696 Wellington Rd, London
Westminster Ponds is 200 hectares of natural space tucked away in the heart of London. Located behind Parkwood Hospital, there are approximately 5.6 kms of hiking trails. There are two points of entry, either just off Western Counties Road or behind the Tourism London building at 696 Wellington Road, where you’ll find a viewing dock. The path is as pretty as a picture with a ravishing pond. In the spring, the trails can be quite muddy, so if you visit, make sure to wear your boots and watch for all kinds of urban wildlife!
Dogs: On-leash Bikes: No Parking: Free
There are many points of access to the Thames Valley Parkway.
The Thames Valley Parkway is an accessible paved path that allows everyone to enjoy the beauty of the Thames River. It crosses through Gibbons park, Ann Street Park and Harris Park, among others. The Parkway remains open during the pandemic, but there are certain restrictions on the parks. If you’re looking for distance, The Parkway is a total of 27.5 km. Because there are so many points of entry and exit, it is very easy to choose your trekking distance.
Dogs: On-leash Bikes: Yes Parking: free in various locations
1424 Clarke Rd, London
The Fanshawe Lake Trail is a loop trail totaling 19.6 km around the lake and Fanshawe Conservation Area. This trail is very popular for technical mountain biking as well as canoeing, sailing, kayaking and rowing, when permitted. Early morning sunrises on the lake are highly recommended!
Dogs: On leash Bikes: Yes Parking: 7$ per bike or 13$ per carload
East end of Gainsborough Road, London
The Medway Creek Trail is located in north London. The trail connects to Medway Creek on both sides of the water, as well as to the Elsie Perrin Williams Estate on the east side. Your hike can easily be tailored to your preference as there are many points of entry and exit which makes the trail easy to hike in sections. The trail is mostly flat with some steeper ravines. In its entirety, the trail is about 7.7 km. Make sure to watch for deer!
Dogs: On leash Bikes: No Parking: Free
5. Warbler Woods Orange Blaze Trail
Corner of Commissioners Road West and Warbler Woods Walk, London
Warbler Woods is located in west London and is an out and back trail totalling 3.4 km. If you're looking for doing some running on a hot day, this shady spot is great for hill-training.
Dogs: On leash Bikes: No Parking: Free
6. Vansittart Environmental Education Centre / Toyota Trail Loop
775275 Blandford Rd, Woodstock
Vansittart Woods Trails have been recently enhanced with the extension of the Toyota trail loop. In total, the trail is about 8 km, and is great for hiking and walking due to it being mostly flat and the ground being compact. In the winter, it is great for cross country skiing! You'll pass through shaded pine forest, an open meadow with active tree swallow nests, and a board-walked Carolinian forest before looping back.
Dogs: On leash Bikes: No Parking: Free parking lot on Blanford Road
7. Springwater Trail Starting at the Jaffa Tract Loop
48346 John Wise Line, Aylmer
A favourite in Elgin County, this trail is absolutely beautiful. There is a lot of spring skunk cabbage right now, and the path leads through many ephemeral ponds and swamps where you’ll find spring wildflowers in bloom. If you walk far enough, you could end up on the south side of Springwater pond! The trail is about 5km, and dogs are allowed on leash. The trails are also great for mountain biking! If you live in Elgin County, you may have already visited, and might know Jaffa Dan, who is a familiar face for TVDSB students.
Dogs: On leash Bikes: Yes Parking: Free parking on John Wise Line
8. Dan Patterson Wetland Trail
44014 Mapleton Line, St Thomas
The Dan Patterson Wetland Trail is a short loop-style trail which totals 2.1 km. It is part of Kettle Creek Conservation Authority’s Dan Patterson Conservation Area. History-lovers can check out the original home of Alexander Patterson, as well as a replica water tower and windmill. The Kettle Creek dog park is nearby, so once the dog park reopens (on Wednesday, May 20th), you could bring your furry friend for a post-hike fun date! If you’re looking for a longer trail in this area, check out this one!
Dogs: On leash Bikes: No Parking: At Dan Patterson Conservation Area entrance
9. Rock Glen Conservation Loop
8680 Rock Glen Rd, Arkona
The Rock Glen Conservation Loop is a must-see trail. The trail is currently closed, but check back here to find out once it reopens! The highlight of this trail is the beautiful rocky waterfall. Fossil hunting is another way to explore as you hike through Rock Glen. The trail is not suitable for bikes because there are many staircases. Dogs are allowed on leash.
Dogs: On leash Bikes: No Parking: Free, across from Rock Glen campground
503 Gideon Dr, London
The Komoka White Trail Loop is an 8.7 km loop trail located in Komoka Provincial Park. The trail provides an opportunity to experience the beautiful Thames River, has a moderate amount of hills, and involves many bridges, boardwalks and staircases.
Dogs : On leash Bikes : No Parking : 5$
Even if you are already exercising lots, trying a new trail is a great way to switch it up! All these trails provide a unique experience and are a great way to get outside and exercise. Hope you enjoy all these spots, and don’t forget to check out the apps for some neat record keeping opportunities!
