13 Must-See Lookout Hikes in Ontario

Hopefully you don't believe in unlucky numbers, because today I've got thirteen beautiful Ontario Lookout hikes you need to add to your Ontario travel bucket list.

It's hard to believe it's only been a few years since I started camping and truly exploring our beautiful province of Ontario.  While Ontario might not have mountains or oceans, it's beautiful if you know where to look, especially if you lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails!

Lookout hikes are always my favourite. I decided to round up some of my favourite lookouts to share with you to inspire your next Ontario road trip!

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Rock Dunder, Lyndhurst

Rising 275 feet above Morton Bay, Rock Dunder provides breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes and woodlands. Hiking trails lead to one of the highest points of land in the region, and offer stunning vistas. This is a 4km loop, but you can make the hike longer or shorter by heading out and back, or tacking on additional scenic trails in the nature reserve. You'll pay your parking fee at the gatehouse when you arrive at the nature reserve, or you book your day pass in advance at this website (pre-booking not available in autumn). The park is open from May 15 - November 15th.

Barron Canyon, Algonquin Provincial Park

This 1.5km loop takes you to the Northern Rim of the stunning, 100m high Barron Canyon before returning to the trailhead. The drive to the trailhead will take you along several kilometres of rough logging road, so make sure your car is in good shape before attempting this drive. Day use fees apply.

Booth's Rock, Algonquin Provincial Park

This iconic trail in Algonquin is a moderate 5.1 km loop, which meanders past two lakes before returning along an abandoned railway. There are a few short but steep inclines and several stairs on this trail, but the views are worth it! This trail is particularly busy in the fall, and you will need to plan ahead to get a coveted Hwy 60/Booth's Rock permit during this time. Day pass reservations for all provincial parks open 5 days in advance at 7 am, and you will want to be ready when snagging a fall colours permit. If you can get there for sunrise in the autumn, you might be treated to a cloud inversion - views do not get more spectacular than this!

Lion's Lookout, Huntsville

This lookout packs a punch with minimal effort - if you're lucky, you can find parking right at the top, otherwise there's a parking lot at the bottom of the hill for a short but steep walk up from the lower parking. You can get a sunrise view from the east side of the lookout, and if you walk to the other side you'll be treated to sunset over the charming town of Huntsville. Parking is free.

Cup & Saucer, Manitoulin Island

This trail is iconic for a reason! The cliffs are called “Cup and Saucer” because the higher "Cup" sits atop the lower Saucer formation. The sheer cliffs are over 400 million years old! Some of the trail is on private property, so treat the land with respect and stick to the trails. I'd recommend taking the "Adventure Trail" bypass on your way up to the lookout to add a little fun and challenge to your outing! The shorter, "out and back" route is approximately 5km, but you can take the longer option to make your hike around 8.5km long. There's a QR code in the parking lot you can scan for parking.

The Crack, Killarney Provincial Park

The Crack is one of the better-known lookout trails in an Ontario Provincial Park. While most of the 6 km trail can be considered easy to moderate, it is the climb up the infamous "crack" that gives this hike its challenging label. Take your time and go slow here, especially if the rocks are damp. You'll also want to spend plenty of time at the lookout once you've worked your way to the top, so plan a MINIMUM of 3-4 hours for this hike. Ontario Parks recommends starting from the trailhead no later than 5 pm in summer months (and of course, much earlier when we don't have peak daylight). Make your day use reservations in advance and plan to arrive early, so you don't arrive to a parking lot already at capacity.

Egg Rock, Madawaska Valley (on the east border of Algonquin)

This short, 0.6km out-and-back hike packs a punch! I was fortunate to visit during autumn, and the colourful views rivalled those at Booth's Rock with a lot less effort. While this hike is short, it is steep! There are plenty of hikes along Turners Road, so keep your eyes open for the small trailhead signs. Egg Rock is 14.7 km from Cty Rd 58, just east of the Algonquin Park Boundary.

Top of the Giant, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park 

This is one of the most iconic views in Ontario, in my opinion! The Top of the Giant combines two trails in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park for a 21.8 km out-and-back hike. You'll start at the South Kabeyun Trailhead and follow the Kabeyun Trail until you reach the Top of the Giant trailhead, which is a 6.6km out-and-back, meaning you've got a few steep kilometres to ascend to the lookouts.

If you want to beat the crowds, I'd highly recommend getting an early start. The start of the trail is a wide, flat path that you have the option to bike - a bike rack is provided at the base of the hill before you start the ascent. If you don't want to pack as much water, you can detour to the backcountry sites by the lake to filter a fresh batch - you'll see the signs pointing you to the campsites approximately 5km from the trailhead. Come prepared for a full day's hike with plenty of water and snacks.

Eagle's Nest, Calabogie

This 2.7km loop is one of the most popular lookouts in the Ottawa region. There is a trailhead across the road from the parking lot, with QR codes to scan to pay your parking fees. One half of the loop is easy and relatively flat, with the other half being a little more rugged. Depending on your desired challenge, you could easily choose either direction as an out-and-back to make your hike easier or more difficult.

Dundas Peak, Dundas

This popular trail gets extremely busy in the autumn! From the trailhead, the hike to Dundas Peak is approximately 3km long, as a "lollipop loop" (and out-and-back leading to a smaller loop). This trail is located in Dundas Valley Conservation Area and can also be accessed via the Bruce Trail on a side trail. There is no parking here in the fall, and you'll need to take a bus shuttle organized through Hamilton Conservation. Day use fees apply.

Ouimet Canyon, Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park 

This easy trail in Northern Ontario also offers an accessible option. It is a flat,1.8km loop, although the full loop itself isn't accessible, and you will need to retrace your steps and come back the way you came if you are using a mobility device. The trail leads you to two lookout platforms offering panoramic views over the 150-foot gorge, with sheer 100m drops to the canyon floor. Day use fees apply.

Nokomis Trail, Lake Superior Provincial Park

This 5km loop takes you through Boreal forest with multiple scenic lookouts, with the most spectacular giving you a view overlooking Old Woman Bay. The bay is named for the face of an old woman that can be seen in the outline of the cliffs over Lake Superior. The trailhead is located across the road from the lake, providing you a perfect place to cool off with a dip after your hike (in warmer months, of course!). Day use fees apply, and you can reserve your pass in advance.

The Grotto, Bruce Peninsula National Park

The Grotto is one of the most iconic views in the Bruce Peninsula. With turquoise, crystal clear water - you won't believe you're still in Ontario! This is a moderate 4km loop that can be hiked in any season - while the colour of the water truly pops on a bright summer day, there is something magical about a snowshoe hike with hardly anyone else around to view a snow-dusted Grotto in wintertime. You will also pass the Grotto if hiking along the Bruce Trail. Reservations are required for parking at Bruce Peninsula National Park to access the Grotto from May 1 to October 31. Day use fees also apply.

It's important to note that most of these lookouts do not have barriers, so exercise caution and watch children closely! Many of these hikes are in regions with bears, so always be prepared for bear safety. If you are ever visiting more than one Ontario Provincial Park on the same day, you only need to purchase one day pass. Your local library may also have Parks Passes that you can check out with your library card.

So now I need to know - what's your favourite Ontario lookout? Was it on this list, or do I need to add it to mine? Let me know in the comments!

See you on the trails! Shawna