WELCOME TO GEOHIKES

Explore Ontario Geology and Environment

A Guide to Ontario's GeoHikes

Take to the trail with the Geodiversity Education Foundation's GeoHikes and discover the geology and natural environments hidden throughout Ontario's landscapes. Follow self-guided hikes that reveal the rocks, landforms, ecosystems and natural processes you encounter along the way—turning an ordinary hike into a journey through Earth's geological and environmental history.

Contribute a GeoHike

Have a geological or environmental hike you'd like to share?

Help expand our collection of geoscience and environmental experiences by submitting a GeoHike or field trip for consideration.

Download Submission Form
Video Instructions

Watch our instructions to learn how to follow a GeoHike, navigate geological and environmental stops and make the most of the features you'll encounter along the trail.

GeoHike video instructions
What to Take

We recommend bringing a hand lens or magnifying glass, hiking boots or sturdy shoes, a camera, notebook and pen, and clothing appropriate for changing weather conditions.

The Geodiversity Education Foundation encourages responsible exploration: take pictures, not samples, and leave your rock hammer at home.

! Safety
There is always some risk of injury when hiking or visiting a geological and environmental field site, but that risk can be greatly reduced by using good judgement, staying aware of your surroundings and choosing a route appropriate for your abilities.

Stay on established trails wherever possible and avoid climbing unstable outcrops or rock faces. When viewing geological and environmental features near roads, remain as far from traffic as possible. Check weather and trail conditions before setting out, hike with at least one other person and keep appropriate local emergency contact information available.

GeoHike Rating Guide

Each GeoHike includes information about its approximate difficulty, duration and accessibility to help you choose an experience that is right for you.

Difficulty

Rated from 1 to 5, from easiest to most challenging. A rating of 1 represents an easy walk, while 5 may require a higher level of fitness and more demanding hiking.

Duration

Indicates the approximate amount of time needed to complete the GeoHike and explore its featured geological and environmental stops.

Accessibility

Rated from 1 to 3. Level 1 means all or many stops are easily accessible; Level 2 means some stops are easily accessible; Level 3 indicates that stops may not be easily accessible.