Winter hiking trails in Toronto aren't necessarily the same places that you might wind through the woods in the absence of snow. If you're going to be out exploring in your boots, it's important to select trails that are relatively wide and less steep than what you might attempt when traction is better. 

Here are some of the most popular winter hiking trails in Toronto.

Cedarvale Ravine and the Belt Line

Too many people know about Cedarvale Ravine to characterize it as a hidden gem, but it's still under-appreciated for both its beauty and walkability. Should you feel ambitious after exploring here, you can always walk a few blocks and hook up with the Belt Line Trail.

Sun Valley Loop (Crothers Woods)

Much of the Don Valley is a beautiful place to hike for three seasons of the year (careful of the mud during spring, though), but once the snow has fallen, the double-track loop around Sun Valley is the perfect destination. The terrain is gorgeous but not overly challenging.

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High Park Trails

High Park is another trail network that comes into its own in the winter. The trails along the west side of the park are ideal in the snow, especially as they take you down to Grenadier Pond, which offers a lovely vista but also the possibility of more exploration if deemed safe. 

Sherwood Park Trail

A winding boardwalk gives access to a stunning 150-year-old forest in Sherwood Park. The winter wonderland is also between Sunnybrook Park and Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens, so you can easily extend the hike for even more wintry views. 

Moore Park Ravine and Don Valley Brick Works

One of the nicest winter hikes in Toronto is to walk south from the top of Moore Park Ravine down to the Brick Works. It's an easy downhill jaunt (at least on your way out), the ravine is majestic when snow-covered, and you can warm up with a hot drink when you arrive.

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Rouge Valley 

The breathtaking Rouge Valley is an iconic area in Toronto, providing incredible sights and the backdrop for many photos. In the winter, it becomes a snowy paradise, complete with river views and winter wildlife.

Leslie Street Spit

While you will likely be pounded by strong winds during parts of this hike, Tommy Thompson Park is majestic in the winter, complete with wild ice formations that build up along the shore. The landscape ranges from well-forested to almost lunar in spots, but it's always alluring.

Scarlett Mills Park Trail

This trail along the Humber River is stunning year-round, and especially in the winter. Visitors can also snowshoe, if they so please, and in the right spots along the trail, you can spot small waterfalls and stunning views of the river and surrounding area.