The best walks and hikes around Brighton

Just upstream from the suspension bridge, Ranney Falls tumbles over a series of rocky ledges beside the Trent River. A viewing platform provides a close look at the rushing water, while the surrounding forest makes this one of the most scenic stops in Ferris Provincial Park. Water levels vary throughout the year, but the falls are particularly impressive during spring runoff and after periods of heavy rain.

Stretching ninety-one metres across the Ranney Gorge, this pedestrian suspension bridge is one of Ferris Provincial Park's most recognizable landmarks. Built by Canadian Forces engineers and opened in 2004, it carries hikers high above the Trent River with views of the gorge, the Trent-Severn Waterway, and Ranney Falls downstream. The bridge forms part of The Great Trail and connects the park to Campbellford on the opposite side of the river.

Flowing through the heart of Ferris Provincial Park, the Trent River is the landscape's defining feature. From this section near Saskatoon Avenue, you can look across a broad stretch of water framed by forested banks and limestone cliffs further downstream. The river forms part of the Trent–Severn Waterway, so it's common to spot paddlers and passing boats during the warmer months. Its calm appearance here contrasts with the rushing water of nearby Ranney Falls, just upstream.

Presqu’ile Provincial Park sits on the north shore of Lake Ontario and offers a mix of long beaches, quiet forests, and wide‑open lake views. You can explore the sandy shoreline, wander the many trails, and follow a 1 kilometer marsh boardwalk that brings you right into one of the region’s most impressive wetlands. Presqu'ile is also one of Ontario’s best places for birdwatching, especially during spring and fall migration, with over 330 species being sighted here. The peninsula setting gives the park a peaceful, windswept feel, and the historic lighthouse, one of the oldest still operating in the province, adds a striking historic landmark to the shoreline.

Jobes' Woods Trail is a wheelchair‑accessible loop as that wanders through old‑growth forest, open fields, and plantation pines. Keep your eyes up and your pace slow to increase your chances of spotting pileated woodpeckers, white‑tailed deer, and sun bathing amphibians around the Black Ash swamp and beaver‑friendly wetlands.

On the far side of the marsh, a second observation deck and picnic area offer another place to stop along the loop. Covered tables sit right beside the reeds, with open views across the grasses toward the main lookout in the distance. This midway point makes for a great snack sto, a break from the sun, or taking in the scale of the wetland before continuing along the trail.

Near the start of the Marsh Boardwalk Trail, an elevated observation deck overlooks the open marsh, with wide views across tall grasses and scattered trees. Beneath it, a covered picnic table offers a shaded place to stop. Interpretive signs explain the wetland ecosystem and local species, making this a great spot to pause before continuing along the boardwalk.

Marsh Boardwalk Trail is a short, easy loop through wetland boardwalk and forest in Presqu’ile Provincial Park, ideal for a relaxed walk or family outing. The well-maintained wooden boardwalk carries you out over the marsh with benches and wildlife signs along the way, Parking is easy, it’s rarely crowded, and dogs on leash are welcome. If you'd like to observe the local wildlife make sure to bring with you a pair of binoculars.