The best walks and hikes around Pickering

The Waterfront Trail runs along Pickering Beach where you can enjoy sweeping views across Lake Ontario. Watch sailboats coming and going from Frenchman's Bay Marina and, on a clear day, look out for the Toronto skyline on the horizon. The sandy beach and waterfront park also make a great spot for a picnic or a quick dip in summer.

The Beachpoint Promenade traces the edge of Frenchman's Bay out to the end of the west jetty where you'll find the lighthouse. You'll have great views over the water while on the promenade and from the end of the jetty you can see the east and west lighthouses that mark safe passage for the vessels entering and leaving Frenchman's Bay.

The West Beach of Frenchman’s Bay offers a unique blend of sandy shoreline and sheltered harbor views at the edge of Pickering. Tucked between the open waters of Lake Ontario and the calm marina of Frenchman’s Bay, this destination is a favorite for those looking to enjoy a lakeside stroll, a swim, or a relaxing day by the water. The beach is easily accessible via the Waterfront Trail, providing a gateway to the neighbouring wetlands and parks.

The Petticoat Creek Conservation Area is a scenic 170-acre waterfront retreat on the shores of Lake Ontario. Renowned for its dramatic bluffs and panoramic views of the Toronto skyline, the park offers a blend of active recreation and natural preservation. You can explore a section of the expansive Waterfront Trail that winds through the property, enjoy the aquatic centre, or utilize the numerous shaded picnic sites scattered among mature trees. With diverse bird habitats and grassy open spaces, the area provides a perfect lakeside destination.

The Seaton Trail near Concession Road follows the wooded valley of West Duffins Creek in Pickering. The trail quickly descends into the forested ravine and begins winding beside the creek. This section features rolling terrain with several hills, occasional viewpoints over the river valley, and stretches of natural trail that can become muddy after rain. The scenic creekside setting makes this one of the most popular starting points for exploring the Seaton Trail.

This towering railway bridge spans the wooded valley of Duffins Creek along the Seaton Trail in Pickering. Rising high above the forest floor, the steel trestle stretches across the ravine and creates one of the most striking landmarks along the trail. From below, the massive metal structure contrasts with the quiet woodland surrounding it, making this a memorable spot to pause before continuing along the creek through the valley.

Clarke’s Hollow is one of the northern access points to the Seaton Trail in Pickering. The area sits in the wooded valley of West Duffins Creek and serves as a common trailhead and turnaround point for hikers exploring the central section of the trail. From here, paths continue through the forested ravine following the creek, with steep valley slopes and quiet woodland scenery. Clarke’s Hollow is also one of several entry points along the Seaton Trail, linking this section of the route to nearby communities and additional trail segments.

The trail network at Beare Hill Park winds through restored meadow, young forest, and wetland edges before climbing toward the park’s high ridge. Paths are a mix of gravel and natural surface, with gentle grades on the lower loops and a steadier climb to the top for wide views over Lake Ontario and the eastern Toronto skyline. The routes feel surprisingly quiet for the area, with open grassland stretches, shaded pockets, and plenty of space to wander. A calm, scenic trail system that makes the most of this newly restored green space.