Easy hikes and walks around Whitby

Devil’s Den Trail is one of the main routes in Heber Down Conservation Area. The trail passes through shaded ravine terrain, crosses bridges and boardwalks, and leads to the area known as Devil’s Den, a narrow valley once tied to local folklore. The story goes that this area was once used as a layover spot for horse thieves in the late 19th century, and later crossed by a railway bridge whose concrete remnants still remain today. With steeper grades and a more enclosed feel than some of the park’s other paths, this trail is ideal for a more rugged and immersive walk through the valley.

This paved lot is the main access point for the trails in Heber Down Conservation Area, with plenty of parking and washrooms just off Cochrane Street. From here, you can quickly reach the wooded paths, bridges, and the steeper terrain leading into Devil’s Den, making this a popular starting point for longer loops through the conservation area. There is a parking fee of around $6 per vehicle, or it is waived with a CLOCA membership pass.

Crow’s Pass Conservation Area spans 64 hectares on the Oak Ridges Moraine, with a diverse landscape of forests, wetlands, and gently rolling hills. As part of a larger Natural Core Area, it plays a vital role in protecting important wildlife habitats and preserving ecological connections throughout the moraine. Several trails run through the area, including the Crows Pass trail, which is ideal for spending time enjoying a hike in a peaceful, relatively undisturbed setting.

Oak Ridges Moraine Trail is a long-distance, 275-kilometre multi-use route that follows the Oak Ridges Moraine, one of the most distinct physiographic landforms of southern Ontario, passing through forests, wetlands, and glacially formed hills. Within Crow’s Pass Conservation Area, a section of the trail briefly overlaps with the Crow's Pass trail, tracing a narrow path through mixed woodland and small clearings before continuing on its broader route. This stretch captures the Moraine’s gentle rises and dips, perfect for a quiet walk through ecologically significant terrain that connects larger natural areas across the region.

Crow's Pass trail is a picturesque loop that winds through forested landscape, gently traversing the ridges and low-lying areas of the Oak Ridges Moraine. As you walk the trail, you’ll experience a blend of mixed woodlands, moving from bright, sunlit high points to quiet, damp lowlands filled with seasonal pools and dense undergrowth. Portions of the trail connect with the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail, and despite its short length, the varied terrain and steady ups and downs make it an enjoyable trek through this beautiful area.

Established in 1972, Lynde Shores Conservation Area offers a network of flat, easy trails that wind through marsh, meadow, and lakeshore forest. Boardwalks and wide paths take you through the mix of wetlands and wooded pockets that draw in waterfowl, deer, and plenty of songbirds creating a relaxed environment near the shore of Lake Ontario.

The Levay's Lane Trail offers an easy loop with a mix of shaded paths and open clearings. The route follows gentle terrain, crossing small bridges and pockets of wetland where songbirds and waterfowl are common. A short branch of the trail goes along Cranberry Marsh to the shore of Lake Ontario where you'll find a small beach.

Following the Lake Ontario shoreline, the Whitby section of the Waterfront Trail offers long, easy walking and cycling routes with steady lake views, breezy open stretches, and access to several parks and marina areas. The path is mostly paved and flat, running past Lynde Shores, Whitby Harbour, Iroquois Beach, and the waterfront promenade, with plenty of spots to stop for views of the lake. Boardwalk sections, shaded pockets, and signed wayfinding make it simple to follow, and it connects seamlessly to the rest of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. A scenic, reliable lakeside route ideal for relaxed rides, long walks, or sunrise outings by the water.