The best walks and hikes around Zorra

You'll find over 10 kilometres of multi-use trails within the Standard Tube Burgess Park system, most of them at or near the Thames River. The river itself is a "no-wake" zone in this area, making it popular for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding.

Known as as Deshkan Ziibi (Antler RIver) in Ojibwe, The Thames River winds more than 270 kilometres through southwestern Ontario, shifting from quiet rural bends to broad urban stretches as it flows toward Lake St. Clair. Here, near Woodstock, the slow river meanders through forests and meadows, creating a peaceful escape.

Thames River Trail is a relatively flat, easy route that runs through wooded sections along the river’s shoreline, with beautiful views along the way. The trail passes through a mix of forest and open areas, with plenty of opportunities to spot waterfowl and other wildlife along the shoreline, making it a lovely route for a peaceful riverside stroll.

The Thames River flows for about 273 kilometres through southwestern Ontario, winding from its headwaters near Thamesford through farmland, forests, and communities before emptying into Lake St. Clair. In this section, the river widens into calmer waters bordered by wooded shorelines, wetlands, and open countryside, creating a quieter setting than the faster-flowing sections downstream. This is a great spot to do some birdwatching, and the peaceful views across the water and the surrounding landscape feel more like a rural setting despite being on the edge of the city.

The lake is seven kilometres long, and you can rent canoes and kayaks to take out on the water. The Wildwood Lake Trail crosses the water here - there is no sidewalk, but the bridge has plenty of shoulder and there are very few cars.

The Oxford Thames River Trail offers a peaceful riverside walk that follows a former rail corridor beside the slow‑moving Thames River. The route mixes wide gravel stretches with narrower natural‑surface paths, and recent improvements include a scenic river loop and short boardwalk sections that bring you close to the water’s edge

The trail system around the lake is pretty, just be sure to bring good footwear as sections along the water can be muddy year-round. You need a permit (season pass or day pass) to hike or bike the trail, and you are expected to keep the receipt with you on your walk. Day passes are $8 for hiking/biking as of 2026.

From the trail you get a nice view of the base of the sluice gates. The dam was completed in 1965 for flood control and to improve summer water quality for downstream communities.