Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is a small park located an hour north of Toronto. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from fellow nature lovers. since we were early, it was mostly deserted and we could enjoy it all by ourselves. The Bruce Trail goes through the park on its trek from Niagara to the Bruce Peninsula. So the park is beautiful but sadly I have to agree with other reviewers that it looks overused. If it had been working, I think we would have to pay $11 in coins so be prepared! She found this one on tiktok, and I guess so did all the other 200 cars. My daughter and her husband introduced us to this park last week. Last year in 2021, park was so crowded. (Dufferin County Rd. 10 north from Orangeville to Mono Centre Rd. Hiking. We went to Mono Cliffs back in May when it was free because of COVID lock-down. Spillway continues to become Walter Tovell Side Trail, which you follow until you reach Lookout Side Trail. If you liked our post about Mono Cliffs Provincial Park Day Hike Near Toronto, please check our other posts related to Canada here: Amazing South Ontario Road Trip itinerary Along Georgian Bay Toronto Bruce Peninsula Manitoulin Island Sudbury Killarney Perhaps the coolest place to take a hike in Ontario is Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, a 732-hectare green space that features a 20-km trail system through the Niagara Escarpment. I went 3 times this park. Awesome trail, mostly easy flat ground with a few fun little inclines. We expected more cliffs from the Cliffs park and even detoured down different trails to find more but did not. After 0.9 km, turn left onto the Carriage Trail and make your way up the steps to gain some elevation along the escarpment. About two thirds of the trails in the park are relatively boring double track. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Interesting cave formations off of one of the side trails. There are multiple trails that run thorough the Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. Mikaela is a Wilderness First Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician. This year they changed roles. She previously worked as a canoeing guide in Canada, and spent a season guiding hiking and kayaking tours in the high Arctic. When this occurs, the resultant feature is called an outlier. The main viewing platform, which is the target destination for many people, is on this trail after a little uphill hike. Distance 5.42mi . Where is the best place to hike in Mono Cliffs Provincial Park? Your email address will not be published. Check the Ontario Parks website for details, as pricing is subject to change. Mono Cliffs contains a significant section of the Niagara Escarpment, including crevice caves, an upland limestone plain, and talus slopes. Mono Cliffs Provincial Park offers beautiful, serene natural surroundings. We took the Carriage route trail from the parking lot, took those steep stairs up, took a short break, then did the "green" Clifftop trail north, saw the lookout and the rocky cliffs at the 2nd set of stairs, then took the "blue" Walter Tovell trail and Link trail back down, took a break at one of the ponds to snack and feed the baby, eventually returning to the Carriage trail to get back to the lot. Add to cart. Last modified June 15, 2021. The McCarstons Lake was maybe around 3 kilometers long and it ends at the link trail. The deep blue water amongst the green hills was truly a sight to behold while the sounds of the birds and winds through the trees will definitely take you to a state of utter bliss. All rights reserved. Amazing South Ontario Road Trip itinerary Along Georgian Bay Toronto Bruce Peninsula Manitoulin Island Sudbury Killarney, Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area: A Natural Wonder And A Day Hike Near Toronto, Top 7 Things To Do In Quebec City: An Essential Travel Guide To The Historic City, Our Magical 2 Day trip to Taxco Mexico: A Photostory, The parking fees are $7.50 for 4 hours or $12 for full day, To avoid crowd start the hike around 8 AM when the park opens, specially in summer. So try to arrive early not only for deserted trails but also for a safe parking spot. You can then link up with the Cliff-Top Side Trail and follow it north into the heart of the park. It's not too far from the city, so it's great for a day trip! (It's a good, light-weight, "off-road" stroller that's been on many hikes in many provincial/national parks, but I can't see any info about these trails. Trails include; Bruce Trail (6km), Carriage Trail (1.3km), Spillway Trail (1.3km), Cliff Top Trail (2.8km), Walter Tovell Trail (4.8km), McCarston's Lake Trail (3.6km), South Outlier Trail (3.5km), Lookout Trail (600m), and Link Trail (600m). Went on a friday afternoon in later August and was quite quiet. Go early in the morning if you want to avoid crowds. Climbing gently uphill through the tree cover, you will reach another fork in 200m. There is only one washroom station, which is located at the main entrance (Note: no sink so bring your own hand sanitizer/ extra water). The rest of the trail system is in great shape. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. This park has a small parking lot which fills up quickly so be sure to arrive early. Also, any photos or videos you may have taken of your adventures on this or any other trail are welcome as well. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. An early medieval settlement of Franconian colonists and traders, Frankfurt was chartered in 1253 and joined the Hanseatic League in 1368. But we saw that people were parking their cars on the road too. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. 705.435.2498 Email, For more information, visit www.ontarioparks.com/park/monocliffs. Download my cookbook now! Spillway continues to become Walter Tovell Side Trail, which you follow until you reach Lookout Side Trail. Best to print out a map of the trails before you go - will save you lots of time. Mono Cliffs Provincial Park Every donation of $25 or more will receive a tax receipt. Which trail has the most elevation gain in Mono Cliffs Provincial Park? If you're looking for elevation gain, Mono Cliffs Provincial Park has you covered. We even saw two people on horses, which our 4 year old loved seeing. Here, you will make your way around the forested loop for 1.7 km, following it around the edge of the cliffs to their north point, where you will come to a junction near several rock crevices. Check for any Trail changes since maps were published here. Another thing to do (though not in the park itself but outside of it) is this quaint antique store. I really recommend to use "Off" and after bite. Top 7 Things To Do In Quebec City: An Essential Travel Guide To The Historic City. There are multiple trails that run thorough the Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A Day Trip to Rushing River Provincial Park. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This Ladys Travel Blog is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means to earn commissions by linking to accommodation, travel gear, and other affiliated sites. (Dufferin County Rd. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. So if you are late, maybe that is an option, even though we cannot comment on how safe it is. For more information on trails or to view a trail video by activity please go to the OTC Youtube Channel. What hotels are near Mono Cliffs Provincial Park? The fee station is located towards the end of the parking lot and accepts coins and cards. Hiking and biking only, no swimming. Definitely will be back in the summer and fall time! Trail images provided by respective trail associations. This trail is estimated to be 13.4 km long. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: clubmenorca.com, +34971377978 Club menorca | clifftop guesthouse, bar & restaurant in cala en porter, menorca Foot traffic on this trail can be extremely high during the summer weekends. funfetti pancake mix cookies clifftop trail mono cliffs. I love taking my family on hikes. Our favourite part of this route however was the McCarstens Lake trail. You'll take the Cliff-Top Side Trail via Carriage Trail and Spillway Trail from the parking lot, and be sure to follows the route with the turnoff at the pond that brings you into the forest. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Very nice trails but could be better marked. This was a beautiful hike, can't wait to do it again! Hike date: June, 2020 Travel time: 1.5 hours from Niagara, 1 hour from Toronto area Trail distance/length: 8.0 km Difficulty: Moderate Trail time: 4 hours (with room to stop and admire the view etc.) While out on this hike, you will pass through peaceful woodland settings, walk between large rock formations, and look out over the calm waters of charming lakes. There are various hiking trails for all skill levels, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Accessing the park does not require a fee, although certain parking areas will require you to pay. Ice and hard packed snow on the trail today, but good hiking. Map 19 - Mono Cliffs quantity. Can only buy passes for 4 hr blocks regardless of the time you get there. The Ontario Trails Council is a provincial organization and registered charity. AllTrails has 10 great trails for hiking, birding, and snowshoeing and more. If youve finished hiking the Mono Cliff trails There is a short hiking trail near Mono Cliffs Provincial Park that goes to Split Rock Narrows, which has some nice viewpoints and a few places where the rocks split into large cavernous gorges. The park features two prominent masses of rock, separated by erosion from the main rock body. Was happy to see Parks Ontario actually enforcing daily pass permits. Really great time today. If you have any corrections or new information you'd like to send us, we'd love your input. Yes, you have to pay for parking at Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. I killed more than 20 mosquitos on my body. Your email address will not be published. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 156 to 392 meters in elevation gain. Ignore the trail on your right and continue around the loop as it turns to the south, leading you through the forest and slightly downhill for another 1.8 km to arrive back at a junction near the small lake that you had previously passed. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. Beautiful place to hike. We did like that the park is big, but if you are looking for a more untouched place to hike and more than an Instagram shot of a cliff then I would try something else. I hope you will be inspired to get out and explore your backyard and beyond! You come to Mono Cliffs to do some day hiking. now from here the return path is to take a left. Botanists have noted that the local vegetation includes a particularly rich diversity of ferns. This is an excellent hike to the lake and along some lovely viewpoints overlooking some sweeping old-growth forests of central Ontario. Carry an insect repellent as there are a lot of annoying bugs and mosquitoes in the forest. To avoid the crowds take the South Outlier Trail which breaks off to the left as you leave the open fields when first walking into the park. Really nice walk for inexperienced hikers and young kids (we went with a 4 year old and a 7 week old (in a carrier). When this occurs, the resultant feature is called an outlier. Follow this to the end, then turn right onto Cliff Top Trail. This park has a small parking lot which fills up quickly so be sure to arrive early. Official music video by Taylor Swift performing "The Man" - off her album 'Lover.' Stream/Download the album here: https://TaylorSwift.lnk.to/Loversu Pre-order t Nice clear, sunny day with only a gentle breeze. We walked longest one in 3.5 hours. Family Friendly, Heart or Health, Scenic, Natural, Wilderness, Surface According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is. Looking for a more challenging hike? And we choose the famed Mono Cliffs Provincial Park as our destination. There aren't really any places to picnic inside the park - there are a few tables by the parking lot. But some parts were stony,there are small rocks on the way. If you have time, connect to McCarston's Lake Trail which allows you to do a complete circuit of the park. This map is also posted near the start of the trail, so you can reference it there too. I have 2 cocker spaniels and it's a beautiful place for dogs. Some trails allow bicycles and some even allow horse riding. Note: Starting in 2021, its recommended you book your vehicle permit in advance to ensure you secure a parking spot. This will loop back to Spillway Trail #4 - Lookout Side Trail via Spillway Trail Loop. When you arrive lookout and weather is clean, you can see CN Tower. They explained that there was limited parking spots and due to recent parking issues, the township made all side roads no parking. This trail is 8.0 km long with an elevation gain of 229 m. It takes an average of 2 h 12 min to hike. beautiful nature, as nature in generalno one was there when I got there, had to wait till parking gate got open , some busy when I was coming back .but nice and easy trail I can say Really beautiful hike. There are 3 vault toilets at the parking lot, which had plenty of thin toilet paper, were a bit stinky (as expected for vault toilets), and had signs about using sanitizer but did not stock any (it's ok, I think everyone has their own in the car these days, right?). After around ten minutes we took a small section of the Walter Tovell trail which led us to the Clifftop side trail. Boardwalk, Trail Amenities There are trail markers throughout the park, so you only need to know which trails you want to hike in order to navigate the park. The trail was super nice though, definitely coming back in the future! Mono Cliffs Park is a short drive from the GTA and a great spot for a morning or afternoon of hikes in the summer or fall. Best Donuts in Ontario Worth Road Tripping For. I disagree with the last comments, the parking staff were very friendly. It lies on the west bank of the Oder River opposite the Polish town of Subice, which before 1945 was the Frankfurt suburb of Dammvorstadt. Setting aside the large volumes of foot traffic, the Mono Cliffs Trail is a beautiful walk through the forest that will allow you to disengage from the outside world and focus on the outdoors. Also, any photos or videos you may have taken of your adventures on this or any other trail are welcome as well. Just here and there.. definitely not "crowded" and everyone was social distancing when passing. During the summers, towards the late morning, the trails can become as cramped with people as downtown Toronto. Ontario Trails do not own or manage any trails. For people like us, who loves travelling, it has been a patient 3 months. This route through Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is well-maintained trail with lots of offshoot trail options that are well-marked. No results No results Shopping cart $ 0.00. Cliff Top Side Trail - Carriage Trail - Spillway Trail, McCarston's Lake, Carriage and Spillway Trail, Carriage - Spillway - Lookout - McCarsten's Lake - Clifftop, Lookout Side Trail via Spillway Trail Loop, Carriage Trail, Spillway Trail, and Walter Tovell Trail Loop, Bruce Trail to Lookout Side Trail to South Outlier Loop Trail. So guys, keep hiking as it has immense benefits to you. Its main attractions are the viewpoint and mini boardwalk caves, which are the perfect spots to capture photos. Oh well, the trail was beautiful. 8), then go east eight km past the village of Mono Centre to the 3rd Line E.H.S. As of June 2021, day use fees and seasonal pass holder reservations are required in advance to use this area. People were everywhere, and long lines to use the portable toilets. We took the Carriage route trail from the parking lot, took those steep stairs up, took a short break, then did the "green" Clifftop trail north, saw the lookout and the rocky cliffs at the 2nd set of stairs, then took the "blue" Walter Tovell trail and Link trail back down, took a break at one of the ponds to snack and feed the baby . Also we took a quick peek into the nearby Dufferin forest which is totally optional. It isnt a difficult park to navigate, but there are several trails that connect at various points, so having the Mono Cliffs trails map will help you find your way back to your car afterwards! That is not a bad idea if you are short on time. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. Walking along the beautiful green path, after some time we reached the McCarstons lake. Head right here onto the Walter Tovell Side Trail and follow it north for the next 1.0 km to make your way through the low point of the canyon and arrive at a fork in the trail. Parking, Picnic Areas, Designated Rest Areas, Washrooms. There were signs at the gate reminding people of social distancing and such, hardly saw any garbage left behind which was lovely to see. Very well marked trails, gorgeous scenery, good for all hiking levels. The view of the Rock Cliffs (Jacob's Ladder) is magical, and hikers recommend coming during the week to have a moment to enjoy #2 - McCarston's Lake, Carriage and Spillway Trail. Bus Tours from C$124.50 per adult The area 795122 3rd Line Ehs, Mono, Ontario L9W 5Y2 Canada Full view Best nearby Restaurants 1 within 5 kms Mono Cliffs Inn 259 2.2 km$$ - $$$ Bar Pub Canadian See all Attractions 5 within 10 kms Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Reserve 15 Nature & Wildlife Areas Valleys Museum of Dufferin 14 note* our dog found a porcupine and ended up with needles in her facewe pulled them out with a leatherman tool and she was good to go. There is an observation platform - wonderful to see fall colours from in late September/early October. Setting out from the trailhead on 2nd Line, pass through the gate and head to the north to enter into the dense cover of the forest, making sure to turn right at the first trail junction that you come across. Caledon Hills (Maps 14-19, Cheltenham to Mono Centre), https://brucetrail.org/bruce-trail-sections-and-maps/#bruce-trail-updates, Map with Trail Descriptions including parking (2-4 page file), Our downloadable maps are identical to the print version of. Whatever you have planned, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. Elevation + 295f. I got here around 9:45am and rolled in at the same time as three other cars. Click here to learn more about the Inn. Mono Cliffs Provincial Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area: A Natural Wonder And A Day Hike Near Toronto These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Powered by - Designed with theHueman theme. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings and visit our Privacy Policy here. I think the Town of Mono needs to look into this and see what can be done to alleviate the hassle for people who live on that road. The map below showcases all the trails in Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. What is the longest trail in Mono Cliffs Provincial Park? Paid parking, no entry fees. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 58 min to complete. Mono Cliffs Park is a short drive from the GTA and a great spot for a morning or afternoon of hikes in the summer or fall. But when we learnt about the good news that the provincial parks are opening from the end of May or early June, we couldnt help but promptly capitalize on the change in situation. Mono Cliffs Provincial Park: An Amazing Day Hike Near Toronto Canada How many trails are in Mono Cliffs Provincial Park? But all the sacrifices and hard work seem to be paying off as the numbers are falling gradually. For more information, please review the park website: Cliff Top Side Trail - Carriage Trail - Spillway Trail, McCarston's Lake, Carriage and Spillway Trail, Lookout Side Trail via Spillway Trail Loop, Carriage Trail, Spillway Trail, and Walter Tovell Trail Loop, Bruce Trail to Lookout Side Trail to South Outlier Loop Trail, Bruce Trail: 5th Line EHS to 4th Lane EHS, Griffith Ravine & Peter Beecham Side Trail. We paid for a 4 hour parking permit which cost us $7.50. Its Cliff-Top Side Trail, which is part of the larger Bruce Trail, takes you past some of the coolest environments in southern Ontario. I hope the appropriate authorities take notice of the issue and resolve it. As it was summer, it was lively with life, both flora and fauna. We did get a day use permit online (free, but something they recommend due to the pandemic to limit capacity) but found there was no one on site checking for it (that we were aware of). Surprised by how many other people we encountered. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Maybe we covered only around 10 kilometres in around 3 hours, but we were stopping a lot to absorb and click the pretty scenery around us. I cant find it on Google Maps, but if you follow the Google Maps directions to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, it will be on your left-hand side, about a kilometre or two from the park entrance. Forces everyone back to reality and what counts. Restaurants near Mono Cliffs Provincial Park: Attractions near Mono Cliffs Provincial Park: Mono Cliffs Provincial Park: Address, Phone Number, Mono Cliffs Provincial Park Reviews: 4.5/5, Its main attractions are the viewpoint and mini boardwalk caves, which are the perfect, , Mono Cliffs is still my favorite place for short Fall. It also passes the little lake in the middle of the pond. TrailRank 10. The viewpoints and cliffs will be worth it, especially if you go outside the peaks hours. Want to reach out to Mikaela? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There was a whole day permit too for $12. This is a great way to get out with the family and explore an interesting part of the scenic Bruce Trail. Parks, Conservation Areas, and other Bruce Trail Access Points, Keep up-to-date with the latest alerts and conditions on the Bruce Trail, Securing the Bruce Trails Conservation Corridor, Indigenous Culture and the Niagara Escarpment, iNaturalist Bruce Trail Conservancy Project, We add protected land to the Bruce Trail's conservation corridor each year, International Friendship Trail Badge Series.