2020 was the year of the hike. With covid-19 restrictions across the country, many Canadians found their solitude in the outdoors. Ontario is well known for its plethora of outdoor activities and stunning hiking trails, and Brockville is no exception.
Brockville Ontario is home to numerous trails- ranging from waterfront paths, to hiking trails in the depth of the nature that surrounds the city. These five trails are all less than an hour drive from Brockville, and are easy enough for the whole family to enjoy.
Camera? Check.
Water? Check.
Picnic packed? Check.
Now let’s explore the best five trails in our region so you can plan your next outdoor family adventure in Brockville!
Brock Trail to Mac Johnson Wildlife Area
Brock Trail begins near The Brockville Waterworks and Pump House on Water St. East, and continues all the way to the Mac Johnson Wildlife Area. Essentially, you can walk from the South end, to the North end of Brockville in about an hour and 45 minutes.
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The Brock to Mac Johnson trail is 6.6 km in length, and is considered an end-to-end trail, meaning it doesn’t loop around. You won’t experience much of an incline on this trail, and the terrain is clear- making it ideal conditions for pushing a stroller and for dogs, although dogs must be kept on a leash. The Brock to Mac Johnson trail can also be an educational experience for the family, with many plaques explaining the city’s history on display throughout the trail.
Glances of flowing water, a taste of history, and an abundance of wildlife- this is a family hike that simply can’t be skipped!
Jones Creek (TINP)
15 minutes West of Brockville, you can find Jones Creek, part of Thousand Islands National Park- a wooded trail with areas of marshland and picturesque views.
Jones Creek Trail is a 6.9 km loop that begins just off the 1000 islands parkway. The trail circles through a woodland area with windy streams and many beautiful landmarks along the way. With many spots to rest and appreciate the scenery, this trail makes for a perfect afternoon picnic destination.
It’s important to note that a portion of the trail will be inaccessible when water levels are high because the boardwalk that takes you across the creek will be submerged in water. With that being said, it’s recommended to save Jones Creek Trail for a dry, summer day so you can experience everything this stunning pocket of wilderness has to offer.
Hiker’s Tip: Bring bird food! Jones Creek is a prime location for bird watching, and if you’re lucky they will eat the food right out of your hands!
Tallow Rock East Trail
Charleston Lake Provincial Park is a popular destination to visit when traveling to Brockville, Ontario. Charleston Lake Provincial Park is just 45 minutes north east of Brockville, and encompasses many hiking trails, including the breathtaking Tallow Rock East Trail.
Tallow Rock East Trail is an out-and-back trail along Charleston Lake that takes about an hour to complete. This moderately difficult trail has some inclines and rocky terrain, so it’s recommended for children ages 6 and up.
Along your hike at Tallow Rock trail you can expect to see an array of scenery, from rocky wall cliff lines, to beautiful lake shore lines, to mixed forest and marsh land. This trail really does have it all.
For the more adventurous families, there is also the Tallow Rock loop trail, which is a more difficult hike with many inclines and rocky terrain. The loop trail takes closer to three hours to complete, but trust us it’s worth it!
Hiker’s tip: Bring waterproof shoes. The west side of this trail is said to be muddy and wet at times, especially by the bridge that crosses the lake.
Black and Decker Trails
The Black and Decker Trails are a series of short trails that shoot off from one another, totaling 10.5 km in distance to make up the The Black and Decker Trail system. Where central Ave. West in Brockville ends, the trail begins. This wooded trail is well kept and makes for a lovely stroll with the family in the Spring and summer months.
The Black and Decker Trail system is great for all skill levels due to its various options of off-shoots to hike. Beware that there are some steep declines and rocky terrain throughout this trail system.
The trail is very popular among atv and mountain bike enthusiasts, so be prepared to see some “traffic” along the way. Have mountain bikes of your own? Why not bring them and join in on the fun!
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Mallorytown Landing (TINP)
Journey to the picturesque granite islands and windswept pine trees of Thousand Islands National Park at Mallorytown Landing. Thousand Islands Park consists of several ecologically important mainland properties and more than 20 islands between Kingston and Brockville.
The visitor centre at Mallorytown Landing provides an introduction to the park with a hiking trail, interpretive programs, exhibits, and activities for the whole family.
Enjoy a day by the river or overnight in waterfront oTENTik accommodations at the park’s mainland visitor centre in Mallorytown.
Access to all National Park Islands is by boat only.The park does not offer water transportation.Dont have a boat? No problem! Renting a kayak or canoe, going on a guided kayak trip, taking a shuttle, renting a boat or going on a cruise are all available options for your adventure.
For more information, full list of fees for camping, docking, beaching, and visitor centre parking visit:
www.pc.gc.ca
Blue Mountain Trail
Blue Mountain Trail is beloved by Brockville locals and most known for its stunning 360 degree view of Charleston Lake at the peak of the height. Blue Mountain is the highest point in the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, located just east of Brockville in Charleston Lake Provincial Park.
Blue Mountain Trail is an out-and-back trail, so by the time you reach the lookout at the end of the trail and walk back, it takes about three hours to complete. It isn’t hard to spend a full day exploring the Blue Mountain Trail, taking breaks along the way to stop and take in the stunning views of the lake, forest, and humbling rock ridges.
You can even access the Blue Mountain Trail by water from Huckleberry Hollow. Simply park your canoe or kayak along the shoreline and follow the path to the panoramic peak. This makes for a memorable excursion that is fun for the whole family.
