Doris McCarthy Trail — Attraction in Toronto

The Doris McCarthy Trail is truly a hidden gem in Toronto. The trail itself offers a peaceful walk surrounded by nature, but the real highlight is when it opens up to the stunning view of Lake Ontario. The sight is breathtaking—wide open water, fresh air, and the calming sound of waves make it feel like an escape from the city without ever leaving it.

Whether you’re walking, biking, or just looking for a quiet place to sit and enjoy the scenery, this trail delivers a perfect balance of exercise and relaxation. It’s a great spot for photography, a morning stroll, or simply to clear your mind while admiring one of the most beautiful lakeside views around.

Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates nature, tranquility, and...

Doris McCarthy Trail, also known as Gates Gully, is a footpath that connects Ravine Drive on Kingston Road to Lake Ontario via Bellamy Ravine Creek, which flows down the ravine. It's also known as Gates Gully, after Jonathan Gates' Gates Inn and Tavern, which used to be east of Bellamy Road. During the Upper Canada Rebellion, the Scarborough militia used the inn as a rallying point before defending Toronto from William Lyon Mackenzie's rebels. The trail is named after Calgary-born artist Doris Jean McCarthy, who lived in Scarborough Bluffs and was well-known for her landscape works. A sculpture dedicated to the artist can be found at the trail's base, where the Doris McCarthy Trail joins...

Beautiful easy trail by the lake. This is the second easiest lake trail east of Toronto - the easiest being the paved Ajax bicycling trail. The boulder retaining wall is there, but it's not in walkable condition (as is, for instance, the stretch from the Harris Water Treatment plant till the Buffs more eastward). The trail is a double wide walkable packed soil material. Parking at the start is very easy, walk down to the lake is maybe 10min, and the lake is always beautiful. You can absolutely continue walking further than the...