Maple Nature Reserve — Attraction in Vaughan

Maple Nature Reserve is a peaceful and well-maintained trail, perfect for a refreshing outdoor escape. Unlike some busier parks, this spot remains uncrowded, allowing for a truly tranquil experience.

🚗 There are two small parking areas, located at the northern and southern entrances, making access convenient. The southern parking area has washrooms nearby, which is a great plus for families.

📍 Several well-placed guidance maps help visitors navigate the trails, ensuring a smooth hiking experience.

🌊 The southern part of the reserve features two ponds, one of which sits near residential houses and is teeming with fish. Kids will love feeding them and watching them swim!

🛖 While there is only one roofed picnic bench near the southern parking area, it offers a nice resting spot. However, note that there are no barbecue facilities, so plan accordingly.

Overall, Maple Nature Reserve is a hidden gem for those looking for a peaceful nature walk, a bit of wildlife observation, and quality time with family away from the crowds. Highly recommended for a quiet...

It’s closed for part of the trail, but still worth the visit

Visited on a weekday with no wait time, and despite part of the area being closed off for construction, the experience was still beautiful and peaceful. The wooden steps leading into the forest are a bit weathered, and there’s a clear sign marking the closure, so you won’t be surprised. It looks like they’re doing some maintenance or improvements, which is actually good news for the long run.

What really made the visit special were the wildflowers — a full carpet of vibrant blue flowers blooming right along the path, creating a gorgeous contrast against the early spring trees and forest brush. The whole area is calm and quiet, and it still feels like a little escape into nature even if you can’t walk the full trail loop right now.

If you’re nearby, it’s absolutely worth stopping by. Just be aware you might need to double back rather than complete a full circuit. Still, for a short walk or a moment of peace,...

There's lots of parking: North lot and West lot.

Still exploring this area. Icy hike on the south trail: the trail with the descriptive plaques about the wildlife that live in this forest and near the wooden bridge. It's a short but sweet loop back to the parking lot near the restrooms.

I got quiet the workout going uphill past the bridge, due to the crunchie snow and slippery ice. My heartrate increased quickly because I didn't slow down while fighting the difficult terrain: winter hiking is always enjoyable for me because the snow and ice add that much needed resistance and distraction from these gloomy sunless outdoor cardio days.

The temperature today was perfect for an uphill hike - my hands warmed up quick. At the start of this hike the hands and legs are always the coldest. The hills here are perfect in all seasons. I've hiked here in the summer and winter now, just beautiful!

My next goal: to start cycling from here to the surrounding parks this...