Roughly an hour north of Toronto lies one of Ontario’s best provincial parks. With some of the most unique geological features close to Toronto and unrivaled fall colours, Mono Cliffs Provincial Park has quickly become a favourite hiking destination for many.
With lookouts perched on top of 100’ tall cliffs and winding trails squeezing their way between wildflower meadows and turtle ponds, Mono Cliffs Provincial Park offers a memorable hike no matter where you go.
Let’s take a closer look at the many Mono Cliffs Provincial Park Trails and how best to spend a day at the park!
Planning Your Trip to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
Before we take a closer look at Mono Cliffs’ hiking trails, let’s first discuss what you need to know before you make your way to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park.
Parking at Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
The parking lot to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is located at 795086 3rd Line EHS, Shelburne, ON L9W 5Y2, a couple minutes north of Mono Centre or roughly 15 minutes north of Orangeville.
This is the primary entrance to the park and contains a large gravel parking lot.
Ontario Parks recommends you purchase a daily permit in advance to guarantee your spot at this parking lot (it can become very busy, especially on weekends and during the fall). You can reserve your daily permit by visiting the Ontario Parks Reservation page.
Once there, you will see the following reservation options and prices:
- 8am – 12pm = $7.50 (taxes included)
- 12pm – 4pm = $7.50 (taxes included)
- 4pm – 8pm = $7.50 (taxes included)
- Full Day (8am – 8pm) = $15.50 (taxes included)
If you regularly visit Ontario provincial parks or plan on doing so, an annual or seasonal permit may be a better option.
Parking is not permitted on the side roads surrounding the park, meaning you risk being ticketed, fined, or towed if you decide to park there. So, keep that in mind when planning your trip and get your permit before heading out to ensure you aren’t stuck with nowhere to park once you arrive!
Facilities at Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park offers a limited set of facilities.
You will find washroom facilities at the primary parking lot for both men and women. They are minimal and far from luxurious, so don’t expect much if you have to use them.
Aside from the washrooms at the main entrance, one additional set is located within the park. Again, both men’s and women’s washrooms are offered, and again, they could be nicer, but they get the job done if needed.
And that’s it for facilities!
Unlike other parks or conservation designed for picnicking, barbequing, and full day-use, such as Albion Hills Conservation Park or Belfountain Conservation Area, Mono Cliffs is strictly focused on hiking and not designed to be used for anything beyond that.
What to Bring to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is quite rural and, as we just mentioned, has very few facilities.
As such, there are some items you’ll definitely want to bring to make your hike and trip more enjoyable. These include:
- Hiking Shoes/Boots: Several trails in Mono Cliffs are rocky, rooty, and steep. A good pair of hiking shoes/boots will help keep your feet comfortable and provide good ankle support.
- Water: Bring lots of water, especially on hot summer days. There’s no access to drinking water once in the park, so you’ll be relying on the amount you bring with you.
- Snacks: With some hiking options pushing 2+ hours, bringing a few snacks is a good idea. That said, make sure you pack out whatever you bring in.
- Sunscreen: Several trails are wide open and exposed to the sun, so make sure you put some sunscreen on before starting your hike.
- Bug spray: The bugs can be pretty bad, especially in the damper and more densely forested areas of the park. Bug spray will help keep those pesky mosquitos and black flies away!
Besides these essentials, consider wearing a hat and/or sunglasses and bringing hiking poles if you struggle with more technical and steep terrain.
Bring all the above, and you’ll be well on your way to a great hike!
What Not to Bring to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
As we’ve mentioned, Mono Cliffs Provincial Park does not offer picnicking, barbecuing, or any other event space.
As such, you shouldn’t bring any items meant for large-scale meals, all-day gatherings, or anything of that nature. Keep it to what you can fit in a backpack and nothing more.
Fires and alcohol are also strictly prohibited within the park, so don’t plan on bringing in any firewood or beverages.
Aside from that, you’re good to bring whatever you’d like! Just ensure you don’t leave any litter in the park and do your part in keeping our provincial parks beautiful.
The Trails at Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
You’ve made it to Mono Cliffs and are ready to hike. Great!
Let’s look at the various Mono Cliffs Provincial Park trails and some of my favourites.
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park Trail Map
As with anywhere you go, a trail map of the various trails is an excellent place to start.
A large map is available at the parking lot, letting you look at everything that’s to come. However, if you’d like to have access to the map throughout your hike, there are a few different options for you.
- Take a photo of the trail map on your phone before you leave the parking lot so you can access it on your phone.
- You can download a PDF of the trail map to your phone here.
- You can use Trailforks, a fantastic app that will allow you to see every trail within Mono Cliffs and their unique stats, like distance, elevation, and the average time it takes to hike the trail. Take a look!
I highly recommend downloading Trailforks and using it during hikes at new and unfamiliar trail systems. Even with great signage, which direction or trail to turn onto next isn’t always clear. Having Trailforks, especially if you’re following a predefined route, that problem disappears, and you’ll quickly know where to go during your hike.
If you don’t have Trailforks downloaded, you can find download links for iOS and Android here.
The Best Mono Cliffs Provincial Park Trails
Now that you’ve looked at the trail map, let’s discuss some of the can’t-miss trails within the park!
Lookout Trail
Lookout Trail provides the best views in the entire park, giving you a panoramic view over the towering cliffs, dense forest, and rolling countryside surrounding Mono Cliffs!
It’s one of the best views in Dufferin County and a can’t-miss destination for anyone hiking in Mono Cliffs. While the hike up can be quite tiring – you are climbing more than 200′ after all – the view is well worth it and a great spot to catch your breath, have some water, and eat a couple snacks.
Cliff-Top Side Trail
This trail follows the cliffs along the park’s western side and provides a great variety of terrain, taking you through everything from open meadows to the rocky and exposed forest cliff faces.
You’ll also find a second lookout point on this trail. While not as high or open as Lookout Trail, this observation deck provides a great view of the meadows and ponds below the cliff faces.
You’ll also have the opportunity to take a boardwalk down the side of the cliff, splitting your way between the various faces of the exposed ridge. It’s a unique experience and another must-see location at Mono Cliffs.
South Outlier Loop
Like the Cliff-Top Side Trail, the South Outlier Loop follows a line of exposed cliffs within the park, this time towards the park’s eastern edge.
Primarily in dense forest, it’s a very peaceful part of the park, often less busy than the trails mentioned above.
That said, you still get the unique experience of hiking along the top of an exposed cliff face and all the different geographical features that come with it!
McCarston’s Lake Trail
Perhaps the most classic hiking trail in Mono Cliffs, McCarston’s Lake Trail provides an easy-going hike over rolling terrain through old-growth forests.
While it lacks the views of Lookout Trail or Cliff-Top Side Trail, it more than makes up for it with its natural beauty, rich wildlife, and varied terrain that keeps things interesting.
Plus, it brings you right to the shores of McCarston’s Lake, providing a great view of its own and the chance to cool off on a hot summer’s day.
Recommended Routes Through Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
While it’s great to know what trails are best, sometimes it’s also nice to know how to link them up. Here are some different recommended routes through Mono Cliffs Provincial Park!
Route #1 – 8km – Easy
I recommend this route for a simpler and easier hike through Mono Cliffs. It’s not too long and features mostly double track trails making it ideal for strollers, dogs, hiking with kids, older individuals, or those just looking for a more laid back option!
While it does skip out on the Lookout Trail, you still get to walk the Cliff-Top Side Trail and take in its views and boardwalk!
Route #2 – 10km – Novice
This route is similar to #1. However, it adds the Lookout Trail and part of McCarston’s Lake Trail.
This route checks off 90% of what Mono Cliffs has to offer and is a great option for those looking for a bit longer hike or wanting to spend more time in the park!
Again, you get both viewpoints of Lookout Trail and Cliff-Top Side Trail, plus you get to see McCarston’s Lake hidden deep in the forest.
Route #3 – 11km – Novice
The longest of my three recommended routes, this option lets you hike each of my four favourite trails, allowing you to experience all the lookouts, exposed cliffs, old-growth forests, and lakes in Mono Cliffs Provincial Park.
The hike down from the South Outlier Loop is also a standout, offering a crazy steep switchback down an exposed rock face back to Carriage Trail.
As an adventurous child, this switchback section was a favourite of mine and something I remember fondly. So, for anyone with outgoing kids who love to explore, take them on this route!
Other Attractions Around Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park isn’t the only attraction in the area! In fact, there are several other things you should check out while you’re there.
Let’s take a look.
Mono Cliffs Inn
Mono Cliffs Inn is located at the southern end of Mono Cliffs Provincial Park.
With ample parking at the restaurant and the nearby Mono Centre Park, it’s an easy place to stop after your hike.
They have some of the best food in the area, offering everything from Australian Lamb and Ribeye Steak to Shrimp Linguini and gourmet Mac and Cheese.
They also have an extensive drinks menu which can be enjoyed on their outdoor patio or in the historic building’s basement bar!
Hockley General Store
Roughly 10 minutes southeast of Mono Cliffs is Hockley Village and, within it, the Hockley General Store.
This rustic general store serves tasty sandwiches, delicious soups, fresh coffee, and, most importantly, delicious ice cream.
So, if you’re like me and crave some Moose Tracks ice cream after a hike, make the 10-minute drive and get some ice-cold snacks!
Hockley Valley Resort
Hockley Valley Resort is a great option for accommodations if you’re looking to turn your day trip into a weekend getaway.
They also have a variety of restaurants, a spa, a golf course, a pool, and a variety of other amenities that can keep you busy or relaxed while you’re not out hiking.
If spas and golf aren’t your thing, don’t worry, plenty of other hiking trails are accessible right from the front entrance of the hotel, including one of my favourite trails in the area, the Isabel East Side Trial (which is a part of the much larger Hockley Valley Provincial Park).
Adamo Estate Winery
Just south of Hockley Valley Resort is Adamo Estate Winery. The winery is a perfect place to unwind and relax, offering a great ambience, quality food, and a wide variety of wines.
The general aesthetic is higher-end, so if you plan on visiting, I recommend doing so prior to your hike or booking accommodations and visiting after you’ve showered and changed.
My Final Thoughts About Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park provides some of the most memorable and unique hiking trails within an hour’s drive of the GTA. For that reason, it has become hugely popular, offering a great introduction to hiking and the stunning beauty of Ontario’s countryside.
For those keen to see the autumn colours, visit Mono Cliffs Provincial Park and the nearby Hockley Valley this Fall! If you prefer to avoid the crowds, avoid the summer and fall periods and visit during the quieter but equally brilliant months of November through May.
No matter the time of year, however, make sure to take in the many local businesses, have some great food, and genuinely make the most of your outing!
– Garrett
Pros & Cons
Pros
+ Some of the most unique geography in Southern Ontario
+ Beautiful fall colours
+ Close to many other attractions and activities
+ Within an hour’s drive of the GTA
Cons
– Very busy, especially during the summer and fall
– Limited parking
– Limited facilities; not ideal for large gatherings or all-day outings
Stats
Total Trails: 8
Total Distance: 25 KM
Highest Point: 525 M or 1,722ft (Lookout Trail)
Lowest Point: 398M or 1,305ft (Carriage Trail)
Max Vertical: 127M or 417ft
Trail Difficulties: Green (Easy) + Blue (Novice)
Trail Direction: Two-Way
Trail Usage: Hiking + Horseback Riding + Biking
Frequently Asked Questions
Mono Cliffs does not charge an entry fee. However, if you drive, you will have to pay a parking fee. A half-day parking pass is $7.50 (taxes included). A full-day parking pass is $15.50 (taxes included).
The shortest loop at Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is 8 kilometres long. This will take you approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to walk. There are longer loops that are 10 to 11 kilometres long. These will take you around 2.5 to 3 hours to walk.
No, swimming is not permitted at Mono Cliffs. You can stand next to several ponds, but you are not allowed to swim in them.
From the parking lot, you should take Carriage Trail. Carriage Trail then leads to the South Outlier Loop, Spillway Trail, and Walter Tovell Trail, each beautiful trails through Mono Cliffs.
Yes, some trails at Mono Cliffs are stroller friendly. If bringing a stroller, we recommend you stick to the Carriage Trail, Spillway Trail, and Walter Tovell Trail.
Cliff Top Side Trail is located on the western edge of Mono Cliffs. You can access the Cliff Top Side Trail from the Walter Tovell Trail. The southern entrance of Cliff Top Side Trail is located at the Mono Centre park entrance.
Yes, biking is permitted on some trails at Mono Cliffs. Please obey all trail signage and only bike on permitted trails.
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