You can best explore the trails at Mono Cliffs Provincial Park at a relaxed pace. Start on the wide, easy Carriage Trail before connecting to Walter Tovell Trail, where you’ll find one of the park’s most photographed features: a wooden staircase that descends into a dramatic rocky gorge between towering cliff walls. While photos capture the view, they don’t quite convey the experience of walking through it.
For a quieter stretch, McCarston’s Trail loops around a small lake at the park’s southern end. This is where birdsong often replaces any other sound. Exploring the full network of trails and scenic detours typically takes between two and four hours, depending on how often you stop to take it all in.
What sets this park apart from other escarpment hikes is the variety of landscapes packed into one destination. Along the trails, you’ll pass crevice caves, talus slopes scattered with ancient boulders, and open meadows that break up the forest with sweeping views. The Bruce Trail also passes through the park, offering an easy way to extend your hike beyond the main trail network.
A little planning goes a long way before your visit. Advance daily vehicle permits are strongly recommended to guarantee entry, as parking is limited and permits can be reserved up to five days in advance. Cell service is limited in parts of the park, so download a trail map before you arrive. Weekdays are the best time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and full parking lots. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for the park’s rocky, uneven terrain.
The Need To Know Details
- Location: 795086 3rd Line EHS, Shelburne, Ontario, just outside Orangeville
- Admission: Advance daily vehicle permits are recommended to guarantee entry, as parking is limited. Permits can be reserved up to five days before your visit
- Hours: Open year-round for day use. Check Ontario Parks for current gate hours before visiting
- Trail highlights: Hike through a canyon on the Spillway Trail, explore 30-metre cliffs on the Cliff-Top Trail, and connect with the Bruce Trail
- Facilities: Vault toilets and picnic areas are available. There is no camping, visitor centre, food service, park store, or drinking water, so come prepared
- What to bring: Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for the park’s rocky, uneven trails. It’s also a good idea to download a trail map before arriving since cell service is unreliable in some areas
