Don't know what to do this summer? Take a hike!

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It's time to dust off your running shoes and turn off your TV. Summer is here, which means it's time to get outside and explore the beauty that is nature. Even if you're not the exercising or outdoorsy type, getting some vitamin D and being active for a couple of hours is a guaranteed way to uplift your mood. Many people who enjoy going for walks are unsure of places to go. We have compiled our list of trails and parks in London and the surrounding area that you should check off your bucket list this summer.

Westminster Ponds/Pond Mills

696 Wellington Rd.

This Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) is the largest in London. It has three main access points with 10 kilometres of managed hiking trails. The trails are mostly level ground with a few steady inclines and declines. There are some benches throughout and also viewing areas that overlook the pond. Animals such as beaver, coyote, great horned owls, turtles and frogs can be seen along your walk. It is important to note that the trails get muddy during rainy periods. For more information on the trail, visit http://thamesriver.on.ca/parks-recreation-natural-areas/londons-esas/westminster-pondspond-mills-conservation-area/.

Medway Valley Heritage Forest

North London between Windermere, Fanshawe Park, Western and Wonderland Roads

This ESA is approximately 1.29 square kilometres and includes floodplain forests, swamps, marshes and forested valley slopes. In total, there are 10.6 kilometres of trails with mostly level terrain and some steeper slopes. Mallard ducks, great blue heron and wood ducks are popular summer species to look out for. For more information on the trail, visit thamesriver.on.ca/parks-recreation-naturalareas/londons-esas/medway-valley-heritage-forest/.

Sifton Bog

1210 Oxford St. W.

This ESA is located on the south side of Oxford Street and west of Hyde Park Road. It has a boardwalk that extends from the Oxford entrance to a viewing deck that overlooks the pond. If you are looking for a smaller hiking route, this is a good option with 2.7km of trail that is mostly level ground and some small hills. It only requires the 17 Argyle Mall- Byron/Riverbend Westbound bus from the London campus. For more information on the trail, visit thamesriver.on.ca/parks-recreation-naturalareas/londons-esas/sifton-bog/.

Fanshawe Conservation Area

1424 Clarke Rd.

This is a great trail for committed hikers who wish to explore a large area. The benefit of this area is the 20 kilometres of hiking and biking trails along the lake and an extra 3.4 kilometres of trails for hikers only. Admission fees are required or all-season passes can be purchased. It is only a 10 minute drive away from the London campus. For more information on the trail and fees, visit fanshaweconservationarea.ca.

Springbank Park

1085 Commissioners Rd. W.

This park has 30 kilometres of mostly paved trails that extend along the Thames River. The river and the old trees provide a scenic view and a historic atmosphere. Maps are stationed along the path as well as information boards. For more information please visit london.ca/residents/Parks/Explore-Parks/Pages/Major-Parks-Gardens.aspx.

Gibbons Park

2A Grosvenor St.

Similar to Springbank, Gibbons Park has a trail that runs along the Thames River and also a cross-country race route, a paved biking/running trail and warm up areas for stretching and other activities. If you need a cool down after your walk, there is an on-site outdoor swimming pool and splash pad open during the summer. For swimming opening times and hours, visit london.ca/residents/Recreation/Aquatics/Pages/Outdoor-Pools.aspx#gibbons.

Norfolk Sunrise Trail

Norfolk County

For those at the Simcoe-Norfolk campus, this one's for you. Just a 10 minute drive from the college, this walking and cycling trail runs along Lake Erie through Simcoe. Norfolk County has a lot of converted rail trails that branch off of the Sunrise trail. It has seven access points, that span between Argyle Street and Concession 13 Townsend. For more information on this route and other Norfolk trail routes, visit norfolkcounty.ca/living/parks-and-recreation/norfolk-county-trails/.

Roth Park, Woodstock

690 Highland Dr., Woodstock

Located on the south side of Pittock Lake, this trail extends along the Thames River and is only a 10 minute drive away from the Woodstock/Oxford campus. The trails can be used for walking and biking with picnic facilities and washrooms on site. The trail is approximately 6.75 kilometres in length with side trails and provides a scenic view of the lake. For more information on other Woodstock trail routes, visit cityofwoodstock.ca/en/visiting-woodstock/resources/oxford-trail-guide.pdf.

Dalewood Conservation Area Trail

10518 Dalewood Rd., St. Thomas

Just over a 10 minute drive from the St. Thomas/ Elgin Fanshawe campus, this trail is a 12 kilometres looped trail around the Dalewood Reservoir. The trail is encompassed in wetlands and is a host to wildlife such as great blue herons, beavers and song birds. For more information please visit ontarioconservationareas.ca/component/mtree/conservation-authorities-of-ontario/kettle-creek/dalewood-conservation-area.