Edward McDonnell
CEO,
Greenbelt Foundation
Heather Tay
Board Member,
Greenbelt Foundation
Discover Ontario’s Greenbelt – a thriving, protected
landscape offering adventure, biodiversity, local food, and
economic sustainability for future generations.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Ontario’s Greenbelt is over two million acres of precious nature and agricultural land. Stretching from the Niagara Region in the west, to Northumberland County in the east and up to the top of the Bruce Peninsula in the north. One of the largest Greenbelts in the world, the Ontario Greenbelt is full of ecologically unique areas that make it a truly special place to visit. From the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve with stunning cliffs, waterfalls, and trails to the Ganaraska Forest, one of the largest blocks of continuous forest in southern Ontario, the opportunities are endless.
The Greenbelt Foundation is the only charitable organization solely dedicated to ensuring the Greenbelt remains permanent, protected and prosperous. Since 2005, it has invested over $40 million into projects to support local farmers, enhance tourism opportunities and expand environmental protections. All of this has made the Greenbelt a great place to live, work, play, and grow. “The Greenbelt is one of Canada’s most biologically rich landscapes, sustaining both nature and people,” says Edward McDonnell, CEO of the Greenbelt Foundation. “As we celebrate its 20th anniversary, we are reminded of all the amazing work the Foundation has been able to do to protect these vital ecosystems — ensuring a thriving, resilient Greenbelt for generations to come.”
More than just green space – the greenbelt is an adventure!
The Greenbelt has long been beloved by Ontarians, and its importance continues to grow as more people explore its vast trails, scenic lookouts, and charming rural communities. From hiking the Niagara Escarpment and cycling along country roads to picking fresh fruit at local farms and paddling through urban river valleys, the Greenbelt offers endless ways to connect with nature.
“As visits to the Greenbelt grow each year, more people are discovering its value—not just as a critical protected landscape, but as a place for adventure, local food, and unforgettable experiences,” notes McDonnell.
Beyond its bounty of adventures, the Greenbelt also has irreplaceable natural assets that make Southern Ontario more resilient to climate change. The Ontario Greenbelt plays a vital role in supporting clean water, local agriculture, and outdoor recreation. The Oak Ridges Moraine and Niagara Escarpment act as natural filters, replenishing groundwater and feeding major river systems like the Humber, Credit, and Don Valley which supply drinking water to over seven million Canadians. At the same time, its vast forests, wetlands, and soils act like a giant sponge, absorbing excess rainwater and reducing the risk of flooding in downstream communities. By storing carbon, cooling cities, and protecting critical ecosystems, the Greenbelt is one of Ontario’s most powerful natural climate solutions.
Adventure awaits in all shapes and sizes
Ontario’s Greenbelt is two million acres of outdoor paradise — lush hiking trails, fantastic cycling routes, dramatic shorelines, and accessible river valleys waiting to be explored on foot or by bicycle, canoe, or kayak. But beyond its natural attractions, which can be enjoyed year-round, the region is also a thriving, working landscape, with a diversity of small towns and rural businesses.
“Over 76 million people visit the Greenbelt each year, contributing $3 billion and supporting 75,000 local jobs in the tourism and recreation sector,” says McDonnell. “Ontarians appreciate the multitude of experiences the Greenbelt offers for enjoying a low-carbon, healthy, and active lifestyle.”
“One of the things that’s so great about this part of Southern Ontario is access to the Greenbelt. It’s incredible having this vast, interconnected space of farmland, forest, and river valleys for our enjoyment,” says Heather Tay, a Greenbelt Foundation Board Member and avid paddleboarder. Tay first learned to paddle on Lake Ontario, but a few years ago she started to discover other places in the Greenbelt. Paddleboarding was her excuse to explore and discover new places, and it opened her mind to the recreational opportunities at her doorstep. “I grew up in Toronto, but I didn’t know there was so much nature around the city. It’s magical,” she says. “It’s so important that people get out to access and experience Greenbelt spaces. We need to protect them for today and for future generations.”
When you’ve finished hiking and biking, or paddling and snowshoeing, savour the taste of the region at one of the many farmers’ markets, wineries, craft breweries, or local restaurants. Here you can experience farm to table at its best. Agriculture in the Greenbelt drives local economies, producing everything from VQA wines to fresh produce and artisanal cheese! As one of the most ecologically and economically significant landscapes in Canada, the Greenbelt continues to be a cornerstone of Ontario’s environmental and community well-being. The Greenbelt Foundation’s website offers a delicious list of discovery routes, making it easy to enjoy culinary and agri-tourism, as well as outdoor recreation and its work in protecting the Greenbelt for the past 20 years.
Start exploring the Greenbelt today at greenbelt.ca/explore.
