Back to School & New Kids Under 6 Promotion!

Back to School & New Kids Under 6 Promotion!

Back to School Promotion!

For kids 19 and under, receive 25% off when you buy 2 complete pairs* (frame and lenses). Eyewear packages starting at $142 for two pairs! Promotion is from August 1st to September 30, 2023.

Although back to school can be a challenge after a fun filled summer, we are positive families and children can get back to learning in a safe environment. We are here to support students getting back to having a productive education and continuing to see the best during their classes.

Did you know? Eye Exams are covered by OHIP for children 19 and under with a valid health card.

 

New Kids under 6 Promotion!

40% off your first pair of glasses (frame and lenses) for kids 6 and under.

Any child 6 years or under purchasing glasses will get 40% off as long as they have never received this promotion before! Promotion starts on August 1, 2023 and is on-going.

 

Known for quality and superior optical technology, Kodak Lenses is a dependable brand you know and trust. Let’s help you See The Colours of Life.

*Promo from August 1 to September 30, 2023. All pairs must be complete (frame and lenses). Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions such as referral program, birthday coupon, staff discount policy, new customer e-mail coupon etc. CAN apply to any specialty rx frame and lens purchases for Maui Jim, Costa, Oakley, Ray Ban. CAN apply to any specialty non-rx frame Maui Jim, Costa, Oakley. NO discounts on MiyoSmart or Stellest. NO discount on no-fault warranty. NO discount on custom upgrades (i.e. dispensing fees like polish lens, high wrap, etc.). Valid prescription is required. Applies to original purchases. Does not cover accidental damage, scratches, breakage or theft. Purchases made under a promotion do not qualify for returns or refunds. See associate for full details.

**Ongoing promotion. Any child 6 years or under purchasing complete pair of eyeglasses get 40% off as first time buyers. Asl us for full details.

 

Sun damage to your eyes, eye sunburn, and more conditions to look out for this summer

Sun damage to your eyes, eye sunburn, and more conditions to look out for this summer

Sun damage to your eyes, eye sunburn, and more conditions to look out for this summer

As you enjoy summer, there are a few safety recommendations we’d like to share with you so that you can make the most out of this season while still being healthy and responsible. Let’s talk about sun protection. Wearing a hat (with a brim all the way around) is an easy way to shade your ears, face, and neck¹. Wearing sunscreen is also an obvious choice to keep your skin healthy and secure, but how can you protect your eyes?

While most people will remember to wear hats or apply sunscreen to protect their skin from overexposure to UV light, most overlook the fact that the eyes also require protection from UV rays.

UV rays and the eyes

According to the AAO (American Academy of Ophthalmology), you should wear proper eye protection from an early age to protect your eyes from the long-term effects of ultraviolet exposure. This is because the eye’s surface tissues, among other parts like the lens and cornea, can be damaged by natural sunlight rays².

Luckily, there is a sure way to prevent this damage. Using UV-blocking sunglasses is the best way to protect you from the commonly overlooked dangers of UV light on the eyes. You can stop by any of our Kodak Lens Vision Centres locations to find the best pair of sunglasses for you or you can also check out our Look Book to browse through our available models.

Did you know you can get a sunburn on your eyes?

It might not be as well-known, but you can definitely get an eye sunburn (photokeratitis). Sunburned eyes occur when UV rays cause inflammation and subsequently damage the eye’s surface and parts like the cornea.

Symptoms of photokeratitis (eye sunburn):

The eyes experience short-term and long-term symptoms from UV ray exposure. Short-term effects of overexposure to UV rays, like eye sunburn, are characterized by the following symptoms;

  • Pain in the eyes
  • Redness
  • Light sensitivity
  • Gritty feeling, as if you have sand in your eyes
  • Headaches
  • Watery eyes
  • Eyelid swelling or twitching
  • Tearing
  • Blurred vision
  • Seeing halos

However, eye sunburns aren’t the only problem you should be worried about. UV sunlight has other serious consequences.

8 sun damage conditions that can happen to your eyes

Here are 8 UV-related sun damage conditions you should be aware of this summer.

1. Corneal sunburn

This condition is painful and develops when the corneal epithelial cells are damaged by harmful UV light, leaving corneal nerves (underneath) damaged and exposed³.

2. Cataracts

Studies have also linked years of harmful UV exposure to an increased risk of getting cataracts – an eye condition characterized by the clouding of eye lenses and commonly linked with aging⁴.

3. Photokeratitis

This is a medical condition that manifests after being exposed to UV rays. It is distinguished by the damage inflicted on the corneal epithelial cells. The symptoms generally vary based on the degree of exposure to UV light and they can be mild to severe pain⁵.

4. AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration)

UV light is also linked to AMD, an eye disease that blurs the central vision. AMD occurs when UV light damages the macula (part of the light-sensitive retina tissues responsible for controlling sharp straight-ahead central vision). This makes it difficult to view faces, read, control machinery, drive, or perform other close-up tasks. In serious cases, AMD can cause loss of vision, especially among older persons⁶.

5. Growths on the Eye

 

Long-term sun damage is also linked to conditions like “pterygium” characterized by growth on the eye’s conjunctive that blurs or blocks vision⁷.

6. Sunspots in your eye

Sun damage can also cause colored freckle-like sunspots that resemble moles on your skin. The sun spots can occur around the iris, under the retina, or in the front of the eye. Although the sun spots can be harmless, there’s a risk of them becoming cancerous⁸.

7. Aging

This isn’t exactly an eye condition. However, UV rays can accelerate eye aging by triggering responses like squinting, which deepen wrinkles around the eyes in the long term. A pair of sunglasses can easily prevent UV damage-related facial aging.

8. Pinguecula and pterygia

Exposure to UV radiation can also cause “pinguecula” and “pterygium”, both of which are eye conditions characterized by growths on the clear covering of the sclera (conjunctiva) or white part of the eyes⁹.

If you have any of the above-mentioned eye conditions, we invite you to book a consultation with one of our optometrists to get your eye health checked out and make sure you are taking proper care of your vision and eyes.

What does sun damage on the eyes look like?

Sun damage on the eyes will look like the underlying eye condition. As seen above, different conditions cause different eye health concerns and conditions:

  • Corneal sunburn resembles a skin sunburn with symptoms like redness
  • Cataracts linked to sun damage make the eyes (pupils) look cloudy
  • Sun spots look like freckles on the white part of the eye

Can you prevent sun damage to your eyes?

Yes. One of the best ways of preventing sun damage to your eyes is wearing UV-blocking sunglasses. Fortunately, you can look into our resources to learn more about the top sunglasses to consider for the summer of 2023. You can also find other great UV-blocking sunglasses on our Look Book, with several different UV-blocking sunglasses options to consider. Remember, good quality sunglasses can block up to 99% UVA and UVB light.

How to treat eye damage from the sun

If you already have UV-linked eye damage, all is not lost. You can take the following actions/steps to improve, manage or treat the underlying eye condition.

  • Stay in a dark room
  • Remove contact lenses (for those that wear them)
  • Switch to your eyeglasses instead
  • Place a cool, damp washcloth over your eyes
  • Use artificial tears to relieve a variety of symptoms and provide relief and comfort. You can check out our “Top eye drops we carry” blog to know more about it.
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes

Lastly, the best way to treat any eye damage from the sun is to book a consultation with one of our optometrists at Kodak Lens Vision Centres to learn the best course of action for your specific situation. Together, we can select your next pair of protective sunglasses and much more. There are also contact lenses that offer UV protection.

Feel free to visit us at any of our locations and we’ll help you get back to enjoying the summer in a safe and healthy way. In the meantime, consider wearing a hat with a wide brim and staying away from direct sunlight. Use an umbrella to provide extra shade and take breaks from the outdoors by going inside or finding a shady area if you plan to be out in the sun for a long time. If you have any questions about UV protection for your eyes or any other topic, you can click here to ask us directly and we would be happy to help.

Top 6 Sunglasses Trends for 2023

Top 6 Sunglasses Trends for 2023

Top 6 Sunglasses Trends for the Summer

A good pair of sunglasses (informally known as sunnies and shades) can definitely be described as fashion eyewear. While sunglasses can mostly be used as a stylish accessory, they also offer essential sun protection specifically from high-energy and bright sunlight that can damage the eyes and/or cause discomfort.

Examples of harmful high-energy sunlight are UVA rays, known to damage the macula (back of the eyes), and UVB rays, known to damage the front part (cornea and lens)¹. Generally, sunglasses from reputable manufacturers will offer protection from harmful UV light linked to many eye conditions and diseases ranging from dry eye to cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium, and discomfort symptoms like pain, watery eyes, blurriness, and redness.

If you want to make a fashion statement while also taking proper care of your eyes, then this guide is perfect for you! We’ve covered sunglasses that are not only trendy but from reputable sunglasses brands renowned for their high-quality products. These are all available in-store and in our online look book where we have many models for you to choose from.

Here are the top 2023 biggest sunglasses trends for you to consider this summer season!

1. Rectangular Sunglasses

The rectangular sunnies trend has been with us for several seasons now, but shows no signs of going away, thanks to celebrities like Kim Kardashian and other influencers on social media. The trend is characterized by rectangular-looking sunglasses that elicit a retro feel, which is modern and nostalgic at the same time.

a. Emporio Armani (EA2066)

These designer sunglasses are from a reputable manufacturer (Giorgio Armani) with decades of experience in the fashion industry (since 1981). The sunnies have notable features such as nose pads and a metal frame. They embody a dynamic uninhibited spirit and are great for creating an aesthetic elegance and casual personal style.

b. Ray-Ban (RB4331F)

These sunglasses are another good example of a rectangular design with a more casual and classic look. They are made of acetate with a plastic bridge type. The sunnies are also Rxable (can fit prescription lenses). Most importantly, they are unisex and from a reputable brand, Ray-Ban, that has established decades of global presence in the designer eyewear market (since 1937).

2. Oversized Sunglasses

Although these types of glasses are very popular right now, they actually have a long fashion history that dates back a few decades. Oversized sunglasses first became a trend in the 1960s thanks to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (wife of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy), who was often photographed wearing them. They were later popularized again by Hollywood personalities like Paris Hilton, who you can see here with a pair of oversized white sunglasses.

There is no question about it, the oversized frames trend is here to stay!

a. Burberry (4314F)

Burberry has some great oversized sunglasses in the luxury category. The Burberry 4314F sunglasses are made of acetate and a plastic bridge type and carry the century-old history and prestige of the Burberry brand. These stylish frames are the true definition of elegance and class.

b. Burberry (B4298F)

The Burberry B4298F is a great alternative to the B4298F for those who prefer a round-like circular sunglasses look over a traditional round. This specific model exudes an old Hollywood vibe and an effortless elegance in a way that not many other frames can.

3. Tinted Sunglasses

This is yet another popular sunglasses trend in 2023 that shows no signs of slowing down. Tinted sunglasses have a distinct pigmented dye (tinted lenses) featuring many colours, the most common coloured lenses being grey and brown.

a. Burberry (B3080)

The luxury Burberry B3080 are perfect tinted sunglasses to consider buying in 2023. These aviator sunglasses feature a striking matte gold colour that can easily compliment any outfit choice. The sunnies have a metal frame, nose pads, and are the perfect accessory for a sunny day.

b. Oakley (OO4141)

If you love tungsten colour, these Oakley tinted sunnies are highly recommended. They feature a metal frame, nose pads (bridge type), and a more rectangular shape. The sunnies are also Rxable and a great option for a modern yet casual man.

c. Ray-Ban (RB3447)

Ray-Ban also has some great designer round matte arista-coloured tinted shades. They are Rxable, have a metal frame, feature nose pads, and are comfortable. These lightweight frames are perfect for female users keen on staying up to speed with the latest fashion trends.

4. 70s Sunglasses

This fashion trend has clearly been around for years and for good reason! What made these sunglasses popular in the 70s has been resurrected just in time for the perfect 2023 summer. These models are bold, oversized, tinted, with several different shapes to choose from. The lenses would vary in darkness and the frames would often be colourful. Talk about the classic styles making a comeback, eh?

a. Coach (HC8295F)

To blend right in with this trend we recommend this dark tortoise-coloured designer 70s square sunglasses from Coach, a brand that has been in existence since 1941. These sunglasses for women are Rxable, square in shape, and made of acetate and plastic (bridge type). They are the perfect retro touch you were looking for.

b. Ray-Ban (RB2188F)

Ray-Ban also has some great 70s-style sunglasses to choose from, like the RB2188F. These square-shaped designer sunnies have a transparent light brown colour. They are also Rxable and designed for women. The sunnies offer an authentic, timeless, and premium look.

 

5. Round Cat Eye Sunglasses

Round cat eye sunnies are the perfect sunglasses for people with more prominent or angular facial features who are looking for a timeless style. The sunnies have a winged shape that balances wide jaw lines and triangle or square faces. Some of our top picks for 2023 include;

a. One Sun (SUN228)

These red cat eye advanced sunnies from One Sun are Rxable and have 100% polarized lenses, meaning they’ll reduce glare and eyestrain, improving vision and safety when worn outside in the sun. The sunglasses are made of acetate and plastic (bridge type) and can add a pop of color to your summer look.

b. Vogue (VO4188S)

Vogue also has some stylish sunglasses designed for those that are looking for a more innovative look. This particular pair is perfect to make users look younger and more stylish. These sunnies are a perfect combination of contemporary styling and superior quality. The VO4188S glasses are made of a metal frame and feature nose pads. They can easily bring a touch of glamour to any casual outfit.

6. Sporty Sunglasses

Sports enthusiasts haven’t been left behind in the 2023 trendy sunglasses space. Here are some functional but stylish pairs of fashion sport sunglasses to consider in the designer category to make sure your need for adventure is met in style as well.

a. Oakley (OO9188)

These designer sporty rectangular male sunnies are the epitome of Oakley’s sculptural physics philosophy. The sunnies are made of plastic and acetate. They are also Rxable, polarized, and feature a unique colour (prizm deep water).

b. Oakley (OO9271)

These are great sporty sunglasses that complement the Oakley OO9188. They are similar in design, material, and made for athletes such as cyclists, golfers or any outdoor activity. However, they have a unique colour combination i.e., matte black with Prizm Jade.

We hope you love our 2023 sunglasses trends for the Summer as much as we do. We are sure you’ll find the perfect pair for you, so take a chance on one of these trendy options and enjoy the summer season! Each of these sunglasses can be seen on our Kodak Lens online Lookbook for your convenience. You can also browse through our lookbook to find other styles of sunglasses and eyewear.

You can visit any of the Kodak Lens Vision Centre locations/stores to find trendy prescription or non-prescription sunglasses (like mirrored sunglasses, dark sunglasses, coloured sunglasses, angular sunglasses, and many more). Kodak Lens Vision Centres also provides contact lenses so you can experience great vision and comfort with the ability to wear different sunglass styles for any occasion. For eyeglasses wearers, Kodak Lens Vision Centres can offer prescription sun lens upgrades such as polarized or Transitions lenses. Remember to consult with experienced optometrists at Kodak Lens Vision Centres that offer a variety of eye care services to meet all your visual needs.

Summer Sunglasses Sale! June 1 to July 31, 2023

Summer Sunglasses Sale! June 1 to July 31, 2023

Summer Sunglasses Sale!

Receive 15% off all non-prescription or prescription sunglasses and complete pair with new frame and Transitions lenses! In support of National Sunglasses Day on June 27, 2023, we promote practicing sun protection by wearing your sunglasses throughout the year, as the sun’s UV rays are always at play. UV rays can damage your eyes and skin. National Sunglasses Day is a reminder to wear them regularly.

Protect your eyes and skin from the sun’s UV year-round with:

  1. Sunscreen (30 SPF or more)
  2. Wear sunglasses with lenses that block 100% of UVA/UVB rays
  3. A hat and protective clothing
  4. Stay cool and find shade to take breaks from sun exposure
  5. Use personal or beach umbrella for extra sun protection

Here are some Sunglasses Solutions:

  1. Polarized Sunglasses to reduce glare
  2. Lenses with Transitions technology for indoor and outdoor use. New Transitions GEN 8 now available.
  3. Blue light filtering lenses to protect yourself from high energy blue light

We will celebrate on June 27 for #NationalSunglassesDay and you can too by posting a #SunglassSelfie on social media! Tag us on instagram @kodaklensvisioncentres.

Visit us at any of our Kodak Lens Vision Centres from June 1 to July 31, 2023 as we are offering 15% off prescription or non-prescription sunglasses and Transition lenses! We carry brands such as Maui Jim, Costa, Ray-Ban, Oakley and many more of our sunglass brands! See below.

 

SUNGLASSES

Boss

Burberry

Coach

Costa

Dior

Emporio Armani

Fysh

Hugo

Kate Spade

Marc Jacobs

Maui Jim

Michael Kors

Tiffany & Co

Tommy Hilfiger

Tory Burch

Versace

Vogue

Zeal

Alfred Sung

MCQ

Oakley

One Sun

Prada

Puma

Ray-Ban

Tom Ford

Visit us for more details and remember to protect yourself from the sun!

Click here to learn about the Importance of Sunglasses.

Promotion Details: Receive 15% off a pair of Rx or Non-Rx sunglasses. Available to receive 15% off Rx and Non-Rx sunglasses for Maui Jim, Costa, Ray-Ban, Oakley and all our sunglasses brands. Sunglass brand selection varies per location. Specific brands are only available at certain Kodak Lens Vision Centre locations. Ask or visit us for full details.

Everything you should know about Transitions lenses

Everything you should know about Transitions lenses

Everything you should know about Transitions lenses

Your prescription eyeglasses provide you with the clearest vision possible in your daily life, but may not offer all the eye health protection you need in every environment. You can easily feel discomfort when you are out under the sun despite wearing your glasses. This is because of the constant exposure to UV rays, brightness, and glare outside. In this case, you need lenses that have sun and UV light protection. Sunglasses tend to be the obvious choice in this scenario, as long as they provide UV protection, but are they prescription sunglasses? Even if they are, is it really that convenient to be switching between your eyeglasses and sunglasses?

Transitions lenses provide a solution and give you the ability to wear the same glasses in all situations and environments. Whenever you are going back and forth between the indoors and outdoors, your Transitions lenses provide you with clear vision indoors and the protection you need under changing light conditions. At Kodak Lens Vision Centres, we provide a variety of Transitions lenses that you can choose from including Transitions Signature GEN 8, Transitions XTRActive, Transitions XTRActive Polarized, and ACUVUE Oasys contact lenses with Transitions. These innovations are a hassle-free visual solution to getting clear and comfortable vision at all times, not to mention the latest technology available for your comfort.

If Transitions lenses sound like the solution you have been waiting for, we recommend booking an eye exam to make sure your eyeglasses prescription is up to date. We can also discuss all the sun protection solutions and specifically Transitions lenses we recommend.

What are Transitions lenses?

Transitions lenses are adaptive lenses that darken when exposed to sunlight to block out harmful UVA and UVB rays. The lenses return back to clear when used indoors. These lenses adapt automatically to changing lighting conditions thereby providing the wearer with the needed level of UV protection at all times¹. Transitions Signature GEN 8 are the latest generation of Transitions lens technology.

How are Transitions lenses made?

Transitions lenses are made with a special photochromic material that gets activated by ultraviolet radiation in sunlight to darken the lenses. This material includes silver chloride, copper chloride, and chemical compounds similar to those used in the development of photographic film. Silver chloride contains molecules that gain an electron when exposed to ultraviolet light and then become a silver metal that is able to absorb visible light and turn darker in the process. Transitions lenses may also have an anti-reflective coating that helps enhance their performance².

Transitions products we offer

We dispense a variety of Transitions lenses with unique features that offer protection to your eyes at all times. Here are our top Transitions solutions and how they can provide comfort to your eyes under changing lighting conditions.

1. Transitions Signature GEN 8

This is the perfect lens for everyday life. It is also the clearest and fastest lens we carry. Transitions Signature GEN 8 darkens within seconds outdoors and returns to clear immediately when you get indoors. Check out our other blog post to learn more.

  • Transitions Signature GEN 8 blocks 100% UVA and UVB rays.
  • It also filters blue-violet light so that your eyes are comfortable whether you are indoors, outdoors or working with a screen.
  • Our Transitions Signature GEN 8 comes in seven colors including sapphire, amethyst, amber, emerald, grey, brown and graphite green.
  • Transitions Signature GEN 8 provides your eyes with a better vision experience and protection from bright lights.

2. Transitions XTRActive new generation

 

These lenses are designed for wearers who are very light-sensitive and those who are frequently exposed to bright light. Transitions XTRActive new generation lenses are specially designed using powerful dyes and the latest nano-composite matrix to provide the best extra darkness and the best extra light protection. 

  • Transitions XTRActive lenses block out 100% UVA and UVB, and have the best blue-violet light protection.
  • They have up to 35% faster fadeback and are clear indoors with a hint of protective tint.
  • These lenses are darkest in hot temperatures and can activate in a car despite the UV-protected windows so that you are able to use them while driving.
  • Transitions XTRActive lenses provide clarity of vision allowing the wearer to see their environment quickly and precisely.

Transitions XTRActive lenses come in three colors including grey, brown and graphite green. They come in five style mirrors including style mirrors silver, style mirrors flash gold, style mirrors blue green, style mirrors blue violet and style mirrors copper, allowing you to personalize your lenses (subject to availability and lens index material).

3. Transitions XTRActive Polarized

 

Our Transitions XTRActive Polarized lens is the only photochromic polarized lens and the best currently available. This lens is for wearers who are frequently exposed to bright light and reflective glare.

  • They provide sharper vision and larger outdoor views allowing you to see vivid colours through their dynamic polarization.
  • Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses block out 100% of UVA and UVB rays thereby protecting your eyes from the sun.
  • They also provide the best blue-violet light protection indoors and have up to 90% polarization efficiency.

These extra dark and polarized lenses are able to activate in the car and have up to 2x faster fade back returning to clear when you are indoors. Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses come in grey color and a variety of index lens materials such as CR39, poly, trivex and hi-index.

4. ACUVUE Oasys with Transitions

ACUVUE OASYS are unique Transitions contact lenses with superior Transitions photochromic technology that is formulated to instantly activate, thereby providing you with a revolutionary contact lens experience.

  • These lenses help your vision recover from bright light within 5 seconds.
  • They are designed to reduce the stressful impact that light can have on your eyes.
  • ACUVUE OASYS with Transitions offers the highest level of UV protection in contact lenses and filters blue-violet light to provide maximum protection to your eyes.
  • It also reduces halos and starbursts by up to 28% and provides crisp clear vision at night.
  • ACUVUE OASYS with Transitions can also be worn with non-prescription sunglasses to get complete sun protection.
  • ACUVUE OASYS with Transitions was recognized by TIME as one of their BEST Inventions of 2018³.

A first-of-its-kind contact lens that is able to adapt from clear to dark and back while balancing the amount of indoor and outdoor light entering the eyes. When you’re outdoors, the lens activation continues to change in response to light so that it’s not always at its darkest state. Check out our other blog post to learn more.

Transitions lenses have superior photochromic lens technology that offers you convenience alongside clear and comfortable vision. They remove the need to use multiple eyeglasses and protect your eyes from harmful radiation. Transitions Signature GEN 8 blocks at least 20% of harmful blue light indoors and over 87% of harmful blue light outdoors. Transitions Signature lenses style colors, on the other hand, block over 75% outdoors. These lenses are the perfect companion for all outdoor activities in which you’ll want to have the clearest vision possible. Not only Transitions lenses are useful, but can be very stylish depending on the frame, mirror or colour option you choose.

The first step to knowing whether Transition lenses are right for you is to book a consultation with us and get a comprehensive eye exam. Our Optometrist and team will help you determine which of these specialty lenses is right for you and what benefits you can receive from them, such as the extra protection against glare. Reach out to us today to begin your journey towards a more comfortable vision at all times!

Spring Sale!

Spring Sale!

Spring Sale!

Spring is here and get prepared with some new and stylish eyewear. We have many options available for all your visual needs. Get some new prescription sunglasses, distance glasses for driving or watching those newly released movies, reading glasses for that book you wanted to read or at your computer to get all that work done, and we even have lenses that will protect you from high energy blue light. Taking care of your vision and eye health while ensuring a comfortable visit is our highest priority!

Visit any of our Kodak Lens Vision Centres and when you purchase a complete pair (frame and Kodak Lenses), get 15% off your first pair and 30% off your second pair!

Third, fourth or more pairs will be discounted at 30% off. Promotion is from May 1 to 31, 2023. Please see in store for full details.

How are you going to spend your spring this year? Toronto has so many outdoor activities to explore and we included some great local hiking trails. With the help from blogTO, we have seleted our top 3 from their list of “5 gorgeous trails near Toronto for spring hiking“.

1. Mono Cliffs Provincial Park: Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is located near Orangeville on the Bruce Trail at 795086 3rd Line EHS, Shelburne, ON L9W 5Y2, and has some of the best hiking trails for some amazing views to experience. You will definitely see the giant rock walls and spring colours. You will also see the diverse ferns and cedars while walking through a canyon on the spillway trail. It is open all year-round for day-use visits.

 
2. Rouge National Urban Park: Rouge National Urban Park spans approximately 79 sq km and is Toronto’s “people park” with so much to discover. Located at 1749 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5W8, the park’s trails cover forests, thickets, meadows, wetlands, rivers and agricultural landscapes, which is known as the largest urban park in North America. With plenty of hiking trails ranging in difficulty, you’ll get a chance to do a guided walk, paddle the river and marsh, host a family/friend picnic or even photograph animal habitats. The park is home to Canada’s rarest ecosystems, with nearly 2,000 species of plants and animals.
 
 
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3. Smokey Hollow: Don’t be mistaken by the multiple names for Smokey Hollow Falls, which can also be known as Grindstone, Waterdown or Great Falls. All these names describe the same beautiful ribbon waterfall in its leafy forest setting that flows from Grindstone Creek in Waterdown. Located at 80 Mill St S, Waterdown, ON L0R 1R0, the park is known as the city of waterfalls. Hamilton is one of the best places to visit to see the 10 metre tall cascade, especially during spring time. Smokey Hollow in Waterdown once used to power a local sawmill, the falls are now the centre of a beautifully rehabilitated park land. The Great Falls loop is 3.5 km hike (with a 1.1 km side trail option) that is part of the Bruce Trail. A steep hill and steps are part of this walk that takes you from the forest to the top of the Niagara Escarpment. Remember to bring your phone to get that perfect outdoor selfie or KODAK moment.
 
 
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