Easy hikes and walks around Blandford-Blenheim

The new Silver Trail is just over 5 km (3 miles) although you can cut it short in several places. The trail loops an area of wild ground between the Pittock Reservoir and the northern sector of Woodstock. The area has been landscaped and rejuvenated as wetland habitat with plenty of trees. Over time it should become a thriving wildlife area.

A scenic natural trail and environmental education area. It's open to the public after 3pm on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays.

You'll find over 10 kilometres of multi-use trails within the Standard Tube Burgess Park system, most of them at or near the Thames River. The river itself is a "no-wake" zone in this area, making it popular for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding.

Known as as Deshkan Ziibi (Antler RIver) in Ojibwe, The Thames River winds more than 270 kilometres through southwestern Ontario, shifting from quiet rural bends to broad urban stretches as it flows toward Lake St. Clair. Here, near Woodstock, the slow river meanders through forests and meadows, creating a peaceful escape.

Thames River Trail is a relatively flat, easy route that runs through wooded sections along the river’s shoreline, with beautiful views along the way. The trail passes through a mix of forest and open areas, with plenty of opportunities to spot waterfowl and other wildlife along the shoreline, making it a lovely route for a peaceful riverside stroll.

The Thames River flows for about 273 kilometres through southwestern Ontario, winding from its headwaters near Thamesford through farmland, forests, and communities before emptying into Lake St. Clair. In this section, the river widens into calmer waters bordered by wooded shorelines, wetlands, and open countryside, creating a quieter setting than the faster-flowing sections downstream. This is a great spot to do some birdwatching, and the peaceful views across the water and the surrounding landscape feel more like a rural setting despite being on the edge of the city.

The River Trail is the more shaded section of the Burgess Park trail system, following a mostly wooded path alongside the Thames River. Compared to the Meadow Trail, this stretch feels more enclosed, with the trail weaving through trees and only occasional openings toward the water. The terrain is flat and easy to follow.

The Thames River runs throughout Burgess Park with a slow, steady flow that gives this area a calm, easygoing feel. It’s not a dramatic river, but that’s part of its character. The river itself stretches for over 260 kilometres across southwestern Ontario, eventually flowing into Lake St. Clair, which adds a subtle sense of scale to what feels like a very local walk.