Hill running in Toronto may not be at the top of your to do list, but it will certainly make you a faster, stronger, and healthier runner. Even though Toronto is somewhat flat, this city is surprisingly blessed with a host challenging inclines that'll test your mettle.

Here are my picks for the best hills for running in Toronto.

Christie Pits
Conveniently located right outside Christie Station, this hill is suitable for all abilities as the hills vary in steepness. The incline along Bloor St. West is perfect for beginners and is great for some people watching too.

Riverdale Park
This hill is so well known that there are tracks in the grass where people have altogether decided that it's the perfect climb. Featuring a beautiful view of the city and a Rooster's a short walk away, this is one to add to the list.

City Hall
Great for when you don't want to leave the downtown core, the ramp leading to the environmental garden is a steady slow incline. Best run during the early hours of the morning or early evening to avoid downtown dwellers.

High Park
Located a short walk from High Park's subway station, Spring Road hill is the most challenging climb in the park. This trek is perfect for creating an out of city feel from within the city.

Rosedale TTC station to St. Clair TTC station
A steady 1.5 kilometer incline from Crescent Road to St. Clair, this hill will test your endurance and whip you into shape real quick. Cool down at the Rosehill reservoir after.

Writing by Deanna Grant. Photo of Riverdale Park by Tony Wei-Han Chen in the blogTO Flickr pool.