Dylan YoungTime to ditch the treadmill and hit Toronto’s top-notch running trails – from waterfront pathways to lush park trails, this city has everything a runner could dream of.
So, dust off those sneakers because we’re about to embark on a jog through the city’s best-kept secret paths. Ready, set, run!
High Park
– Media from highpark_official
Address: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3
Distance: Around 5 km
Difficulty: Easy
High Park is a must-visit hotspot in Toronto, thanks to its vast greenery, zoo, and dog park. The park offers a 5km loop showcasing beautiful gardens and even some waterfalls.
If you’re a runner, kick off your jog at the Bloor Street entrance and follow the paved road until you come across one of the park’s charming dirt paths, especially delightful in the summer.
Since High Park is shaped like a giant rectangle, it’s a breeze to navigate no matter which path you take. While it may not be the quietest spot for running, its popularity is well-deserved!
| Pro tip: If you’re gunning for that Instagram-worthy #running post, timing is key. Head out in late April or early May when the cherry trees, aka Sakura trees, burst into bloom – your feed will thank you! |
Brickworks Trail
Address: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 3X8
Distance: Around 2 km
Difficulty: Easy
The Brickworks Trail might be short, but it packs a punch! You can breeze through the whole run in under 30 minutes, even with a few quick breaks thrown in.
It’s perfect for those days when you’re not in the mood for a marathon and want to knock out a quick and easy jog. Keep your eyes peeled – if you’re lucky or patient, you might spot some herons, beavers, frogs, and a variety of birds along the way.
With its maze of pathways, this park offers plenty of trail options to explore, including some higher-elevation routes for a more challenging workout!
| Pro tip: Just a heads up, if you’re driving to Brickworks, park in the west parking lot and make your way towards the buildings. |
Waterfront Trail – Toronto
Address: Toronto, ON
Distance: Around 5 km
Difficulty: Easy
If you’re downtown, don’t miss out on the waterfront action! Take a scenic run along Queens Quay with Lake Ontario views and zip past the Harbourfront Centre.
Keep going until you reach the Toronto Music Garden – a perfect spot to catch your breath mid-run. Feeling adventurous? Just follow the path to Ontario Place, where you can hop onto the Martin Goodman Trail.
The Toronto Waterfront Trail can get busy with all sorts of folks enjoying the outdoors, but that’s just a sign of its popularity! And really, there aren’t many downsides to this fantastic waterfront route.
Just remember to arrive early if you need parking or head a bit further down for other access points.
| Pro tip: Since the trail tends to get pretty busy with fellow outdoor lovers, it’s a good idea to keep your furry friends on a leash and make sure the kiddos are within sight. Safety first! |
The Martin Goodman Trail
– Media from conradrodas
Address: Toronto, ON
Distance: Around 56 km
Difficulty: Moderate
The Martin Goodman Trail is like the waterfront’s cool older sibling, stretching around 56 kilometres along Lake Shore Boulevard West. Kick things off near Ontario Place and head west toward Sunnyside Beach, then keep on truckin’ for as long as your legs carry you.
But there are plenty of spots along the way to distract you from the distance covered. Sure, it takes over 5 hours to conquer the whole shebang, but let’s be real—that’s a marathon in itself!
For a more manageable run, stick to the much-recommended 5km stretch through the beaches. It’s perfect for birdwatching, road biking, and—of course—running.
Just a heads up, this area tends to be bustling with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, so expect to share the path. Rain or shine, this trail is open year-round and always a stunner!
| Pro tip: If you need accessible parking, you’re in luck! Head to the paved parking lot just south of Park Avenue and Beech Avenue on the east end – you’ll find plenty of designated spots with those handy striped access aisles. |
Sunnybrook Park
– Media from olderwiserstronger
Address: 1132 Leslie St, Toronto, ON
Distance: Around 6.5 km
Difficulty: Easy
Sunnybrook Park offers a more rugged vibe compared to High Park. With a trail stretching almost 6.5km from end to end, there’s plenty of space for runners to really stretch their legs.
Just keep an eye out for the occasional traffic from the stables in the heart of the park. Most of the loop follows wide, gravel trails that are pretty flat, though they can get a bit flooded or muddy between fall and spring thanks to snowmelt and heavy rain.
But don’t fret – there are paved sections, especially near the park roadways, making it a breeze for families with strollers or wheelchairs to navigate.
| Pro tip: Keep in mind that the loop is a hotspot for pedestrians and cyclists, so be ready to share the trail and stick to the right. Since the pathways aren’t marked – it’s a good idea to download and follow an offline map to stay on course. |
Crothers Woods
Address: Crothers Woods Trail, East York, ON M4H 1P6
Distance: Around 10 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Crothers Woods is your go-to nature escape, boasting around 10 km of natural trails, a vibrant bird population, and some killer views of the Toronto skyline. It’s the perfect spot for a serene trail run, with much of the woodland staying untouched for over a century, giving it that authentic wild feel.
Now, here’s the deal – it’s a popular spot for bikers, hikers, trail runners, dog walkers – they’re all there. So, if you’re after some peaceful trail time, set that alarm early and beat the crowd.
And get this, despite being in the middle of the city, parts of Crothers Woods have been untouched for over 100 years. It’s got this wild, untamed vibe that’s just perfect for a chill trail run.
But heads up, especially in spring and fall, some spots can get a bit muddy. So, think about strapping on some sturdy hiking boots – you’ll thank yourself later.
| Pro tip: If you’re driving to the Crothers Woods Loop parking lot from the Danforth and Pape corner, here’s the scoop: head north on Pape Avenue for about 2.1 km, then make a little left onto Millwood Road. Keep cruising for 1.1 km and take a left onto Redway Road – stick with it for 450 m. Finally, make that left turn, and voila, you’ll find the parking lot waiting for you at the end of the road. |
The Beltline Trail
– Media from tristanlaing
Address: Toronto, ON M4T 2C1
Distance: Around 9 km
Difficulty: Easy
The Beltline Trail is a stunning nine-kilometre path that’s like a secret passage for walkers, joggers, and bikers to weave through midtown Toronto, hopping in and out of neighbourhoods from west to east.
Fun fact: the railway aimed to serve suburbia but closed shop two years later when the profit train didn’t quite arrive. Fast forward to today, and the car-free Beltline Trail stretches from west of Caledonia to Bayview and then south, chilling near Bloor.
Now, the Cedarvale Ravine and Beltline Trail combo, covering 7km, isn’t your walk in the park since it’s a bit of a challenge, but here’s the deal – those who conquer it get a slice of peaceful greenery in the city and a dash of history.
You’ll discover a peaceful green oasis in the heart of the city and even a touch of history, with the Beltline Railway Trail dating back to 1891.
| Pro tip: If you’re coming from downtown, the nearest access point to the heart of the action is roughly 2 miles north of City Hall, right where the trail meets Mt. Pleasant Ave. And if you’re in midtown Toronto, you’re looking at about a half-mile trek from the Yonge & Eglinton intersection to reach the Kay Gardiner part of the trail near the Davisville TTC stop. |
Rosedale Ravine Trail
– Media from jessecollin.actor
Address: 450 Bloor St E, Toronto, ON M4X 1L7
Distance: Around 8 km
Difficulty: Easy
The Rosedale Ravine is a real gem, smack dab in the heart of Toronto since it’s right at Yonge and St. Clair amidst all the city hustle and bustle. Then, you turn onto Heath Street East, take those steps down, and boom – you’re surrounded by lush forest, strolling alongside a babbling creek.
Now, here’s the cool part: the Rosedale Ravine forms a loop. Head south, and you’ll hit the Bayview Extension; go north, and you’ll reach Moore Avenue.
Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your way to Mount Pleasant Cemetery, crossing that old railway bridge turned footbridge across Yonge Street. With its clear U-shape, this trail offers a solid 8km of off-road running bliss and a sweet urban escape.
| Pro tip: The Rosedale Ravine is like a natural loop-de-loop. Go south, and you’ll find yourself at the Bayview Extension. Head north, and you’ll end up on Moore Avenue. Take it to Mount Pleasant Cemetery, crossing this cool old railway bridge that’s now a footbridge over Yonge Street. The options are as diverse as the scenery – take your pick! |
Distillery – Tommy Thompson Loop
– Media from ontario_hikes
Address: Toronto, ON
Distance: Around 20 km
Difficulty: Easy
Tommy Thompson Park, also known as the Leslie Street Spit or TTP, is a fantastic natural habitat, a pitstop for migratory birds, and a haven for all kinds of wildlife.
It has diverse ecosystems, from ponds and wetlands to meadows and forests, creating a refuge for a bunch of plant and animal species right in the heart of Toronto’s urban chaos.
Starting at Sugar Beach and cruising down Cherry Street to the Cherry Beach trail (extended MGT), this is the go-to run to show your out-of-town buddy the best of Toronto. The views of the skyline are insane as you trek nearly five kilometres into Lake Ontario.
Summertime brings out nature lovers and bird watchers in droves. Just a heads up for runners – access is limited to weekends, holidays, and weekdays from 4 pm to 9 pm. So, plan your run accordingly and soak in the natural wonders of this hidden gem!
| Pro tip: If you stick to the lakeside of the park, you’ll cruise through some fresh and bushy areas. And if you’re lucky enough to catch an autumn day, you’ll see pops of colour starting to emerge in a few spots. |
Taylor Creek Trail
– Media from nestor_brito
Address: East York, ON, Canada
Distance: Around 3.5 km
Difficulty: Easy
Taylor Creek Trail is about 3.5 kilometres long and runs alongside a branch of the Don River. It has these mature trees all around, and the trail itself is a mix of compacted soil and asphalt.
It’s like a natural and paved combo! Perfect for squeezing in a quick morning run before heading off to work, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pavement pounder.
| Pro tips: You can access Taylor Creek Park from Don Mills Road, Haldon Avenue, or Dawes Road by car. If you’re using public transit, hop on the Dawes 23, Cosburn 87, or O’Connor 70 buses. And if you’re near Victoria Park subway station, it’s just a five-minute walk to the East Park entrance. |
