James AllenEver wondered where the cool kids are rolling their wheels around Toronto? Well, gear up because we’re about to spill the beans on the best bike trails in town.
From scenic routes to hidden gems, get ready to pedal through some exciting adventure – no spandex required!
Beltline Trail
– Media from to_cycling_ped
Address: Beltline Trail, Toronto, ON M4T 2A4
Distance: Around 9 km
Difficulty: Easy
The Beltline Trail in Toronto is a great multi-use path that mirrors the old railway line, covering about 9 kilometres and winding through neighbourhoods like Rosedale, Moore Park, and Forest Hill. People love it, especially when the weather’s on the warm side in spring and summer.
Why the buzz? Well, besides being a fantastic biking spot, you get to soak in beautiful city views while you’re walking, jogging, or even trying your hand at some winter cross-country skiing when the snow falls.
And the fun doesn’t stop there! Along the trail, you’ll come across parks, gardens, and neat public art installations, adding oomph to your adventure.
| Pro tip: Since the trail crosses a few roads, it’s a good idea to hop off your bike and walk across for safety. |
Humber River Recreational Trail
– Media from strinnear
Address: Toronto, ON
Distance: Around 10 km
Difficulty: Easy
Humber River bike trail is a 10 km gem that’s incredibly popular among cyclists in Toronto, and it’s not hard to see why! This scenic route takes you on a winding journey through the heart of West Toronto, offering ever-changing views along the way.
Starting from Lake Ontario near the iconic Humber Bay Arch bridge, the trail takes you north along the river’s west side, passing through a cozy park before reaching a side street. Keep an eye out for the quirky Oculus Pavilion, a circular “spaceship” rain shelter that’s definitely worth a pause.
Whether you’re cruising on a road bike or tearing it up on a mountain bike, there’s something for everyone on this trail. You’ll even encounter old bridges, breathtaking waterfalls, charming gardens, and the tranquil river itself.
If you’re on a mountain bike, the north side of the trail is perfect for those bigger tires, so you can soak in all the sights without missing a beat!
| Pro tip: Towards the end of this stretch, you’ll find a bunch of metal stairs. If you’re up for it and want to keep going to the Upper Humber River part, there’s a track to guide your bike tires as you haul it up. Or, if you’d rather, you can turn around and head back from there. |
Martin Goodman Trail
– Media from hotelxtoronto
Address: Toronto, ON
Distance: Around 56 km
Difficulty: Easy
Martin Goodman Trail may not be the longest biking route in Toronto, but it’s up there in terms of popularity and recognition. It hugs the Lake Ontario waterfront for about 56 kilometres, making it one of the longest continuous waterfront trails across North America.
The trail is a sidewalk and running/biking path, mostly sticking close to the water’s edge. And let me tell you, there are some killer spots along the way with stunning water views!
If you’re looking for the perfect starting point, head over to Queen’s Quay, just a stone’s throw away from the financial district. From there, it’s about a scenic 5-mile journey one way to reach the Humber River Bridge.
| Pro tip: You’ve got a bunch of accessible parking spots waiting for you in the paved lot, right south of Park Avenue and Beech Avenue on the east end. Look out for those spots with the striped access aisles. |
Great Lakes Waterfront Trail
– Media from waterfront_rt
Address: Boardwalk, Toronto, ON M4L 1B8
Distance: Around 3600 km
Difficulty: Medium
Great Lakes Waterfront Trail spans over 3,600 kilometres from Sault Ste. Marie to Quebec, cutting through Toronto from Etobicoke in the west to Scarborough in the east.
This trail is your playground, offering options for every kind of adventurer. You’ve got the choice between hitting the road or going off-road, making it a total pick-your-own-adventure situation.
And while cruising, about 30% of the time, you’ll be treated to some seriously scenic views along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
Now, let’s talk trail surfaces – it’s mostly smooth sailing on paved roads, but brace yourself for a little adventure with some unpaved paths and gravel roads thrown into the mix.
| Pro tip: Before you kick off your ride, make sure to toss in a blanket and some snacks for a chill picnic. You’re in luck because there are loads of open spaces along the way where you can kick back, refuel, and soak in all that beautiful scenery. |
Moccasin Trail Park
– Media from __travelling_monk
Address: 55 Green Belt Dr, Toronto, ON L4Z 2P5
Distance: Around 6 km
Difficulty: Easy
Moccasin Trail Park is this charming little spot tucked away in the Rouge Valley area of Toronto. It features a winding trail that guides you through a lush forest, offering scenic views of the river and the local wildlife doing their thing.
It’s basically the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll, a bit of birdwatching, or just soaking in nature’s vibes. And guess what? The park comes with some historical flair, too – you’ll find remnants of a former mill and a cemetery that dates all the way back to the 1800s.
| Pro tip: When it comes to wildlife sightings, Moccasin Trail Park near the DVP is where it’s at! It’s a hotspot for birdwatching, and rumour has it that you might even spot some deer roaming around. |
Sherwood Park
– Media from life_of_fika
Address: 190 Sherwood Ave Toronto, ON M4P 2A8
Distance: Around 5 km
Difficulty: Easy
Sherwood Park is a chill trail to get around, and it’ll probably take you only a little more than an hour to finish up. And other than biking, you can also go hiking, snowshoeing, and even walk with your dog (on a leash, of course!)
When it comes to biking, it’s a pretty easy trail that’s well-maintained for riders of any skill level. On top of that, you can always visit Sherwood Park anytime since it’s practically open all year round.
And if you’re with kids and they get bored of just biking, you can spend some time at the park’s picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields.
| Pro tip: If you’re not a fan of running into lots of dogs, this trail might not be your best bet. |
Tommy Thompson Park
– Media from aria_and_symphonies
Address: 1 Leslie St, Toronto, ON M4M 3M2
Distance: Around 10 km
Difficulty: Easy
Tommy Thompson Park features trails that are wide, flat, and beautifully paved. In other words, you can easily take on this trail regardless of your skill level.
But if you’re a seasoned rider seeking thrills and challenges, you might want to look elsewhere. The main bike trail stretches about 10 km, 5 km out to the point and another 5 km back to the entrance.
If you’re up for some dose of adrenaline, you can hop onto the gravel trails that branch off from the main path. They’ll tack on an extra 2 to 3 kilometres to your ride and add a bit of thrill, especially if you’re rolling on narrower tires.
| Pro tip: If you’re biking, you can reach the main entrance at the foot of Leslie Street using the Toronto Waterfront Trail. Another option is to take the Leslie Spit Connector, which splits from the Toronto Waterfront Trail on Unwin Avenue, just west of the main entrance. |
Moore Park Ravine Trail Loop
– Media from harltonempire
Address: 1 Leslie St, Toronto, ON M4M 3M2
Distance: Around 6 km
Difficulty: Easy
The Moore Park Ravine is a green oasis in the heart of the city, part of the nine-kilometer Beltline Trail that spans Toronto from west to east. It’s the perfect spot to end your journey, starting at Mount Pleasant Cemetery and leading down to Evergreen Brickworks.
As you pedal, keep an eye out for awesome lookout points to soak in the breathtaking views of the ravine and the city skyline. Just make your way to the entrance tucked away in the cozy residential area of Heath Street and Hudson Drive.
Once you arrive, you’ll spot a discreet entrance leading to the Heath Street Pedestrian Bridge, which got a makeover back in 1999 for safe crossing. From there, you can safely make your way down into the ravine and explore to your heart’s content.
| Pro tip: The trails are easy to follow, but they don’t have any markers, so keep an eye out. Avoid the pond – it’s swarming with bugs. Make sure to bring bug spray with you. |
West Don Parkland Trail
– Media from maplebike
Address: 165 Maxwell St, North York, ON M3H 4M9
Distance: Around 3 km
Difficulty: Medium
Ever tried the trails at West Don Parkland Trail? They’re a bit hidden and can be tricky to access, but it’s worth the adventure. Just a friendly heads-up, though – some of the wooden path structures could use a little TLC, especially if you’re not as mobile.
This path takes you along a branch of the Don River West Branch. It’s like a secret route between the Forest Valley Outdoor Education Center and Maxwell Street. You’ll find yourself surrounded by wooded areas, and as you push forward, you’ll hit a clearing and a small dam.
Then, the path guides you with a mellow uphill climb next to a little creek, eventually leading you up to Maxwell Street. So, if you’re up for some exploration, this trail ticks all the boxes.
| Pro tip: Note that the trail isn’t in the best shape and stroller-friendly. If you’ve got a little one with you, it’s advisable to carry them along for a smoother journey. |
High Park Loops
– Media from gunzthebarber
Address: Toronto, ON M6R 0A1
Distance: Around 5 km
Difficulty: Easy
High Park, spanning 400 acres just north of the lakeshore and Sunnyside Beach, offers a range of attractions. Its charming gardens, picturesque bridges, tranquil ponds, and secluded trails make it a standout destination for nature enthusiasts.
For a rewarding exploration, start at the Bloor Street entrance and venture along the main path, keeping an eye out for smaller footpaths and single tracks branching off.
Expect some varied terrain, including unexpected hills, that add a touch of excitement to your journey. With a mix of roads and trails, the outer perimeter trail measures approximately 5 kilometres, providing ample opportunity for exploration.
Additionally, High Park boasts numerous additional trails waiting to be uncovered, promising further adventure. One of the park’s highlights is its stunning views of the Toronto skyline, offering a picturesque backdrop to your outdoor escapade.
| Pro tips: The main entrance for vehicles at High Park is on Parkside Drive and High Park Boulevard. It’s open on weekdays but closed on weekends and holidays. However, you can use the entrances at Queensway and Colborne Lodge Drive, Parkside Drive and Spring Road anytime. |
