There isn’t a better way to spend a day than on an adventurous bike ride. Whether alone or with friends and family, it’s a great way to get out and enjoy the city you live in. Luckily, for those who live in Toronto, there is no shortage of beautiful trails of all types! When people think of bike trails in Toronto, most think about riding on the roads, competing with traffic as part of their daily commute. However, this isn’t always the case! Toronto is filled with easily accessible trails and paths for all skill levels. So, grab your helmet and check the air pressure in your tires, because we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 bike trails in Toronto!
1. Toronto Island Trail
If you’re genuinely trying to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, the island is the place to be. This little haven, located away from the city, is one of Toronto’s greatest gems. Accessible by ferry or water taxi, the islands feature a 14.5 km loop trail that is perfect for a day out biking. It is considered moderate in terms of challenge, with a total length of 2 hours and 36 minutes. Additionally, it’s an ideal spot for bird-watching and relaxing at the beach, making it perfect for a break after your ride. This is a bike trail in Toronto you won’t want to miss!
2. Woodbine Beach Bike Trail
If you want to bike by the water without trekking out to the island, Woodbine Beach is a great alternative. This 8.2 km trail takes an average of 1.5 hours to complete and is popular for birding, paddle sports, and biking of all kinds. The trail will also take you right to the beach, so biking there and back is a perfect way to spend a Summer day. Want to avoid the crowds? Summer evenings make for an ideal time to go, especially if you’d like to bike in solitude and watch the sunset.
3. Martin Goodman Trail
Known for its iconic Humber Bay Arch bridge, the Martin Goodman Trail is a 22km path that spans the entire Toronto waterfront. Though an easy route, this trail takes an average of 4 hours and 40 minutes to complete. This is a very popular area for all types of bikers. From the most skilled cyclists to families with kids enjoying a day in the sun, you’ll get a mix of everyone here. The trail is open year-round and offers beautiful views of the lake throughout the year.
4. Don River Trail
Another incredibly scenic trail on our list, the Don Valley trail stretches 9.7 km, running alongside the beautiful river the entire time. Perfect if you want to escape the loud city sounds for a little while. The trail itself is adorned with numerous beautiful artworks for you to enjoy during your ride. It is also accessible from downtown through its bike lane connections, so no car is required to get there if you live in the core. Additionally, the trail connects to several beautiful parks, including Bayview Park, Don Valley Brick Works Park, and Riverdale Park. This is one of the many underrated bike trails in Toronto!
5. Wilket Creek Trail
If you particularly love to bike through nature, the Wilket Creek trail is another viable option. This 3.7 km trail is short and sweet, clocking in at just about 45 minutes. Enjoy the moist marshes and a creek that flows throughout the trail, as well as the beautiful birds that have made a home in the ravine during their seasonal migrations. This bike trail is not maintained during the winter season, so be sure to go during the warmer weather.
6. Toronto Harbour Lighthouse Trail
A connection from the Martin Goodman trail mentioned above, this 17.2 km trail takes an average of three and a half hours to complete. As mentioned in the name, the trail consists of a beautiful ride through the iconic Toronto waterfront. There, you’ll find many people relaxing and enjoying the warm weather with their family and friends. End your bike ride with a stunning view of the Toronto Harbour lighthouse, which dates back to 1959.
7. Cedarvale Ravine Trail
Another moderate trail in terms of difficulty, the Cedarvale Ravine trail is 7.1 km long and takes roughly an hour and a half to complete. This trail is the perfect place to experience nature, as well as explore some of the city’s modern history. This trail follows the Beltline railway, a rail line built in the 1800s to serve the growing city of Toronto.
8. Lower Don Recreation Trail
Clocking in at 12.4 km, the Lower Don Recreation cycling trail takes roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. In the heart of Toronto’s east end, it is the perfect way to begin or end your bike ride to the Don Valley trail. The Lower Don Recreation trail involves long stretches of natural and urban terrain, accommodating cyclists of all skill levels. End your ride off by relaxing at Riverdale Park to the south and E.T. Seton Park to the North!
9. Colonel Samuel Smith Park Trail
A staple in Toronto’s vast network of biking trails, Colonel Samuel Smith Park is the perfect way to escape the downtown core. Located in Etobicoke, off the western waterfront, the park offers over 200 acres of green space, featuring a trail that spans 11.4 km. When you’re done with your ride, kick back and relax while enjoying a stunning view of the downtown core’s skyline.
10. Coronation Park Trail
Clocking in at an hour to complete, this 5.3 km cycling trail isn’t one you want to miss. Located right near Toronto’s iconic Ontario Place, this is another incredible way to bike while enjoying the scenic view of the waterfront. While you’re there, be sure to stop by and check out the beautiful World War memorial, which features a statue of King George VI.
Bike Trails in Toronto: A Conclusion
No matter what type of trail you’re looking to discover, we hope you’ve found one on this list! Although it is a massive city, Toronto is home to many beautiful nature escapes and trails for you to retreat to. Remember always to exercise caution on trails such as these, as many professional bikers use them as well! If you need a refresher on some crucial biking safety, check out our article on cycling safety tips. Or, take a ride through some of the prettiest streets in Toronto. Enjoy your ride!
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