The best road cycling routes around Toronto

Toronto offers a vast network of road cycling routes, with over 190 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 90 easy, 98 moderate, and a few more challenging trails.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Toronto, with an average score of 4.47 stars from over 170 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the extensive waterfront paths, urban park trails, and accessible island routes that offer diverse scenery and experiences.

Yes, Toronto has numerous easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. The city's geography includes many flat, paved paths, particularly along Lake Ontario. The Mimico Creek Pedestrian Bridge – Martin Goodman Trail loop from Osgoode is an excellent example of an easy route, offering a pleasant ride through waterfront parks.

Absolutely. Toronto's extensive Waterfront Trail, also known as the Martin Goodman Trail, spans 56 kilometers across the city's waterfront, providing a fantastic option for longer rides. For an even more extended adventure, the Greater Niagara Circle Route, a 140-kilometer loop, is accessible for a day trip from Toronto, offering scenic views along the Niagara River and Lake Ontario.

For stunning views, consider routes along the Waterfront Trail, such as the Mimico Creek Pedestrian Bridge – Martin Goodman Trail loop from St. Andrew, which offers expansive lake views. The Toronto Islands provide breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, while the Tommy Thompson Park Trail offers unique vistas of the skyline from its tip amidst natural habitats. The Scarborough Bluffs also offer dramatic lookouts over Lake Ontario.

Yes, Toronto offers several family-friendly options. The car-free Toronto Islands are ideal, with over 15 kilometers of interconnected cycle paths and bike rentals available. Sections of the Waterfront Trail, particularly those through parks like Humber Bay, are also popular for families due to their flat, paved surfaces and scenic surroundings.

Many routes pass by interesting landmarks and natural features. Along the waterfront, you might encounter the Inukshuk on the Toronto Waterfront or the Passage Sculpture at Lake Ontario. Inland, routes near the Don Valley can lead you to places like Edwards Gardens and Toronto Botanical Garden. The Marilyn Bell Park and the Martin Goodman Trail is another notable highlight along the lake.

Loop trails are a common feature of road cycling in Toronto, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Many routes, like the Cherry Street Lift Bridge – Balmy Beach Park loop from Eglinton, are designed as loops, exploring different sections of the waterfront and urban parks. The Toronto Islands also offer a network of interconnected loop paths.

The best season for road cycling in Toronto is typically from spring to fall (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, making for comfortable rides. Fall offers particularly beautiful scenery with changing leaves, especially in areas like the Don Valley Trails or Rouge National Urban Park.

Many of Toronto's road cycling trails are easily accessible via the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). Key areas like the Waterfront Trail, Don Valley Trails, and High Park have numerous access points close to subway stations, streetcar lines, or bus routes. Cyclists can often bring their bikes on subways during off-peak hours and on streetcars and buses with designated bike racks, making it convenient to reach starting points.

While popular routes can get busy, you can find less crowded options. The Tommy Thompson Park Trail (Leslie Street Spit) offers a unique, more secluded experience, immersing cyclists in natural habitats away from urban bustle. Portions of the Don Valley Trails and routes within Rouge National Urban Park, especially on weekdays, can also provide a quieter ride through forested ravines and expansive green spaces.

For those seeking a challenge, while much of Toronto is relatively flat, areas like Rouge National Urban Park offer gentle rolling hills that provide a good workout. Longer routes, such as the Mimico Creek Pedestrian Bridge – Humber Bay Waterfront Trail loop from Wynford, offer moderate distances and elevation changes that can be challenging for some, especially when combined with headwinds along the lake.