The best cycling routes around Toronto

Toronto offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 340 routes documented on komoot. More than 230 of these are classified as easy, making the region highly accessible for cyclists of all skill levels.

Toronto's touring cycling routes feature a diverse landscape, from extensive waterfront paths to urban parks and winding river valleys. The city's terrain is largely flat, which is ideal for leisurely rides. However, you can find gentle inclines in areas like the Don Valley, and even more challenging singletrack options for experienced mountain bikers within the Don Valley system.

Yes, Toronto is very accommodating for easy and family-friendly rides. Many routes are largely flat and off-road. A great option is the Cherry Beach – Woodbine Beach loop from Toronto Union Station, which is an easy 32.3 km trail offering scenic waterfront views. The Toronto Islands also provide a car-free environment perfect for families, with an easy 15 km loop connecting the islands.

For breathtaking views, the Waterfront Trail (Martin Goodman Trail) is Toronto's highlight, offering uninterrupted vistas of Lake Ontario and the city skyline. The Inukshuk on the Toronto Waterfront – Humber Bay Arch Bridge loop from Spadina is a moderate 49.6 km route that follows the Lake Ontario shoreline, providing expansive lake views and passing iconic city landmarks. Tommy Thompson Park also offers excellent lake and city skyline views from its unique urban wilderness peninsula.

While many routes are loops within the city, Toronto's extensive network allows for longer rides by connecting various trails. The Waterfront Trail itself spans approximately 56 kilometers across the city. Routes like the Wilket Creek Trail – Don River Valley loop from St. Clair, at 52.7 km, offer a substantial distance through varied urban green spaces.

Many routes pass by significant attractions. Along the Waterfront Trail, you can see landmarks like the CN Tower, Marilyn Bell Park, and various beaches. The Toronto Islands offer the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse and Centreville Amusement Park. The Don Valley trails connect to places like Evergreen Brick Works Ponds. You might also encounter the Humber Bay Arch Bridge on western waterfront routes.

Yes, Toronto offers excellent car-free cycling experiences. The Toronto Islands are a prime example, accessible by a short ferry ride and featuring a network of paths perfect for cycling without vehicle traffic. Tommy Thompson Park (Leslie Street Spit) is another unique urban wilderness that is entirely car-free, offering a mix of paved roads and gravel trails.

Many of Toronto's cycling routes are highly accessible by public transport, particularly those starting from central locations like Toronto Union Station or Spadina. The city's comprehensive public transit system (TTC) allows bikes on subways during off-peak hours and on streetcars and buses with certain restrictions, making it convenient to reach trailheads.

While much of Toronto is flat, more advanced cyclists can find challenges. The Don Valley offers a system of paved and unpaved trails, including challenging singletrack sections with steep climbs and descents, particularly in areas like Crothers Woods. Routes like the Wilket Creek Trail – Don River Valley loop from St. Clair, with its 311 meters of elevation gain, provide a good workout.

The touring cycling routes around Toronto are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 800 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the extensive network of dedicated trails, the stunning waterfront views, the accessibility of urban green spaces, and the variety of routes suitable for different skill levels.

Yes, Toronto has a robust cycling infrastructure that includes rental options. Bike Share Toronto offers a public bike-sharing system with numerous stations across the city. Additionally, bike rentals, including tandem and quadricycles, are available on Centre Island, making it easy to explore the Toronto Islands.

The best time for touring cycling in Toronto is generally from spring through fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the trails are in excellent condition. Summer offers warm temperatures perfect for waterfront rides, while spring and fall provide cooler weather and beautiful foliage, especially in areas like the Don Valley and Rouge National Urban Park.