The best cycling routes around Toronto
4.5
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8,668
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288
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Touring cycling around Toronto offers a diverse landscape, characterized by its extensive waterfront, numerous urban parks, and winding river valleys. The city's terrain is largely flat, making it accessible for various cycling abilities, with some gentle inclines found in areas like the Don Valley. This network of trails and dedicated lanes provides access to Lake Ontario, natural green spaces, and city attractions. The region's geography supports both leisurely rides and longer-distance routes through varied environments.
Best touring cycling routes around Toronto
- The most popular touring cycling route is Cherry Beach – Woodbine Beach loop from Toronto Union Station, a 20.0 miles (32.3 km) trail that takes 1 hour 54 minutes to complete. This easy route offers scenic views along the waterfront and connects popular beaches.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Inukshuk on the Toronto Waterfront – Humber Bay Arch Bridge loop from Spadina, a moderate 30.8 miles (49.6 km) path. This route follows the Lake Ontario shoreline, providing expansive lake views and passing iconic city landmarks.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Inukshuk on the Toronto Waterfront – Sunnyside Beach loop from Toronto Union Station, a 11.6 miles (18.7 km) trail leading through the Toronto Waterfront, often completed in about 1 hour 8 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Toronto is defined by its extensive waterfront paths, urban park systems, and river valley trails. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy, flat rides to more challenging routes with varied terrain.
- The routes in Toronto are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 800 reviews. More than 9,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Toronto's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 5, 2026
4.7
(52)
551
riders
33.6km
01:59
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(34)
460
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(30)
279
riders
44.3km
02:40
290m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(46)
286
riders
26.5km
01:34
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(31)
305
riders
29.1km
01:43
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Prince Edward Viaduct, also known as the Bloor Street Viaduct, is a historic truss arch bridge that spans the Don River. The bridge was built between 1915 and 1919. It is part of a project that includes another bridge, the Rosedale Valley Viaduct, which crosses the valley further to the west. https://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=ontario/bloorstreetprinceedwardviaduct/
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“Monsters for Beauty, Permanence and Individuality” is an art installation by Omaskêko Cree artist Duane Linklater. Fourteen sculptures, made in 2017 from cast concrete, lie scattered on a meadow along the Lower Don River Trail. https://catrionajeffries.com/artists/duane-linklater/works/duane-linklater-monsters-for-beauty-permanence-and-individuality-2017
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The area with more than 40 buildings was built between 1859 and 1900; the Gooderham and Worts Distillery was once the largest distillery in North America. Gooderham and Worts operated until the 20th century, before being taken over by Hiram Walker in 1927. The last alcohol was distilled in the original distillery in 1990. In 1988, the Gooderham and Worts Distillery was declared a National Historic Site of Canada in recognition of the industrial architecture of the Victorian era in North America. Sources: https://www.heritagetoronto.org/explore/heritage-toronto-awards-architecture/distillery-district-toronto-architecture/ https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/distillery-historic-district-gooderham-worts-national-historic-site https://parks.canada.ca/culture/designation/lieu-site/gooderham
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The Don River Valley was formed thousands of years ago during the Ice Age. Human settlement can be traced back more than 7,000 years. In the 19th century, the valley became a corridor for industry and transport for the city of York, now Toronto, and was home to lumber, flour, and paper mills, as well as tanneries, slaughterhouses, and breweries. The lower part of the Don River used to meander through wetlands to its mouth in Lake Ontario. In the 1880s, this part of the river was straightened to promote industrial development in the region. The remaining wetlands were destroyed by municipal landfills between 1912 and 1925. The Don Valley Parkway was opened in 1961 and changed the valley forever. Hills in the valley were reshaped and nature was destroyed by the creation of the highway. After decades of severe neglect of the Don River, environmental groups like Pollution Probe became active and staged a mock funeral for the "dead" river. Today, the river's watershed is one of the most developed in the country. The ongoing revitalization of the Don River Valley focuses on the flood protection project in the Port Lands, Toronto's harbor area, and the renaturation of the mouth of the Don River into Lake Ontario. Visit on September 24, 2026 Sources: https://donrivervalleypark.ca/about-the-park/history/ https://ourlivingwaters.ca/collaboration_upholds_don_river_revitalization/
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The route features a paved asphalt surface and a series of picturesque wooden footbridges, making it ideal for walking, trail running, and road cycling. Surrounded by dense tree canopies, wetlands, and wildflower meadows, the trail provides prime habitat for local wildlife, including foxes, deer, and diverse bird species.
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Standing 30 feet tall with a 15-foot arm span, the Toronto Inukshuk was built from about 50 tonnes of mountain rose granite by Inuit artist Kellypalik Qimirpik of Cape Dorset, Nunavut. Created in 2002 as a legacy project commemorating World Youth Day and the visit of Pope John Paul II, it’s one of the largest structures of its kind in North America. Sitting just west of Coronation Park in what’s now known as Toronto Inukshuk Park, it looks out across Lake Ontario and the harbour. There is a granite slab beside it that includes part of then-mayor Mel Lastman’s unveiling speech, describing the Inukshuk as an invitation to “become beacons of light and hope, striving for justice and peace in this world.”
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comfortable armchairs for a short rest and to enjoy the great view
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The Don River Valley cuts through Toronto in a surprisingly wild stretch of forested ravines, wetlands and multi-use trails just beyond the downtown core. Shaped by the Don River flowing through it, the valley is one of the city’s largest natural corridors, with paved and dirt paths passing beneath bridges, alongside marshes and through dense tree cover that feels far removed from the surrounding city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available 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.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Toronto?
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.
Are there any easy or family-friendly touring cycling routes in Toronto?
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.
Where can I find scenic touring cycling routes with good viewpoints?
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.
Are there any long-distance touring cycling routes near Toronto?
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.
What attractions or landmarks can I see along the touring cycling routes?
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.
Are there car-free cycling options in Toronto?
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.
Can I access touring cycling routes using public transport?
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.
Are there options for more advanced touring cyclists seeking a challenge?
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.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Toronto?
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.
Are there bike rental options available in Toronto?
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.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Toronto?
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.
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