6 Toronto Cycling Trails You Need to Ride This Summer
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From waterfront cruising to urban wilderness, these six Toronto rides deliver the ultimate summer cycling experience.
Toronto might not be the first place that comes to mind for cycling adventures, but it should be. Between waterfront paths, urban wilderness, and surprisingly long car-free routes, the city offers some of the best cycling in Ontario for both beginners and seasoned riders.
Whether you're spinning easy kilometres along the lake or linking up trail systems for a full-day ride, these six Toronto cycling trails deliver everything from skyline views to quiet forest escapes.
Here are six Toronto cycling trails you need to ride this summer.
As a Toronto cyclist, the Martin Goodman Trail is almost an everyday staple. If you are a visitor to Toronto and looking to explore by bike, this is the place you want to be.
1. Martin Goodman Trail (Waterfront Trail)
If you only ride one trail in Toronto, make it the Martin Goodman Trail.
Stretching roughly 56 km along Lake Ontario, this iconic multi-use path runs from the western edges of Etobicoke all the way to the Rouge River in the east.
What to Expect
This is classic waterfront riding, flat, scenic, and endlessly customizable. You can cruise past beaches, marinas, parks, and skyline viewpoints, with plenty of places to stop for coffee or a swim.
Key Access Points
Humber Bay Park (west end)
Sunnyside Park
Harbourfront (Queen’s Quay)
Woodbine Beach
Scarborough Bluffs (via connections)
Ride Details
Distance: Up to 56 km (ride sections or the full route)
Surface: Fully paved
Difficulty: Easy
Why Ride It
The Martin Goodman Trail is the backbone of Toronto cycling. It connects multiple neighbourhoods and trail systems, making it perfect for anything from a casual spin to a full-day endurance ride.
To some, the Don Valley Trails mean cruising paved paths; to others, they are among the best mountain bike trails in Ontario.
2. Don Valley Trails
For a completely different vibe, head into the city’s urban wilderness on the Don Valley Trail.
Running roughly 30+ km through the Don River valley, this trail system feels far removed from the city despite being right in the middle of it.
What to Expect
Think shaded forest paths, river crossings, and a mix of paved and hard-packed surfaces. It’s cooler here on hot summer days, making it a go-to mid-season ride.
Key Access Points
Corktown Common (south end)
Evergreen Brick Works
Taylor Creek Park
Sunnybrook Park
Ride Details
Distance: ~30 km network
Surface: Paved + packed dirt
Difficulty: Easy to intermediate
Why Ride It
This is where Toronto feels wild. It’s also one of the best trails for linking routes; combine it with the Martin Goodman Trail or Beltline for longer loops.
The Humber River trails get more wild and less crowded the further north you ride.
3. Humber River Recreational Trail
Looking for a longer, uninterrupted ride with minimal traffic? The Humber River Recreational Trail is your answer.
What to Expect
Following the Humber River north from Lake Ontario, this trail winds through parks, wooded valleys, and quiet green corridors. It’s one of the best routes in the city for stacking kilometres without dealing with traffic.
Key Access Points
Humber Bay Park (south end)
Etienne Brulé Park
Weston Road
Finch Avenue (north end connections)
Ride Details
Distance: ~20–25 km one way (longer with connections)
Surface: Paved
Difficulty: Easy
Why Ride It
It’s one of the most continuous off-road cycling routes in Toronto. Pair it with the waterfront trail for a lake-to-north loop ride that can easily hit 50+ km.
The Toronto Island Trails are a gem in the city. You don't even have to bring your own bike, as there are plenty of Bike Share bikes on the island.
4. Toronto Islands Trail
For a completely car-free experience, hop on the ferry and ride the Toronto Islands trail network.
What to Expect
Quiet roads, lake views, sandy beaches, and skyline backdrops—this is one of the most relaxed rides you’ll find anywhere in Ontario.
Key Access Points
Ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (downtown Toronto)
Ward’s Island
Centre Island
Hanlan’s Point
Ride Details
Distance: ~5–8 km one way (depending on route)
Surface: Paved paths and quiet roads
Difficulty: Easy
Why Ride It
No cars. No stress. Just cruising. This is the perfect ride for couples, families, or anyone looking for a laid-back summer cycling experience.
From pavement to gravel and even some singletrack, Tommy Thompson Park is a cycling adventure.
5. Tommy Thompson Park (Leslie Street Spit)
One of Toronto’s most unique rides, Tommy Thompson Park offers a mix of rugged terrain and incredible views.
What to Expect
This man-made peninsula stretches into Lake Ontario, giving riders a 10 km out-and-back route along a wide gravel and paved spine.
Expect wind, birds, and big open views of the Toronto skyline.
Key Access Points
Leslie Street & Unwin Avenue entrance
Parking is available near the park entrance
Ride Details
Distance: ~10 km round trip
Surface: Paved + gravel
Difficulty: Easy
Why Ride It
It feels like you’ve left the city entirely. Bonus: it’s one of the best birdwatching spots in Ontario and a favourite among photographers.
The Etobicoke Creek Trail is a quiet nature oasis in the city. This trail stretches far beyond the city. Read how we turn the Etobicoke Creek Trail and the Humber River Trail into an overnight bikepaking adventure… Bikepacking to Albion Hills
6. Etobicoke Creek Trail
Often overlooked, the Etobicoke Creek Trail is a hidden gem, especially if you’re based in the west end or Mississauga.
What to Expect
This trail follows Etobicoke Creek through parks, green corridors, and residential areas, offering a quieter alternative to busier downtown routes. When riding north from Marie Curtis Park, the trail follows some on-road sections. If you want to avoid the roads, we suggest starting at Mississauga Valley Park.
Key Access Points
Marie Curtis Park (south end)
Long Branch GO Station
Mississauga Valley Park (north connections)
Ride Details
Distance: ~17 km (longer with extensions)
Surface: Mostly paved
Difficulty: Easy
Why Ride It
It’s peaceful, scenic, and far less crowded than other Toronto trails. Perfect for a relaxed ride or a low-traffic training spin.
Plan Your Ride: Linking the Trails
One of the best things about cycling in Toronto is how easily these trails connect.
For a full-day ride, try this loop:
Start on the Martin Goodman Trail
Head north on the Humber River Trail
Cut across midtown (or Beltline)
Return via Don Valley Trails
This kind of route can easily stretch to 50–80 km with minimal road exposure, making Toronto surprisingly good for cycle-touring-style adventures.
Final Thoughts
Toronto’s cycling scene is better than most people expect. With hundreds of kilometres of connected trails, you can ride for hours without ever feeling like you’re in a major city.
From the waterfront cruise of the Martin Goodman Trail to the quiet forested paths of the Don Valley and the open-air ride out to Tommy Thompson Park, there’s something here for every type of cyclist.
So whether you're planning a quick evening spin or building a full-day adventure, these six trails should be at the top of your summer riding list.
