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Unlock car-free cycling routes from Union Station, Niagara, Hamilton, Rouge Valley, and more.

Looking for car-free cycling adventures from Toronto? Whether you're commuting by bike or planning a weekend ride, the GO Train is your key to unlocking some of Ontario’s best bike trails. With easy access to scenic routes via GO Transit, you can skip traffic, avoid parking hassles, and pedal through everything from Niagara wine country to urban waterfront trails—all without a car.

This guide shows you how to bring your bike on the GO Train, where to ride, and what gear you’ll need for a smooth adventure.

🚴 GO Train Bike Access: What You Need to Know

Before you plan your route, here’s how GO Transit works for cyclists:

Bikes are welcome on GO Trains, except during weekday rush hours (6:30–9:30 AM and 3:30–6:30 PM). On weekends and holidays, bikes are allowed all day.
Designated bike coaches are marked with a green bike symbol. These cars offer extra space and bike racks for easy boarding.
No reservations or bike fees are required; you can just roll your bike onboard.
Folding bikes are permitted at all times.
Check Metrolinx’s website for current bike policies and train schedules.

🔑 Pro Tip: Bring a Presto card for quick, cashless boarding and use the Metrolinx app to check train times on the go.

🚆 Best GO Train Stops for Cycling Adventures

Each GO Train stop connects directly to bike-friendly trails, quiet roads, and scenic routes ideal for day trips or weekend rides.

1. Union Station

Routes: Toronto Waterfront Trail, Toronto Islands, Leslie Street Spit

Perfect for Urban explorers, casual riders, and skyline selfies

Distance Options: 20–50 km

Level: Easy to Moderate

Highlights: Flat paths, cafes, beaches, lake views

Waterfront Trail: Ride west to Humber Bay or east toward the Beaches.
Toronto Islands: Take the ferry (with your bike) to access car-free paths and beaches.
Leslie Street Spit (Tommy Thompson Park): Great for a nature escape inside the city.

Map: Cycling Network - Toronto

2. Rouge Hill Station

Routes: Waterfront Trail to Oshawa, Rouge Valley North Redux

Perfect for: Nature lovers and eastbound adventurers

Level: Moderate

Distance Options: 30–80 km

Highlights: Forested paths, riverside riding, wildlife sightings

Waterfront Trail East: Cruise through Pickering, Ajax, and Whitby toward Oshawa.
Map: Waterfront Trail
Rouge Valley Trails: Mix of paved and gravel trails through Rouge National Urban Park.
Map: Rouge Valley North Redux

Make it a weekend: read our blog - Overnight Bikepacking from Toronto to Darlington Provincial Park: A Complete Guide

3. Long Branch Station

Routes: Etobicoke Creek Trail, Caledon-Lakeside Ride, Western Waterfront Trail

Perfect for: Gravel grinders, suburban explorers

Level: Easy to Challenging

Distance Options: 30–100 km

Highlights: Trail variety, hidden beaches, quiet urban paths

Etobicoke Creek Trail: The trail runs along the natural border between Mississauga and Toronto to Brampton.
Map: Starting from the Long Branch Go station, you can follow the Greenbelt Route signage and/or use the Caledon-Lakeside Ride (Ride with GPS) map. The last leg of the Caledon-Lakeside Ride follows the Etobicoke Creek Trail.
West Waterfront Trail: Ride toward Port Credit or loop east toward Toronto.
Map: Waterfront Trail
Caledon-Lakeside Ride: This 170 km route includes a mix of road and trail, scenic climbs, and farmland. It is a good weekend option with an overnight stay in Georgetown.
Map: Caledon-Lakeside Ride (Ride with GPS)

4. Hamilton GO Centre or West Harbour Station

Routes: Escarpment Country Cruise, HamBur Loop

Perfect for: Waterfall chasers, hill climbers, and foodies

Distance Options: 50–100 km

Level: Moderate to Hard

Highlights: Waterfalls, hilltop views, botanical gardens

Escarpment Country Cruise: Scenic climbs, rural roads, and panoramic views.
Map: Escarpment Country Cruise (Ride with GPS)
HamBur Loop: The 50km ride connects the most scenic locations along the Hamilton and Burlington waterfronts and incorporates popular sections of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and the Greenbelt.
Map: HamBur Loop (Ride with GPS)

5. Niagara Falls Station

Routes: Wine Country Roundabout, Waterfront Trail, Niagara Peninsula Loop

Perfect for: Wine-and-ride weekends, leisure cyclists, and group rides

Distance Options: 30–140 km

Level: Easy to Moderate

Map: Waterfront Trail

Highlights: Wineries, historic towns, riverside rides

Wine Country Roundabout: Explore Niagara-on-the-Lake and wineries along the way.
Map: Wine Country Roundabout (Ride with GPS)
Waterfront Trail: Ride along the Niagara River to Fort Erie and back.
Map: Waterfront Trail
Niagara Peninsula Loop: Make it a weekend and take on the 140km Niagara Peninsula Loop
Map: Niagara Peninsula Loop (Ride with GPS)

🔧 Gear Checklist for GO Train Cycling Trips

To get the most out of your bike-and-train adventure, pack smart. Here's what to bring:

Helmet (required in Ontario under 18, but always a smart choice)
Bike lock (lightweight U-lock or folding lock)
Repair kit (spare tube, tire levers, mini pump or CO₂ inflator)
Hydration (two water bottles or hydration pack)
Navigation tools (phone mount + GPS app like Komoot or Ride with GPS)
Lights (front + rear, especially if riding into the evening)
Snacks or electrolyte tabs (especially for longer trail rides)
Compact windbreaker or rain shell (weather can change fast)
Sunscreen and sunglasses

🧭 Planning Tips for a Seamless Ride

Off-Peak Riding: Travel outside weekday rush hours for full-size bikes.
Point-to-Point Rides: Take the train out and ride back (or vice versa) for linear routes.
Train Schedule: Always check return times before you leave—some stations have limited service.
Weekend Bonus: The seasonal Niagara Bike Train offers extra bike capacity and is ideal for summer winery tours.

🚴 Ready to Ride?

Whether you're discovering a new trail in Rouge Park, riding the Niagara vineyards, or climbing hills in Hamilton, GO Transit makes it easy to explore the GTA by bike. With the right gear, a bit of planning, and a sense of adventure, the GO Train bike network opens up unforgettable car-free day trips.

Hop on the train, clip in, and start pedalling your way to your next cycling adventure.