Great Lakes Waterfront Trail: 5 No-Cars Allowed Rides in Ontario
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The Best Traffic-Free Waterfront Bike Paths from Toronto to the 1000 Islands
At over 3600 kilometres stretching along the shore of the Ontario side of the Great Lakes, the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail gives you plenty of opportunity to explore. While much of the way is along country roads and bike lanes, there are a number of sections where cyclists and walkers rule, no cars allowed.
There’s something different about a ride when you don’t have to think about traffic.
No shoulder-checking.
No rumble of passing trucks.
No white line hugging.
If you’re looking for stress-free cycling, whether you’re riding with your partner, training, or cruising with the kids, these five sections deliver.
Here are five of our favourite and perhaps best no-car-allowed rides along the route.
1. Cornwall Waterfront Trail
If you love wide-open river views and smooth pavement, Cornwall delivers.
Running along the St. Lawrence River through Lamoureux Park and beyond, this paved multi-use path offers long, uninterrupted stretches that are ideal for steady cruising. The terrain is flat, the path is wide, and the river views are constant.
The Cornwall section of the Great Lakes Waterfront trail is at the top of our favourite list.
Why it’s great:
Fully separated multi-use trail
Consistently flat
Perfect for family rides or recovery spins
Easy parking and access points
This is one of the most relaxed sections of the entire Waterfront Trail. Set your pace, watch the ships pass, and enjoy the ride.
2. Martin Goodman Trail (Toronto Waterfront)
From Humber Bay in the west to the Beaches in the east, this is arguably Ontario’s most iconic urban waterfront ride.
The Martin Goodman Trail hugs Lake Ontario, weaving through parks, boardwalks, and skyline viewpoints. While you’ll cross occasional intersections, the trail itself is fully separated from traffic and built for cyclists and pedestrians.
A day along the Toronto section of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is a fantastic way to explore the city.
Why it’s great:
Big city skyline meets lake views
Long continuous waterfront riding
Ideal for distance rides or coffee spins
Easily linked into longer GTA routes
It’s urban riding done right — active, scenic, and surprisingly peaceful.
3. Pickering - Ajax - Whitby Waterfront Trail
This stretch of the Waterfront Trail might be one of the most underrated car-free stretches on Lake Ontario.
The trail runs through waterfront parks and natural areas with long sightlines and smooth pavement. It’s quiet, scenic, and feels removed from nearby urban areas.
Our favourite way to explore this part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trails is to take the GO Train to Rouge Hill and ride the trail east and back.
Why it’s great:
Family-friendly
Easy out-and-back riding
Calm and not crowded (especially weekdays)
Beautiful sunrise and sunset views
If you’re building distance or introducing someone to cycling, this is a confidence-boosting place to ride.
4. Hamilton + Burlington Waterfront
This combined stretch along Hamilton Harbour and through Burlington’s waterfront parks creates one of the longest connected car-free riding zones in the western GTA.
You’ll roll past piers, sailboats, and waterfront cafés, with plenty of options to turn your ride into a half-day adventure.
We love the wild beach vibe of this stretch of the Great Lakes Waterfront trail and the opportunities for ice cream and lunch along the way.
Why it’s great:
Long, continuous multi-use paths
Great food and patio stops
Flat terrain
Easy to extend into longer regional loops
It’s an ideal destination ride: park once, ride for hours.
5. 1000 Islands Bikepath (Brockville–Gananoque)
This might be one of the most scenic car-free rides in Ontario.
Running parallel to the 1000 Islands Parkway between Brockville and Gananoque, this paved path is completely separated from vehicle traffic. You get river views, rocky shoreline, and classic Eastern Ontario scenery the entire way.
A stop for lunch at the picturesque village of Rockport is a perfect destination, whether you are coming from the east or the west.
Why it’s great:
Fully separated from cars
Stunning St. Lawrence River views
Smooth pavement for steady pacing
Perfect for weekend cycling trips
It’s the kind of ride that reminds you why Ontario’s waterfront cycling is world-class.
Why Car-Free Riding Matters
For newer riders, car-free paths build confidence.
For experienced riders, they allow uninterrupted pacing.
For families, they remove the biggest barrier to getting out together.
The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail continues to expand its network of separated multi-use paths, and these five sections are proof of how good it can be when cycling infrastructure is done right.
Planning Your Ride
Before heading out:
Check local municipal trail updates.
Plan parking access points.
Bring lights if riding at dusk along the water.
Respect shared-use etiquette (bells and clear passes go a long way).
If you’re building a larger adventure — especially something like a multi-day tour or linking sections together — these car-free stretches make excellent anchor segments.
Ontario has no shortage of waterfront beauty. But when you can experience it without traffic stress, the ride becomes something more.
It becomes simple.
It becomes peaceful.
It becomes why we ride.
See you out there.
