Trains, Boats, Bikes: A Day Along Toronto's Waterfront
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Toronto’s waterfront is one of the city’s greatest treasures—a mix of nature, recreation, and urban buzz that stretches for kilometres along Lake Ontario. With a bit of planning, you can experience it all in one Toronto waterfront day trip, moving seamlessly from trains to boats to bikes.
This adventure begins with a GO Train to Toronto, detours to the Toronto Islands for a cycling spin, meanders through the Harbourfront on foot, refuels at Amsterdam Brewing, and finishes with a stunning ride west along Toronto's Martin Goodman Trail. Whether you’re a local looking for a new way to spend the day or a visitor wanting to see more than the CN Tower, this itinerary has it all.
You can do this itinerary with your own bike, but keep in mind that there are restrictions on bringing your bike on the Go Train. We opted to use the Toronto Bike Share option, which made going from riding to walking a breeze.
Getting There: GO Train to Union Station
Your journey kicks off with the GO Train to Toronto, Metrolinx’s regional rail system connecting the GTA to downtown. If you’re coming from the west (Oakville, Burlington, or beyond), the Lakeshore West line runs straight into Union Station. From the east, hop on the Lakeshore East line.
How to Use the GO Train System
Tickets & Passes: Buy tickets at stations, via vending machines, or through the GO Transit app. On weekends, consider the $10 unlimited weekend pass—it’s the best value.
Bike Rules: You can bring your own bike on board during off-peak and weekend hours, but for this trip, Toronto Bike Share makes things simple—no need to lug your own.
Union Station Arrival: Once you step off the train, it’s a 10-minute walk south to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, where your next adventure begins.
Go Train info: www.gotransit.com
The best view of Toronto’s skyline is from the deck of the Toronto Island ferry.
Toronto Islands Ferry Ride: How to Get There
The Toronto Islands ferry is your gateway to a car-free paradise just minutes from the city skyline. Boats leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street.
Toronto Island Ferry Tickets and Schedule
Tickets: Adult round-trip tickets are under $10, and kids ride for less. Buy online to skip the often-long summer lines.
Destinations: Ferries go to Ward’s Island, Hanlan’s Point, and Centre Island. For this itinerary, choose Centre Island—the perfect hub for bike riding.
Schedules: Ferries run year-round, but spring through fall offer the best weather for exploring.
Toronto Island Ferry Info: www.torontoisland.com/ferry
As the ferry pulls away from the terminal, the skyline comes into view. The CN Tower rises over the water, offering one of the best panoramic views of Toronto.
Now that Bike Share is available on Toronto Island, you no longer need to bring your own bike.
Exploring Centre Island by Bike
Dock at Centre Island and rent a set of wheels. With no cars allowed, the Toronto Islands are one of the best places to cycle in the city. I can't believe it's been over twenty years since we visited this Toronto favourite. Now we can’t wait to visit again; this place is a true urban delight. When we arrived at the Bike Share location by the Center Island ferry dock, it was empty. We checked the Bike Share app and walked a bit to find bikes.
How Toronto Bike Share Works on the Islands
Find a Dock: Stations are located near the Centre Island ferry dock.
Cost: A single ride costs $1 to unlock the bike and 12 cents per minute of use, or choose a $15 day pass for unlimited 30-minute trips.
Toronto Bike Share e-bikes: Available at select docks, these make cruising even easier.
Toronto Bike Share Info: www.bikesharetoronto.com
Cycling Highlights on the Toronto Islands
Ride past Centreville Amusement Park, pedal along the boardwalks shaded by mature trees, and stop at one of the beaches or the pier for a photo. With flat terrain and quiet paths, you can easily explore the islands in an hour or two without breaking a sweat.
There are some incredible viewpoints from the island.
A sunny September day is perfect for exploring Toronto’s islands by bike.
You will find some of Toronto’s best beaches on Centre Island.
Back to the Mainland: Harbourfront Stroll
When you’ve had your fill of island exploring, catch the ferry back to the city. Instead of heading straight to your next stop, take time for a Harbourfront stroll.
Best Stops Along Toronto’s Harbourfront
Harbourfront Centre: A hub for art exhibits, performances, and cultural festivals.
HTO Park: A playful urban beach with yellow umbrellas and Muskoka chairs.
Queens Quay Promenade: Ideal for people-watching and snapping shots of sailboats and kayaks against the skyline.
Harbourfront Info: www.destinationtoronto.com
Sugar Beach is one of many sights to discover along the Toronto harbourfront.
Lunch Stop: Amsterdam Brewing
By now, you’ve earned a refuel. There are plenty of restaurants and padios to choose from; we opted for Amsterdam Brewhouse, one of Toronto’s most iconic waterfront breweries.
Why Amsterdam Brewhouse:
Fish tacos, a personal favourite, are the standout—crispy, fresh, and full of flavour.
Fish tacos not your thing? No problem - there are plenty of other tasty options on the menu.
A wide selection of craft beers brewed on-site, including rotating seasonal specials.
Stunning patio views of the harbour that make it hard to leave.
If the patio is packed, grab a table indoors near the floor-to-ceiling windows—you’ll still get the view.
Toronto Bike Share E-Bike: Heading West
Recharged and ready, grab a Toronto Bike Share e-bike from a nearby docking station. With pedal assist, you’ll cover ground quickly without tiring, making the ride west toward Long Branch smooth and enjoyable.
The e-bike made our 15km ride to Long Branch a breeze. We had a bit of a challenge finding two e-bikes near our lunch spot. Check the Bike Share App to see where bikes are available.
Toronto’s iconic Humber River Bridge.
City views along the Martin Goodman Trail.
Cycling the Martin Goodman Trail in Toronto
From the Harbourfront, link up with the Martin Goodman Trail, one of the city’s most scenic cycling routes. Stretching 22 km across the waterfront, it’s also part of both the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and the Trans Canada Trail, connecting Toronto to a much larger network of cycling adventures.
The trail is flat, well-paved, and separated from traffic, making it perfect for cyclists of all levels.
Must-Stop Photo Spots Along the Martin Goodman Trail
Humber River Bridge (Humber Bay Arch Bridge): A Toronto cycling icon, with sweeping views of the lake and skyline.
Humber Bay Park: A lush green space with wetlands, beaches, and wildflowers. On a clear day, it offers one of the best skyline photo ops in the city.
Sunnyside Pavilion: A historic waterfront landmark that still buzzes with summer life.
The Martin Goodman Trail stretches 22 km across Toronto’s waterfront.
Ending the Journey: Long Branch
As you roll through Mimico and Humber Bay Shores, the trail eventually leads you to Long Branch, a charming west-end neighbourhood. Dock your bike at a Toronto Bike Share station, then walk the short distance to Long Branch GO Station to catch your train home.
Bike Share Logistics
Check the app for dock availability before setting off.
With a $15 day pass, you can dock and re-rent along the way for unlimited 30-minute rides.
By now, you’ve travelled by train, boat, foot, and bike—all in one unforgettable Toronto waterfront day trip.
Why This Adventure Works
This itinerary combines the best of Toronto:
Convenient GO Transit travel—no need for a car.
Island exploration on car-free paths with Toronto Bike Share.
Urban culture with a stroll through the Harbourfront.
Craft beer and great food at Amsterdam Brewing.
Scenic cycling on the Martin Goodman Trail in Toronto.
It’s a rare blend of urban energy and natural beauty, all within a single day.
While this itinerary is ideal for the warm months of summer, it can also be enjoyed in spring and autumn. In fact, cycling around Toronto in autumn is a fantastic way to experience the fall colours. Check out our blog post, Toronto Fall Cycling Guide: 8 Must-Do Bike Rides in the City, for more cycling ideas in Toronto.
Practical Information & Tips
Best Time to Go
Late spring through early fall offers warm weather, patio season, and the best cycling conditions.
Budget Breakdown
GO Train weekend pass: $10–15
Toronto Island ferry tickets: $9 (adult, round trip)
Toronto Bike Share day pass: $15
Lunch + beer: $25–40
Total: $60–80 for a full-day adventure.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and a camera.
Toronto’s waterfront offers more than just a pretty view—it’s a space where city life meets the outdoors. By combining the GO Train to Union Station, a Toronto Islands ferry ride, Toronto Bike Share cycling, and Toronto’s Martin Goodman Trail, you can experience the city from every angle in one incredible day.
Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or looking to show off Toronto to visiting friends, this Toronto waterfront day trip is a must-do.
