Top 5 Places to Bike in Toronto

Exploring Toronto on two wheels can be an exhilarating experience, especially with the city’s abundance of bike-friendly trails and paths. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, Toronto offers a variety of routes that cater to your skill level and interests. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best places to bike in Toronto, from scenic waterfront trails to urban routes that allow you to see the city from a different perspective.

The best bike trails in Toronto

Are you ready to pedal your way through the city of Toronto? Well, you’re in luck because Toronto has some of the best bike trails in the country! The Don Valley Trail is a popular choice for cycling enthusiasts offering a scenic route through the valley, but it can be quite challenging and not recommended for beginners. For those of you looking for a more leisurely ride, the Waterfront Trail is a great option. It runs along the shores of Lake Ontario, offering beautiful views of the city’s skyline and the lake. Another popular choice is the Humber River Trail, which takes riders through lush greenery and along the sparkling Humber River. It’s a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you’re looking for a more urban ride, the Martin Goodman Trail is a must-try. It takes you through the heart of downtown Toronto, offering glimpses of iconic landmarks like the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre. No matter what your skill level or preference, Toronto has a bike trail that will suit your needs. So, grab your helmet and get ready to explore the city on two wheels!

EVENT/FESTIVAL NAME	DATE	LOCATION	DISTANCE OF BIKE ROUTES	DESCRIPTION/NOTES
Tour de Toronto	June 15, 2021	Toronto, ON	25km, 50km, 100km	Annual charity ride through Toronto’s scenic neighborhoods.
Bike the Creek	June 26, 2021	Brampton, ON	11km, 22km, 44km	Explore Brampton’s parks and trails on this family-friendly ride.
Toronto Island Bike Tour	July 10, 2021	Toronto Islands, ON	15km	Guided tour of the Toronto Islands, includes ferry ride and bike rental.
Ride for Heart	August 1, 2021	Toronto, ON	25km, 50km, 75km	Charity ride on the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway.
Tour de Mississauga	August 15, 2021	Mississauga, ON	10km, 25km, 50km, 75km	Explore Mississauga’s parks and trails on this family-friendly ride.
Bike the Night	September 4, 2021	Toronto, ON	10km	Night-time ride through Toronto’s downtown core, with music and entertainment.
TBN’s Fall Colour Ride	September 18, 2021	Caledon, ON	50km, 100km	Scenic ride through Caledon’s fall foliage, with rest stops and lunch provided.
Bike to the Beach	September 25, 2021	Toronto, ON	20km, 50km, 100km	Charity ride to Ashbridge’s Bay and back, with beach party and family activities.
CycloFemme	October 3, 2021	Toronto, ON	10km, 25km, 50km	Women’s-only ride to celebrate women’s cycling and support women’s charities.
Bike to School Week	October 4-8, 2021	Toronto, ON	–	Encourages kids and families to bike to school, with events and prizes at participating schools.
Halloween Howl	October 30, 2021	Toronto, ON	10km	Costume ride through Toronto’s downtown core, with music and entertainment.
Santa Ride	December 4, 2021	Toronto, ON	10km	Festive ride through Toronto’s downtown core, with Santa costumes and music.
Polar Bear Ride	January 1, 2022	Toronto, ON	10km	New Year’s Day ride through Toronto’s winter wonderland, with warm drinks and snacks provided.
Coldest Day of the Year Ride	February 5, 2022	Toronto, ON	10km	Winter ride through Toronto’s downtown core, with hot chocolate and a bonfire at the end.
Winter Bike to Work Day	February 11, 2022	Toronto, ON	–	Encourages commuters to bike to work in the winter, with events and prizes for participants.

Cycling safety tips for Toronto’s busy streets

Cycling in Toronto can be a thrilling experience, but it’s important to stay safe on the busy streets. Here are a few cycling safety tips that will help you stay safe:

• Wear a helmet. This is probably the most important safety tip for cyclists. Helmets can help protect your head in the event of an accident.
• Stay visible. Wear bright colors and use lights and reflectors to make sure that drivers can see you.
• Follow traffic laws. This means stopping at stop signs and red lights, using hand signals to indicate turns, and staying in the bike lane when possible.
• Stay alert. Keep an eye out for cars, pedestrians, and other obstacles. Avoid distractions like headphones or cell phones while cycling.
• Be prepared. Carry a repair kit and extra water with you in case of an emergency.

With these safety tips in mind, you can enjoy all the great cycling routes that Toronto has to offer.

Exploring Toronto’s waterfront by bike

Toronto’s waterfront is a beautiful and vibrant place to explore by bike. With a variety of trails and paths to choose from, cyclists can enjoy stunning views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands while pedaling along the water’s edge. The Martin Goodman Trail is a popular option that stretches for nearly 56 kilometers and offers scenic stops like the Humber Bay Arch Bridge and Coronation Park. Other great routes include the Leslie Street Spit Trail, the Don River Trail, and the Waterfront Trail, which connects Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Biking along Toronto’s waterfront is an excellent way to get some exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and experience the city’s diverse neighborhoods, from the bustling Harbourfront to the peaceful Tommy Thompson Park. So grab your bike and head out to explore all that Toronto’s waterfront has to offer!

ROUTE	DISTANCE	DIFFICULTY LEVEL	NOTABLE SIGHTS
Martin Goodman Trail	56 km	Easy to Moderate	CN Tower, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto Island
Humber Bay Park Trail	13 km	Easy	Humber Bay Park, Mimico Waterfront Park, Sunnyside Pavilion
Don River Trail	11 km	Easy to Moderate	Evergreen Brick Works, Riverdale Park, Corktown Common
Toronto Islands Trails	15 km	Easy	Centreville Amusement Park, Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, Ward’s Island Beach
Lower Don Trail	4 km	Easy	Riverdale Farm, Corktown Common Park, Cherry Beach
Taylor Creek Trail	5 km	Easy	Stan Wadlow Park, TTC Subway Yard, Wigmore Park
Morningside Park Trail	6 km	Easy to Moderate	Rouge Park, Highland Creek, Morningside Park
Leslie Street Spit Trail	8 km	Moderate	Tommy Thompson Park, Toronto Harbour, Leslie Street Spit
Cabbagetown Trail	3 km	Easy	Winchester Park, Riverdale Farm, Cabbagetown District
Rosedale Valley Trail	5 km	Moderate	Rosedale Ravine, Craigleigh Gardens, Bayview Extension Bridge
Waterfront Trail	56 km	Easy to Moderate	Humber Bay Arch Bridge, Scarborough Bluffs, Port Lands
East Don Trail	5 km	Moderate	East Don River, Charles Sauriol Conservation Reserve, Wilket Creek Park
Scarborough Bluffs Trail	13 km	Moderate	Scarborough Bluffs, Guild Park and Gardens, Rosetta McClain Gardens
West Toronto Railpath	5 km	Easy	Bloor Go Station, Wallace Avenue Footbridge, Earlscourt Park
High Park Trail	8 km	Easy	High Park, Grenadier Pond, Hillside Gardens

The top parks and green spaces for cycling in Toronto

Toronto is a great city for cycling, and with its many parks and green spaces, there’s no shortage of scenic routes to explore. Here are some of the best parks and green spaces in Toronto for cycling:

1. High Park: This 400-acre park is a popular destination for cyclists, thanks to its many paved and unpaved trails that wind through the park’s wooded areas, gardens, and open fields.
2. Toronto Islands: Located just a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto, the Toronto Islands offer some of the best cycling routes in the city. The islands are car-free, so cyclists can enjoy a peaceful ride along the waterfront and through the island’s many parks and beaches.
3. Don Valley Trail: This 10-kilometer trail follows the Don River through a scenic valley in the heart of Toronto. The trail is mostly paved and offers a mix of challenging hills and flat sections, making it a great option for cyclists of all skill levels.
4. Martin Goodman Trail: This 56-kilometer trail runs along the waterfront from Etobicoke to Scarborough, offering stunning views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline. The trail is mostly flat and paved, making it a great option for cyclists who want to enjoy a leisurely ride with beautiful scenery.
5. Humber River Trail: This 20-kilometer trail follows the Humber River through some of Toronto’s most beautiful parks and green spaces. The trail is mostly paved and offers a mix of challenging hills and flat sections, making it a great option for cyclists who want to explore the city’s natural beauty.

PARK NAME	DISTANCE OF CYCLING PATH	DIFFICULTY LEVEL	NOTABLE FEATURES
High Park	8 km	Intermediate	Scenic views of Grenadier Pond, zoo, playground, picnic areas
Don Valley Trails	10 km	Advanced	Beautiful ravines, paved and unpaved trails, mountain biking
Humber Bay Park	5 km	Easy	Lake Ontario waterfront, bird watching, butterfly habitat, playground
Tommy Thompson Park	18 km	Intermediate	Bird watching, nature trails, views of Toronto skyline
Taylor Creek Park	6 km	Easy	Beautiful ravines, paved and unpaved trails, wildlife
Bluffers Park	8 km	Intermediate	Cliffside views of Lake Ontario, marina, beach, picnic areas
Bruce Trail	890 km	Advanced	Canada’s oldest and longest footpath, waterfalls, wildlife, geological wonders
Morningside Park	3 km	Easy	Beautiful ravines, playground, picnic areas
Cherry Beach	2 km	Easy	Lake Ontario waterfront, beach, volleyball courts, dog park
Rouge Park	12 km	Intermediate	Canada’s first national urban park, wildlife, camping, hiking
Centennial Park	8 km	Intermediate	Sports facilities, golf course, skiing, picnic areas
Sunnybrook Park	5 km	Intermediate	Beautiful ravines, playground, horseback riding, dog park
G. Ross Lord Park	10 km	Intermediate	Hiking trails, fishing, sports facilities, picnic areas
Duffins Creek Trail	18 km	Intermediate	Beautiful ravines, paved and unpaved trails, wildlife, bird watching
Trillium Park	2 km	Easy	Lake Ontario waterfront, beautiful skyline views, art installations

How to navigate Toronto’s bike lanes and paths

Navigating Toronto’s bike lanes and paths can be an adventure in itself. With so many options available, it’s easy to get lost or confused. But fear not, with a bit of careful planning and a sense of adventure, you can discover some of the city’s hidden gems on two wheels.

The first step in navigating Toronto’s bike lanes and paths is to plan your route. There are a number of resources available online to help you find the best routes for your needs. You can use official city maps, or check out community resources like blogs, forums, and online maps. With a bit of research, you can find the best routes for your skill level and interests.

Once you have your route planned out, it’s time to hit the road. Toronto’s bike lanes and paths can be unpredictable, so be prepared for anything. You may encounter construction, detours, or even unexpected weather conditions. But with a bit of perseverance, you can overcome any obstacle and continue on your journey.

One thing to keep in mind when navigating Toronto’s bike lanes and paths is that not all drivers are aware of bikers. Be sure to wear bright or reflective clothing, and use hand signals to make your intentions clear to drivers. It’s also a good idea to stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.

In conclusion, navigating Toronto’s bike lanes and paths can be an exciting and rewarding experience. With the right planning, preparation, and sense of adventure, you can discover some of the city’s hidden gems and enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with biking. Happy trails!

LOCATION	DISTANCE	DIFFICULTYLEVEL	NOTABLEFEATURES	RENTALSTATIONS	BIKEFRIENDLYCAFES	POPULARDESTINATIONS
Waterfront Trail	56 km	Easy	Lake Ontario views, parks, beaches	Several Bike Share locations	The Slip Cafe, The Goodman Pub & Kitchen	The Harbourfront Centre, Toronto Island
Humber River Recreational Trail	30 km	Intermediate	Riverside views, parks, wildlife	Bike Share location at Old Mill Station	The Pie Commission, The Good Fork	The Old Mill, Etienne Brule Park
Don River Trail	32 km	Intermediate	River views, parks, wildlife	Bike Share locations at Corktown Commons, Riverdale Park	Cafe Belong, Broadview Espresso	Evergreen Brick Works, the Distillery District
Martin Goodman Trail	56 km	Easy	Lake Ontario views, parks, beaches	Several Bike Share locations	Against the Grain Urban Tavern, Sunnyside Pavilion Cafe	The Harbourfront Centre, Ontario Place
Rosedale Valley Trail	5 km	Easy	Valley views, parks	Bike Share location at Sherbourne subway station	The Rosedale Diner, Black Camel	The Evergreen Brick Works, the Don Valley Brick Works Park
Morningside Park Trail	7 km	Intermediate	Park views, wildlife	Bike Share location at University of Toronto Scarborough	The Roti King, The Markham Station Restaurant	University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, the Toronto Zoo
Beltline Trail	9.2 km	Intermediate	Valley views, parks	Bike Share location at Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue	The Mad Bean Coffee House, The Stockyards	Mount Pleasant Cemetery, the Brick Works
Taylor Creek Trail	5 km	Easy	Creek views, parks, wildlife	Bike Share location at Taylor Creek Park	The Wren, The Burren Pub	Victoria Park Subway Station, Main Street Subway Station
Lower Don Trail	8 km	Intermediate	River views, parks	Bike Share location at Mill Street and Cherry Street	Dark Horse Espresso Bar, Odin Cafe + Bar	Corktown Common, the Distillery District
East Don Trail	5 km	Intermediate	River views, parks, wildlife	Bike Share location at Charles Sauriol Conservation Area	Maha’s Fine Egyptian Cuisine, Diwan	Charles Sauriol Conservation Area, the Toronto Botanical Garden
West Toronto Railpath	2.1 km	Easy	Street art, parks	Bike Share location at Wallace Avenue and Lansdowne Avenue	Black Cat Espresso Bar, The Federal	The Junction, Roncesvalles Village
Rouge River Trail	6 km	Intermediate	River views, parks, wildlife	Bike Share location at Zoo Road and Meadowvale Road	The Pantry, The Marks Brothers Espresso Bar	Rouge National Urban Park, the Toronto Zoo
Kay Gardner Beltline Trail	5 km	Easy	Valley views, parks	Bike Share location at the Beltline Trail and Mount Pleasant Road	Boxcar Social, The Homeway	Mount Pleasant Cemetery, the Brick Works
Greenwood Conservation Area Trail	5 km	Intermediate	Valley views, parks, wildlife	No Bike Share locations nearby	Papa John’s Pizza, Tim Hortons	The Rouge River Valley, the Toronto Zoo
Tommy Thompson Park Trail	5 km	Easy	Lake Ontario views, parks, wildlife	Bike Share location at Leslie Street Spit	Cafe Belong, The Slip Cafe	Leslie Street Spit, the Ashbridges Bay Park

Exploring Toronto’s diverse neighborhoods by bike

Toronto is a city with a multitude of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm. What better way to explore these unique areas than by bike? Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a leisurely ride, Toronto’s neighborhoods offer something for everyone. From the bustling streets of downtown to the quaint residential areas of the east end, there are endless possibilities for exploration. Take a ride through the colorful and vibrant neighborhoods of Chinatown and Kensington Market, or venture into the trendy and upscale areas of Yorkville and the Annex. Feel the breeze in your hair as you bike along the scenic waterfront trail or discover hidden gems in the charming neighborhoods of Leslieville and Riverdale. With so much to see and do, exploring Toronto’s diverse neighborhoods by bike is an adventure you won’t want to miss!

The best bike rental shops in Toronto

Toronto is a beautiful city to explore on two wheels, and renting a bike is a great way to do it. But with so many bike rental shops in the city, it can be overwhelming to choose one. Fear not, we did the research for you and these are our top picks for the best bike rental shops in Toronto.

1. Bike Share Toronto: If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to rent a bike, Bike Share Toronto is the way to go.
2. Toronto Island Bicycle Rental: If you want to explore the Toronto Islands, Toronto Island Bicycle Rental is your best bet.
3. The Bike Joint: The Bike Joint is a full-service bike shop that also offers rentals.
4. Cycle Toronto Rentals: Cycle Toronto Rentals is a non-profit that rents out bikes to support cycling advocacy in the city.

No matter which shop you choose, be sure to wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road. Happy cycling!

Exploring beyond downtown Toronto by bike

Exploring beyond downtown Toronto by bike can be a great way to see the city from a different perspective. There are many routes to choose from depending on your skill level and interest. You could start by heading east towards the beaches and explore the boardwalk, or head north towards the Don Valley and enjoy the scenic trails. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even cycle all the way to Niagara Falls! Just be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, and always wear a helmet and follow traffic rules.

The best bike-friendly cafes and restaurants in Toronto

Toronto is a city that is well-known for its biking culture, and with that comes a plethora of bike-friendly cafes and restaurants that cater to cyclists. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, there are plenty of options to choose from. One popular spot is the Handlebar, located in Kensington Market. This funky cafe offers vegan and vegetarian fare, craft beer, and a bike repair station right inside the cafe. If you’re looking for something more upscale, check out Mildred’s Temple Kitchen in the city’s west end. This restaurant offers a brunch menu that is sure to please any cyclist, with items like blueberry buttermilk pancakes and huevos Monty. If you’re in the downtown core, be sure to stop by Jimmy’s Coffee for a caffeine fix and some delicious baked goods. This coffee shop has a bike rack out front and is always bustling with cyclists. Other great options include The Grind House, located on College Street, which offers a variety of tasty sandwiches and salads, and The Common on Bloor Street, which has a bike rack out front and plenty of healthy food options. No matter where you choose to go, you’re sure to find a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of bike-friendly amenities in Toronto.

Toronto’s best bike-friendly events and festivals

As the weather starts to warm up in Toronto, it’s time to start thinking about all the amazing bike-friendly events and festivals taking place throughout the city. From the popular Tour de Toronto to the lesser-known Bike to Work Day, there’s no shortage of opportunities for cyclists to get out and enjoy the city on two wheels. One of the most exciting events is the Toronto Bike Show, which brings together cycling enthusiasts from around the city and beyond. With exhibitors showcasing the latest bikes, gear, and accessories, as well as informative workshops and seminars, the Bike Show is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about cycling in Toronto. Other great events include the Toronto International Bike Show, the Bike Month Group Commute, and the Bike to the Island Ride. No matter what your skill level or interests, there’s something for everyone at these bike-friendly events and festivals in Toronto. So grab your helmet, hop on your bike, and get ready to explore all that Toronto has to offer on two wheels!

EVENT/FESTIVAL NAME	DATE	LOCATION	DISTANCE OF BIKE ROUTES	DESCRIPTION/NOTES
Tour de Toronto	June 15, 2021	Toronto, ON	25km, 50km, 100km	Annual charity ride through Toronto’s scenic neighborhoods.
Bike the Creek	June 26, 2021	Brampton, ON	11km, 22km, 44km	Explore Brampton’s parks and trails on this family-friendly ride.
Toronto Island Bike Tour	July 10, 2021	Toronto Islands, ON	15km	Guided tour of the Toronto Islands, includes ferry ride and bike rental.
Ride for Heart	August 1, 2021	Toronto, ON	25km, 50km, 75km	Charity ride on the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway.
Tour de Mississauga	August 15, 2021	Mississauga, ON	10km, 25km, 50km, 75km	Explore Mississauga’s parks and trails on this family-friendly ride.
Bike the Night	September 4, 2021	Toronto, ON	10km	Night-time ride through Toronto’s downtown core, with music and entertainment.
TBN’s Fall Colour Ride	September 18, 2021	Caledon, ON	50km, 100km	Scenic ride through Caledon’s fall foliage, with rest stops and lunch provided.
Bike to the Beach	September 25, 2021	Toronto, ON	20km, 50km, 100km	Charity ride to Ashbridge’s Bay and back, with beach party and family activities.
CycloFemme	October 3, 2021	Toronto, ON	10km, 25km, 50km	Women’s-only ride to celebrate women’s cycling and support women’s charities.
Bike to School Week	October 4-8, 2021	Toronto, ON	–	Encourages kids and families to bike to school, with events and prizes at participating schools.
Halloween Howl	October 30, 2021	Toronto, ON	10km	Costume ride through Toronto’s downtown core, with music and entertainment.
Santa Ride	December 4, 2021	Toronto, ON	10km	Festive ride through Toronto’s downtown core, with Santa costumes and music.
Polar Bear Ride	January 1, 2022	Toronto, ON	10km	New Year’s Day ride through Toronto’s winter wonderland, with warm drinks and snacks provided.
Coldest Day of the Year Ride	February 5, 2022	Toronto, ON	10km	Winter ride through Toronto’s downtown core, with hot chocolate and a bonfire at the end.
Winter Bike to Work Day	February 11, 2022	Toronto, ON	–	Encourages commuters to bike to work in the winter, with events and prizes for participants.

What are some of the best bike routes in Toronto?

Some great bike routes in Toronto include the Martin Goodman Trail, the Don River Trail, and the Humber River Trail.

Is it safe to bike in Toronto?

Toronto has many designated bike lanes and routes, making it relatively safe to bike in the city. However, it's important to always wear a helmet, follow the rules of the road, and be aware of your surroundings.

Are there any bike rental options in Toronto?

Yes, there are several bike rental options in Toronto, including Bike Share Toronto and various bike rental shops around the city.

Can I bring my own bike on public transportation in Toronto?

Yes, you can bring your own bike on the TTC subway during off-peak hours and on buses and streetcars at any time. It's important to note that there are some restrictions and rules you must follow.

What should I do if I get lost while biking in Toronto?

If you get lost while biking in Toronto, try to retrace your steps or consult a map. You can also ask for directions from a local or use a GPS app on your phone.

Toronto is a great place for cycling enthusiasts, with a wide range of bike paths and trails that offer scenic views of the city. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride or a challenging workout, there’s something for everyone. From the beautiful waterfront trails to the serene ravines, Toronto offers a unique cycling experience that is sure to exceed your expectations. So grab your bike, hit the road, and explore all that this vibrant city has to offer!