Torontos Top Scenic Running Trails

Toronto is an undeniably complex and varied city, a place full of life and noise. With so much going on all the time, it is important to have your own form of escapism from time to time, and for many people, that comes in the form of strapping on their running shoes and hitting the pavement. Here are some of the best scenic trails the city offers.

Don River Trail

Hiking Trail

Following the course of the Don River through the city, the Don River Trail is a popular route with runners and cyclists. The trail is asphalt: a great option when you’re first starting out or recovering from injury as it lessens the likelihood of twisted ankles. There are beautiful sites along the entire 13.8-kilometre trail, including the Bloor St Viaduct.

Crothers Woods

Hiking Trail

With over 10 kilometres of trails across woodland, Crothers Woods is a peaceful, natural space in which to go running. Much of the woodland has remained largely unchanged for over 100 years, giving the whole place a truly wild feel, which allows you to feel like you’re running through a genuinely natural landscape.

Taylor Creek Trail

Hiking Trail

Shorter than the first two trails on this list, the Taylor Creek Trail is approximately 3.5 kilometres and follows a single fork on the Don River. Flanked on both sides by mature woodland, the surface of the trail is a mix of compacted soil and asphalt. This is a great option for any pre-work runners, whether you are tying up your laces for the first time or a seasoned pavement pounder.

Tommy Thompson Park

Park, Natural Feature

The park’s tagline, Toronto’s Urban Wilderness, is extremely apt. With the lake breeze to keep you cool, and over 23 kilometres of trails, it really is a runner’s haven. There are three primary trails which interlock with one another, meaning that you never have to do the same run twice. The only constant is the spectacular views of the lake.

Martin Goodman Trail

Bridge, Park

The Martin Goodman Trail actually passes the entrance to Tommy Thompson Park and offers the same cool lake breeze that any summer runner knows is an absolute essential. The trail stretches 56 kilometres east to west, from the Humber Bay Arch Bridge to the Rouge River – but since that’s a really long way, we recommend tackling the popular 5km stretch which runs through the beaches.

High Park

Park

With its ample green space, zoo and dog park, High Park is unsurprisingly one of Toronto’s hot spots. A full loop of the park is approximately 5km and allows you to take in views of the gardens and even a few waterfalls. Not the quietest running spot on the list, but its popularity isn’t without reason.

Sunnybrook Park

Park

Another park, Sunnybrook has a slightly less tamed feel than High Park. With a nearly 6.5km trail running from one end to the other, there is ample space for any runner to really stretch out their legs. The only thing to be cautious of the trickle of traffic coming from the stables in the heart of the park.

Cedarvale Ravine and the Beltline Trail

Hiking Trail

With both asphalt and gravel surfaces, the 7km Cedarvale Ravine and Beltline Trail isn’t the simplest of runs. However, those who do take up the challenge are rewarded with a quiet green spot in the city and even a bit of history, with the Beltline Railway Trail dating back to 1891.

Rosedale Ravine Trail

Hiking Trail

The Rosedale Ravine Trail actually starts in the very heart of the city at the corner of Yonge and St Clair, but with its track of compacted soil and grass, you’ll soon feel miles out of town. The trail forms a clear u-shape, providing 8km of blissful off-road running and urban escapism.

Toronto Island

Hiking Trail

Although this is a list of trails and clearly defined runs, it is clear that there are times when you just want to put on your running shoes and just get out there. If you’re game for a little trip on the ferry, Toronto Island is the perfect place to fill your lungs and run from one side of the island to the other.

About the author

Dominic Smith

Originally from England, Dominic moved to Toronto in April 2016 for a new adventure, having already travelled extensively around Europe and North Africa. Usually found with his head in a book, writing or hiking, his interests vary, he will cover a range of topics in his articles including (but not limited to) literature, history, music and film.