Healthy Living • YMCA Health and Fitness
My 5 favourite trails in the city
23 May 2016 - by Nicole Meredith
After enduring months of bone-chilling temperatures and seemingly endless slush, you deserve some sunshine! The next time the weather forecast predicts balmy temperatures, take advantage by moving your workout into the great outdoors. Try cycling, jogging, or walking along one of these scenic paths through and around our city:
Easily accessible for midtown residents, the Kay Gardner Beltline traces the tracks of an old railway line beginning at Allen Road just south of Elm Ridge Drive west to Mount Pleasant Cemetery. If you continue through the cemetery, you can follow the Beltline Trail south-east all the way to Evergreen Brick Works. The entire journey is nearly an 8 km run, and you get to stumble upon some of our oldest green spaces and ravines along the way!
Starting at Lake Shore Blvd. E. and Cherry St. and winding north until Edwards Gardens at Lawrence Ave. E. and Leslie St., the Don River Trail cuts through several beautiful parks, including Sunnybrook Park, E.T. Seton Park, and Taylor Creek Park. Stretching for almost 20 kilometers, with the northbound section primarily uphill, this is a great trail for cyclists.
Those looking to explore Toronto’s scenic waterfront simply can’t miss the Martin Goodman Trail. Running parallel to Lake Ontario, it stretches from the Humber River in the west all the way to the Rouge River in the east. Quieter sections include the portion by the beautiful Toronto Music Garden, but you’ll also see some heavier pedestrian traffic along the more central sections. This trail features an exceptional bike path, completely separate from road traffic, that allows for safe and quick travel between the city’s east and west ends.
Encircling the city to the far west, the Humber River Trail is often quieter and less crowded than some of the city’s more central routes. You can enter as far south as the Queensway, right next to the river itself. You’ll follow the river north, occasionally using main streets until crossing over to the east side of the river upon reaching Old Mill Rd. With a ton of signs to guide you, this easily-navigated trail stretches 32 km, all the way north to Summerlea Park at Sheppard Ave. W. and Weston Rd., making it the trail for those seeking longer runs or bike-rides.
Probably too short to be considered a “trail,” Queen’s Park is located right in the heart of our city, making it an ideal spot to squeeze in a quick jog during your lunch break (or between classes, for U of T students!). Featuring plenty of greenery and some massive trees, the park offers a more scenic alternative to the high-rise condos and office buildings surrounding it.
No matter where you live or work in the GTA, there’s a gorgeous outdoor trail close by. Take a break from the treadmill this week, and treat yourself to a run in the sun!
1. The Kay Gardner Beltline Park & Trail
Easily accessible for midtown residents, the Kay Gardner Beltline traces the tracks of an old railway line beginning at Allen Road just south of Elm Ridge Drive west to Mount Pleasant Cemetery. If you continue through the cemetery, you can follow the Beltline Trail south-east all the way to Evergreen Brick Works. The entire journey is nearly an 8 km run, and you get to stumble upon some of our oldest green spaces and ravines along the way!
2. The Don River Trail
Starting at Lake Shore Blvd. E. and Cherry St. and winding north until Edwards Gardens at Lawrence Ave. E. and Leslie St., the Don River Trail cuts through several beautiful parks, including Sunnybrook Park, E.T. Seton Park, and Taylor Creek Park. Stretching for almost 20 kilometers, with the northbound section primarily uphill, this is a great trail for cyclists.
3. The Martin Goodman Trail
Those looking to explore Toronto’s scenic waterfront simply can’t miss the Martin Goodman Trail. Running parallel to Lake Ontario, it stretches from the Humber River in the west all the way to the Rouge River in the east. Quieter sections include the portion by the beautiful Toronto Music Garden, but you’ll also see some heavier pedestrian traffic along the more central sections. This trail features an exceptional bike path, completely separate from road traffic, that allows for safe and quick travel between the city’s east and west ends.
4. The Humber River Trail
Encircling the city to the far west, the Humber River Trail is often quieter and less crowded than some of the city’s more central routes. You can enter as far south as the Queensway, right next to the river itself. You’ll follow the river north, occasionally using main streets until crossing over to the east side of the river upon reaching Old Mill Rd. With a ton of signs to guide you, this easily-navigated trail stretches 32 km, all the way north to Summerlea Park at Sheppard Ave. W. and Weston Rd., making it the trail for those seeking longer runs or bike-rides.
5. Queen’s Park
Probably too short to be considered a “trail,” Queen’s Park is located right in the heart of our city, making it an ideal spot to squeeze in a quick jog during your lunch break (or between classes, for U of T students!). Featuring plenty of greenery and some massive trees, the park offers a more scenic alternative to the high-rise condos and office buildings surrounding it.
No matter where you live or work in the GTA, there’s a gorgeous outdoor trail close by. Take a break from the treadmill this week, and treat yourself to a run in the sun!
