waterfront trail toronto

This epic Ontario biking trail takes you past hundreds of parks and beaches

What the CN Tower is to great views, the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail (GWLT) is to great cycling. This gigantic biking trail stretches over 3000 km throughout Ontario, with access points in major cities like Kingston, Toronto and Hamilton. 

You can also access this trail in over 140 other communities. 

Whether you’re looking for just an hour-long bike ride or want to plan a multi-day cycling trip with friends, the GWLT comes with great views, accessible routes and well-maintained trails for easy riding.

A post shared by kako_visions (@kako_visions) on

20 years ago, the GLWT was created to celebrate and reconnect people to Canada’s Great Lakes: the largest group of freshwater lakes on earth. Back then, it ran just under 300 km from Hamilton to Trenton, along Lake Ontario’s northern shoreline.

Today, the trail continues to expand and now begins just north of Cornwall. It continues along the waterfront of Durham, Toronto and around the bend of Lake Ontario to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

A post shared by Kim Kobayashi (@midorikobay) on

From there, the trail continues along the shores of Lake Eerie to Point Pelee and along the waterfront of Lake Huron.

A post shared by Jess Wilson (@jesswilson96) on

One of the best things about the trail is that no two areas are the same. One day you’ll be biking through wetlands, forests and beaches. On other days, you’ll find yourself in the middle of wine country, among the vines — a pit stop you need to take.

A post shared by Sydney Hoffman (@syd.hoff) on

This enormous trail hits hundreds of notable destinations along the route including 23 provincial parks, 3 national parks, 65 conservation areas, 125 beaches and 3 major wine regions.

With so much to do on (and off) your bike, you’ll easily be able to fill an entire day, or an entire week, this summer.

Lead photo by

@gabesimages


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Sports & Play

Two new pickleball clubs opening in and around Toronto

Details emerge about Matthews' injury that kept Leafs star out of playoffs

Toronto will get a WNBA team for the 2026 season

Sheldon Keefe says Leafs 'deserve the Stanley Cup' in goodbye message to team

50 natural wonders to explore in Ontario this summer

Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe after five seasons on the job

A former NFL player is on the run from police in the Toronto area

Locals desperately trying to save illegal skatepark that City of Toronto wants gone