Toronto has quietly become one of the best cities for runners in North America. With 600+ km of trails, a stunning waterfront, and ravines that make you forget you're in a major city, the 6ix offers something for every type of runner — from the casual jogger to the marathon veteran.
But here's the thing: not all routes are created equal. Some are packed on weekends. Some get icy in winter. Some are perfect for long runs but terrible for intervals. And unless you've lived here for years, it's hard to know which is which.
That's why we put together this guide. These aren't just "nice trails we found on Google" — these are the routes Toronto runners actually use, with honest notes on what to expect and when to go.
📚 New to Running in Toronto?
This guide focuses specifically on routes. For a complete overview including run clubs, races, warm-up drills, and safety tips, check out our Ultimate Guide to Running in Toronto.
Martin Goodman Trail — The Waterfront Classic
EasyIf there's one route every Toronto runner knows, it's the Martin Goodman Trail. Stretching along Lake Ontario from Humber Bay in the west to Rouge River in the east, this is the backbone of Toronto running. The most popular section — Harbourfront to the Beaches — is about 10K of flat, smooth pavement with skyline views that never get old.
What makes it special: the lakeside breeze on hot days, the sunrise views on early runs, and the fact that it's plowed in winter — making it one of the most reliable year-round routes in the city.
Local Tips for the Martin Goodman Trail
- Beat the crowds: Go before 8am on weekends or after 7pm on weekdays
- Best section for long runs: Harbourfront → Beaches → Scarborough Bluffs (20K+)
- Watch out for: Cyclists, rollerbladers, and tourists near Harbourfront
- Winter tip: The section near Ontario Place is usually cleared first
- Washrooms: Available at Sunnyside, Harbourfront, and the Beaches
High Park — Nature & Hills in the City
ModerateHigh Park is where Toronto runners come to train hills, escape traffic, and remember why they started running in the first place. At 400 acres, it's the city's largest public park — with paved roads for steady runs, dirt trails for something more rugged, and enough hills to humble anyone.
The main perimeter loop is about 5K, but you can easily extend it by weaving through interior trails. It's also one of the most popular meetup spots for run clubs and group runs.
🏔️ Hill Training at High Park
The "Spring Road Hill" near the zoo is a favourite for hill repeats — steep enough to burn, short enough to recover. Do 6-10 reps and you'll feel it for days. Just don't do them on cherry blossom weekend unless you want an audience.
Beltline Trail — Urban Greenway Connector
EasyBuilt on a former railway corridor, the Beltline Trail winds through some of Toronto's most charming midtown neighborhoods — from Forest Hill to Mount Pleasant Cemetery and into Moore Park Ravine. It's wide, mostly flat, and almost entirely car-free.
What makes it special: the seamless connections. You can link to Cedarvale Ravine, the Lower Don, or Rosedale Valley Road — creating runs of virtually any distance without touching a major road.
Don Valley Trails — Extended Natural Pathway
ModerateThe Don Valley trail system is Toronto's hidden gem for distance running. Following the Don River from the Lakeshore all the way up to Edwards Gardens, it's an extensive network that lets you run 20K+ through parks and ravines without seeing a stoplight.
Popular sections include the Lower Don Trail near Pottery Road and the Taylor Creek connections. It's quieter than the waterfront, more shaded, and feels like you've escaped the city entirely.
Humber River Recreational Trail — Long & Flexible
EasyFollowing the Humber River from north of the city down to Lake Ontario, this trail is a distance runner's dream. It's continuous, mostly flat, and offers countless loop options — you can tailor runs from 5K to 30K without many road crossings.
The scenery changes as you go: urban parks in the south, more natural riverside settings up north. It connects to the Martin Goodman Trail at the lake, making it perfect for epic out-and-back adventures.
Tommy Thompson Park (Leslie Street Spit) — Urban Wilderness
EasyTommy Thompson Park — locally known as the Leslie Street Spit — is one of Toronto's best-kept running secrets. This man-made peninsula juts 5km into Lake Ontario, offering almost completely car-free running with incredible views of both the lake and the Toronto skyline.
Important: The park is only open to pedestrians on weekends and holidays. But if you can make it work, it's worth it — especially for sunrise runs when you'll have the whole place nearly to yourself.
Sunnybrook Park & Edwards Gardens
EasySunnybrook Park is a local favourite for good reason: peaceful meadows, quiet park roads, and shaded sections that feel worlds away from the city. Loop through the main park, head into Edwards Gardens for botanical beauty, or connect to the Don Valley trails for added distance.
Taylor Creek Trail — Forested East-End Gem
ModerateTaylor Creek Trail winds through forested ravine parkland in Toronto's east end, connecting to the Lower Don system. It's ideal for nature lovers who want a shorter run with occasional elevation changes, or who want to mix trail with pavement on longer adventures.
West Toronto Railpath — Quick Urban Connector
EasyA short but sweet traffic-free path running from the Junction Triangle toward Liberty Village. It's not a destination route, but a great connector if you live in the west end and want car-free running without trekking to the waterfront.
Pan Am Path — The Epic Network
VariedCreated as a legacy of the 2015 Pan Am Games, this massive network connects many of Toronto's parks, ravines, and waterways into one extensive running corridor. It links the Humber, Lower Don, Taylor-Massey Creek, and more — letting you piece together truly epic long runs.
Some sections are still being developed, but the existing network already offers incredible possibilities for exploratory running.
Quick Route Comparison
Need to pick a route fast? Here's the cheat sheet:
| Route | Distance | Terrain | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Goodman Trail | Up to 56 km | Flat, paved | Long runs, winter |
| High Park | 3-10 km | Hilly, mixed | Hills, intervals |
| Beltline Trail | ~9 km | Flat, rail-trail | Tempo, easy runs |
| Don Valley | 10-30+ km | Rolling, mixed | Long runs, shade |
| Humber River | 15-30+ km | Flat, paved | Marathon training |
| Tommy Thompson | ~10 km | Flat, mixed | Weekend solo runs |
| Sunnybrook | 6-10 km | Gentle, mixed | Recovery runs |
| Taylor Creek | 3-10 km | Trail, natural | Trail running |
Tips for Choosing Your Route
Match the Route to Your Workout
- Easy long runs: Martin Goodman, Humber River, Don Valley — flat, continuous, forgiving surfaces
- Hill training: High Park, Cedarvale Ravine — earn those glute gains
- Tempo & intervals: Beltline, Queen's Park — measured, consistent surfaces
- Recovery runs: Sunnybrook, Taylor Creek — peaceful, low-pressure vibes
Consider the Season
- Winter: Martin Goodman Trail gets plowed first and most consistently. High Park's main roads are cleared too. Avoid ravines when icy.
- Summer: Don Valley and ravine trails offer shade. Avoid the waterfront during peak heat (11am-3pm) — zero shade.
- Fall: Everywhere is gorgeous. High Park and Don Valley for colours. Watch for slippery leaves.
❄️ Running Through Winter?
I wrote a whole guide on training through Toronto's winter for a May marathon — which routes work, gear that matters, and the NRC 18-week plan. Read the Winter Running Guide →
Connect Your Routes
One of Toronto's best features is that many routes link together naturally:
- Beltline → Cedarvale Ravine → Lower Don → Waterfront (15-25K)
- Humber River Trail → Martin Goodman Trail (20-30K)
- Sunnybrook → Edwards Gardens → Don Valley → Taylor Creek (15-20K)
Use Strava's Route Builder or AllTrails to map out custom routes using these connections.
Go Explore 🗺️
Toronto's running routes aren't just paths — they're a network that lets you craft runs for any mood, any distance, and any fitness level. The Martin Goodman for classic waterfront miles. High Park for when you need to feel alive. The Don Valley for when you want to disappear into nature without leaving the city.
Pick a route. Lace up. And if you want someone to run it with, we can help with that too.
See you out there! 🏃