Christopher and Gordana’s Trans Canada Trail: Exploring the Martin Goodman Trail
A local’s guide to Toronto’s waterfront
Written by Christopher Rudder with Rudderless Travel
As we set off on the Martin Goodman Trail, the section of the Trans Canada Trail that runs along the beautiful Toronto lakefront, we were met with crisp air, rain and beautiful fall colours. It was clear right from the beginning that we were discovering our new go-to hiking spot.
The trail stretches 24 kilometres from Kew Beach to the Humber Bay Arch Bridge. We decided to break it down into manageable sections, parking at different access points and exploring the trail a few kilometres at a time.
Come along with us as we share each section of the Martin Goodman Trail, sharing our favourite landmarks, places to eat and points of interest along the way.
Your section-by-section guide to the Martin Goodman Trail
Kew-Balmy Beach to Woodbine Beach (2.2 kilometres)
This was the first section of the trail that we explored. It highlights the charm of Toronto’s “The Beaches” neighbourhood. Balmy Beach Park is a local favourite, offering a sandy beach, playground, picnic areas and the historic Balmy Beach Club.
The section ends at Woodbine Beach, one of Toronto’s most popular beaches.
Woodbine Beach to Tommy Thompson Park (3 kilometres)
The next section transitions from the lively beach scene to a more industrial and natural landscape, showcasing the many faces of this popular Toronto trail (one of the reasons we love it so much).
Ashbridges Bay is a hub for watersport lovers, with windsurfers, kitesurfers and paddleboarders often taking to the water — especially during sunset for stunning city skyline views. As you continue on the trail, you’ll encounter the public art sculpture “Typha 2020” and a display of bird-themed artwork at the Canada Post Delivery Centre.
In our opinion, the highlight of this stretch is Leslie Lookout Park. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Leslie Street Spit and the surrounding waterfront here. The park features an observation tower with a dedication plaque for Claude Cormier, a celebrated Canadian landscape architect. We couldn’t stop taking pictures!
If you’re interested in bird watching or checking out the beautiful natural views, take time to explore Tommy Thompson Park before calling it a day.
Tommy Thompson Park to Cherry Beach (4.5 kilometres)
At times, this section of the beautiful Toronto waterfront trail will leave you immersed in nature, only reminded of the city by glimpses of the smokestacks or the CN Tower. We loved that the trail is located within the flight path of planes landing at Billy Bishop Airport, allowing us to see propeller planes fly overhead.
Cherry Beach to Sugar Beach (3 kilometres)
This stretch of the trail offers an odd mix of industrial buildings and a Netflix studio. Cross the lift bridge, past the infamous Polson Pier, and onto the new Villiers Island. The area is undergoing a significant transformation with the Port Lands Revitalization project, creating a new waterfront community with parks, public spaces and residential areas.
Farther along, Sherbourne Common is a one-of-a-kind waterfront park with a water channel, rain gardens and public art installations.
This section of the trail ends at Sugar Beach, named for the nearby Redpath Sugar Plant. Here, you’ll enjoy a whimsical escape from the city with its pink umbrellas, white Muskoka chairs and sugar cube installations, creating the perfect spot for relaxation and iconic photo opportunities.
Sugar Beach to Norway Park (2.7 kilometres)
Leaving Sugar Beach, the trail enters the heart of Toronto’s waterfront, our normal stomping grounds as locals. Here, you’ll experience a combination of the city’s vibrant energy, cultural hubs, ferry terminals and small parks.
Harbourfront Centre offers a diverse range of cultural experiences, from live performances and art galleries to craft studies and restaurants with beautiful lakeside views. But be warned: the harbourfront seagulls are notorious for snatching food!
Nearby, HTO Park provides a relaxing escape and the perfect angle to grab an iconic selfie with the CN Tower in the background. The Toronto Music Garden offers a unique blend of nature and music, with themed gardens inspired by Bach’s First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello.
As you approach Norway Park, you’ll pass the entrance to Billy Bishop Airport. The park commemorates the Norwegian Brigade that trained in Toronto during World War II, symbolizing international cooperation.
Norway Park to Ontario Place (2.5 kilometres)
The next section offers the perfect waterfront trail in Toronto for history buffs, combining some of the city’s most notable historical landmarks with modern urban development.
Coronation Park, named for the 1937 coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, is a spacious green area with mature trees. This includes the Royal Oak Tree, which was planted during the coronation. The park also contains remnants of a former military fort, a reminder of Toronto’s early history.
Nearby, Toronto Inukshuk Park features an impressive inukshuk, a traditional Inuit stone landmark symbolizing friendship, welcome and safe passage. It honours the Indigenous peoples who inhabited this land for centuries.
The endpoint of this section, Ontario Place, is a site of so many wonderful memories for my brothers and me. Once a bustling amusement park, it is currently undergoing a major redevelopment, offering visitors the chance to witness a piece of Toronto’s history transitioning toward the future.
Ontario Place to Palais Royale (3 kilometres)
Next, you’ll journey through Toronto’s entertainment and recreational history. Exhibition Place is a sprawling complex that has hosted countless fairs and events over the years. Even talking about it brings back the taste of Tiny Tom Mini Donuts.
You can visit Marilyn Bell Park, commemorating the remarkable achievement of 16-year-old Marilyn Bell, the first person to swim across Lake Ontario. The park itself marks her landing spot after her historic swim from Youngstown, NY.
Along the route, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 344, easily identified by its large poppy display, serves as a reminder of the sacrifices of Canadian veterans.
This section ends at the Palais Royale, a legendary dance hall that has hosted music icons such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie. It continues to host events and keep the spirit of jazz and swing alive today.
Palais Royale to Humber Arch Bridge (3.5 kilometres)
The final stretch of the Martin Goodman Trail offers a blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Budapest Park and its Freedom for Hungary Monument commemorate the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and those who found refuge in Canada.
Sunnyside Beach and the Sunnyside Pavilion were once the central hub of Toronto’s beach scene. Today, the beach and the pavilion are a reminder of days gone by while still offering a beautiful spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Sir Casimir Gzowski Park honours the Polish-Canadian engineer who contributed significantly to the development of Canada’s infrastructure. Next, you’ll see the Queen Elizabeth Way Monument, which marks the opening of this major highway connecting Toronto and Niagara Falls.
The trail finishes at the Humber Bay Arch Bridge. With its graceful arches, this bridge provides a fitting end to the trail section, offering scenic views – and giving us a sense of accomplishment for completing this waterfront journey.
Experience one of the best trails in Toronto: the Martin Goodman Trail
Exploring the Waterfront Trail – Martin Goodman Trail along the Trans Canada Trail proved to be an incredible way to rediscover our own city. From the sandy shores of The Beaches to the iconic Humber Bay Arch Bridge, each section offered a unique experience and look into Toronto’s past and present.
Whether you’re looking for a new way to explore at home or are a visitor wanting to experience Toronto’s waterfront charm for the first time, this is one of the best walking trails in Toronto (in our opinion). So, lace up your walking shoes, pack some snacks, and get ready to discover the beauty and diversity of Toronto’s waterfront. It’s well worth the trip!
Christopher Rudder is an award-winning travel content creator who, along with Gordana Grubor (Rudderless Media), explores every corner of Ontario, Canada, and shares his adventures through Road Trip Ontario.
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