Where to Run, Ride and Paddle on the Trail in Ontario

Ditch the gym — the Trail offers calm, picturesque settings that are perfect for every pace.

From wide, flat pathways to peaceful stretches through nature, there’s no better place to log your kilometres and explore Ontario’s landscapes on foot. 

Trail picks for runners: 

• Caledon Trailway: This converted rail trail offers gentle grades and forested surroundings — perfect for steady, long-distance runs or easy-paced outings, just a short trip from the GTA. 
• Martin Goodman Trail: Stretch your legs along the Toronto waterfront with wide, smooth pavement and unbeatable lake views. Ideal for tempo runs, intervals or recovery jogs with a breeze. 
• Capital Pathway: Paved, accessible and scenic, this riverside route in Ottawa is a favourite for runners looking for an easy-to-navigate path with plenty of views along the way. 

Photo: Caledon Trailway | ON — Stephanie Mayo   

Ontario’s Trail sections serve up plenty of variety for cyclists — from quick urban spins to longer adventures through rolling countryside and quiet towns. Whether you ride for fun, fitness or the pure love of exploration, the Trail has you covered. 

Trail picks for cyclists:   

• Prescott & Russell Recreational Trail: A smooth and flat 72-kilometre route through Eastern Ontario’s forests and farmland — perfect for casual rides, steady-distance sessions or weekend bike adventures. 
• Niagara River Recreation Trail: Ride from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake and enjoy gentle grades and picturesque vistas. 
• Waterfront Trail – Pickering: Ride along Lake Ontario’s shoreline from Pickering to Burlington, with scenic waterfront paths, quiet parks and vibrant communities to explore along the way. Whether you’re out for a short spin or a full-day ride, this stretch of the Trail offers plenty of views, rest stops and easy access points.

Photo: Prescott & Russell Recreational Trail | ON — Union Eleven Photographers   

The Trans Canada Trail doesn’t stop at the water’s edge — Ontario’s connected waterways offer paddlers endless opportunities to explore by canoe, kayak, or paddle board. From serene urban rivers to rugged wilderness routes, there’s a paddling adventure for everyone. 

Top spots for canoeing, kayaking and standup paddleboarding: 

• Omimi Trail – Path of the Paddle: Tracing routes used by Indigenous peoples for millenia, this water trail offers a peaceful and culturally significant paddling experience. 
• Lake Superior Water Trail: A bucket-list paddling route for experienced adventurers — with towering cliffs, remote beaches and unforgettable wilderness along Canada’s largest lake. 

Photo: Lake Superior | ON — Jennifer Mahon