Toronto has so many nice trails and running spots, so it is just fair that I list here my favorite choices.
It is worth noting that narrowing the list down to five places was incredibly hard. That speaks volumes about the running culture in Toronto.
Summer being upon us is also an additional incentive to running outdoors. You can find tips here for running safely during Toronto’s hot weather.
The City of Toronto has also done a great job creating public spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, hence I made sure to include one of the newly-created courses for running in the city.
Port Lands
Although an unconventional choice, Port Lands is my favourite area to run in Toronto. Traffic is not as busy as Downtown Core area’s, especially on weekdays, thus you are relatively free to enjoy the streets and put on a solid running workout.
Usually I start on Cherry St. and head towards the beach. There is a trail that follows along the coast where it is rather enjoyable to run. The trail leads you to Leslie St, and if you head North and then take a left on Commissioners St, you will complete a 7-kilometers flat course.
Martin Goodman Trail
I know the Port Lands area choice is not as popular. Conversely, Martin Goodman Trail is a top pick for runners in Toronto.
It runs along 56 kilometers of the waterfront area and is also very flat, which gives you flexibility to diversify the type of running workout.
There is a downside to running on the Martin Goodman Trail, though.
The waterfront area is usually very busy in peak hours, so it is not uncommon to find yourself struggling to find space between cyclists and pedestrians.
York University Keele Campus
I know. You did not see this one coming. We are back to unconventional territory.
I lived for a few months in the York Heights neighborhood and the York U campus on Keele Avenue is a largely free-of-traffic area that plays out great for running.
The West end of the campus has hills, which may help you build your endurance.
I did the majority of my base training for my marathon in this area, so I highly recommend giving it a try.
Training at the York U campus during the Winter can be challenging, though, as snow and ice accumulation makes the running path slippery.
Riverdale Park East
This list would not be complete should I had left out a good, old track.
The Riverdale Park East gravel track is approximately 350m in length and presents a fantastic environment for sprints, interval training or even just a casual jog.
The Riverdale Park area is usually full of people exercising and this undoubtedly gives you an additional energy for your workout.
Also, it is nice to finish your practice and have this kind of view, isn’t it?
Lakeshore closures on weekends
I have recently had a great time running during the weekend on both Lake Shore Boulevard West, from Windermere to Stadium, and Lake Shore Boulevard East, from Leslie St to Woodbine beach.
I cannot recommend them enough as the City of Toronto did a great job creating spaces for public leisure while maintaining physical distance.
By the way, it is worth having a look at the ActiveTO initiative.
The City of Toronto has been creative and there are a number of quiet streets, road closures and cycling paths expansions so Torontonians can enjoy the Summer safely.
RUN THE WORLD 