“Nothing compares to the pleasure of a bike ride.” – John F. Kennedy.  We would have to agree!  Toronto is making a big effort to make riding your bike easier and safer in the city.  Plus,  it’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy the great outdoors and get a little cardio in.  Our city has introduced many bike new lanes and  ActiveTo continues to be a success.  If you don’t have a bike, there is the Bike Share Toronto program.  It’s easy to sign up on the spot with a credit card, unlock a bike and hit the road.

Along our recommended route there is no shortage of bike share stations, the best part is they don’t have to be returned to where you started.  Simply dock them at any bike share station you please. For more information on how to register with Bike Share Toronto, check out the website here

You’ve got your bike, your gear and your appetite for adventure, now where to start? This is our recommendation for a full day of cycling around the west end.

Start your ride on the Roncy strip…

Start off early right at the lake on the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail at Sunnyside Beach. There is a parking lot right off Lakeshore Boulevard West. Here you’ll find a dedicated track for cyclists and runners alike.  Keep to the right, within the designated lanes for riding.  From the lot, head east toward the pedestrian bridge over the Gardiner Expressway.  It’s recommended to walk your bike over this bridge as it is narrow, and shared with pedestrians. This is a great spot for a selfie high above the busy Gardiner Expressway with Toronto’s unique lakeshore the backdrop. Once across, head to the lights at the intersection of Queen St. W, Roncesvalles Ave. and King St.  Here you can hop on to the northbound bike lane and take a cruise up Roncy.  The entire strip has a dedicated bike lane! On your travels, why not stop and pick up a coffee and a snack from one of our favourite Roncy coffee shops!

Do the High Park Loop…

Continue your ride northbound up to Bloor street, head west along Bloor and you’ll come upon Toronto’s largest green space, High Park.  You can enter the park, follow trails for the High Park loop, or simply stay on Bloor St. west and ride through Swansea and Bloor West Village.  Take in the sights, sounds and smells of this vibrant, historical neighbourhood. Stop in at Bread and Roses and pick up some sweet treats for after your ride.  This Bloor West Village staple has been at this location for over 40 years! 

Head into Bloor West Village…

Continue west along Bloor to Runnymede, where you can head north on the bike lanes up to Dundas West.  From here, head east along Dundas and explore Toronto’s Junction Neighbourhood.  This historic district overflows with beautiful, lush, tree-lined streets,  and century brick homes. The Junction is another great spot for local bakeries, cafes and well-curated vintage furniture stores.  This is a great place to stop for lunch at one of the many fantastic restaurants located along this strip.  Our favourite is Playa Cabana Cantina for amazing tacos, perfect margaritas and a big bowl of guac and chips.  Once refuelled, continue eastbound along Bloor toward Roncesvalles Ave. Head south along the bike path toward the lake and you’ve completed your loop! 

Explore the Junction Triangle…

If you’re not ready to end your ride, continue along Bloor St. into the Junction Triangle neighbourhood.  Here you can explore the Museum of Contemporary Art, check out Henderson’s Brewery and even pick up some pantry staples at Spaccio West.  Conveniently, these places are all located off the West Toronto Rail Path.  Hop back on your bike head south along the Rail Path to Dundas West.  From here there is even more bike lane to take you back to Roncy or even Sorauren Park!

Depending on what day of the week you’re out and about you can hit up the Sorauren Farmer’s Market that takes place every Monday from 3PM to 7Pm May to November. 

Make your way back to the Lakeshore…

Once back down by the lake, it’s worth it to take a quick ride westbound to the Humber Bay Bridge, the views are spectacular.  Along the way take in the amazing views of Lake Ontario and feel the cool breeze on your face.  As you ride through here you’ll likely encounter some Canada geese, always a staple down by the lakeshore.  If you’re lucky, you might see one of the many swans who love to float around hoping for bread crumbs near the shore.

Of course there are many more routes to take to explore these great neighbourhoods, the possibilities are endless! Get out there and explore, you won’t be disappointed.

Do you have a favourite route to explore in the west end? We’d love to hear about it!

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