The GTA is a genuinely good city for running. The waterfront trail stretches across the entire Lake Ontario shore; the ravine system cuts through Toronto like a green network; and the race calendar from spring through fall is extensive. Here’s how to take advantage of it.
Best Running Routes in Toronto
The Martin Goodman Trail (Waterfront)
The crown jewel of Toronto running: a continuous paved multi-use trail running 56 km along the Lake Ontario waterfront from Rouge Beach in the east to Etobicoke in the west. Flat, well-maintained, and scenic. The most popular stretch runs from the Beaches neighbourhood through Harbourfront to High Park — about 12-15 km with beautiful lake views throughout.
The Belt Line Trail
A converted railway corridor running through midtown Toronto’s ravine system. About 9 km, mostly unpaved, connecting several Toronto neighbourhoods through a canopy of trees. Beautiful in fall colour season.
High Park
Toronto’s largest public park has multiple loop trail options from 3-8 km. The route around Grenadier Pond is particularly popular and picturesque, especially in spring cherry blossom season.
Don Valley Trail System
The Don River valley has an extensive trail network running from the waterfront north through the city. Variable terrain, natural surfaces, and connection to multiple neighbourhoods. Good for longer runs away from traffic.
Mississauga and GTA Running Routes
- Port Credit Waterfront Trail: Flat lakefront running along Lake Ontario, connecting Port Credit village to Clarkson
- Credit Valley Trail (Brampton/Mississauga): Natural river valley trail; 36 km of trail along the Credit River
- Richmond Hill Rouge River Greenway: Off-road trail running north of Toronto
Major GTA Races
- Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (October): One of the largest marathons in Canada; course runs along the waterfront with excellent crowd support. Also offers half marathon and 5K distances.
- Around the Bay Road Race (Hamilton) (March): The oldest road race in North America (since 1894); 30 km; not the GTA but a GTA tradition for serious runners
- Mississauga Marathon (May): Well-organized, flat course through Mississauga; full, half, 10K, and 5K options
- Harry’s Spring Run-Off (April): Popular 8K through High Park
- Sporting Life 10K (May): One of Toronto’s most popular 10K races; raises funds for Camp Oochigeas
Running Clubs
Running with others dramatically improves consistency:
- BlackToe Running: Toronto’s most popular running store, with free group runs multiple days/week
- Running Room: Multiple GTA locations; structured training programs for all distances
- Toronto Athletic Club: Community running group based out of downtown Toronto
- Meetup.com: Search “running [your city]” for informal groups throughout the GTA
