A 44 km Toronto classic. West along the lake, a short climb into High Park, as many laps of the one-way loop as you like, then coffee just north of the park before an easy spin home.
Distance
44 km
Elevation
193 m
Ride time
1.5–2.5 hr
Difficulty
Easy
The route
About this ride
When we only have time for a quick spin, this is where we end up. A few laps, a good coffee, and home again.
High Park is Toronto's largest public park, about 400 acres of oak savannah, ponds and gardens in the west end, left to the city by John Howard in 1873. Its park roads make a loop of just under 2 km that has been the default training ground for Toronto riders for years. Since 2023 the roads have run one way, with a cycle track along part of Colborne Lodge Drive.
From downtown the route heads west on the Waterfront Trail, past Ontario Place and Sunnyside. A short climb up Colborne Lodge Drive takes you into the park, and from there it is laps. The route file has the ten we did, about 19 km of looping. After that it heads north out of the park to Annette Street for coffee at Luma, then back down through the park and east along the lake into the city.
Ten laps is just what we did that day. Do as many or as few as you like, and after coffee you can head back into the park for more or take an easy spin back into the city. The park roads are shared with runners, walkers and families.
Along the way
5 of 5 showing
~8.5 km · from Lake Shore Blvd W into the park
The route leaves the lake and climbs about 30 m up into the park. Short, steady, and a good way to get the legs warmed up before the laps.
~10 to 29 km · High Park
The park roads run one way, so ride the loop in the direction of travel. Expect to share it with runners, walkers and plenty of other riders, and keep an eye out at the crossings.
High Park
When we checked, the park roads were closed to visitor vehicles on weekends and holidays, and West Road and part of Colborne Lodge Drive were closed to cars at all times. On weekdays expect some cars on the rest of the loop. If you want to ride with other cyclists, early mornings, late afternoons and weekends are your best bet. Cherry blossom season in spring is gorgeous and very busy, so plan around it.
~31 km · 516 Annette St, Toronto
A small neighbourhood cafe a few minutes north of the park. Lattes on De Mello beans, baked goods, and plates like avocado toast if you want something more. Worth checking their hours before you set off.
Open in Maps →Annette St and Bloor St W
The area is full of good independent cafes. The route passes The Good Neighbour Espresso Bar on Annette, and Cosette Coffee (French pastries with Korean and Japanese touches) and High Park Espresso are both on Bloor, a short ride from the park.
From the ride
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