5 Bike & Brew Rides in Toronto
Get inspired to ride with these five routes that will take you to a number of uniquely set craft breweries, discovering new neighbourhoods, trails and bike routes across Toronto.
With lots to see and do along the way be sure to extend the day and reward yourself with a tall cold one on a brewery patio or a grab a take-away to pop in your bike bag for later. Most breweries have bike racks or will make accommodations for bikes on patios, some serve foods and almost all offer non-alcoholic choices. And it goes without saying, drink responsibly, don’t drink and ride.
East Don Bike & Brew Loop
Enjoy this 17km adventure loop and ride on some of Toronto’s newest trails (East Don and Wilket Creek). Cross city rivers on countless bridges, ride under the rainbow tunnel, see elephant shaped elevated wetland sculptures and discover East York residential neighbourhoods. As the route pops out into a more industrial area, a perfect place for craft breweries to set up shop, plan to stop at these two craft breweries with expanded operations and unique patio settings. The Brunswick Bierworks has an enormous and quite beautiful indoor and outdoor setting, and 20 different beers on tap; six their own brand, plus a number of other Ontario craft brews, also brewed onsite. Just a few blocks onward, a stop at Muddy York Brewing Co. is a must. Their tasty flight of 10 beers can be sampled from a brightly coloured picnic tabled front yard patio or when open, a heritage inspired indoor taproom. View route map and more info HERE.
Royal Humber Bike & Brew Loop
Turn this 30km loop into an all-day adventure making stops and riding at a leisurely pace as the trail follows the Humber River. Bike through a variety of pretty and tranquil parklands, so lush and green, that you’ll soon forget you are in Canada’s largest city. Linger at the waterfront and marvel at the views across Lake Ontario and Toronto’s spectacular skyline. Discover west end neighbourhoods in Etobicoke following the bike lane on Royal York Road, and be sure to break up this longer stretch for a stop at the newly opened location of Mascot Brewery. Sip one of the growing number of brews on the patio and bear witness to this transforming space, soon to have 300 seats inside as well as a place for live music. For a more simple experience, visit one of Ontario’s oldest craft breweries, Great Lakes has been in the beer business for 34 years. With a patio set to reopen in September, the well-stocked bottle shop that also sells souvenir worthy and Great Lakes branded accessories is worth the stop. View route map and more info HERE.
Beaches Bike & Brew Ride
From a downtown start this 10km each way route is entirely on flat paved trails, except for the six possible road detours to craft breweries on the way. From the Distillery District to Corktown Commons (Mill Street Brewery and The Aviary), cross the Don River and flow eastward. Breakaway from the trail to make stops at dog friendly Black Lab Brewing beer garden and Rorschach Brewing Co. for its eclectic beer selection and tasty foods, multiple patio’s and a nifty ride right up bottle shop window. Not far off the route you may also want to consider visiting the Japanese inspired Godspeed Brewery. Be sure to save some time and pack some beach attire to sit on the white sands of Woodbine Beach and explore the beachside neighbourhood plus shops along Queen Street East. Feel the beach vibe at the Beaches Brewing Co., sipping locally made suds on the new curbside surfboard decorated patio, or inside dining area. View route map and more info click here.
Beltline Bike & Beer Ride
Set your speed on easy cruise control for a roll along the popular Beltline Trail. Dissecting midtown Toronto, this converted rail trail is super flat and wide. The unpaved trail is deeply shaded and heavily treelined, offering glimpses into the backyards of elite Forest Hill homes. Start or end from the arboretum worthy Mount Pleasant Cemetery and ride the 7km trail distance westward to the Caledonia and Castlefield Design District. Located not far from the trailheads on either end are two noteworthy brew stops that will put the tour distance at 10km each way with on-road connections. Find the well-established Granite Brewery at Yonge and Eglinton and just off Caledonia Road, stop at the northern outpost of downtown hipster Ossington Ave staple, Bellwoods Brewery. View route map and more info click here.
West Toronto Rail & Junction Bike & Brew Ride
While it may not be a sizeable distance, the 2km long West Toronto Railpath is well worth the visit. Connecting from any number of city streets with bike infrastructure (find your way using the Toronto Cycling Map) marvel at the public art installations, giant paint and living green murals that abut this converted rail trail. Near the southern end, using a handy trailside gate, head to Henderson Brewing Co. for tap room tastings and more. Infuse the day with some modern art at MOCA, located across the lot from the brewery. From the top end of the trail, branch out into the ‘Junction’ neighbourhood to visit a scattering of small craft breweries including: People’s Pint Brewing Co.; Indie Alehouse; High Park Brewery; and in the ‘Stockyards’ Junction Craft Brewery, Rainhard Brewing Co. and Shacklands Brewing. View route map and more info click here.
Rider Notes: See RidewithGPS maps for experience level, route surface info and recommended start locations and direction.
Disclaimer: These are suggested ride itineraries and routes only and make use of City of Toronto cycling infrastructure, trails and roads. All cyclists are responsible for their own safety, must use roads with caution and do so at their own risk, abiding by rules of the road and local bylaws. The routes should be evaluated by each individual cyclist based on their level of experience, weather conditions and any other factors. Ontario By Bike / Transportation Options and Destination Toronto and all others involved in the development of these itineraries do not assume any liability whatsoever for cyclists using this information and travelling upon these routes.
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