Duffin’s Creek, Pickering/Ajax Waterfront Trail. Photo credit: Goh Iromoto/Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.
Durham Region has a number excellent on-road regional and cross-regional trail systems and routes. Road cyclists are a common site along the scenic and quiet country roads, some with more challenging hills and others flatter following agricultural farmland in and out of pretty hamlets. Butter tart stops, country corner stores, bistro dinning and city eateries are some of the tastes available.
In Durham’s conservation forests there has been developed an extensive network of 240km of off-road trails are attracting a variety of cyclists, including mountain bike enthusiasts.
The southern area of the region and the Waterfront Trail is easily accessible with frequent GO trains to Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa with bus services beyond. There are various information resources and published maps that cyclists can use to assist with route planning in the region and its Greenbelt areas.
The routes below are from the Durham Region Cycle Touring Map and are listed in order of distance. See the Published Maps section for more information.
- Scugog/Caesarea Route – At 25 km this route starts in rural Enniskillen, then heads to the countryside route north through Burketon, Blackston and Nestleton to Caesarea.
- Scugog/Uxbridge – A scenic 36km loop with lots of twists and turns that takes riders from the Township of Scugog to Uxbridge and back.
- Oshawa/Courtice Loop – This 40 km begins in Lakeview Park in Oshawa and heads north along the Oshawa Creek Bike Path. Head through Oshawa and the hamlet of Mitchell before heading back along Clarington’s Waterfront Trail.
- Oshawa Urban Loop – A 22km long urban on and off road route that lets you explore the city of Oshawa by bike. The loop starts at scenic Lakeview Park and features the Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Bike Path, and the Harmony Creek Trail.
- South Brock Loop – At 46 km, this route begins in downtown Cannington, famed as the “Heart of Ontario”. The ride takes cyclists through flat rural roads with infrequent hills and light traffic.
- Whitby Loop – This 46 km loop starts at the Whitby Marina and waterfront area. Head north through the hilly hamlets of Brooklin, Ashburn and Myrtle Station before returning south again to unwind at the waterfront.
- Beaverton/North Brock Loop – Start at the mouth of the Beaverton Harbour on Lake Simcoe on this 49 km route. This loop takes cyclists through charming downtown Beaverton and south to Cannington, before several kilometers of lakeside terrain.
- Beaverton/Cannington Route – The 22km route follows the scenic rural roads, hugging the Beaver River Valley system from Beaverton to Cannington.
- Pickering / Ajax Loop – This 51 km loop starts at Pickering’s waterfront on the Waterfront Trail heading west before heading northeast, through charming rural areas.
- Uxbridge Loop – At 54 km, this route includes a series of rural roads, through Uxbridge’s charming hamlets of Sandford, Zephyr and Udora. This ride is hilly, so be prepared to climb.
- West Clarington Loop – This popular cycling route is suitable for those looking for a rolling rural ride. Start at the Bowmanville Marina, this loop includes challenging hills, stunning views of rural landscapes and stops in downtown Orono or Bowmanville.
- East Clarington Loop – A 51km ride through peaceful rural settings featuring lakeshore views of Lake Ontario, rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine and the small village of Orono.
- Durham Region Waterfront Trail – part of the cross-provincial 3,600km Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, Durham Region’s portion is made up of scenic and off-road paved trails from Pickering through to Bowmanville, with some short on-road connections. The Durham Waterfront Trail is made up of the following individual trail sections:
- Pickering Waterfront Trail – 13km – primarily off-road or aligned along residential streets.
- Ajax Waterfront Trail – 7km – Ajax is the first community along the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail to achieve a completely off-road trail from end to end. It is a beautiful stretch of continuous paved trail and one of the most family-friendly sections of the trail.
- Whitby Waterfront Trail – 13km – travels through a number of beautiful natural areas to enjoy, for example Lynde Shore Conservation Area and Thickson’s Woods, the last remnant of old-growth white pines on the north shore of Lake Ontario.
- Oshawa Waterfront Trail – 11km – primary paved off-road trail along the shores of Lake Ontario. Travels through Second Marsh, the largest remaining coastal wetland between Niagara and Presqu’ile.
- Darlington Waterfront Trail, Darlington Provincial Park – Wetlands, meadows and forests with more than 1,000 species of flora and fauna inhabiting the 7.5km long trail. The park includes the McLaughlin Bay Trail, the Robinson Creek Trail, the Burk Trail and the Waterfront Trail.
- Durham Trans Canada Trail (Township of Uxbridge) – The TCT through the Township of Uxbridge heads north from the City of Pickering boundary on a mix of forest trails and on-road connections to Uxbridge before heading northeast on rail trails towards Kawarthas Lakes Region. This portion of the TCT is made up of the following trails:
- East Duffins Headwaters, Durham Forest, and Uxbridge TCT – Starting in the Glen Major forest, the TCT route follows both forest trails and on-road connections for 24km to the town of Uxbridge.
- John McCutcheon Way/Trestle Bridge Trail – 2km stone-dust rail trail heading northeast from Uxbridge connecting with the Beaver River Wetland Trail.
- Beaver River Wetland Conservation Trail– 23km rail trail between Uxbridge and Manilla (eastern Durham Region border) features stone-dust trail surface suitable for most types of cyclists. Trail travels through Beaver River Wetland Conservation area which is abundant with wildlife. East of Manilla the trail continues and becomes the Kawarthas Trans Canada Trail.
- Durham Trans Canada Trail (Pickering and Ajax)
- Pickering South – At 12 km in length, this paved trail stretch begins at the mouth of Rouge River, through Petticoat Creek Conservation Area, around Frenchman’s Bay before ending at Squire’s Beach at the Duffin’s Creek
- Ajax – Duffin’s Creek South & North– 20 km of trails with some on-road connections, through creekbeds, woodlands, meadows. Trail starts at Ajax waterfront at Duffin’s Creek and heads north.
- Pickering North – This 12 km dirt trail takes cyclists from Greenwood Conservation Area north to Glen Major forest trails.
- Oshawa Creek & Harmony Creek & Michael Starr Trails, Oshawa – From 2 km to 7 km in length, these paved off-road trail areas are suitable for all types of cyclists.
- Durham Regional Forest, Uxbridge – Over 40 km of mixed trails, with mountain biking options. Oak Ridges Trail & Trans Canada Trail cross point.
- Uxbridge Countryside Preserve Trail – Situated on the Oak Ridges Moraine, this hard-packed dirt trail is 6 km in length through 140 acres of rolling meadowland, woodlands and wetlands. Online.
- Maple Bridges, Barton, Quaker South Balsam, Ewen, Historic Rotary and Wood Stick Trails – The town of Uxbridge has over 16 km of paved, gravel and hard packed dirt trails throughout the community, all accessible to cyclists.
- Ganaraska Forest – Hundreds of kilometres of trails for various types of cycling, including many mountain biking options. Oak Ridges Trail cross point.
- Durham Regional Forest, Uxbridge – Over 40 km of mixed trails, with excellent mountain biking with fast flowy trails and trails for a variety of skill levels. Oak Ridges Trail & Trans Canada Trail cross point. Public parking off of Concession 7 or at Trail Hub outdoor activity centre.
- Dagmar North Trails – New 13km trail network gem offers green to blue to Black Diamond to Double Black Diamond. The official parking for Dagmar trails are the TRCA lots at Glen Major (3 Rocks) & Walker Woods (The Towers). These lots are all just a short warm-up ride to the trails.
- Walker Woods & Glen Major Forest – 47km of trails located in conservation forests on the Oak Ridges Moraine in the headwaters of the Duffins Creek watershed. Trails are suited to beginner and intermediate mountain bikers with primarily green and blue rated trails. Excellent views of Oak Ridges Moraine from Glen Major Forest trails. Public parking is available along Concessions 6 and 7.
- Heber Down Conservation Area – Three marked loops total approximately 8 km of easy to moderate trails, perfect for kids and new riders. This multi-use trail is mostly flat.
- Greenwood (Rodar) – A 12 km of both single and double tracks start out from the parking lot and takes cyclists through old forest and trail.
- Long Sault Conservation Area – Over 18 km of earth trails, suitable for mountain biking. Oak Ridges Trail cross point.
For additional resources and information on mountain biking in Durham Region and surrounding areas, visit the Durham Mountain Biking Association website.
Greenbelt Route – 
More than 475 km of signed cycling adventures await in the beautiful, protected countryside of Ontario’s Greenbelt. From Niagara to Northumberland, enjoy lush forests, winding rivers, welcoming communities, and family farms as you pedal through some of southern Ontario’s diverse and stunning landscapes.
The Greenbelt route is an on-road cross-provincial signed cycling route that traverses the entire Durham Region from east to west between Goodwood and Orono.
Plan your trip by accessing downloadable and printable paper maps or visit www.greenbelt/cycling
Greenbelt Route Cycling Itineraries in Durham
- Day Trip Itinerary in Durham Region – Scuggog Country Cruise (28km)
- Cross-regional Multi Day Itinerary – Oak Ridges to Lake Route (200km)
- Durham Farm Fresh Cycle Map – Visit some of the Ontario By Bike certified Durham Farm Fresh members including wineries, orchards and farms. This new map features six distinctive stops along the route showcasing Durham’s beautiful countryside and the protected area along the Greenbelt
- Highland Hustle (195km) – This recommended 2-day tour takes you through the pastoral green hills and drumlins of Durham and Northumberland and along the bright water of the north shore of Lake Ontario.
- Great Lakes to Greenbelt – Showcasing Ontario’s best trails and two signature cycling routes – the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and The Greenbelt Route. One cross regional loop is available in the Durham Region.
The Waterfront Trail – 
Stretching over 3600km, the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is a route connecting over 151 communities and First Nations along the Canadian shores of the Great Lakes: Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, Lake Erie, Detroit River and Lake St Clair, Lake Huron, Georgian Bay and the North Channel. The fully signed Trail uses the safest infrastructure possible, a mix of both on-road and off-road facilities, and is primarily paved, with sections of unpaved path and gravel roads. It can be enjoyed as part of a day trip or on a multi-day long distance cycling adventure. The Waterfront Trail interactive map shows staging/parking areas, train stations, washrooms, points of interest and more.
The Waterfront Trail crosses Durham Region using mostly paved waterfront trails and on-road connections alongside or close to Lake Ontario, from Pickering to Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa and Clarington/Bowmanville. The Waterfront Trail through Durham is one of the most scenic and protected sections of the trail.
Trans Canada Trail – 
A portion of this cross-Canada trail runs through the Durham region, heading north from the Ajax waterfront along the Duffins Creek Trail, north to Uxbridge on a mix of trails and on-road connections. At Uxbridge, follow the Trans Canada Trail to the City of Kawartha Lakes and Lindsay using our self guided ride itinerary for the Uxbridge Kawarthas Rail Trail.
Oak Ridges (Moraine) Trail – Approximately 70km of the 280km long trail across the Oak Ridges Moraine are open to cyclists on this primarily hikin-oriented trail. Cyclists need to check and respect posted signs of permitted use at trail entry points.
- Durham Region Cycle Touring Map. Map. Durham Tourism. 2017. Award-winning map featuring 9 on-road cycling routes, connections and Ontario By Bike participating locations. Available in print and on-line.
- Clarington Cycling Map. Route map. Tourism Clarington. 2012. Map with on and off-road routes through Clarington and conservation areas. Print copies available at the Tourism Clarington office, Municipal Administrative Centre, and all municipal recreation facilities.
- Durham Region Trails Guide. – Map and guide booklet. Durham Tourism. 2010. To receive a copy, call 905-668-7711 or 1-800-413-0017. An interactive version of the trails map is also available HERE
- Durham Farm Fresh Cycle Map – This new map features Ontario By Bike certified Durham Farm Fresh members including wineries, orchards and farms. The map includes six distinctive stops along the route showcasing Durham’s beautiful countryside and the protected area along the Greenbelt
- Ajax by Trail. Map & trail information. Town of Ajax. To receive a copy, call 905-683-4550
- Ganaraska Forest. Various maps. Print versions of various detailed maps available at Ganaraska Forest Centre, 10585 Cold Springs Camp Road, Campbellcroft. Some maps available online.
- Durham Cycling Club. Maps of routes.
- Durham Mountain Bike Association– Maps and resources for trails in Durham Regional Forest, Walker Woods/Glen Major Forest, Brock Track and other regions.
- Uxbridge Trail Maps. Maps of mountain biking trails in Uxbridge area including Durham Regional Forest, Dagmar North, Walker Woods/Glen Major Forest and more.
- Ganaraska Freewheelers – Routes and maps of local cycling routes and mountain biking trails, including some in Durham Region.
- GDA – Town of Uxbridge Trail Maps – In partnership with the Township of Uxbridge, the Green Durham Association has published a set of four maps. The maps available in Uxbridge and area at Blue Heron Books, Boyd’s Sports, Trail Hub and Slabtown Cider Co. or through Chrismar Mapping Services.
Please note there are many additional map guides for the region that may be of interest and useful to cyclists. New maps and guides are available yearly, and information above may change.
Durham Region – Related Blogs:
Durham’s Trails: A Path For Everyone
Stretching from the shores of Lake Ontario to Lake Simcoe, the diversity of terrain in Durham is exceptional, from the paved waterfront trails in Pickering through to Bowmanville, to the smooth rail trails of Uxbridge, to the extensive mountain bike trails of the Durham’s conservation forests along and the rolling Oak Ridges Moraine.
Apple Treats & Bike Adventures in Durham Region
Find all the ingredients for a delightful ride, apple adventure and farm fresh experience in Durham Region. Sample some tasty treats at unique ride destinations following one of the region's cycling routes, or creating your own, and enjoy biking from urban centres to the many countryside settings and stops nearby.
One Bike, All Rides
Ontario has more than 130,000km of unpaved roads – so where do you want to groad? Yes, groadies. Groadies are roadies who love dirt. And mountain bikers who love gravel too. However you define your ride, cyclists have pedalled over every surface imaginable for years. So make some plans to hit the groad! Check out this mix of terrain and routes that will give you a taste of Ontario's unpaved fun. It's just the tip of the gravel iceberg!
Rolling Into Fall on the Highland Hustle
Time flies, seasons change, but the ride must go on. Yes, the long warm summer days might be fading to memory, but no need to fret; some of the best cycling opportunities Ontario has to offer are still ahead. Welcome to fall, the rolling hills of Durham and Northumberland counties and the Highland Hustle cycling adventure.
For more information on accommodation, attractions and activities within Durham Region visit Durham Tourism, and Central Counties.
Destination and Renewal Partners:
Thank you to our Greenbelt Network Area Project Partner:
& Workshop Event Partners:
Hamilton: City of Hamilton, Tourism Hamilton. Halton: Region: Conservation Halton, Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce, Milton Chamber of Commerce. Peel Region: The Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association, Town of Caledon. York Region: York Region Tourism. Durham Region: Durham Region Tourism. County of Northumberland: Northumberland Tourism.