York Region has a number trails suitable for cyclists across the region. On road cycle touring and training routes are popular and attracting growing number of urban cyclists looking for quiet and more scenic paved routes. Additional attractions including mountain biking trails and Canada’s first indoor bike park and quaint villages.
York Region Cycling Map
- The York Region Cycling Map shows bike lanes, boulevard multi-use paths, off-road multi-use trails, paved shoulders and bike-friendly streets in York Region. Cyclists can use the map to plan their routes. The Cycling Map is a resource for residents and visitors of York Region to plan cycling routes to work, school, shopping or to explore the Region. Free printed copies are available upon request by emailing transportation@york.ca
- The York Region Interactive Cycling Map provides cyclists with existing routes to help with planning bicycle trips.
Additional Road Routes
There are many quieter rural roads that are suitable for cyclists with road riding experience. The following routes are third-party created, not affiliated with York Region, and riders must exercise caution when attempting them.
- The Butter Tart Ride – 18 km loop route suitable for recreational cyclists and includes a mix of trails, quiet streets, and mostly paved shoulders on busier roads. Available digitally on RidewithGPS, Strava and MapmyRide
- Group of Seven Trails – 72 km route suitable for recreational cyclists and includes paved trails and roads. Available digitally on RidewithGPS, Strava and MapmyRide
- Main to the Moraine – 60 km loop route suitable for experienced road cyclists and incorporates paved shoulders along rural roads and some riding in mixed traffic on quieter roads. Available digitally on RidewithGPS, Strava and MapmyRide
- Pedal to the Kettle – 52 km loop suitable for recreational cyclists incorporating mostly bike lanes and paved shoulders on busier roads, and trail. Available digitally on RidewithGPS, Strava and MapmyRide
- Simcoe Beaches – 66 km loop route suitable for experienced road cyclists incorporating mostly mixed traffic on quiet roads. Available digitally on RidewithGPS, Strava and MapmyRide
- Tour de Holland – 68 km loop route suitable for experienced road cyclists, incorporating paved shoulders and mixed traffic on quieter roads. Available digitally on RidewithGPS, Strava and MapmyRide
- Markham Town and Trail – 28 km loop route suitable for recreational cyclists, incorporating a mix of trails and quiet streets with mixed traffic on a few busier streets. Available digitally on RidewithGPS, Strava and MapmyRide
- Village Roundabout (Greenbelt York Loop Itinerary) – 58 km loop route has suitable for experienced road cyclists, incorporating mostly mixed traffic on quieter roads. Available digitally on RidewithGPS, Strava and MapmyRide
- York Century – 100 km loop suitable for experienced road cyclists, incorporating mostly mixed traffic on quieter roads. Available digitally on RidewithGPS, Strava and MapmyRide
York Region’s extensive network of trails and forests are among the Region’s most cherished attractions. Born of ancient routes used by First Nations, the trail network now extends throughout each of the nine cities and towns. Trail explorers can choose between paved urban trails or rugged forest paths. Hikers will be amazed at the diverse landscape, wildlife and vegetation waiting to be appreciated. Explore the Oak Ridges Moraine trail, kettle lakes, wetlands, forests and a variety of other points of interest.
- York Region Cycling Map
- Printable PDF cycling maps showing the trails and routes for whole region are available on York Region’s website HERE
- York Region Trails
- Trail-specific printable PDF maps of trails listed below are available on York Region’s website HERE. Trails also shown on York Region Interactive Map. Free printed copies of the Trail Guide is available upon request by emailing transportation@york.ca
Major Trails
- Nokiidaa Trail – 18km of multi use trail with mixed surfaces, including smooth soil, paved, crushed gravel, etc. The trail connects the three communities of East Gwillimbury, Newmarket and Aurora through green spaces, past wetlands and historic cultural sites, and linking to numerous other town trails. Part of Oakridges Trail & Holland River Valley Trail & Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area. The trail forms a major section of the Lake to Lake Route (see Cross Regional Cycling Routes tab)
- Sutton Zephyr Trail (York) – 14km hard packed gravel trail on former CN rail bed, passes through quiet wooded areas following the Black River watershed. Entire trail from Holbourne Road/Hwy 48 to Brown Hill to Sutton, however a bridge is out south of Ravenshoe Road.
- All-Terrain Ride – 48 km loop route suitable for recreational cyclists and includes a mix of trails, quiet streets, and mostly paved shoulders/bike lanes on busier roads. GPS Map
- Sibbald Provincial Park – Located on the southern shores of Lake Simcoe, the 5km Maiden Fern Trail is on the east side of the park accessible to cyclists. Natural surface.
- Happy Valley Forest Tract – Over 6km linear trail in town of King. Part of the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail, natural surface.
- Bob Hunter Memorial Park – Over 8km of trails located in Markham, crushed stone and natural surface trails within the Rouge River watershed and part of Rouge Park.
- Rouge Valley Trail – 7km in length (planned to be 15km upon full completion), The Rouge Valley Trail follows the Rouge River along Toogood Pond located in the heart of Unionville, Markham.
- Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve – 15km of crushed stone trail network in the Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve in Richmond Hill.
- Bartley Smith Greenway South – 15km of linear trails and continuous link in Vaughan, along a mix of crushed stone and natural surface, following the West Don River.
- Nashville Conservation Reserve – 5km of natural surface, moderate to difficult trails in Vaughan.
- William Granger Greenway (Humber Trail) – 8km of crushed stone, connecting to other systems and key local destinations in Vaughan.
- Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area – Over 10 km of mixed natural surface and crushed stone trails in the conservation area in Whitchurch-Stouffville.
- North Shore Bike Trails (ROC) – Located at the ROC facility in Georgina, this approximately 5 km trail system consists of two trail challenges. The first is geared towards intermediate riders. The second, more southerly trail consists of advanced features.
- Jefferson Forest – A mix of single, double track and gravel access roads located southeast of Lake Wilcox in Richmond Hill features nearly 50 km of trails with levels of difficulty ranging from beginner to experienced.
- JoyRide 150 – Indoor bike park with 90,000 sq. ft of fun for all different levels and types of riders. Food, lounge area and more. Bike rentals available. Location: 150 Bullock Drive, Markham Contact: (905) 294-1313
- Brown Hill Tract – This forested area has over 15km of trails suitable for mountain bikers of various abilities. Managed by York Regional Forest it is located at McCowan & Ravenshoe with 2 parking areas and access points.
- Centennial Park Trail – 5km of three loops with varying degrees of challenges for beginner, intermediate or expert cyclists.
- Lake to Lake Cycling Route and Walking Trail: The Lake to Lake Route is a 121km recreational and commuter trail that spans from Lake Simcoe to Lake Ontario, creating a key spine of York Region and the City of Toronto’s active transportation network. The trail incorporates various existing trails like the Greenbelt Route, PanAm Path and Waterfront Trail with access to destinations like transit hubs, beaches, community centres, parks and more.
- As of 2024, the route is 86% complete and progress continues on remaining segments. For a full status update on completion of this route, visit the Lake to Lake Route webpage on York.ca and see “State of the Trail” in the drop down menu.
- South York Greenway Cycling, Pedestrian and Micromobility Route:
The South York Greenway will span more than 50km for recreational and commuter active transportation. The route will connect York Region’s western and eastern borders from the City of Vaughan to the City of Richmond Hill and the City of Markham. Once completed, it will be a significant active transportation connection to major mobility hubs, Region-wide trails and other key destinations such as the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, Richmond Hill Centre and Markham Centre. - Greenbelt Route: The Greenbelt Route is more than 475km 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. In York Region, the Greenbelt Route traverses (west to east) through the communities of King, Newmarket, Aurora and Whitchurch-Stouffville. Several of York Region’s cycling routes spur off the Greenbelt Route, providing an ideal product to encourage cyclists off the main route and into other communities.
- Plan your trip by accessing downloadable and printable paper maps or visit www.greenbelt/explore
- Day Trip Itinerary in York Region Village Roundabout (59km)
- Oak Ridges Trail: Portions of the 250 km Oak Ridges Trail across the Moraine are open to cyclists, as posted. A number of York Region trails are a part or connect to this long-distance trail.
York Regional Cycling Map. Print, PDF & Interactive Map. 2021-2022. The York Region Cycling Map shows bike lanes, boulevard multi-use paths, off-road multi-use trails, paved shoulders and bike-friendly streets in York Region. Cyclists can use the map to plan their routes. Free printed copies are available by emailing transportation@york.ca- York Region Interactive Cycling Map Interactive Map. York Region.
- City of Markham Trail & Cycling Map. Print, PDF & Interactive Map. City of Markham. 2023.
- Georgina Trails Map – Interactive Map of Trails in the Town of Georgina (Keswick, Sutton, Jackson’s Point) on the shores of Lake Simcoe.
York Region’s Online Trail Resource – Individual trail maps as well as map guide books of entire trail networks for each municipality in York Region. Download as PDF file. Call 1-877-464-9675 extension 75051 for detailed descriptions.
For more information on cycling education and cycling in York Region visit York Region Cycling
For more information on accommodation, attractions and activities within York Region visit Central Counties.
York Region & Greenbelt Areas – Related Blogs:
The 5 C’s of Cycling – Coffee, Culture & Cycling in Central Counties
Forget the ABC’s and skip right to the five C’s for a ride experience and combination of activities that will set your wheels spinning. Find a number of ride suggestions that can be fuelled by coffee, stops at local cafes and visits to unique heritage sites along the way.
5 Easy Bike Getaways & Resort Stays Near the GTHA
This summer skip the border crossing hassles and plan a cycling getaway in Ontario. Whether you prefer resort style accommodations or a more rustic setting, mountain biking, road riding or gravel and flat trails, there are lots of options to consider within 1 hour from Toronto in the York, Durham and Headwaters regions.
100km + Club: Goal Breaking Day Trip Road Routes in Ontario
'Century Rides' are a goal and training milestone for many. The 100 mile routes are offered at lots of cycling events in Ontario. So if you are looking for your next big ride, put some of these top picks on your list. (We've included some Canadian versions too, with a more modest ride distance of 100km.)
Family Friendly Trail Rides
Enjoying outdoor activities always makes for a great day out with family. When sticking to off-road trails, biking is a safe and easy activity for all ages. Depending on your riders, make sure there is extra time for stops that may include ice cream, turtle ponds, swimming spots and more.
Destination & Regional Partner:
