Best Bike Paths in Ontario
Ontario has thousands of kilometres of paved bike paths, but the quality gap between the best and the rest is wide. A great paved path is more than just asphalt separated from traffic. It is smooth, well-maintained, scenic, and long enough to make a real ride out of. It connects to interesting places. It has washrooms that actually work. These ten paths meet that standard. They are the rides we recommend to anyone who asks.
1. The Georgian Trail
Collingwood to Meaford, 34 kilometres along Georgian Bay. This is the trail that makes the top of nearly every Ontario cycling list, and it earns the spot. The pavement is smooth and well-maintained, the grade is flat, and the waterfront views are constant. Thornbury at the midpoint has excellent food stops. The whole ride works for families, solo riders, and groups. If you ride one paved path in Ontario this year, this is the one.
Full Georgian Trail route guide
2. Niagara River Recreation Trail
Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake, roughly 56 kilometres. This paved path follows the Niagara River from the Peace Bridge at Fort Erie north past the falls and through the gorge to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The views are world-class: the river, the gorge, the falls themselves, and the vineyard country north of the escarpment. The path is flat and well-surfaced, though it gets busy near the falls on summer weekends. Ride early or avoid the Clifton Hill section during peak hours.
3. Waterfront Trail: Burlington to Hamilton
The Waterfront Trail stretches across hundreds of municipalities, and the quality varies enormously. The Burlington-to-Hamilton section along the western end of Lake Ontario is one of the best stretches. It runs through Spencer Smith Park, along the Burlington waterfront, and into Hamilton's bayfront area. Paved, flat, and right on the water. About 20 kilometres with options to extend in either direction.
4. Millennium Trail, Peterborough
A 12-kilometre paved path running through Peterborough along the Otonabee River and connecting to Jackson Park. It is not the longest ride, but the surface is excellent, the river views are pleasant, and the trail connects to Peterborough's broader cycling network. Good for a morning ride followed by a downtown lunch. The Lift Lock, a national historic site, is accessible from the trail.
5. Ottawa River Pathway
The NCC pathway network in Ottawa is one of the best urban cycling systems in the country. The Ottawa River Pathway follows the river through parkland and past Parliament Hill. It connects to the Rideau Canal pathway heading south and the Gatineau side of the river via multiple bridges. Over 50 kilometres of paved paths are accessible from the core network. If you are in Ottawa, you do not need a car to have an excellent riding day.
For the less urban section west of the capital, the Petawawa-to-Pembroke pathway offers riverside riding with a more relaxed, small-town feel.
6. Cataraqui Trail, Kingston Area
The Cataraqui Trail runs from Strathcona (near Kingston) north toward Smiths Falls, roughly 100 kilometres. The southern sections near Kingston are paved and well-maintained, though the surface transitions to crushed stone as you head north. The paved portion along the Lake Ontario waterfront is smooth and scenic, with views across the harbour to Wolfe Island. Kingston itself is one of Ontario's most bike-friendly cities.
7. Simcoe County Lakeshore Path
Barrie's waterfront path along Kempenfelt Bay is an underappreciated paved ride. About 10 kilometres of smooth pavement right along the water, with views across the bay to the Oro-Medonte hills. It connects to the North Simcoe Rail Trail heading north, so you can start with the paved waterfront and transition to the crushed stone rail trail for a longer ride. Barrie's waterfront redevelopment has turned this into one of the better urban cycling corridors in the province.
8. Welland Canal Trail
Following the Welland Canal from Port Colborne on Lake Erie to St. Catharines, roughly 42 kilometres. The path is paved and flat, running alongside one of the most impressive engineering works in Ontario. Watching ocean-going ships pass through the locks while you ride is a unique experience. The surface is good, the grade is effectively zero (it follows a canal), and the trail is well-marked with interpretive signs about the canal's history.
9. Tay Shore Trail, Paved Sections
The Tay Shore Trail between Midland and Penetanguishene is a mix of paved and crushed stone, but the paved sections near both towns are smooth and scenic. The Midland waterfront stretch runs through Little Lake Park with Georgian Bay views. At the Penetanguishene end, the path approaches Discovery Harbour with views of tall ship masts. These paved sections work well for road bikes and families wanting a shorter, smooth ride.
10. Thousand Islands Parkway Path
A 37-kilometre paved path running alongside the Thousand Islands Parkway between Gananoque and Brockville. The path is separated from the road and follows the St. Lawrence River through the Thousand Islands region. River views, island scenery, and access to several parks and beaches along the way. The surface is smooth and the grade is gentle, making it suitable for all skill levels. It is one of the most scenic paved rides in eastern Ontario.
What Makes a Great Paved Path
A few things separate the best paved paths from average ones. Surface quality is first: smooth asphalt without cracks, heaves, or patches. Width matters too; the best paths are at least three metres wide, giving comfortable passing room for bikes and pedestrians. Maintenance is ongoing, not just a one-time build. And the setting counts: a path along a waterfront, through a park, or between interesting towns will always be more rewarding than one running parallel to a highway.
Access to services also makes a difference. Washrooms, water, food, and bike repair within reach of the trail mean you can ride lighter and focus on the experience rather than logistics. Every path on this list has at least basic services within a reasonable distance.
Planning Your Ride
Most of these paths are rideable from May through October. Paved surfaces are less affected by spring thaw than gravel trails, so the season starts a bit earlier. Summer weekends are the busiest time on popular paths; weekday riding is noticeably more pleasant on trails near major cities.
For more options, browse the full bike paths hub or the family-friendly rides page for paved trails suitable for younger riders. The best waterfront rides guide overlaps with several entries on this list, since many of Ontario's best paved paths happen to run alongside water.
Trail conditions change through the season. For current status and any closures, the Ontario Trails Council website is a useful starting point. Municipal websites for individual trails often have the most up-to-date information.