Jogging trails in Toronto

As part of my exercise routine I jog twice a week on the small residential streets around my house or on a treadmill when the weather is not being kind. This is enough to keep my heart exercised, however, lately I have been entertaining the idea of completing a half marathon, and the training requires jogging for one hour at least once a week. Spending an hour on a treadmill or making circles around  the block is quite boring, so I turned for help to my good friend, the internet, in search for nice jogging trails in Toronto. Fortunately, Toronto is a pretty green city with many parks and recreational areas. Two of the longer routes I found are described below. The descriptions of these and other trails can be found here. Great PDF maps of the recreational trails are provided here.



Balfour Park/Belt Line
A tranquil forest trail through Rosedale, Moore Park and Forest Hill, this 11-kilometre jogging route is lush and romantic. It starts southeast of Yonge and St. Clair, at the intersection of Avoca Avenue and Pleasant Boulevard, and descends steeply into a wooded ravine. The shady path veers counter-clockwise across Mount Pleasant Road, past the Don Valley Brickworks and back up into Mount Pleasant Cemetery (open 8–8 in summer, 8–6 in winter). Follow the trail markers west through the cemetery, cross a footbridge over Yonge Street and you’ll end up on the old Belt Line railway. If you’re feeling peppy, follow the Belt Line west all the way to Allen Road.

Humber River
A gorgeous riverside run through lush greenery. The ambitious runner can start at the lakeshore, near Palace Pier Park. Pick up the unmarked trail at Sheldon Lookout, on the west side of the pedestrian bridge. Energetic types can jog as far north as Steeles, stopping to admire the Old Mill’s stone bridge and watch flyfishers angle for trout. Autumn colours in Raymore Park, near Lawrence, are stunning. The trail is too rough for rollerbladers; cyclists should watch out for blind corners. Free parking at Lake Shore Boulevard (south side), Bloor, Lawrence and 12 other lots along the route.