Published May 15, 2019
Cruise through the beautiful waterfront parks of Pickering to Scarborough.
On this Waterfront Trail trip, we will navigate the beautiful waterfront parks from Pickering to Scarborough. Be sure to pack a swimsuit - there are plenty of opportunities to cool off in the refreshing waters of Lake Ontario. This bike trip is perfect for nature lovers, bringing you through woodlands and wetlands along the spectacular Lake Ontario.
Length: 20.4 km
Ride Time: Approx. 1 hour
Difficulty: Intermediate
Nearby Cities: Ajax, Scarborough, Stouffville, Whitby, Downtown Toronto, Markham.
Cycle along the waterfront trail through lakeside parks, gorgeous sandy beaches, wetlands, and sand dunes. Be sure to pack a swimsuit because there are plenty of opportunities to cool off in the refreshing waters of Lake Ontario.
This trip is nice and accessible, starting and ending at GO train stations and is only a short ride away from Toronto’s exciting waterfront.
Start: Pickering GO
Depending where you live, you might have to travel to get to Pickering’s waterfront. No matter where you’re coming from, there are several transportation options to make your adventure more pleasurable and accessible for you, including a nearby GO Station.
Beachfront Park
From the GO station, head straight to the waterfront. The first stop on this trip is the aptly named Beachfront Park. Wander down the scenic boardwalk with stunning views of Lake Ontario. This is the perfect spot to stop for a refreshing dip in the lake or to cool off in the splash pad. Keep your eyes peeled for herons flying by as well as other birds that migrate through here.
Public washrooms are available here.
Progress Frenchman’s Bay East Park
Progress Frenchman’s Bay East Park is where we stop for lunch. This quiet lakeside park is the perfect picnic spot to relax under a gazebo as the waves crash against the shore. Be sure to check out the xeriscape garden located in this park. These gardens are specially designed to help with water-conservation, reducing the need for supplemental water for irrigation.
Rotary Park
Continue cycling around Frenchman’s Bay to Rotary Park where you can cruise along the boardwalk, exploring the unique coastal wetlands and sand dunes. This park is also home to an amazing sandy beach - another perfect spot for a dip in the lake.
Public washrooms are available here.
Petticoat Creek Conservation Area
Next, continue on to Petticoat Creek Conservation Area. Submerge yourself in the natural beauty of Pickering’s woodlands and wildlife. Here you might be able to see deer, foxes, red tail hawks, and rabbits throughout the Conservation Area.
There are several scenic picnic sites to stop and refuel for the rest of your trip. Make sure you cycle over the waterfront trail bridge for a gorgeous view of Petticoat Creek.
Public washrooms are available here.
Rouge Beach
Finally, head on over to Rouge Beach, located on the edge of Rouge National Urban Park. This park is a protected wildlife zone in the Greater Toronto Area. Explore the fascinating marsh and wetland habitats that many bird and reptile species call home.
You can also take time to chillax on the sandy beach that curves out into the lake or bike along the boardwalk, taking in the sights of this city oasis.
Public washrooms are available here.
End: Rouge Hill GO
To finish off your trip, head to the Rouge Hill GO station. From there, you can easily hop on a train home. Or, if you’re loving your trip and don’t want it to end, continue along the Waterfront Trail towards Toronto.
Please check ahead for weather conditions and dress appropriately. Respect the wildlife, fellow hikers, and cyclists.
Before you go swimming, check the water quality on Swim Guide. Learn more about the Waterfront Trail on the Waterfront Regeneration Trust's website.
