Get ready to explore autumn’s beauty by bike thanks to Bike Share Toronto!
In a recent online poll, 40% of Bike Share Toronto followers said that fall is their preferred season for biking.
This year, ongoing 2023 expansion has seen the deployment of 12 new stations in Scarborough-Southwest. The strategic placement of these new stations along Kingston Rd is successfully closing the transportation gap to Scarborough, making cycling a more accessible and convenient choice for residents in the area, while allowing easier access by bike from the core.
With the addition of many new bikes and stations, we’ve decided to scout out the best biking paths/trails for you to explore on two wheels this fall! So grab your helmets, pick up your pass, get your phone ready for pictures, and let’s hit the trails with Bike Share Toronto!
The Meadoway (Gatineau Hydro Corridor)
The Meadoway Park Trail (formerly known as the Gatineau Hydro Corridor) is for the most part a linear trail that slices through mid Scarborough, seamlessly connecting cyclists to various parts of Toronto. Relatively flat plains with lots of wind and green space will guarantee you’ll feel the wind in your hair, and a path lined with fall foliage makes this trail a fun, open ride with lots of sun.
The ride’s highlight? A tall, intricate metal bridge spanning the Scarborough LRT tracks, adding a touch of excitement to the journey. For cross-town bikers, there’s a side path leading south to the Kennedy subway station, offering an ideal starting point with the closest station being the one at Brimley Rd / McCowan District Park.
How To Ride This Trail Using Bike Share Toronto
Riders can also start their trip at the Wakunda Pl / O’Connor Dr station. The trail ends at Scarborough Golf Club Road, where if you make a left and continue south, you’ll come across one of our new bike share stations at Kingston Rd / Scarborough Gold Club Rd. Alternatively, you can end your trip by continuing to go straight east into Morningside Park where you can dock at the Morningside Park (Highland Creek Trail) station.
Highland Creek Trail
If you want to stay closer to the Lakeshore and desire a picturesque escape from the bustling city, this next trail is for you. Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Scarborough is the Highland Creek Trail, a local treasure waiting to be explored this fall. Spanning 7 kilometers, this tranquil bike path lets you pass through an ever-changing landscape that truly comes alive with vibrant autumn hues.
The trail gracefully winds its way up and around Kingston Rd, leading you through the beautiful Morningside Park and eventually back to the shores of Lake Ontario, even connecting to the Waterfront Trail. What makes this route truly special is its smooth and well-paved path, featuring charming bridges that crisscross over the creek and lots of trees so you can soak in the beautiful autumn colors, making this trail one to remember.
How To Ride This Trail Using Bike Share Toronto
Start your trip at the Livingston Rd (Highland Creek Trail) station, conveniently located at the entrance of the trail. Riders can end their trip by continuing east on the Waterfront Trail until they reach the Waterfront Trail (Rouge Hill) station and dock there.
Birkdale Trail
Next, in the heart of Scarborough and intersecting the Medoway Trail is Birkdale Trail, another hidden gem for fall biking enthusiasts. This 5-kilometer route closely follows the path of the West Highland Creek, providing a brief yet scenic cycling experience. What makes this trail even more enticing are its two intersecting routes that can extend your journey through various parks by an additional 12 kilometers if you’re up for a longer ride.
On this route, you can expect crossings at picturesque bridges, interconnected parklands, natural ravines and coast along the beautiful tree-lined creek, immersing yourself in fall’s beauty. Birkdale Trail offers a perfect blend of natural tranquility and urban convenience, making it a must-visit destination for cyclists seeking a peaceful autumn ride in Scarborough.
How To Ride This Trail Using Bike Share Toronto
For this trail, we recommend exploring in conjunction with the Meadoway Trail. You can start your trip at the Wakunda Pl / O’Connor Dr station, travel the route until you reach the middle of Thomson Memorial Park, and choose whether to take the Birkdale Trail north towards Ellesmere Rd or south towards Hauge Park and choose between the two forks. After exploring, make your way back north and continue along the Meadoway Trail.
Scarborough’s fall biking trails offer a captivating blend of natural beauty and urban charm, making it an ideal destination for cyclists of all levels. Whether you choose to venture along the scenic Highland Creek Trail, explore the evolving landscape of The Meadoway, or immerse yourself in the tranquility of Birkdale Trail, each route promises a unique and unforgettable autumn biking experience. So, saddle up, embrace the crisp fall air, and let the vibrant colors of the season guide your way through these scenic trails.
