We’re big fans of summer picnics by bike and have scoped out the perfect spots so you don’t have to. Purchase a pass here to get started and riding in less than a minute.
With such warm temperatures, there’s no better way to embrace the great outdoors than by pedaling through the city’s scenic routes and relishing in the simple joys of sharing some good eats with good company. So dust off your helmets, load up your bike share basket with food, and let’s hit the road together!
Riverdale Park East
Lots of green space, and a spectacular view of the city skyline make this park the perfect place to lay out a blanket and partake in a picnic (not to mention beautiful sunset views!).
With all the construction along routes that get you to the park, biking is the best way to navigate closures and blow by traffic jams. Bike Share has a station located at Riverdale Park (North) / Broadview Ave right at the top of the infamous hill, so biking to this picture perfect park is easy and enjoyed by the masses.
Other close stations
Pro Tip: Check the system map before you arrive at your destination to see if a station has available space to dock.
Toronto Music Garden Park
Located along the waterfront and inner city harbor is the Toronto Music Garden. This three acre park offers an amenity of lush green space and a beautiful staircase – where often people are spotted sitting and chowing down. The waterfront is full of Bike Share stations with the closest one to the garden located at Queen’s Quay W / Dan Leckie Way. Riders can bike there using the bike lanes along the Waterfront Trail.
A short distance away to the east is HTO Park, where often weekend valet service is offered – providing unlimited bikes and guaranteed docking so you never have to worry about a station being empty or full.
Other close stations:
Grange Park
Our next stop offers a plethora of green space and is conveniently located in the downtown core, making getting there by bike easy. Within a sea of 180 trees, the shade they provide makes this a great location to picnic, not to mention the picnic tables placed throughout the park. Riders can use a bike lane along Beverly Street and can dock using the Beverly St / Dundas St W station.
Other close stations
Dufferin Grove Park
To our west end riders, Dufferin Grove Park is the epitome of the perfect summer picnic spot. With its lush greenery, shaded areas, and very-own stone pizza ovens, the park offers an inviting and picturesque setting for a picnic. Frequent cultural events, and diverse food options from the farmers’ market make it an ideal destination to savour a variety of delicious treats if you don’t pack your own.
Bike lanes along Havelock St make it easy to ride, and stations situated at the west
(Dufferin St / Sylvan Ave) and east side of the park (Havelock St / Dufferin Park) make arriving and docking a breeze.
Other close stations:
Pro Tip: Use the basket band attached to the front basket to secure any bags and to protect the food from falling! Make sure not to over pack and check your bag fits before you hit the road!
Corktown Common
Nestled along the Don River, Corktown Common has an urban vibe that creates a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, making it an ideal getaway for a picnic. Its well-maintained green spaces, large communal picnic tables, and lush lawns offer ample space to spread out and enjoy a feast. Bike the winding trails inside the park or utilize many of the multi-purpose trails around the park’s perimeter.
Additionally, the park’s proximity to the charming Corktown neighborhood and its vibrant community events make it an enticing destination for picnickers seeking a blend of relaxation and urban charm.
Although there is no station directly in the park, we recommended docking at one of the three stations to the west side:
Pro Tip: Don’t feel like prepping food? Grab some takeout from a local neighborhood before you picnic at one of the above destinations and support local!
With Bike Share at your service, this summer promises to be a season of picnics and pedaling like no other, and is the perfect companion for exploring the city’s picturesque picnic destinations. So, prep your fave food, hop on a bike, and don’t forget to ride off that inevitable food coma!
