Etobicoke Creek – Park Trail

Length –  3 + 17 km (one way) 

85% park path
15% road crossings, detours

Elevation – Flat along water’s edge, a few short hills

Terrain – Almost all newly paved; a small amount of gravel base; wide path; not a lot of shade

Skill – All levels

Maps – New trail signs and map boards

Traffic – Typical city path users, busy on the south end on weekends

Facilities – Parking lots, toilets, benches, picnic tables, rain shelter, tuneup stations, local malls

Highlights – Centennial Park, low-flying planes, many underpasses 

Trail Fee – Free

Phone – 905 615 4311

Website – Walk & Roll in Peel, TRCA, Mississauga Bikes

Similar Trails – Upper Don, Highland Creek, Upper Humber 

Local Clubs – Toronto Bicycle Network – TBN

Access – From Marie Curtis Park, use the parking lot at the lake (Lakeshore Rd. E. at Forty Second St). 

Midway: start at Fleetwood Park on Burnhamthorpe Rd. E.

From Mount Charles Park, in Brampton: use side street parking.

Ride the 17 km of newly expanded bicycle paths along Etobicoke Creek, a route that has taken years to develop into an excellent long cycling adventure. 

As you ride by the waters of this creek, there is little to remind you that there is a bustling city beyond the edges of the valley. Assorted hills, curves, underpasses and bridges keep it all interesting. The scenery is a naturalized ravine setting typical of the Toronto area.

From Lake Ontario, this trail starts in Marie Curtis Park. It winds up the creek valley for an enjoyable 3 km to the QEW highway. That’s it for the south end. Beyond is a MTB adventure on a rough, grown-in track I have not done in years. The way is blocked by this untamed section and a golf course. 

The master plan is to one day, someday, connect the whole length. Till then, let me suggest a much longer section above this mere 3 km jaunt.

As of 2021, you can start from Fleetwood Park off Burnhamthorpe Rd. E. to catch this trail as it follows the west bank north. Most of it is paved and recently upgraded with new signage, benches, and crossing lights.

A highlight on the trip is Centennial Park, whose large parklands have many features like a conservatory, ski hill, BMX race track, and extra paths to explore.

Once the trail reaches the other side of Highway 401, you may see airliners coming in low over your head to land at the airport. A thrill for any aviation junkie (like me!).

I am not sure why the path does not continue to follow the creek. At Dixie Rd., there is a road bypass where the trail veers off onto…

Read the rest of this review and 59 others in my NEW book, Volume 2 of Best Bicycle Park & Rail Trails in Ontario.