The warm weather is finally here and after a long winter inside, we could all use a little sunshine and fresh air. Just a short trip from Toronto, Markham provides the perfect escape from the city, whether you’re planning a long walk, a bike ride, or a full day of exploring, there’s plenty of routes that make it easy to get moving. From river valley trails, lush forests, and open meadows to paved cycling paths, there’s no shortage of natural outdoor space to enjoy this spring.
If you’re looking for the best hiking and cycling routes in Markham, these three routes really stand out.
Rouge Valley Trail
If you want a trail that feels scenic, accessible, and easy to turn into a full outing, the Rouge Valley Trail is a great place to start. It follows the Rouge River through some of Markham’s prettiest natural areas, running from 16th Avenue in Unionville through Milne Dam Conservation Park and under Highway 407 to 14th Avenue near 9th Line. The route is just over 11 kilometres long and includes a mix of asphalt, concrete, gravel, and wooden bridges, which makes it a strong option for both walking and cycling.
This is the kind of trail that works whether you are out for a casual ride, a longer walk, or simply looking for a little fresh air without leaving the city too far behind. It also connects nicely to some familiar Markham favourites, so it is easy to pair your outing with a stop in Unionville or a visit to Milne Dam Conservation Park.
Rouge National Urban Park
For a bigger outdoor adventure, Rouge National Urban Park is hard to beat. Established in 2015, it is North America’s largest urban park and stretches across Toronto, Markham, Pickering, and Uxbridge. In Markham, visitors can access trail areas near Bob Hunter Memorial Park at 14th Avenue and Reesor Road, as well as routes connected to the 19th Avenue Day Use Area and Reesor Road. Parks Canada describes the park’s hiking trails as passing through meadows, forests, wetlands, and farmland, with views of the Rouge and Little Rouge rivers along the way.
This is where you go when you want your hike to feel a little more immersive. One trail near the 19th Avenue Day Use Area connects southbound for 5.1 kilometres to the Reesor Road Day Use Area, while Bob Hunter Memorial Park is a popular spot for hiking and connecting with nature in forest landscapes along Little Rouge Creek. Depending on the route you choose, you can expect everything from mature forest and meadows to bridges, rolling terrain, and wide-open views.
Lake to Lake Route
If cycling is more your speed, the Lake to Lake Route is an ideal trail. This major trail corridor is planned as a 121-kilometre route linking Lake Simcoe to Lake Ontario and forming a key north-south spine through York Region and Toronto. The Markham section is shorter at about 4.8 to 5 kilometres, but it still packs in a nice mix of city and green space, including a multi-use path along Leslie Street and John Street and a multi-use trail through German Mills Settlers Park.
It is a great option if you want a ride or walk that feels easy to fit into the day. Because it is part of a larger regional network, it also has that satisfying feeling of tapping into something bigger than just one neighbourhood trail.
Get Exploring
One of the best things about hiking and cycling in Markham is the variety. You can go from a peaceful riverside trail to a national urban park to a commuter-friendly cycling route, all without needing to leave the city behind completely. Markham’s trail network gives you a chance to explore wetlands, forests, bridges, meadows, and parkland while still being close to great local spots for coffee, lunch, or a post-ride treat.
So if you are looking for outdoor things to do in Markham, consider this your sign to lace up your walking shoes, hop on your bike, and hit the trail. Sometimes the best plans are the ones with fresh air, a scenic path, and nowhere to be except outside
