For weekend warriors looking for a more intense adventure Ajax is the perfect starting point for more challenging rides that will take them right across the countrysides of Durham Region, with spectacular scenery and wonderful shops, farms and markets along the way. To plan your next ride, check out the Durham Cycle Tours map.
Ajax is great for shorter bike routes too, whether you prefer riding for ten minutes or a few hours. Cyclists can discover the Town’s hidden gems by riding on scenic local trails and on-road bike facilities. Cyclists seeking to connect to nature can explore the rich biodiversity of flora and fauna along local trails, such as Millers Creek Trail, Carruthers Creek Trail, and the recently created ActiveTOA South Ajax routes. The overall bike network can take riders to beautiful artwork, parks, as well as plazas with flavourful cuisines from across the world. Check out ajax.ca/bike for a map of bike routes within Ajax.
One of Ajax’s most famous cycling routes is its 7 km section of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, which hugs the Lake Ontario shoreline from border to border. When it was first established in 1995, the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail was a 270 km multiuse route that extended from Hamilton to Trenton. Thanks to the efforts of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and its partners, today, the Trail is now more than 1,600 km long and connects three Great Lakes (Huron, Erie and Ontario), four bi-national rivers (St. Clair, Detroit, Niagara and St. Lawrence), three UNESCO Biospheres, two National Parks, 20 Provincial Parks, over 500 parks, beaches, conservation areas and heritage attractions.
To support the influx of cyclists that visit Ajax, a growing number of local businesses have joined the Ontario by Bike Network. These businesses offer amenities that cater to the unique needs of cyclists including cycling route information, safe bike storage and healthy meal options at many restaurants. In 2021, Pickering Village, an original Quaker settlement from the 1800’s that is now a destination for unique shops, spas, restaurants and historic architecture, became Durham Region’s first designated Ontario by Bike Business Area. Within this historic district, cyclists will find a hub of bike friendly businesses, bike parking and a bike repair station. The district is easily accessible by bike via the Duffins Trail System and dedicated bike lanes on Church Street. To learn more, visit ajax.ca/bikePV.
While lesser known in the Greater Toronto Area, Ajax is a bike town you won’t want to miss. The Town’s growing bike network, lush trail system, tasty bike friendly restaurants, and historic district with architecture built with fine craftsmanship make Ajax worth the visit. This Bike Month, add Ajax to your bucket list.
