We never realize how much we need our parks and trail systems until the pandemic hits. Gordana and I were in our little downtown Toronto condo, which had become a prison, with glass windows that looked out onto the empty streets.
Every morning, we woke up and walked 6-8 kilometres, either discovering new side streets with hidden gems or heading south towards the Martin Goodman Trail / Trans Canada Trail. We’d walk along the paths and small parks off the trail close to the lake, reminiscing about where we’ve been and where we still like to go.
These walks have since become a regular routine for us. But more than that, these trails are absolutely vital and crucial for our mental health and well-being, not just forgetting through the pandemic, but for everyday life, escaping the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle that I call home.
If you have ever wondered whether you should visit the Martin Goodman Trail in winter, the short answer is Yes! Let’s take a closer look at why…
How to Get to the Trail
Navigating the Martin Goodman Trail is easy thanks to several main access points, each equipped with parking. This includes:
- Ashbridge’s Bay Park
- Budapest Park
- Cherry Beach
- Coronation Park
- Eastern Beaches area (e.g., Kew Beach, Balmy Beach)
- Harbourfront at Queen’s Quay West
- High Park
- Ontario Place
- Sir Casimir Gzowski Park at the Humber Bridge
- Tommy Thompson Park
To help plan your visit, you can find detailed, downloadable maps for each section on the official Waterfront Trail website.
The Best Places to Visit Along the Martin Goodman Trail This Winter
One of the best things about this route is that it allows you to enjoy the peace of the lake without feeling disconnected from the city and all it has to offer. You can easily turn your casual walk into a full-day event by stopping at local cultural landmarks or finding the perfect spot for food and drink near the Martin Goodman Trail. It is the perfect way to balance a healthy workout with the best entertainment Toronto has to offer.
Whether you’re planning a romantic winter date or spending some quality time with the whole family, here are some great destinations to explore:
Harbourfront Centre
Just a few steps off the trail, the Harbourfront Centre is a vibrant cultural and arts hub that offers something exciting regardless of the season. It’s a place where you can easily lose an hour or two exploring contemporary art galleries or catching a screening of a unique independent film.
During the winter, the atmosphere comes alive with Winterfest, featuring stunning light displays, live performances, and plenty of food to keep you fueled. A major highlight is the public outdoor skating rink right on the water. It’s an iconic Toronto experience, though I’d definitely recommend checking their status online before you lace up, as their operating hours are heavily dependent on the weather!
If you’re looking to get a bit more hands-on, the centre is a local favourite for its glass art workshops. This is a great way to warm up while you’re trying something new and take a break from your trek along the waterfront.
Queen Harbour Restaurant
Just a mere step off the trail, you’ll find the Queen Harbour Restaurant, a brand new addition to the waterfront that is absolutely beautiful inside! If you’re looking to elevate your experience after a day of exploring Toronto’s winter wonderland, this is the place to be. It is an upscale environment paired with spectacular views of the water, making it a sophisticated choice for a sit-down meal.
The interior design is gorgeous, providing a warm and elegant contrast to the brisk winter air. With its exceptional menu and refined setting, it’s the perfect spot to celebrate a successful trek or a special occasion while watching the sun set over the harbour.
Distillery District
Where the trail meets Cherry Street, if you head north a few metres, you end up at the Distillery District. During the cooler season, this pedestrian-only area transforms into the Distillery Winter Village, a classic Christmas Market, including carolers and festive booths selling everything from handcrafted trinkets and clothing to authentic Canadian cuisine (poutine, anyone?). It’s the perfect place to do your holiday shopping or even grab a photo with Santa.
A long-standing tradition for us is heading straight to the “Naughty or Nice” section. It’s always buzzing with laughter as people huddle under the heat lamps with overflowing cups of mulled wine. Speaking of being naughty or nice, you’ll have to let me know which list you think I’m on!
This year, I decided to live on the edge and little and try Frosty’s Nog, a potent mix of eggnog and spiced rum that definitely helps you warm up a little. If you prefer a classic brew, Mill Street Brewery is right there, offering the perfect chance to sit outside with a cold beer and soak in the festive atmosphere.
If you need a break from the crowds, the local art galleries remain open. They are the perfect place to duck in, pretend to be sophisticated for a few minutes, and, most importantly, thaw out. Just keep in mind that while the market is free to enter during the day (before 4:00 PM usually), you’ll need to purchase a ticket if you plan on visiting in the evening.
Amsterdam Brewhouse
Speaking of beer… if you’re looking for the perfect place to warm up after a brisk walk in the winter air, the Amsterdam Brewhouse is just a few metres south of the trail. This lakefront spot is one of our favourites, offering a casual and comfortable vibe with stunning panoramic views of the water.
While they have a great selection of local craft brews, my personal go-to is the 3 Speed Lager (4.2% ABV). It’s crisp and refreshing. It also pairs perfectly with their Classic Pizza, a delicious combination of bacon, pepperoni, fresh mushrooms, San Marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh herbs. Whether you’re there for the views or the food, it’s a fantastic place to relax and watch the winter waves.
St. Lawrence Market
Located just a few metres north of where the trail meets Lower Jarvis, the St. Lawrence Market is recognized as one of the best food markets in the world. It is our absolute go-to for a hearty hot meal or a quick coffee to fuel the rest of your trek. During the holidays, the Winter Market becomes a treasure trove for finding that unique, one-of-a-kind gift.
For Gordana and me, a weekend isn’t complete without a visit here. We’ve been loving the recently opened North Market, where we pick up local fruits, vegetables, and meats from the Amish vendors. However, the real highlight of our visit is grabbing one of their legendary apple fritters. These treats are brought in from The Big Apple in Cobourg, Ontario, and they are a total must-try!
If you are visiting during the festive season, look for the smaller Christmas Market set up just outside the main building. Here you’ll find charming little huts, each hosted by the vendors you will find inside the main market. Whether you want to sit down for a proper lunch or simply “sample” your way through the entire building while stocking up for later, you definitely won’t leave hungry!
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
For art lovers, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery is a must-see stop this winter. Despite being a staple of the waterfront for years, we only recently “discovered” its magic while researching this project. We popped in on a whim and were captivated by a few interesting art galleries on display.
One of the coolest aspects of this space is the aesthetic of the building itself. I absolutely love how Toronto has repurposed this historic industrial site into a world-class space for arts and culture. It’s a beautiful opportunity to browse some of Canada’s most stunning modern works, and the best part is that admission is free. It’s the perfect place to step off the trail, thaw out, and get inspired by the local creative spirit.
Why Getting Outside is the Ultimate Winter Hack
Embracing the outdoors during the colder months wasn’t always high on my list. However, in recent years, I have learned that getting outside isn’t just a hobby; it’s a necessity for your well-being. As one of the most beautiful winter walking trails in Toronto, the Martin Goodman Trail offers a versatile space for cyclists, runners, and walkers to stay active despite the chilly temperatures. Experts say that even a short session on the trail can have a positive impact on how you feel both physically and mentally.
Finding Calm in the Cold
We often overlook the unique mental health benefits of spending time outdoors during the winter months. At this time of year, a unique silence falls over Toronto’s waterfront. The combination of the stillness of the lake and the soft city noise creates a “natural reset” for a stressed brain by naturally lowering cortisol levels (the stress hormone). It creates the perfect opportunity for you to reflect and recover from the daily grind.
As an added bonus, overcoming the “mental hurdle’ of getting outside in the cold gives a hit of confidence that carries through the rest of our day.
Boost Your Metabolism
Exercising in the cold forces your body to work harder to maintain its core temperature, which can actually increase the calories you burn compared to a summer stroll. Beyond the workout, the winter air along the lake is crisp and invigorating. Taking deep breaths of this fresh, chilled air as you navigate the shoreline is a great way to clear your lungs and leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.
Natural Light vs. The Winter Blues
Even when the Toronto sky looks like a flat sheet of grey, getting out on the Martin Goodman Trail can be a game-changer for your mood. Most people don’t realize that outdoor light (even on an overcast winter day) is significantly more powerful than the artificial lights in your home or office.
Being exposed to natural sunlight is crucial for regulating your circadian rhythm, which is essentially your body’s internal clock. By hitting the trail in the morning or mid-day, you’re signaling to your brain to produce serotonin, a natural hormone that regulates your mood, sleep schedule, digestive system, and more. Spending time in the sunshine is one of the most effective ways to push back against Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and keep those “winter blues” at bay.
Strengthen Your Immune System
Beyond the immediate calorie burn, there is a hidden benefit to being active during the cold weather: immune support. Studies suggest that regular, moderate exercise in cooler temperatures can help stimulate the production of white blood cells. Your white blood cells function as soldiers in your immune system, finding and destroying potential risks, including bacteria and viruses.
While we often want to hibernate at this time of year to avoid getting sick, there are better options. Walking the Martin Goodman Trail in winter means enjoying a ventilated, wide-open space where you can get your heart rate up and boost your immune system without the “recycled air” of a crowded gym. Think of it as toughening up your system for the rest of the season.
Pro-Tips for Conquering the Trail This Winter
If you’re wondering about how to enjoy the Martin Goodman Trail in winter, you’ve come to the right place! Safely and comfortably enjoying all the trail has to offer during the colder months requires a little preparation, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
To help you get the most out of your trek, here are a few key considerations:
- Master the Three-Layer Rule: The secret to staying comfortable isn’t just one giant coat; it’s all about the layers. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer (like merino wool or synthetic fabrics) to keep sweat away from your skin. Add an insulating layer (think fleece or a down vest) to trap body heat. Finally, finish with a windproof and water-resistant shell to block the biting lake breeze. A warm toque and insulated gloves are non-negotiable for protecting your extremities.
- Fuel Your Internal Heater: Hydration is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer. You can address this easily by packing a water bottle for frequent sips along the way. Add a special touch to your trek by bringing a thermos filled with hot tea, coffee, or cocoa. There’s nothing quite like a steaming cup of hot chocolate while sitting on a frost-covered bench overlooking the water.
- Mind Your Footing: While the city generally does a great job of clearing the trail, the shoreline can be unpredictable. Wind spray can create “black ice” or sudden snow drifts. Consider wearing boots with deep treads or even carrying a pair of ice cleats in your bag just in case things get slippery near the water’s edge.
- Chase the Golden Hour: The silver lining of shorter days is that you don’t have to stay out as late to see the stunning winter sunset. Plan your route to hit the western-facing sections of the trail between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The way the pink and orange hues reflect off the icy lake is a dream for photographers and outdoor lovers.
Your Toronto Winter Adventure Awaits
Stepping onto the Martin Goodman Trail in winter is a beautiful way to see downtown Toronto from a new and unique perspective. There is a special kind of magic in the waterfront when the city is at its quietest. By bundling up and breathing in the crisp lake air, you’ll discover a rewarding getaway that most people miss. Whether you’re looking for a little cold-weather exercise or a peaceful stroll with friends, your mind and body will thank you for the boost that only a lakeside trail can provide.
