In the City of Peterborough, our trails have become one of our most treasured and used City features. You can use them to get from A to B or for recreation. They are free for all to use and open 24-7. A few trails are lit, but most are not. There are wayfinding signs throughout the trail system to help you keep oriented.
Cycling and Trail Maps
The Cycling and Trail map shows trails and cycling routes in Peterborough and the surrounding area. The Peterborough Cycling Short Routes map details eight lovely routes of 15 to 40 km in length. You can pick up both maps at local cycling shops, and from Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism, which has more information about local cycling routes and services.
Maintenance
Call Public Works at 705-745-1386 if you have a concern about maintenance along a trail. We plow paved trails in the winter.
Let us know if you have a suggestion about how we can improve our trails.
Trail Projects
The multi-use trail system is continuously improving and expanding. The following is a list of projects currently in development.
| Crawford Trail |
| The Crawford Trail travels between Crawford Drive and Monaghan Road. Work is now underway to extend this trail to Townsend Street, linking with the Bethunescape Project. The extension is being done in phases as budget and logistics permit. In 2020, the section between Romaine Street and Lake Street is being completed. |
| Peterborough Canal Trail |
| Parks Canada restored the earthen dams along the canal in Peterborough in 2019. To ensure these dams are maintained well, trees are not being replanted on them. Instead, a multi-use trail was built along them. Now, the City and Parks Canada are working together on a concept for the Peterborough Canal Trail that would travel from Lock 19 in the south to Trent University in the north. At Waverley Heights Park, located adjacent to Scollard Drive, Parks Canada will be constructing a maintenance access trail. |
| Rotary Greenway Trail at Trent University |
| Detailed design work is underway to complete the Rotary Greenway Trail in the vicinity of Trent University. |
| TransCanada Trail at Maria Street |
| Work is underway to design and receive approve from CP Rail to complete the TransCanada Trail at the railway crossing along Maria Street. |
Rules and Etiquette
To make walking, cycling, skateboarding and E-biking safe and fun for everyone, we have a by-law that says where you can skateboard, bicycle and E-bike in the City of Peterborough. Permitted uses on multi-use trails are:
- Walking
- Wheelchairs and medical scooters
- Cycling
- Skateboarding
- Running
- In-line skating
- Bicycle-style e-bikes if pedaling only.
We do not permit scooter-style E-bikes on our multi-use trails.
When on the trails, please keep to the right and pass on the left. Warn people walking that you are passing by calling out or using a bike bell. When passing someone, go slowly and give them lots of room, at least 1 metre.
You do not need a permit to use a trail for an event, but no races are permitted and no exclusive use of the trails is available.
Major Trails
Our network of trails and bikeways is growing every year as we work towards being more walk and bike friendly.
| TransCanada Trail (also known as The Great Trail) |
| Description
Amenities
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| Rotary Greenway Trail |
| Description
Amenities
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| Parkway Trail |
| Description
Amenities
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| Crawford Trail |
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Litter clean-up
Keeping our streets, sidewalks, and green spaces safe and clean for everyone to enjoy is our priority. Help keep our streets, sidewalks, trails, parks and green spaces clean by properly disposing of waste. Reducing litter protects local ecosystems, wildlife and our drinking water.
Visit our Litter page to learn more and organize a clean-up event
If you find a needle that has not been properly disposed of in a City park or on a trail, please call Recreation and Parks Services at 705-742-0050 ext. 2205#. On weekdays after 8 p.m. and weekends, call 705-745-1386. Peterborough Public Health provides advice for disposing of needles on private property on their Found Needles page.
Trail Donations
In recent years, local philanthropists led two trail projects to improve and expand the network.
Scott Wood, a local entrepreneur and owner of the Ashburnham Ale House, initiated a project to provide lighting along the Rotary Greenway Trail between Hunter Street and Douro Street. With the support of the Village (East City) BIA and other donors there is now lighting along this trail up to Tivey Street.
Meanwhile, long time trail donors Haig Kelly and Barron Cowan provided for the construction of a new trail through Roper Park. The formal trail connection between Roper Drive and Firwood Crescent allows people to get from one neighbourhood to the other more easily. The trail also connects to Parkhill Road near the access to the TransCanada Trail, the closest trail for people living in these neighbourhoods.
