Monday, June 20, 2016

Markham Town and Trail

The York Region Cycling Tour Map (New in 2016) provides ideas for exploring York Region by bike, from ten tour routes to mountain biking, BMX and family cycling options.  



I intend on biking all ten routes this year, and decided to

 start with the 25 km Markham Town and Trail.
Start your ride amidst the exotic sights, sounds and aromas of Pacific Mall, the largest Chinese indoor mall in North America. Nearby is the gorgeous and quaint village of Unionville. At the eastern end of the loop is the Milne Dam Conservation Park. The water dam and mill attracted mass settlement creating the Village (now City) of Markham. This stretch of lush parkland along the Rouge River Valley offers great migratory bird watching. Or if BMX or MTB riding excites you, take a short detour to Joyride 150, Canada's first indoor bike park.
Ride Rating: Recreational cyclist – mix of trails and quiet streets with mixed traffic on a few busier streets
(Family/leisure option – ride the Rouge Valley Trail from Main Street Unionville (Victoria Street) to Milne Dam Conservation Area)

  • Surface: unpaved trail (limestone screenings), paved trail, road
  • Possible Starting Points:
    • Milliken Mills Community Centre and Park – overnight parking and access to water and washrooms
    • Unionville GO Station – overnight parking
    • Markham GO Station – overnight parking
    • Toogood Pond - parking
  • Detailed maps:  RidewithGPS (with Points of Interest)
    Here's the full route captured by my GoPro camera
    Here are some more highlights.
    Birchmount, crossing under Hwy 407

Approaching Markham Centre, Birchmount at Entreprise Dr


Markham PanAm Centre (site of badminton, table tennis, water polo)

Main Street Unionville




Rouge Valley Trail





New trail crossing at McCowan to Milne Dam Conservation Park

Milne Dam Conservation Area

Main Street Markham

Carlton St

Toogood Pond


Village Parkway

Pacific Mall

It was a pleasant ride with a good variety to see along trail and streets.  Could use some better wayfinding along the trail sections.  I need to go back and spend more time along those Main Streets to sample some culinary treats!