Top 5 Running Routes
Whether you’re chasing a new personal best, clearing your mind after a long day, or simply enjoying the rhythm of your footsteps, finding the right running route can make all the difference. A great route isn’t just about distance, it’s about scenery, safety, variety, and that feeling that keeps you coming back for one more mile.
In this post, we’re highlighting the Top 5 Running Routes that offer the perfect mix of challenge and enjoyment. From peaceful waterfront paths to energetic urban trails, these routes are ideal for runners of all levels, whether you’re just starting out or training for your next big race.
Lace up your shoes, grab your playlist, and get ready to discover some routes that might just become your new favourites.
Chrysler Canada Greenway Trail
Great for biking, hiking, birding, cross country skiing and more. The 50-kilometre Chrysler Canada Greenway travels through Essex County. This nature trail comprises the southernmost link of the Trans Canada Trail.
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Windsor Riverfront Trail
From the base of the Ambassador Bridge, this paved trail extends east for 5 km along the riverfront parkland to Hiram Walker distillery in historic Walkerville. Enjoy scenic views of the Detroit River extending from Ambassador Park to Centennial Park into Dieppe Gardens, along Festival Plaza to the Bert Weeks Memorial Garden and Clifford and Joan Hatch Wildflower Garden. Odette Sculpture Park, an outdoor art gallery, is open year round, featuring large scale contemporary sculptures. Dieppe Gardens, a downtown park, honours veterans of foreign wars with distinctive monuments. Bert Weeks Memorial Garden features an elaborate fountain and reflecting pool (open seasonally) Clifford and Joan Hatch Wildflower Garden is a naturalized garden featuring local flowers. With two paths: one for cyclists/rollerbladers and a riverfront promenade for strollers and walkers, everyone can enjoy this fantastic trail!
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Malden Park & Ojibway Park
This 175-acre park features the highest hill in Essex County with fantastic views of both downtown Windsor and Detroit. Naturalized biking and cycling trails wind up and down the hills and through paved and wood chipped trails. The Malden Park Visitor Centre offers an ideal location for private rentals for meetings, birthday parties and other special events. Other amenities include a reception centre with patio, concert centre, ponds and toboggan hill, and picnic areas with barbecues.
A total of 265 species have been recorded in the Ojibway Prairie Complex on the southwest corner of Windsor. This is the largest protected tallgrass prairie and oak savannah in Ontario.
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Herb Gray Parkway Trail
The Herb Gray Parkway Trail offers 17 kilometres of paved trails, and is set within 120 hectares of green space situated alongside two highway extensions and across 11 tunnel tops. The trail network features a continuous multi-use lit pathway, with bridges and tunnels that allow pedestrians and cyclists to travel the length of the parkway without encountering vehicles. Rest areas and interpretive signs are also located where there are features of interest. Signage along the trails includes information about the parkway, regional cultural heritage, First Nation culture and history, and the special natural areas such as Tallgrass Prairie.
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Ganatchio Trail
Whether walking, cycling or jogging, the Ganatchio Trail lets you explore 8 km of scenic trails stretching from the City of Windsor to the Town of Tecumseh. Named after the Indian word for Lake St.Clair, the Ganatchio Trail features three distinct sections: urban, suburban and naturalized parkland.
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Each of these routes offers something unique, so don’t be afraid to mix things up and discover which one becomes your go-to favourite. Happy running, and may your next route be your best one yet! Click here to explore even more parks and trails in Windsor Essex.
