Are you itching to swap the concrete jungle for some gravel, but don’t have a car to haul your gear out of the city? You’re not alone. One of the biggest hurdles for aspiring bikepackers in Toronto is simply getting out of Toronto.
In my latest adventure, I set out to prove that you don’t need a specialized gravel bike, a roof rack, or even a massive budget to enjoy a world-class overnighter. All you need is a GO Train ticket and a sense of adventure.
Here is everything you need to know to execute your first overnight bikepacking trip from Toronto—completely car-free.
The Route: Toronto to Brantford via GO Transit
The secret to escaping the city’s hour-long gridlock is GO Transit. For this trip, I loaded up my bike and hopped on the Lakeshore West Line at Mimico Station [01:34].
Step 1: The Train to Aldershot
Take the train to the end of the line (or close to it) at Aldershot GO Station.
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Pro Tip: Be prepared to carry your loaded bike up some stairs at Aldershot [01:54]. Once you’re out of the station, a paved bike path network links you directly toward Hamilton and the start of the rail trail system.
Step 2: Dundas & The “Climb”
Before hitting the gravel, make a pit stop in the charming town of Dundas.
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Fuel Up: Stop at Cafe Domestique, a legendary cycling-friendly coffee shop [03:54].
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The Gradient: From Dundas to Brantford, you’ll be on the Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail. Expect a steady 1% to 2% uphill gradient for about 20 kilometers [04:31]. It feels like it goes on forever, but remember: that means a beautiful, effortless descent on your way back tomorrow!
Gear: Don’t Overthink (or Overspend)
One of the most common questions I get is, “Do I need a $5,000 gravel bike to start bikepacking?” The answer is a resounding no.
The “Suggestive” Braking System
For this trip, I rode a 2011 cyclocross bike with cantilever brakes [07:41]. It’s not a modern “gravel rig,” but it gets the job done.
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Tires: If you’re running road tires, aim for something durable like GatorSkins. The limestone trail can be loose in the corners and sharp enough to cause cuts [09:27].
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Shoes: You don’t need SPDs or carbon-soled cycling shoes. I did this entire ride in regular running shoes [08:52].
The Budget Bag Setup
I started bikepacking with a $115 three-bag set from Amazon [09:44]. You don’t need the $200 boutique frame bags to get started.
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DIY Hack: My handlebar harness is a $2 cutting board from the dollar store and some basic straps [10:45]. This protects your dry bag from “tire rub” when you hit bumps [11:16].
Camping at the Grand River
Once you reach Brantford, you’ll cross the Grand River to find your home for the night [06:30].
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Booking Tip: Check the reservation site beforehand, but if there are plenty of spots, register in person. You can save yourself a $15 “convenience fee” charged for online bookings [14:47].
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What to Expect: Southern Ontario nights stay surprisingly warm compared to the Muskokas [13:52]. Even with a midnight thunderstorm, the limestone base of the area helps with drainage, keeping the site relatively dry [14:17].
Why This is the Perfect Fall Trip
While I filmed this in August, the Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail is legendary in mid-October [03:00]. The canopy of trees turns into a tunnel of orange and gold, making it arguably the best rail trail in Ontario for fall colors.
Final Thoughts
Bikepacking is about the experience, not the gear list. If you have a bike and a sleeping bag, you’re already 90% of the way there. Use the GO Train, follow the rail trails, and explore your own backyard.
Watch the full video of the trip here: Your First Overnight Bikepacking Trip From Toronto
Ride With GPS Route: