Riding The Laneway To Heaven

Whether you associate the myriad back alleys that criss-cross Toronto with crime and filth or art and beauty, Graeme Parry's laneway tours are sure to be a treat.

Each of the free cycling tours explores a neighbourhood from behind, uncovering the beautiful and unexpected sights along the way. Riders will see laneway houses, hidden gardens and parks, colourful graffiti, and many other under-appreciated bits of our urban fabric. This is your chance to explore the city inside the city that most people don't even know exists.

Two tours are running on Sunday July 8:

The Junction

Charming residential alleys, older industrial areas along a proposed bike path, strange spaces and engaging graffiti. Meet at Dundas West Station, in front of the main entrance at 11:00 a.m.

Trinity-Bellwoods, Little Italy, Queen West

Many laneway homes, new and original, famous Croft Street, and graffiti alley south of Queen St. West. Meet at the south-east corner of Trinity-Bellwoods Park, at Gore Vale and Queen St. West at 1:00 p.m.

Previous participants will be pleased to know that the popular series has expanded to include a new ride through the leafy, winding laneways of South Riverdale and Queen St. East.

The full schedule for this year includes:

The Junction: July 8, August 5, and September 2

Trinity-Bellwoods, Little Italy, Queen West: July 8, August 5, September 2, and September 30

Corktown to Cabbagetown: July 22, August 19, and September 16

South Riverdale and Queen East: July 22, August 19, September 16, and September 30

Space on each ride is limited so be sure to look for details on Graeme's Laneing website and send email to register in advance.

Photo by chelseagirl from the Torontoist Flickr Pool.