Markham Cycling Day
Dust off your helmets - Markham Cycling Day is Back!
Markham Cycling Day is a great opportunity to explore the city by bike with friends and family. We welcome riders of all ages and abilities to join this free community event. Since its start in 2008, Markham Cycling Day has continued to attract both local residents and visitors from outside the city.
What's New? We are at a new location this year! Event will take place near the Millennium Bandstand on Main Street Unionville (Fred Varley Drive & Main Street Unionville).
If you have any question, please contact cyclingday@markham.ca.
Please note: Schedule is subject to change without notice. Please check back regularly for up-to-date information.
Check-in Details
Beat the rush with early check-in, and enjoy a smooth and stress-free experience on event day morning!
Step 1: Locate and Prepare Your QR Code
Before arriving at the event, make sure you have successfully registered on Eventbrite and can access your unique QR code by accessing or downloading your ticket(s).
You can bring an electronic copy on your smartphone or a printed paper copy.
Your ticket should look like a standard Eventbrite ticket featuring a clear, square QR code. See below.
Step 2: Choose Your Early Check-In Time (Early Check-In Highly Recommended!)
- Friday, June 12 at Markham Civic Centre (Unionville Entrance) | 3:00pm to 7:00pm
- Saturday, June 13 at Markham Civic Centre (Unionville Entrance) | 10:00am to 1:00pm
If you cannot make it to an early check-in session, you will need to check-in at the venue on the day of event.
Skip the Line! If you pick up your wristband during early check-in, you do not need to check in on event day! You can bypass the registration area entirely and go straight to the main stage or start line at your designated departure time.
Step 3: Present Your Ticket for Scanning
When you arrive at the check-in desk (either during early check-in or on event day), have your digital or paper QR code ready. A staff member will scan your code to confirm your registration.
Planning to check in for family members or friends? You are welcome to do so by presenting their unique QR code to the staff at the check-in desk.
Step 4: After Checking-in
Once your QR code is successfully scanned, you will receive:
Your Ride Wristband: Required for the registered ride.
- Ice-Cream Voucher: Each child's bike race participant will receive one free ice-cream voucher redeemable at the event.
- Lunch Voucher (First 2,500 Only): A free lunch is provided to the first 2,500 Tour de Markham registrants who physically check in. Please note that online registration alone does not guarantee a lunch voucher; this is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
Missed the Lunch Cutoff? Don't Worry!
You won't go hungry—limited snacks will be provided at the event and at rest stops. Plus, Main Street Unionville is packed with a fantastic variety of local cafes, pubs, and restaurants to explore.
Tour de Markham Group Rides
Join us at the Millennium Bandstand on Main Street Unionville for the kick-off! With five exciting new routes to choose from, there’s a perfect ride waiting for every family member, regardless of age or ability.
All tours are self-guided and can be easily navigated using the RidewithGPS app. Please note that directional signs would be placed along the 5KM, 8KM and 15KM routes only, please see RidewithGPS instruction ahead of time.
Ride with GPS Routes | Printable Route Maps | Estimated Ride Time | Rest Stop | Recommended Cyclist Types | Route Signage |
5KM | 5KM | 30minutes to45 minutes | Austin Drive Park | Beginner, Family with Young Children | Yes |
8KM | 8KM | 45minutes to1 hour | Berczy Park South | Beginner, Family with Young Children | Yes |
15KM | 15KM | 1 hour to1.5 hour | Wismer Park | Beginner, Experience Riding on Roads | Yes |
25KM | 25KM | 1.5 hour to2 hour | Wismer Park | Intermediate, Experience Riding on Roads | No |
60KM | 60KM | 2.5 hours to3 hours | N/A | Experienced, Confident Riding on Roads | No |
*Note: Event routes and rest stops are subject to change. We recommend checking this website the morning of the event for any last-minute updates.
Prepare for the Rides
To ensure a fun and safe experience, please review information below:
Bike & Equipment
- All participant must wear a helmet and have a bike bell equipped on your bicycle.
- All bicycles must be in good working order. Ensure your tires are properly included before you arrive.
- Need a tune up? If you need assistance with your bike, please visit Markham Cycles Bike Hubs before event day.
- For safety reasons, motor-assisted e-bikes, balance bikes or bikes with training wheels are not allowed.
Age Requirement & Supervision
- Participants must be 16 years of age or older to ride independently.
- Riders under age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Ensure young riders have the cycling ability and stamina to complete the route safely.
On Your Ride
- Be prepared for different terrain including pavement, gravel, trail, as well as intersection crossings.
- Remember to follow traffic rules at stop signs, traffic lights, and right on the right side.
- Bring a fillable water bottle - refill station is available at City's Water truck before departure.
- When travelling on trails, please be mindful of pedestrians and these are shared routes.
- This is an outdoor event. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
Children Bike Races
This year, we are excited to offer Children’s Bike Races for ages 3 to 5! Our young riders will enjoy a fun race down a 90m course on Fred Varley Drive, with every participant earning a medal or ribbon at the finish line.
Race Schedule:
Participation Guidelines:
- All participants must bring a bike in good working condition, equipped with a bell. Helmets are mandatory for the duration of the ride.
- Please ensure tires are properly inflated. If you need a tune-up, feel free to visit the Markham Cycles Bike Hub before the event.
- Balance bikes and bikes with training wheels are welcome.
- A parent or guardian must be present for each child throughout the race.
- We encourage you to cheer loudly! However, please refrain from entering the course or interfering once the race has started.
- This is an outdoor event, so please dress appropriately for the weather to ensure comfort and safety.
Getting to the Event & Parking
Please be advised that a section of Main Street Unionville and Fred Varley Drive will be closed for the event. No vehicle access is allowed between 6AM and 2PM on day of event. Please plan ahead.
Limited parking is available around the event site. See BIA website for more information on Getting Here and Parking. We encourage participates to carpool, walk, bike or take transit to get to the event site.
Volunteering & Event Exhibitors
Volunteer sign-up is now closed. If you have any questions, please contact cyclingday@markham.ca
Exhibitors
This is a great opportunity to showcase your products, connect with cycling enthusiasts, and be part of a vibrant bike community event. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to confirm your participation soon.
For more information, please contact cyclingday@markham.ca
Thank You To Our Sponsors