A Runner's Guide to Mississauga
Mississauga is a hot spot for runners of all levels. Whether you are a casual jogger addicted to the Strava app, a family looking for a scenic stroll, or an athlete in peak training for the Beneva Mississauga Marathon in April, the city offers a world-class network of over 500 parks and multi-use trails. This blog includes 3 of the best trails to run on, nourishing food, tips for running, and information on the Mississauga Marathon.
Running Routes
01. Lakefront Promenade (The Marina Run)
The Route: This attractive waterfront stretch runs from Lakeview Park (off Hydro Rd), through Douglas Kennedy Park, and into Lakefront Promenade Park toward the lighthouse.
The Distance: Approximately 8km out and back if you include the spur around the marina to RK McMillan Park.
Why it’s a favourite: Wide-open views of the marina and a very flat, fast surface. It’s the perfect spot for a sunrise or sunset run.
02. Port Credit Waterfront (The Village Loop)
The Route: A classic loop starting at Tall Oaks Park, heading west to the Port Credit Marina, around the scenic JC Saddington Park, and finishing with a loop around Port Credit Memorial Park.
The Distance: A full circuit is roughly 9km.
Why it’s a favourite: This route puts you right in the heart of the Port Credit village. It’s perfect if you want to pair your workout with a post-run coffee or brunch at a local patio along Lakeshore.
03. Erindale Park & The David J. Culham Trail (The Greenbelt)
The Route: Start near Erindale Park (Mississauga’s largest park). For a longer, off-road experience, follow the David J. Culham Trail north. It’s 3.5km to Hwy 403 and 5.7km to Eglinton Ave.
The Distance: Flexible! Stick to the park paths for 3-5km or head north for a 15km+ adventure through the Credit River corridor.
Why it’s a favourite: Total immersion in nature with flowing water in the spring and summer. If you’re looking for hill training, the trails near the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) campus offer excellent elevation changes.
Pit Stops: Bathrooms and Water Stations
Public Washrooms: Major park buildings at Erindale, Jack Darling, and JC Saddington are generally open year-round (typically 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.).
Water Fountains: Note that outdoor standalone fountains are seasonal and are typically winterized during colder months. Pro-tip: Carry your own hydration during the off-season. When you’re running near the waterfront, you can quickly run across the street and get refreshments from local businesses to keep you going.
Fuel Up: Healthy Food Spots
Mississauga’s culinary scene offers plenty of ways to refuel without the “fast food” crash.
City Centre and Square One Shopping Centre
imPerfect Fresh Eats (Food District, Square One): A fantastic spot for customizable grain bowls and smoothies. They use “imperfect” produce to reduce food waste—try their Char Chicken or Hungry Buddha bowls.
Village Juicery (Food District, Square One): The go-to for organic, cold-pressed juices and plant-based grab-and-go jars. Their “Booster Shots” are great for an anti-inflammatory ginger kick.
Basil Box (Square One): A 100% gluten-free facility inspired by Southeast Asian street food. Build your own box with fresh proteins, veggies, and spices.
Chipotle Mexican Grill (City Centre Dr): A reliable staple for a high-protein, customizable bowl. Opt for brown rice, black beans, and double greens.
Port Credit and Lakeshore
The Cold Pressery: Famous for nutrient-dense smoothies, acai bowls, and vegan treats.
Nourishmoi: A local gem for clean, whole-food meals. Everything is made from scratch with zero refined sugars or preservatives.
Raw Aura Organic Cuisine: For the ultimate “clean” meal, this spot offers raw, vegan, and gluten-free dishes like their signature Miso Me Please soup.
Around the City
Copper Branch (Multiple Locations): 100% plant-based powerhouse. Their “Aztec Power Bowl” is a runner favorite for recovery.
The Chopped Leaf (Heartland): Fresh, chef-designed salads and wraps that are easy to customize to your macro needs.
Sprouts (Financial Dr): A hidden gem specializing in fresh-pressed sandwiches and gourmet soups—perfect for a post-trail lunch in the north end.
Gear: Where to Shop
Whether its running shoes, heart monitors, or moisture wicking clothes, these spots are guaranteed to have you covered with all your running needs.
Square One Shopping Centre
Nike Square One 2.0: A massive flagship featuring the latest in Nike Running technology. Their staff can help you find the right “Daily Trainer” or “Race Day” shoe.
Decathlon Square One: The best spot for high-quality, affordable gear. From hydration vests to running headlamps and energy gels, they offer incredible value for runners of all levels.
Foot Locker: A go-to for the latest releases from top brands like New Balance, Asics, and Hoka.
Heartland Town Centre
JD Sports: A massive selection of the latest performance footwear and streetwear-crossover apparel.
Sport Chek Heartland: A reliable one-stop shop for everything from Garmin fitness trackers to winter running tights.
SVP Sports Heartland: A local favorite for finding brand-name running shoes and athletic apparel at significant discounts.
Specialty Running Shops
Running Room (Port Credit & Winston Churchill): The heart of the local running community. They offer professional gait analysis to ensure you’re in the right shoe for your stride.
Community: Who to Run With
Running is better together! Mississauga’s run clubs are welcoming, inclusive, and a great way to discover new trails.
Winston Churchill Run Club: Meets every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at the Winston Churchill Running Room. They offer various pace groups, making it perfect for beginners and marathoners alike.
Port Credit Run Club: A local community group that often meets for social runs along the waterfront. Keep an eye on local social media for their pop-up weekend long runs.
Mercy 4 Mankind / Run for Mississauga: A dedicated community group that organizes local charity runs and training meet-ups focused on community service and health.
- Meadowvale Panthers: A high-energy community run club based in North Mississauga. Known for their inclusive atmosphere and “no runner left behind” mentality, they are a fantastic choice for those looking to explore the trails around Lake Aquitaine and Meadowvale.
The Beneva Mississauga Marathon
Lace up for one of Canada’s premier spring running traditions! For 22 years, the Beneva Mississauga Marathon has brought thousands of runners from across North America to our streets for a weekend dedicated to health, community, and personal achievement. Known as a fast, scenic, and “net-downhill” course, it is the ultimate place to set a new personal best.
The 2026 Race Lineup
Full Marathon (42.2K): The flagship event and a prime Boston Qualifier.
Electrolit Half Marathon (21.1K): A fast, scenic 13.1-mile journey to the lake.
Trillium Health Partners Marathon Relay (New for 2026!): Grab your friends or colleagues and split the distance to experience the marathon atmosphere as a team.
Mississauga 10K & 5K: High-energy races perfect for all fitness levels.
Tims Trot: The ever-popular fun run designed specifically for kids.
The Course: A Journey Through the 'Sauga
The race offers a true “tour” of Mississauga’s most beautiful landscapes. The journey begins in the heart of the city at Celebration Square, where the “Spectator Village” creates an electric atmosphere for both runners and fans.
From there, the point-to-point course winds through:
University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) Campus: A lush, green segment of the route.
The Credit River Valley: Scenic views along the historic river and tree-lined neighbourhoods.
Local Villages: Experience the unique charm of Clarkson and Port Credit as the community cheers you on.
The Grand Finale: A triumphant finish along the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario at Lakefront Promenade Park.
Participant Perks & Registration
Registration is open, with entry fees ranging from $20 – $120 depending on your event choice.
Personalized Experience: Early registrants can take advantage of personalized bibs to hear the crowd call their name!
Training Support: Get race-ready with comprehensive training plans provided courtesy of ASICS Runkeeper.
Spectator Spirit: Even if you aren’t running, head to the Spectator Village at Celebration Square or the finish line at Lakefront Promenade to soak in the vibrant energy of the GTA’s most active community.
Make a Weekend of It
If you’re visiting from out of town, the Marathon is the perfect excuse to explore. Between races, be sure to check out world-class shopping at Square One, and discover our international Michelin dining scene.
To stay up to date on everything that’s happening, be sure to follow Visit Mississauga on Instagram.