World Naked Bike Ride Toronto 2026

Time for the annual protest ride through the streets of downtown Toronto. The event is free to attend and actually saves you money because you don't need clothes to participate! As usual the World Naked Bike Ride Toronto takes place on the second Saturday of June - this year on June 13, 2026 and is a rain or shine event. Superman and Superwoman put on their costume for the ride in the photo at top.

At the Victory Memorial in Coronation Park

Organizer Gene Dare will be in Coronation Park early, probably around 9 or 10am (he was here at 8:15am), waiting to greet the people who show up for the ride. Gene is in the photo at above, right side along with Madison Charlton and their dog Quentin.

Biking on the city streets

Taking a break at Queens Park

Riders will gather, socialize and some will apply bodypaint (bring your own paint) and sunscreen. The meeting point is the Victory Memorial near the giant Canadian Flag in the park just across Lake Shore Blvd and Exhibition Place. The ride will start rolling around 1pm, doing a large clockwise loop around the city core, passing by and stopping at a few of the major city icons before heading back to Coronation Park at the end of the event. You can join or drop out any time you want as well as riding as bare as you dare!

One of the most anticipated stops is the pond at Nathan Phillips Square, City Hall. People splash in the water and play in the fountains, however the pond has been drained and covered with fake grass to create soccer fields in honour of FIFA. If they bring soccer balls maybe they will have a quick game on the pitch.

From the Toronto WNBR website, "JUST SHOW UP AND RIDE The World Naked Bike Ride is global protest against the over usage of oil and urban pollution, promoting greater cycling safety on our roads, and encouraging body freedom for everyone. This site visually describes the naked protest and environmental awareness event. You are encouraged to join this legal ride. There is no cost, no registration, no cost to the taxpayer, no corporate sponsors and best of all it originated in Vancouver, Canada, and now occurs in over 80 cities worldwide. Renting a bike? Cover the seat."

You can find some info about the ride on my previous post here.

See some previous ride links and more 2026 photos after the jump.

Toronto World Naked Bike Ride 2026 coming June 13

Canadians have been bundled up for too long and finally the warmer temperatures are starting to come back, so as Toronto WNBR organizer Gene Dare says "get your bikes and body ready" for the 2026 edition of the Toronto World Naked Bike Ride. Gene is pictured above, meeting with a fan for a photo op at City Hall.

Google Map of the meetup site in Coronation Park

Riders will meet in Coronation Park, just south of the Exhibition Place Princes' Gates beginning around 10am (or earlier) on Saturday, June 13 where they will socialize, remove clothing, apply sunscreen and bodypaint. Departure happens around 1pm as participants mount bicycles, roller skates, skateboards or scooters for their clothes-free tour of downtown Toronto.

What, you say, is this even possible? Yes, it is. The ride in Toronto was started in 2004 and every year more and more people joined in, until Covid delayed the typical planned second Saturday in June 2020 and some people kept away due to the pandemic. But Covid could only slow them down for one year, now the rides bring hundreds of people, some who join on the spur of the moment as the group rides past.

While the route starts at Coronation Park, it winds through City streets, stopping or passing by some of Toronto's famous and iconic locations, in a general clockwise direction before returning back down to the lake, checking out some parks, then returning to Coronation Park. You can join or leave the group at any time and their are several planned breaks, the longest and most well known is the reflecting pond in City Hall's Nathan Phillips Square (there might not be water as the FIFA celebrations have made the pond into a couple of soccer fields). 

The actual route changes slightly every year depending on traffic, construction and whoever is giving directions and it takes around 4-5 hours to complete the ride. Many participants jump on a ferry or water taxi to head over to Hanlan's clothing optional beach on the Toronto Islands, either when the ride first passes the ferry terminals, or after the completion of the ride.

WNBR was started as a protest of the World's dependence on oil, which continues to be an important part of the ride, especially with what is going on in the Middle East, however several other reasons have become ingrained into the meaning of the ride. The Toronto WNBR Facebook page lists several of the reasons.

1. Reducing fossil fuel consumption: By cycling naked, participants show their commitment to more sustainable and less oil-dependent modes of transportation.

2. Cyclist safety: The event highlights the vulnerability of cyclists on the roads and encourages motorists to be more attentive and respectful towards alternative modes of transportation.

3. Body Positivity: By stripping naked to participate in the World Naked Bike Ride, participants celebrate the diversity of human bodies and promote self-acceptance.
This unique event combines activism, awareness, and celebration of bodily freedom. It brings together people from all walks of life for an unforgettable cycling experience.

Some of the stops include bathrooms, but otherwise they are few and far in between. Coronation Park has bathrooms so make sure you empty your tank before heading out. There are also washrooms in a few of the Queens Quay parks, in Trinity Bellwoods Park, in Allan Gardens, at Toronto City Hall and down at the ferry terminals. 

Hopefully it will be a beautiful day, but Gene says the ride goes, rain or shine. If it is sunny and warm you will need plenty of fluids and sunscreen, maybe a snack as well. It will always be a good idea to bring a seat cover, especially with rented or borrowed bikes.

The following are things to keep in mind.

• Parking is limited in Coronation Park and the meetup location is in and around the Victory-Peace Monument near the giant Canadian flag pole. There will also be reduced parking available nearby as construction of Ontario Place, the expansion and construction area in Exhibition Place due to FIFA upgrades. Even the Princess Margaret Ride to Conquer Cancer 2026 has moved from Exhibition Place to Sherway Gardens. Find someplace to park and ride to Coronation Park, or bike there from home if you can.

• The ride can be difficult in that we are riding on city streets with potholes, streetcar tracks and traffic lights and stop signs. Since a large group is participating, all trying to keep together, it is easy to get to close to each other and fall, or go through a rail track and fall, not notice that the group is stopping and fall, or come to a stop and just fall. So just plan on NOT FALLING!

• There are usually voluntary marshals that try to keep intersections blocked so only the WNBR can get through as a group, however this inconveniences drivers so try to keep together and remember that some drivers can get a case of road rage when they can't pass, or are delayed.

• If you are on your own or leave the group, put on clothes.

• People will be at the park watching the group and taking photos. You can wait to take off your clothes until the last minute, or like some people, put on masks to hide your identity. Once the group starts riding, bystanders will usually embrace the ride, cheer on the group and probably take photos and videos. Some will be mad at the WNBR, scream and possibly body shame, but luckily most find the whole event funny.

• Rarely do the bicycle mounted police provide an escort (it has only happened a few times). However most years the group will have police show up at Coronation Park because of people calling in to complain about the nudists at the park. Gene contacts police ahead of time to make them aware of the ride and puts up posters and notices, however this does not stop the police checking things out. They will meet with Gene or others, talk a bit, then the police usually leave and the ride continues getting reading for departure.

• It's as bare as you dare but do wear footwear and remember bicycle helmets are recommended. Otherwise it is up to you to determine how comfortable you are with being naked or partially naked. The sun can be powerful over the course of the ride so if you aren't covered, get a friend to complete your sunscreen application and don't forget to reapply occasionally. 

• Bring your own bodypaint, although some people share paint and sometimes there is a pro bodypainter on site (for a fee).

• Consider bringing a first aid kit or bandages for falls. There are no lockers nearby so bring a bag or backpack to store your clothes and supplies until you need them again.

• There is no cost to join the actual ride, no fundraising required per kilometre, no sign up at all, just join the ride to get word out on the purpose of the WNBR. There is a lot of cheerleading with chants of "less gas, more ass" and "Toronto World Naked Bike Ride".

• Sometimes media cover the event, like the CBC or Naked News (with nude reporters) and sometimes a group joins from the Toronto Oasis Aqualounge (a private member adult club) but the most enthusiastic group (I think) that joins is from Bare Oaks Naturist Resort. There are also individuals or small groups that come from other cities, provinces and other countries just to experience the WNBR.

• Have fun, enjoy the uniqueness of the annual event, keep orderly, safe and please don't fall.

See some post links from previous rides after the jump.

WNBR Toronto 2025

The global protest against oil dependency and urban pollution rolled through Toronto on Saturday, June 14, 2025 with another local edition of the World Naked Bike Ride. Just show up, take off your clothes and ride through some of the city's most iconic tourist destinations. It's also a great way to celebrate Bike Month. Photos provided by Toronto's WNBR organizer Gene Dare.

WNBR Toronto organizer Gene Dare

From WNBR Toronto's website, "The World Naked Bike Ride is global protest against the over usage of oil and urban pollution, promoting greater cycling safety on our roads, and encouraging body freedom for everyone. This site visually describes the naked protest and environmental awareness event. You are encouraged to join this legal ride. There is no cost, no registration, no cost to the taxpayer, no corporate sponsors and best of all it originated in Vancouver, Canada, and now occurs in over 80 cities worldwide."

Beginning at the military memorial in Coronation Park, just south of Exhibition Place, the riders ventured on an over 4 hour cruise, stopping at places like Queen's Park and the ever popular Nathan Phillips Square down in the shadow of City Hall before returning to Coronation Park. Many also ended the ride by crossing the harbour to Hanlan's Beach. While bikers screamed out "Less Gas, More Ass" many people watched the ride go by, cheering and taking photos.

See the 2026 ride info after the jump.

WNBR Toronto 2025 coming June 14

In just a little under two weeks the 2025 World Naked Bike Ride Toronto will be winding its way through busy downtown streets in a "global protest against oil dependency and urban pollution". Bikers will gather in Coronation Park beginning around 10am (or earlier) on Saturday, June 14 and will head out on the ride at 1pm.

The WNBR international event has been ongoing since 2001, beginning in Spain, before coming to Toronto in 2004. Covid reduced the numbers for a few years before the crisis passed and riders came back in force.

THE START: JUNE 14, 2025

Coronation Park is located along Lake Shore Boulevard West, just across from Exhibition Place. Limited parking is available in the park, otherwise I would suggest Exhibition Place for parking - or bike to the site. People will meet at the war memorial (shaped kind of like a ship) next to the large Canadian Flag pole near the water's edge.

Organizer Gene Dare will probably be on site early as riders begin to show up, socialize and begin to apply body paint and decorate their bikes with posters or signs. Gene rides with a large Canadian flag banner and a giant Canadian hat. More and more people will show up around noon until the group conducts a group photo and heads out at around 1pm. 

The group ride starts by heading north on Strachan Avenue. Remember the ride is as bare as you dare!

THE WNBR ROUTE

Overall the ride takes about 3 to 4 hours, but you can join or leave at any point you want, just get dressed when you leave. The route runs through and past many of Toronto's iconic tourist spots, traveling in an approximate clockwise circle before heading back to Coronation Park.

The ride changes a little bit every year, sometimes because of construction or street events, or just to add another Toronto favourite destination to the ride. This is the approximate journey they will take.

Coronation Park (photo op)

Trinity Bellwoods Park

Kensington Market

University of Toronto

Queen's Park (photo op)

Yorkville

Church Street Village

Allan Gardens

Toronto Metropolitan University

Eaton's Centre

Yonge-Dundas Square now Sankofa Square

City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square (with a quick stop in the fountain and photo op)
Down Bay street past Old City Hall

Union Station

Roundhouse Park

Queens Quay east to Sugar Beach Park

Back along the path to HTO Park
Return to Coronation Park

Riders then depart from the group at ride's end or possibly go to the Toronto Islands to party on Hanlan's Point clothing optional beach.

See the 2025 ride post here.

2025 WNBR Toronto ride announced

Toronto WNBR organizer Gene Dare has identified the date of next year's ride and guiding principles. The bare as you dare ride will take place Saturday, June 14, 2025. You can see some of the 2024 ride on my post here.

"World Naked Bike Ride
Second Saturday of June every year.
Coronation Park, Toronto

Less Gas, More Ass!

1. Reducing fossil fuel consumption: By cycling naked, participants show their commitment to more sustainable and less oil-dependent modes of transportation.

2. Cyclist safety: The event highlights the vulnerability of cyclists on the roads and encourages motorists to be more attentive and respectful towards alternative modes of transportation.

3. Body Positivity: By stripping naked to participate in the World Naked Bike Ride, participants celebrate the diversity of human bodies and promote self-acceptance.

This unique event combines activism, awareness, and celebration of bodily freedom. It brings together people from all walks of life for an unforgettable cycling experience."

World Naked Bike Ride Toronto 2024

The cheeky ride returns to Toronto Saturday, June 8! Hundreds of naked, or nearly naked, riders show up in Coronation Park for the annual protest bicycle ride through the streets of downtown Toronto. This event is part of a twenty-year, world wide protest that in Canada will also be held in Montreal, Halifax and Vancouver while Edmonton and Halifax participated in 2023. I have previously posted information on preparing for the ride on my post here. Gene is already on site before 8am ready to greet the riders.

If you see the ride coming you will also hear chants of "Less Gas, More Ass" and "World Naked Bike Ride" as people ride to save the world, protesting against the pollution caused by combustion vehicles and also riding against body shaming while promoting bicycling and fighting climate change.

WNBR Toronto organizer Gene Dare will greet people in Coronation Park, just south of Princes' Gates across Lake Shore Boulevard, beginning around 9am. Riders and interested people will show up to the Victory-Peace Monument by the tall Canadian flag pole. Socializing and body painting will happen before the ride leaves the park at 1pm and this year 'Naked News' star Eila Adams will be joining the ride.

Latest route map

You can find WNBR passing by the following iconic Toronto tourist spots between the start of the ride (1pm) and approximately 4:30pm.

Coronation Park (start, bathroom). Leave the park at 1pm
Trinity Bellwoods Park
Kensington Market
University of Toronto
Queen's Park (possible stop)
Yorkville
Allan Gardens (possibly, construction is underway in the park. possible stop)
Metropolitan University of Toronto
Yonge-Dundas Square (usually two circles around the square)
Toronto Eaton Centre
Toronto City Hall (usually the longest stop, bathroom)
David Pecaut Square (new biking sculpture)
Union Station
Roundhouse Park/CN Tower (possible stop)
Sugar Beach (possible stop)
HTO Beach
Coronation Park (final stop, get dressed, bathroom)

You can also join in along the route, difficult to plan on though, and every year several people impulsively see the ride, take off their clothes and join in WNBR. The planned ending is to return back to Coronation Park or go over to Hanlan's Point Beach on the Toronto Islands, otherwise you can depart the ride wherever you want.

Some of the previous rides in Toronto.

WNBR 2023

WNBR 2022

WNBR 2021

WNBR 2020

WNBR 2019

WNBR 2018

WNBR 2017

WNBR 2016

WNBR 2015

WNBR 2014

WNBR 2013

WNBR 2012

WNBR 2011

WNBR 2010

A nice lady was giving out free bike helmets. Clothing optional but safety first. She is Inga the CEO of Prime Health CarePrime Health Care. Inga also brought water and juice to Sugar Beach for the riders. Many thanks to Inga

See more photos of the ride after the jump.

Info for World Naked Bike Ride Toronto 2024 one week away

It's the 20th anniversary of the first World Naked Bike Ride Toronto, twenty years since the protest ride took to the streets of Toronto and from humble beginnings the ride now brings hundreds of riders going as bare as they dare. The annual ride is held on the second Saturday of June in the Northern Hemisphere and in 2024 that date is June 8th. UPDATE: Here is my post for the 2024 rideHere is my post for the 2024 ride.

Here is some information regarding the 2024 Toronto ride.

Why the WNBR: Less Gas, More Ass (is the rallying cry throughout the ride)! From the Toronto groups Facebook page "World Naked Bike Ride is a peaceful protest against fossil fuels and dependency on oil. Also; an awareness of the vulnerability of cyclists, and to promote body positivity."

Gene is in his big hat

Where it all starts: Coronation Park along Toronto's waterfront, just south of the Princes' Gates at Exhibition Place. Participants gather around the Victory-Peace Monument near the Canadian flag pole - beginning early around 9am for socializing and body painting with ride coordinator Gene Dare (in giant, red Canada hat and large WNBR flag banner on his bike) usually the first on site. 

Coronation Park memorial photo (earlier in the year)

The park is well served by the lakefront multi-use path, has limited pay parking (probably non-existent when you get there) and there is a bathroom on site. I highly recommend that you bike into the site.

Events in the area: There will be a baseball tournament in the ball diamonds in the park from 8am to 1pm. Also thousands of bikers will be in Exhibition Place for the Princess Margaret Ride to Conquer Cancer which starts at 8am. If you are coming in by car find a place to park wherever you can.

The Gathering: From 9am people will start to trickle in to the monument area with more people arriving around 10am. It won't take long before a couple of the participants go clothes free. People will also begin body painting or discuss stuff and also get their bikes many adding WNBR leaflets or posters.

Sometimes the Toronto Police drop by to touch base with Gene Dare and in the past they have occasionally escorted the ride through Toronto.

How to prepare: The weather for Saturday is supposed to be mainly sunny with a high of 19 degrees expected - so a little cooler in the morning. No rain is currently expected during the ride (it's a rain or shine ride anyway).

-Bring sunscreen

-Bring water or other beverages to stay hydrated and snacks as required

-Bring a bag or backpack to hold your clothes

-Bring your bike, scooter or skates

-Bring locks for your bikes and valuables

-Bring a seat cover - especially for rental bikes

-Bring costume accessories and body paint along with signs and decorations for your bike and body

-Bring masks if necessary (health and/or anonymity)

-Get ready for non-participants to show up to see what is going on or take pictures of the riders

-Bring simple first aid as falls do happen on the ride, especially during sudden stops or because of streetcar tracks.

- Note: there are not too many bathrooms along the route (unless you leave the ride) except for Coronation Park and City Hall.

Last hour of the gathering (12 noon to 1pm): A large portion of the WNBR join the gathering as we get closer to the departure time. Final body painting and decorating is being completed and more people go as bare as they dare. In the last half hour there is usually a group photo along the steps of the side of the memorial.

Lake Shore at Strachan across from Princes' Gates, Exhibition Place

Departure: The ride leaves Coronation Park at approximately1pm - from the memorial to the first street: Lake Shore Blvd at Strachan Avenue - heading north up Strachan under the guidance of the ride leader.

The route: The ride takes about 3-4 hours and you can join or leave at any time (suggest you dress up if you leave the group), although it is difficult to know where the WNBR group is at any specific time so it is hard to join up unless you see the group in person (quite a few people join along the ride). Most people either head back to Coronation Park at the end of the ride, or head to Hanlan's Point beach on the Toronto Islands by ferry for more fun in the sun.

It should be noted that most people along the route find the ride amazing and fun to watch with crowds pulling out phones to record the event and people clapping and giving high fives. Over the years groups of riders have joined marriage parties for group photos with the happy couples and associated wedding party (always good for the wedding album). Some people (definitely a small minority) will say bad things including possibly body shaming.

Major landmarks in downtown Toronto are passed during the ride with a couple locations used as planned stops for photo opportunities, the favourite being City Hall's reflecting pond where many riders take to the water. The route is generally circular going in a clockwise direction. 

Here is a list of the typical sites we ride by, or stop at, shown in the staging of the ride (with some changes could occur due to construction or other factor).

Coronation Park (start, bathroom)

Trinity Bellwoods Park

Kensington Market

University of Toronto

Queen's Park (possible stop)

Yorkville

Allan Gardens (possibly, construction is underway in the park. possible stop)

Metropolitan University of Toronto

Yonge-Dundas Square (usually two circles around the square)

Toronto Eaton Centre

Toronto City Hall (usually the longest stop, bathroom)

David Pecaut Square (new biking sculpture)

Union Station

Roundhouse Park/CN Tower (possible stop)

Sugar Beach (possible stop)

HTO Beach

Coronation Park (final stop, get dressed, bathroom)

WNBR Toronto 2024 will celebrate 20th anniversary

This year's World Naked Bike Ride Toronto will be the 20th anniversary of the initial bicycle protest which rolled through the city and in cities around the world. The peaceful protestors - hoping to save the earth, one small pedal at a time, will certainly celebrate this amazing anniversary with, perhaps, 20% more bodypaint. A much anticipated stop of the ride happens at the reflecting pool at city hall, pictured above. UPDATE: Here is my post for the 2024 rideHere is my post for the 2024 ride.

Riders will gather early Saturday, June 8, 2024 in Coronation Park before heading out at 1pm and visiting more downtown tourist spots in Toronto than any old bus tour company could dream of. Look forward to more posts on the upcoming ride.

Bare as you Dare for upcoming WNBR Toronto 2024

Just five more weeks till the World Naked Bike Ride which will see hundreds of naked, or nearly naked, protestors riding through the streets of Toronto on Saturday, June 8, 2024. The protest ride will be led by organizer Gene Dare (pictured above) with his colourful banner flying high off his bike as the ride's circuitous route starts and ends in Coronation Park. This year will also be a special year - check my post here.

Dress code: Casual or fancy clothes free, everyone likes costumes and body paints, come bare as you dare.

When: Meet at Coronation Park, just south of Princes' Gates and Exhibition Place. Come early for socializing and body painting, people will probably be there from 9am on.

Protest ride: Leaves Coronation Park at 1pm and heads up Strachan Avenue towards Trinity Bellwoods Park. Takes about 3 to 4 hours and you can leave, or join, at any point in the route.

The Route: Hits many of Toronto's favourite tourist and iconic spots including Kensington Market, Yorkville, Queens Park, Yonge-Dundas Square by the Eaton Centre, Nathan Phillips Square and the reflecting pool, Harbourfront and the two urban beaches - Sugar and HTO Beaches.

Why: Less Gas, More Ass (one of my favourite slogans). Clean, Green and Body Positive. Fight back against climate change, fight for the environment and try not to body shame.

As we get closer to WNBR I will provide another post with some tips for the preparation for the ride, otherwise time passes fast so it will be here before you know it.

Toronto World Naked Bike Ride 2023

Warm and sunny with highs of 27 degrees is perfect for a little bare ass bike riding for WNBR2023. The streets of Toronto will be filled with cyclists on Saturday, June 10 supporting the environment by protesting vehicular pollution all the while promoting body positivity and joining a worldwide event taking place in over 70 cities and in 20 countries. The northern hemisphere rides in June and the southern hemisphere rides in March. Toronto rides annually on the second Saturday of June so you can prepare for next year. The official date is Saturday, June 8, 2024.

HTO Beach

Nathan Phillips Square at City Hall

Update: it is gorgeous weather and it's warming up. Gene was here at 9am, photo at top, and by 9:30am riders were just starting to show up.

The ride starts in Coronation Park, just south of the Princes' Gates in Exhibition Place, at the war memorial adjacent to the Canadian flag. Gene Dare, the Toronto ride organizer, will probably be there at nine am but most people show up starting around 10 where participants will socialize and apply body paint before starting the ride at 1pm.

Matti Charlton for Mayor

Some of the posters made for the ride

People lined the streets as the ride passes by

As the large crowd of riders, estimated at over 200 for this year, head out of the park for the approximate three hour tour the City starts hearing of the ride on social media and many line the streets and cheer on the naked bikers. The route takes the World Naked Bike Ride Toronto past some of the city's iconic landmarks and neighbourhoods including Queen's Park, Yonge-Dundas Square, Nathan Phillips Square at City Hall, the CN Tower and Sugar and HTO Beaches before returning to Coronation Park.

Dress code is as bare as you dare with plenty of sunscreen recommended. Costumes or fun accessories are also welcome.  You can join the ride, or leave the ride any time you want. Many head over to Hanlan's Point clot hing optional beach at the end of the ride.

Here are some of Gene's suggestions for the ride.

1.  Careful on the ttc tracks.

2. Take lots of pictures!

3. Top up the air in your tires. Oil all moving parts for a smoother easier ride.

4. No bike, then run, roller blade or scooter it. Cover the seats of your rental bikes please.

5. Water and suntan lotion is a necessity. Note: you can refill water at Allan Gardens and City Hall.

6. The co-organizer of the Montreal Naked Bike Ride will be bringing body paints to our ride.

7. Allan Gardens may have a tent encampment there. Give those people their space please.

8. After we get back to Coronation Park please get dressed. The protest is over.

9. Three police divisions have been notified of the protest and welcomed to participate.

10. Just have fun!

Come back often as I add more pictures of the 2023 WNBR.

You can explore past WNBR Toronto events through this link: https://www.torontograndprixtourist.com/search/label/WNBR

See more photos after the jump.

World Naked Bike Ride Toronto 2023 coming in June

Update: June 10 see my post on the 2023 ride here.

Are you ready for the annual two-wheeled, gas-free mobile protest that is one of Toronto's most unusual public events? Well WNBR is scheduled for Saturday, June 10, 2023 so here are top ten things you need to know to prepare for the bike ride.

1. Transportation and parking. WNBR Toronto starts in Coronation Park along Lake Shore, just south of Prince's Gates at Exhibition Place, in the war memorial next to the giant flag. Parking on site is limited so try biking to the park or look for parking at nearby Ontario Place, Exhibition Place or nearby Queens Quay area.

2. Gathering starts early on from around 10am so that participants can socialize, prep and decorate bikes, apply body paints and get any costumes ready. You can also meet ride organizer Gene Dare wearing the big, red hat who is usually on site by 9am. There will be plenty of visitors watching and taking photos, both in the park and along the route of the ride, so wear a mask if you are uncomfortable with this. There will probably be a body painter on site but they might be busy so bring some of your own paints to use and share.

3. This is a clothing optional event, be as bare as you dare from fancy suits to your birthday suit. As Gene explains this is a legal, clothing free protest and the police often show up to touch base with Gene or even occasionally providing police bicycle escorts. Gene notifies and liaisons with Toronto Police and news organizations so they are aware of the ride. Media crews might visit during prep to interview and film the bikers and we will take group photos before the ride begins.

4. It is important to bring sunscreen and liquid refreshments, apply both liberally as you don't want sunburns on delicate body parts or dehydrate on the ride.

5. You don't need to use a bicycle. Any gas free, auto free mode of personal transport is welcome. We see scooters, roller blades and skateboards being used and consider the bike share bicycles if you don't own, or can't get their own bike to site - although a seat cover is definitely suggested (good for all bikes).

6. The actual ride starts at approximately 1pm as hundreds of people mount their bikes and head out of the park, led by route guides and traffic wardens protecting the cyclists at intersections. WNBR Toronto is a rain or shine event so try to use waterproof paints if it is raining. Weather almost always has been nice for the ride, so hopefully this will continue in 2023.

7. The ride takes approximately 3 to 4 hours and takes us through or by some of Toronto's most famous landmarks or neighborhoods including Trinity Bellwoods Park, Kensington Market, the University of Toronto campus, Yorkville, Queen's Park, Allan Gardens, around Yonge-Dundas Square and Toronto City Hall, near Steam Whistle Brewing for the CN Tower picture as well as Queen's Quay and H2O and Sugar Beaches. The pace is relatively moderate so the large group of riders keeps together as best as possible.

8. WNBR Toronto stops for photos and rest at Queen's Park, Allan Gardens, Toronto City Hall / Nathan Phillips Square and the Toronto Ferry port CN Tower.

9. Public reaction is generally very favourable with many lining the street as WNBR people cry out the name of the ride or shout out "less gas, more ass". Surprisingly many people don't know of the ride, or that it was happening that day so they are a little bit surprised to see so much naked flesh passing by. They smile, laugh and wave while almost everyone pulls out their phones to document the ride, otherwise people might not believe them. There are some that make fun of the rider's bodies or tell them to put in clothes, but they are mean, small in numbers and the ride is also about body positivity.

10. You can stay with the group till the end of drop out whenever you feel like it, otherwise we head back to the starting point at Coronation Park. Don't forget to put on clothes when you leave the ride! The majority of people might stop at the Toronto Ferry port where they either quit the ride, head over to the clothing free beach at Hanlan's Point on the Islands or return to Coronation Park. The choice is yours. Have fun and be a positive force towards improving the planet!

Now you are ready to do something outside the box and remember to have fun and enjoy the physical workout.

World Naked Bike Ride Toronto 2022

The annual global environmental protest rides through Toronto once again as the World Naked Bike Ride takes place on Saturday, June 11, 2022. Riders will gather early on Saturday morning beginning around 10am to socialize, disrobe and apply some body paint before heading out on the streets of Toronto at approximately 1pm - "rain or shine we ride". Come back often as I add photos from Saturday's WNBR Toronto! Gene estimated about 200 riders for 2022, the numbers are climbing after the pandemic kept a few people away in 2020 and 2021.

Gathering at the memorial in Coronation Park

Gene Dare before his interview with Roxanne O'Neill from Naked News

Led by organizer Gene Dare (posing with a fan at the 2019 ride in the photo at top), the WNBR is fighting against climate change along with a healthy dose of body positivity and as Gene says "ride as bare as you dare", you don't have to ride without clothes. The gathering place is Coronation Park, just south of the Princes' Gates in Exhibition Place, in the Veteran's Memorial close to the trail along Lake Ontario. Gene will be in the tall, red hat standing near his bike with the Canadian flag WNBR banner. 

Before the riders depart the park the group poses for photos, including a large group photo on the steps of the memorial, then the 2.5 hour ride will head north up Strachan Avenue towards Trinity-Bellwoods Park, then going clockwise through some of the iconic Toronto locations such as Kensington Market, the University of Toronto, Queen's Park and the Legislative Building, Yorkville, Allan Gardens (also good for a bathroom break), into Ryerson University, a couple of laps around Yonge-Dundas Square and into Nathan Phillips Square at Toronto City Hall for a romp in the pond (also good for a bathroom break). Then the ride heads down Bay Street until it hits the bike trail along Queen's Quay, turning east to Sugar Beach. New for 2022; the ride will skip the Toronto Island ferry docks (some will leave the ride early to go to the the Island's nude beach at Hanlan's Point) and go to the CN Tower followed by a trip to H2O Beach and finally return back to Coronation Park. At this point there are a couple of options - one is you finish the ride, two you head back to the ferry docks and go to Hanlan's Beach and third is a dare to go bare swim at a Toronto Pool - you can talk to Gene about it if you are interested.

Construction and other events impacted the ride at Queen's Park Circle, Yorkville and through Ryerson. Weather wise it ended up an almost perfect day - the rain turned into a few episodes of spitting out, just enough to cool the riders down for a few seconds.

The ride heading south on Bay Street

Saturday's weather is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 21 degrees Celsius so it won't be too warm - undress accordingly! Some words of wisdom from Gene: wear sunscreen, bring plenty of fluids, maintain your bike, bring seat covers (especially if you use Bike Share Toronto bicycles), keep your bikes legal (working lights, bell or horn), wear a mask if you want (it will help you remain anonymous in all the pictures). Gene has also alerted the Toronto Police Service to the WNBR 2022 event and it is always possible that they will provide a bicycle police escort (they have in the past for the occasional WNBR ride).

Circling Yonge-Dundas Square along the Toronto Eaton Centre

The dreaded streetcar tracks crossing Spadina

And some of my tips - add some flare or costume to you or your bike (have some fun), bring some bodypaint, watch our for hazards such as streetcar tracks or when the group slows down unexpectedly, keep an eye out for road closures due to ActiveTO which might impact Lake Shore Boulevard West, there is limited parking in Coronation Park (and you have to be early to get a spot) otherwise park at Exhibition Place, Ontario Place or some other close by location. Be ready for people lining the street and watching in cars, buses and patios, most enjoying the spectacle of the ride and taking photos and videos.

Quick update from the City: The westbound lanes on Lake Shore Boulevard West, from Strachan Avenue to Windermere Avenue, will be closed to vehicles from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m., June 11, for the Ride to Conquer Cancer cycling fundraiser.

See more photos of the ride after the jump.

Bike Month and the World Naked Bike Ride Toronto 2022 coming

Toronto welcomes Bike Month from May 30 until June 20, 2022 with a Bike to Work group commute on Monday heading to Nathan Phillips Square and later an independent, clothing optional ride on June 11th. See my post of the 2022 event here.

From the City's media release: "Cyclists from across the city are invited to join the group commute at one of four starting points and ride to Nathan Phillips Square for a group celebration, co-hosted by the City of Toronto and Cycle Toronto. Each of the four official group rides will have at least two Cycle Toronto Ride Guides to ensure riders stay on course and arrive safely. Date: Monday, May 30
Times: 7:30 a.m. Cyclists will leave from Yonge and Charles Streets and proceed south on Yonge Street for the event outside of Toronto City Hall, followed by remarks at 8:15 a.m. at Nathan Phillips Square.

Cycling is the fastest growing mode of transportation in Toronto. Since Toronto’s Cycling Network Plan was approved in 2019, 64 kilometres of new bikeways have been installed with 47 kilometres of existing bikeways receiving upgrades and safety enhancements.

The four official meetup points and start times are:
• West: Bloor Street and High Park Avenue (southeast corner) at 7:10 a.m.
• North: Davisville Avenue and Yonge Street (southwest corner) at 7:20 a.m.
• East: East Lynn Park (Danforth Ave. west of Woodbine Ave.) at 7:10 a.m.
• Central: Yonge Street and Charles Street (northwest corner) at 7:30 a.m."

Mayor John Tory says “We support cycling in the city and recognize the many benefits it brings to the lives of our residents. We have worked hard to expand Toronto’s cycling infrastructure to increase safety and provide more opportunities for people to get around this city in a greener and cleaner way. I encourage residents to take part in Bike to Work Day this year and to celebrate all of the activities taking place this Bike Month.”

One of the best events for bike riders is the upcoming World Naked Bike Ride Toronto 2022 which is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, 2022 (second Saturday in June). The ride begins at Coronation Park (near Exhibition Place) with riders gathering and socializing from about 10AM to 1PM (rain or shine) and the naked riders heading out onto the streets of Toronto around 1PM - ride as bare as you dare. Socializing includes getting body painted, applying sunscreen and making sure your bike is ready to go. Remember to keep hydrated and pay attention to the flow of traffic and the hazards of streetcar tracks.

The WNBR Toronto 2022 route, organized by Gene Dare, will have some new destinations this year. While the usual route takes us through some of the top tourist attractions in downtown Toronto including Queen's Park, Kensington Market, Yorkville, Allen Gardens, several times around Yonge-Dundas Square and then taking a break at and in the pond at Nathan Phillips Square. When we head down Bay Street we will turn east along Queen's Quay and ride through Sugar Beach and instead of stopping at the Ferry Docks, the ride will continue to the CN Tower, then to H2O Beach and finally returning to Coronation Park. I am sure many will also continue to the nude beach at Hanlan's Beach on the islands.

The WNBR event is a world wide, annual protest against energy dependence drawing attention to the harm pollution does to the planet including climate change. The ride also helps to promote body acceptance and bicycling. WNBR continued throughout the Covid years of lockdown and should feature hundreds of participants this year.