A Conversation with Wendy Huismans of Pedal Toronto, and What You Can Discover From a Bike Seat

I first met Wendy Huismans sweating it out to some of my favourite tunes in the spin studio. I soon learned she had a pretty cool gig outside the gym as the owner and operator of Pedal Toronto — a guided cycling tour company that takes locals and visitors through the neighbourhoods, waterfront and hidden gems around Toronto, on two wheels.

VOOM and Pedal - A Shared Mission

Wendy wants people to experience their city actively — and that resonates with why we built VOOMcart.  Active transportation (like walking and biking) gives you ability to notice things.Whether it's an intentional adventure pedalling through a neighbourhood with Wendy, riding to the market, or simply transforming an errand into a chance to walk a little more with a VOOMcart —

the idea is the same: cycling and walking make you slow down and notice the world around you.

Erin - What first inspired you to start Pedal Toronto?

Wendy - Pedal Toronto was born from a lifelong love of two things: cycling and this city. When you're on a bike, you notice things you'd never catch from a car or a tour bus — the hidden laneways, the waterfront, and the neighbourhoods that tell the story of how this city grew and changed. But it was more than just a love of cycling — it was a commitment to living actively and healthfully, a belief

that the best experiences in life happen when you're moving through the world, not just passing it by. 

Add to that a dream to build something of my own, and Pedal Toronto became the natural intersection of all of it.

Erin - What might a first-timer discover — about the city, or even about themselves?

Wendy - The most common comment I hear from newcomers is that they feel they have truly discovered the city, engaging all their senses as we cycle through it. There is often a renewed love of cycling — that feeling of freedom of movement. My hope is that our tours remind people that cycling is a viable and enjoyable mode of transportation.

Erin- Do you have a favourite route?

Wendy - My favourite is the Waterfront and Toronto Islands. By the time we're on a boat crossing to the islands, we already feel like we've seen so much — and then everything changes. We can hear the birds, feel the breeze off the lake, and discover another very special side of Toronto. Beautiful beaches, wonderful cafes and a magical community to explore.

Erin - How does VOOMcart fit into your life?

Wendy - It has made my life easier on many occasions, personally and professionally. I live in a condo and use it to move things between my car, condo and storage locker — it has saved me from so many extra trips.

VOOMcart also works as a mobile workstation when meeting tour groups — it holds spare parts, extra gear and snacks and I can wheel it around easily while checking on each guest.

Go Ride With Wendy

Toronto cycling season is here and Wendy has three wonderful tours to choose from:

Toronto Waterfront & Islands Tour — The most popular for good reason. Scenic waterfront trail, a boat ride to the islands, and a cruise through the historic Distillery District.

Toronto Islands Sunrise Breakfast Tour — An early morning ride finishing with breakfast at the Runaway Cafe on the islands. An absolutely lovely way to start a day.

Saturday Morning Market to Market Tour — The foodie favourite. St. Lawrence Market, legendary peameal bacon sandwiches, and a ride through some of Toronto's most charming neighbourhoods.

Head to pedaltoronto.com to book your spot - the season has just begun!