Ontario By Bike Ride – August 2020

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This Ride is now over
The detailed ride itinerary for this ride is available below for download. Enjoy great trail riding with a self-guided ride experience.

download itinerary

Simcoe County Loop Trail

When: Anytime. It’s a self-guided itinerary


Total Distance: 164km  

The Ride: Discover the fantastic and diverse trails in Simcoe County on this two day looped ride itinerary. Located just over an hour north of Toronto, Simcoe County has a world-class rail trail network that connected makes for a convenient circuit and perfect ride for recreational riders looking to explore the area by bike. Passing through naturalized wetlands, several small towns and a number of historic sites, these trails run on a mix of crushed stone dust, gravel and paved surfaces. Featuring the well-maintained Uhthoff, Tay Shore and Tiny Trails, brings you along the rugged waterfront shores of the Severn Sound in southern Georgian Bay and through the beautiful countryside of Simcoe County, with an overnight stay in Midland.

Experience Level and Ride Guide: Moderate. Off-road trail system with a mix of crushed stone dust, gravel and paved surfaces, plus level road crossings. Combined with limited elevation changes, the relatively flat terrain makes this ride suitable for hybrid, gravel, mountain or older road bikes. On-road riding limited to trail connections in Barrie and Midland.

View digital route of the tour – ridewithgps.com 

OBBR Aug Photo Strip 1Photo Credits: Ontario By Bike, Destination Ontario

Day 1: Barrie to Midland – 72km

Starting from downtown Barrie, set out following a 16km road route connecting to the North Simcoe Rail Trail. Slow down to view wildlife and native plants, on this gravel section that travels through the Minesing Wetlands, one of Ontario’s largest remaining wetlands, before connecting along the not-so-short 23km Tiny Trail just north of Elmvale. Stop at the trailside park for a picnic or pop into town for lunch before continuing north. For a quick detour to the beach, turn left at Balm Beach Road following the road for about 3.5km. Roll onwards and under the heavy tree canopy, meandering across creeks and rivers on a series of historic railway bridges into the town of Penetanguishene. Riding alongside the shores of the Severn Sound and Georgian Bay, cruise into Midland via the Mid-Pen Trail link, the final destination of day one.

Day 2: Midland to Barrie – 92km

A ride highlight, follow the waterfront trail connecting to the Tay Shore Trail for a delightful fully paved 20km. Consider a trail side stop at Saint-Marie among the Hurons, a Canadian National Historic Site. Enjoy frequent water views and water access as the trail weaves its way through marshlands and along the shoreline of Georgian Bay. South of Waubaushene connect on to the Uhthoff Trail. Take a lunch break in the town of Coldwater before biking onward to Orilla. Enjoy a stop at the Couchiching Beach Park in Orilla, and then continue south along the easy riding Oro-Medonte Rail Trail for the last 37km back to complete the loop in Barrie.

Getting To / From Start: Barrie is located approximately 1 hour 15 min from downtown Toronto,  5 hours from Ottawa, 2 1/2 hours from London and 2 hours from Niagara Falls

Arriving Early / Staying Late:
Consider an overnight option at one of Ontario By Bike’s certified bicycle-friendly accommodations in Simcoe County here

OBBR Aug Photo Strip 1Photo Credits: Ontario By Bike, Destination Ontario

Additional Visitor Information:

Use below to find out more about ride areas and plan an extra day or two to see more.

For More Information Contact:
Ontario By Bike
Phone: 416-827-2772 / 1-866-701-2774
Email: info (at) ontariobybike.ca

For information on all 2020 Ontario By Bike Rides, visit:

for detailed information www.ontariobybike.ca/rides