Photo credit: Parry Sound Tourism
From excellent trails and mountain biking to fantastic road riding, cyclists in the Parry Sound District will enjoy the spectacularly scenic landscapes through lush boreal forests with frequent glimpses of picturesque lakes, meandering rivers, the rocky Canadian Shield and the UNESCO designated Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. Road riding in the Parry Sound District offers quieter roads criss-crossing through the rural landscape with opportunities to stop at quaint general stores, interesting cultural heritage sites, and welcoming communities along the way. The Parry Sound District is bordered by Georgian Bay in the west, Algonquin Park in the east, Muskoka in the south, and Nipissing District and North Bay in the north. The eastern part of the Parry Sound District is referred to as the Almaguin Highlands.
Cyclists can also explore the trails that wind their way along the rugged shores of Georgian Bay and the town of Parry Sound, with views out to the Bay and nearby 30,000 islands. With an increasing amount of multi-use trails and signature trail projects, such as the Trans Canada Trail and the Park to Park Trail, as well as a number of mountain biking facilities on both private lands, as well as in provincial parks, the Parry Sound District is an attractive destination for trail riding enthusiasts.
Parry Sound Area Active Transportation – Road Routes – The Parry Sound Active Transportation Committee has compiled on-road cycling routes in the Parry Sound Area. All routes are paved and are suitable for adult riders. The routes are organized on the following maps – digital versions can be found on their website.
- Parry Sound Area – Outdoor Recreation Map (2013) – FRONT SIDE / BACK SIDE. The map provides 19 bike routes with suggested parking locations. The routes range in difficulty and distances, from 3 km to 77 km in length.
- Parry Sound Area – Walk & Bike Map – A great resource for cyclists looking to explore the town of Parry Sound by bike. This map offers visitors three separate cycling routes in town that range from easy (5 km) to moderate (9 km) to challenging (16 km).
Bike Cottage Country – Parry Sound & Almaguin Cycling Routes – Bike Cottage County is a website with cycling routes compiled by Explorers’ Edge (Regional Tourism Organization 12) that covers an area from Parry Sound, Almaguin Highlands, South Algonquin, Algonquin Park, Loring-Restoule and Muskoka. The following Bike Cottage Country routes are in the Parry Sound district.
- Parry Sound to Oastler Lake – This 14 km ‘out and back’ recreational route to Oastler Lake Provincial Park with hiking, canoe rentals and camping. Paved shoulders on Oastler Park Rd.
- Parry Sound to Nobel – This 22 km ‘out and back’ route leaves Parry Sound to community of Nobel. Nobel Rd has paved shoulders.
- Parry Sound to Noble Beach – A 25 km ‘out and back’ route for recreational cyclists from Parry Sound to Nobel Beach. At Nobel Beach, there is a water fountain and views of Parry Sound
- Parry Sound to Seguin Valley – A 25 km ‘out and back’ recreational route from Parry Sound to Seguin Valley Golf Club. Stop halfway for a meal at Whispering Woods Dining Room (the golf course’s restaurant).
- Parry Sound to Horseshoe Lake – A short 35 km ‘out and back’ training loop southeast from Parry Sound.
- Blackstone Crane Lake – A 60 km ‘out and back’ training route from Parry Sound, down Lake Joseph Rd ending at Blackstone Crane Lake.
- Parry Sound to McDougall – A 60 km ‘out and back’ training route from Parry Sound to McDougall. McDougall Rd is hilly and scenic, however, there is no paved shoulder on Hwy 124.
- Parry Sound to MacTier – A 72 km ‘out and back’ training route starts in Parry Sound with two options for return routes.
- Parry Sound to Woods Bay – A 103 km ‘out and back’ training route, takes cyclists from Parry Sound to Woods Bay. Overnight accommodations available in Woods Bay offering the opportunity to make a weekend of the route.
- Parry Sound to Muskoka Lakes – A 114 km training loop from Parry Sound around Lake Joseph. A number of options along the route with washroom facilities or food services including Mactier, Port Carling and Rosseau.
- Parry Sound to Sundridge – An epic 165 km training, or overnight route from Parry Sound west across the Almaguin Highlands to Sundridge with opportunities to stop at bakeries, restaurants or accommodations along the way.
Magnetawan Area – Road Routes – The Magnetawan and Area Business Association has posted four cycling routes suitable for both road and mountain bikes, most of which are paved with one that includes gravel sections of the Old Nipissing Ghost Road. Suitable for experienced riders.
Cycling in Almaguin – Tourism site for the Almaguin Highlands. Explore on-road routes that are marked with route signage with some having paved shoulders for safer riding. Enjoy the rolling hills and routes that travel past lakes and through forests!
- AIM Triangle – 66 km
- Sand Lake Loop – 63 km
- Screaming Heads Loop – 48 km
- Pickerel Lake Loop – 28 km
- Explore Burk’s Falls – 6 km
- Burk’s Falls – Katrine Mini Loop – 21 km
- HWY 124 Wide Shoulder Tour – 153 km
- Ahmic Lake Loop – 40 km
- Rodeo Road Loop – 45 km
- Burk’s Falls – Parry Sound – 164 km
- Doe Lake Loop – 40 km
- Trans Canada Trail – A portion of this cross-Canadian trail runs through the Parry Sound District. The Trans Canada Trail is a four-season, multi-use trail system with various surface types and users. Visit Trans Canada Trail “Explore The Trail” for information – www.tctrail.ca
- Seguin Recreational Trail – The Seguin Recreational Trail offers important linkages for both the Park to Park Trail and the Trans Canada Trail. This multi-use trail boasts great off-road cycling. This rail corridor is the original rail bed for the Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway build by JR Booth in the late 1800’s. Trail surface is rough and is suitable for mountain bikes.
- Old Nipissing Road Trail – The Old Nipissing Road is a ghost town trail that was once home to many settlements of hopeful pioneers but is now guarded by their abandoned log cabins and weathered barns. There are no facilities between Magnetawan and Commanda and trail conditions vary with some sections wide and well-kept; and others little more than two ruts plunging into dark woods, much as the pioneers might have experienced it. A series of historic markers are located along the route. The road runs through the centre of the Parry Sound District between highways 69 and 11. The 77 km route is a mix of gravel road, bush trail and paved highway (#510) from the ghost town of Seguin Falls on Hwy 518 to the Village of Commanda on Hwy 522.
Park to Park Trail – The Park to Park Trail spans 230 km from the western shore of Georgian bay at Killbear Provincial Park to Algonquin Provincial Park’s West Gate. This multi-use trail system stretches across the Parry Sound District, Almaguin Highlands and Muskoka District. Trail conditions are challenging (except for Parry Sound Fitness Trail) and considered suitable for mountain bikes. Cyclists should be cautious of other users, including ATV. Trail maps and additional information can be found at the Park to Park Trail Association website above. The whole trail system includes the following trails (listed generally west to east):
- Muskiig Trail – This trail is a 15 km rolling single-track style trail following the original Shawnaga Colonization Road between Carling Station and Dillon Road. This trail is owned and maintained by Carling Township. The trail can be accessed from Carling Station Rd, where the trail crosses the train tracks, or from Shawnaga Rd S, the first right on Dillion Rd after it separates from Hwy 559. Paper trail maps, if desired, can be purchased from the Park to Park Trail Association here. Trail surface is compact soil and is suitable for mountain bikes. The trail is open to motorized vehicles.
- Guncotton Trail – This 5 km trail offers a paved walking/cycling path along the east side of Nobel Raod (formerly Highway 69) through the village of Nobel.
- The Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail (Parry Sound Fitness Trail) – Approximately 6 km in length, this well-maintained path (compact soil and grass surface) winds along the shoreline of Georgian Bay and the town of Parry Sound and is suitable for both hybrid and mountain bikes. Open to motorized vehicles in the winter season. There are various access points to the trail, and include Champagne Street, Great North Road, the Town Dock, Charles W. Stockey Centre, Sail Parry Sound, Waubuno Beach and the Salt Dock. The North Shore Rugged Trail extends the Fitness Trail along the rough and rugged Parry Sound shoreline.
- Rose Point Trail – This 6 km trail travels from the shores of Georgian Bay at James Bay Junction Road South through to Rose Point Road along the old JR Booth rail bed, ending close to Oastler Lake Provincial Park. Trail surface is compact soil and is suitable for mountain bikes. This trail is open to motorized vehicles.
- Killbear Provincial Park Recreational Trail – This easy to moderate 6km trail runs parallel to the main park road from the park entrance to Lighthouse Point. The trail surface is compact soil and is mostly suitable for mountain bikes. Cyclists should be cautious of other users.
- Humphrey Nature Trails – Located in the village of Humphrey, these trails are made up of 5 loops that lead into each other, with a trail surface of compact soil. The trail system consists of over 8 km of multi-use trails and offers users views of regional wetlands, waterfalls and the Canadian Shield. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on these trails.
- Georgian Nordic Bike Trails – Located just north of Parry Sound on HWY 124, this trail system is the newest edition to great mountain biking opportunities in and around the town of Parry Sound. A total of 14 individual mountain bike trails are accessible with trail passes and memberships sold at either on of the two bike shops in town. Select trails are open to Fat Biking in the winter time.
- Restoule Provincial Park – Mountain biking is available on the Angels Point, Rangers Point, Grawbarger, River, and Gibbs Trails. This totals over 8 km of mixed single and double track trails. Difficulties range from beginner to intermediate/advanced. Mountain Bike rentals are available at the park. For a detailed trail map visit the link above and click the Maps header.
- Pines Interpretive Trail (Almaguin Highlands) – Nearly 5 km in Powassan Mountain Conservation Area of easy to moderate riding with a spectacular view across Almaguin Highlands.
- Loxton Beaver Trail (Almaguin Highlands) – Part of the Forgotten Trail network and with trailheads off both Chemical Road and Forestry Access Rd in the community of South River, this trail network is over 8 km and has been rated moderate-difficult for mountain bikers. The network has mixed terrain of sand, loose gravel, and rock.
Trans Canada Trail – A portion of this cross-Canadian trail runs through the Parry Sound District. The Trans Canada Trail is a four-season, multi-use trail system with various surface types and users. Visit Trans Canada Trail “Explore The Trail” for information – www.tctrail.ca
- Seguin Recreational Trail – The Seguin Recreational Trail offers important linkages for both the Park to Park Trail and the Trans Canada Trail. This multi-use trail boasts great off-road cycling. This rail corridor is the original rail bed for the Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway build by JR Booth in the late 1800’s. Trail surface is rough and is suitable for mountain bikes.
- Old Nipissing Road Trail – Also known as “The Ontario Ghost Trail”, this 70 km stretch of the Trans Canada Trail runs north/south through the centre of the district between Highways 69 and 11. Accessed from a number of cross-highway intersections, this trail has limited services. Proper planning is advised. Trail surface includes gravel trails and paved roads, and is most suited for mountain bikes.
Park to Park Trail – The Park to Park Trail spans 230 km from the western shore of Georgian bay at Killbear Provincial Park, south through Parry Sound to Algonquin Provincial Park’s West Gate. This multi-use trail system stretches across the Parry Sound District, Almaguin Highlands and Muskoka District. Trail conditions are challenging and considered suitable for mountain bikes. Cyclists should be cautious of other users, including ATVs. Trail maps and additional information can be found at the Park to Park Trail Association website above. The trail system includes the following trails in the Parry Sound District (listed generally west to east). For additional trails part of the system, visit the trail association website:
- Muskiig Trail – This trail is a 15 km rolling single-track style trail following the original Shawnaga Colonization Road between Carling Station and Dillon Road. This trail is owned and maintained by Carling Township. The trail can be accessed from Carling Station Rd, where the trail crosses the train tracks, or from Shawnaga Rd S, the first right on Dillion Rd after it separates from Hwy 559. Paper trail maps, if desired, can be purchased from the Park to Park Trail Association here. Trail surface is compact soil and is suitable for mountain bikes. The trail is open to motorized vehicles.
- Guncotton Trail – This 5 km trail offers a paved walking/cycling path along the east side of Nobel Raod (formerly Highway 69) through the village of Nobel.
- The Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail (Parry Sound Fitness Trail) – Approximately 6 km in length, this well-maintained path (compact soil and grass surface) winds along the shoreline of Georgian Bay and the town of Parry Sound and is suitable for both hybrid and mountain bikes. Open to motorized vehicles in the winter season. There are various access points to the trail, and include Champagne Street, Great North Road, the Town Dock, Charles W. Stockey Centre, Sail Parry Sound, Waubuno Beach and the Salt Dock. The North Shore Rugged Trail extends the Fitness Trail along the rough and rugged Parry Sound shoreline.
- Rose Point Trail – This 6 km trail travels from the shores of Georgian Bay at James Bay Junction Road South through to Rose Point Road along the old JR Booth rail bed, ending close to Oastler Lake Provincial Park. Trail surface is compact soil and is suitable for mountain bikes. This trail is open to motorized vehicles.
Great Lakes Waterfront Trail – Stretching over 3,600 km, the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is a route connecting over 151 communities and First Nations along the Canadian shores of the Great Lakes: Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, Lake Erie, Detroit River and Lake St Clair, Lake Huron, Georgian Bay and the North Channel. The fully signed Trail uses the safest infrastructure possible, a mix of both on-road and off-road facilities, and is primarily paved, with sections of unpaved path and gravel roads. It can be enjoyed for as part of a day trip or on a multi-day long distance cycling adventure.
- The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail in Muskoka connects 10 communities and over 25 lakes. There are two signed signature cycling loops in Muskoka, the 90 km Lake Muskoka Loop, circumnavigating Lake Muskoka, and the 66 km Lake Rosseau Loop, circumnavigating Lake Rosseau.
- Bike Cottage County. Dedicated website for the greater region, including Parry Sound, Muskoka, Almaguin Highlands and Algonquin Park. The website features interactive map, with regional breakdowns with links to detailed route pages featuring maps, pictures and route details. Also lists of bike rentals, guides and bike shops for each of the areas within the region.
- Parry Sound Area – Outdoor Recreation Map (2013) – FRONT SIDE / BACK SIDE. The map provides 19 bike routes with suggested parking locations. The routes range in difficulty and distances, from 3 km to 77 km in length.
- Parry Sound Area – Walk & Bike Map – A great resource for cyclists looking to explore the town of Parry Sound by bike. This map offers visitors three separate cycling routes in town that range from easy (5 km) to moderate (9 km) to challenging (16 km).
- Get Outdoors Parry Sound (Website). This website is about promoting cycling, hiking, walking, and all things outdoors in the Parry Sound area. Visit the site to download trail maps and purchase day passes or memberships for cycling at Georgian Nordic Ski club.
- Explore Almaguin – Cycling – The tourism destination website for the Almaguin Highlands region. Find the local cycling routes, trail information and visitor information for the region.
- Parry Sound Bikes – Cycling Guide – Take advantage of this local bike shops cycling knowledge of the area. Print map available for purchase showing road and gravel routes in Parry Sound and surrounding areas.
- Almaguin in Motion (AIM – Facebook) – AIM is a Cycling Committee in Almaguin Highlands, made up of bicycle enthusiasts, that are working towards turning Almaguin Highlands into a cycling hub.
Please note there are may be additional trails, routes, events and information resources for the region that may be of interest and useful to cyclists. Changes to the above links, listings and cycling routes may occur.
Parry Sound & Almaguin Highlands – Related Blogs:
Travellers’ Tales – Ontario Cycling Stories from the Road and Trail
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Hit the Road in Ontario’s Cottage Country this Spring!
While we wait for mounds(!) of snow to melt in March, it’s a great time to make some plans for unforgettable touring, training and trekking in Ontario’s cottage country this spring and summer.
Winter Cycling & Fat Biking in Ontario
While many Canadian cyclists may be fair weather riders, there is a large and growing contingent of cyclists that actively bike 12 months a year. Whether it is for transportation or recreation, getting outside and being physically active, in a safe manner, is more important than ever. Here are some top tips for winter cycling plus info on fat biking in the snow, rentals and trail destinations.
Escape the Usual in Ontario’s Near North
You’ve toured Ontario’s ‘wine country’ and ‘cottage country’ by bike, but now you’re in the mood for something different – the Near North. Discovery Routes, a local trail and cycling advocacy organization has developed a series of rides with just the right amount of rustic and urban for cyclists of all abilities, from roadie day-trippers to bikepackers to gravel grinders.
For more information on accommodation, attractions and activities within the Parry Sound District and Almaguin visit Explorers’ Edge or Parry Sound Tourism or Explore Almaguin
Destination & Renewal Partner:
