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.

Simcoe County Rail Trail Weekend

When: Any time! It’s a self-guided itinerary!

Total Distance: 108km (145km with route extension to Barrie)

The Ride: Located just over an hour north of Toronto, Simcoe County has a rail trail network that loops and criss-crosses the region, making it a fabulous destination for recreational riders looking to explore the region by bike. Join us for a fabulous two day weekend tour along some of the best trails in Simcoe County. Passing through several small towns and by historic sites along the route, enjoy an easy ride on trails of mixed surfaces. Featuring rail trail riding along portions of the Trans Canada Trail, including the well-maintained Uhthoff and Tiny Trails, the route brings the group along the rugged shores of Severn Sound in Georgian Bay and through the beautiful countryside of Simcoe County. This tour incorporates one overnight stay in Midland. The cost of tour includes hotel accommodation, two lunches, snacks, booking fee, shuttle from Orillia/Barrie and more. Just bring your bike and ride!

Experience Level and Ride Guide: Easy to moderate. Off-road trail system with mix of crushed stone dust, gravel and paved surfaces, level road crossings, with on-road riding limited to approximately 10km of roads. Combined with limited elevation changes, the relatively flat terrain makes this ride suitable for hybrid bikes, cyclocross or mountain bikes. Enjoy a group ride option or ride at your own pace using detailed maps and information provided.

Day 1:
Saturday, September 24  – Snow Valley Ski Resort to Midland – 59km

Starting from the Snow Valley Ski Resort just 10km west of Barrie, the route quickly connects to the primarily crushed gravel North Simcoe Rail Trail heading north west towards Georgian Bay for 25km. This route travels past the Minesing Wetlands, one of Ontario’s largest remaining wetlands, before connecting along the not-so-short Tiny Trail (23km) just north of Elmvale. A picnic lunch will be arranged for riders before continuing north, with a beach detour option and on into Penetanguishene. This partially paved, partially crushed gravel trail links into the town and brings riders along the shores of the Severn Sound and Georgian Bay. Ride along Penetanguishene Harbour and onward for the final 6km of the day along the Rotary Waterfront Trail in Midland, the final destination of Day 1.

Included: Parking, van support, luggage transfer, group ride, snack and water stops, lunch, group social, overnight accommodation at Comfort Inn, Midland.
Start Time: 9:30am from Snow Valley Ski Resort, 2632 Vespra Valley Road, Minesing, ON L0L 1Y3.

Day 2:
Sunday, September 25 – Midland to Orillia or Barrie – 49km or 86km

The morning starts out from Midland heading east towards Orillia. Located just off the trail is Sainte Marie among the Hurons, a Canadian National Historic Site and the site of Ontario’s first European community. Set off after a visit and ride along the fully paved Tay Shore Trail for 18km, part of the Trans Canada Trail. Enjoy frequent water views and water access between Midland to Waubaushene as this trail hugs the shoreline of Georgian Bay. South of Waubaushene connect on to the Uhthoff Trail before taking a break in the town of Coldwater approximately 24km into the day’s route. From here enjoy the final 25km into Orilla along this easy riding, primarily gravel rail trail. Cruise into Orillia enjoying views of Lake Couchiching before reaching the lakeside Couchiching Beach Park with its dock and sandy beach areas and location of Day 2’s lunch stop. After lunch choose between continuing south for 37km to Barrie or staying in Orillia to explore more with a visit to the Leacock Museum and National Historic Site, stop at the beach, shopping downtown, or to enjoy a post-ride patio break. Shuttle van will pick up one tour participant/vehicle from designated meeting spots to shuttle them back to Snow Valley Ski Resort to pick up vehicle.

Included: Breakfast, van support, luggage transfer, snack and water stop, lunch.
Shuttle Van Pick Up Location: Couchiching Beach Park, Terry Fox Circle, Orillia, ON L3V 4H8

Day 2 (Optional Extension):
Sunday, September 25 – Orillia to Barrie – 37km

For those interested in riding on to Barrie, the route follows the Lake Country Oro-Medonte Rail Trail for 28km of easy riding on flat gravel surface. There are frequent opportunities to cool off with a dip in Lake Simcoe at any one of the many beaches just a short detour off the trail. Enjoy the final 9km of waterfront riding along the Barrie North Shore Trail. End the ride at Heritage Park along the shore of Lake Simcoe. Lock your bike and explore Barrie’s shops and restaurants located close to Heritage Park or sit lakeside in the park and relish in the fact you’ve completed a fantastic weekend of riding!

End Time: 4:30pm or at your own pace.
Shuttle Van Pick Up Location: Heritage Park, 3 Lakeshore Drive, Barrie, ON L4M

Note: It is possible to ride from Barrie to Snow Valley following city streets for approximately 15km. Routing information will be available. Option for experienced city riders only. Shuttle option recommended.

Additional Visitor Information:

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

• Ontario By Bike Simcoe County – visit our page www.ontariobybike.ca/simcoe
• Cycle Simcoe – www.cyclesimcoe.ca
• Experience Tourism Simcoe – www.experience.simcoe.ca
• Bruce Grey Simcoe – www.brucegreysimcoe.com

Getting To/From Start:
Suggested transportation includes driving and parking at Snow Valley Ski Resort parking lot.
GO Transit train option may be available to/from Barrie. www.gotransit.com

Returning To Start / Parking:
A shuttle bus will pick one tour participant/vehicle from designated pick up locations at designated times for transportation back to Snow Valley Ski Resort at the end of Day 2. Tour participants are then responsible for travel back to designated locations in Orillia and/or Barrie to pick up their riding companions and bicycles. No bicycles will be transported in shuttle bus, during these times. Approximate drive time between Snow Valley and Orillia 40 minutes. Approximate drive time between Snow Valley and Barrie 20 minutes.

Arriving Early / Staying Late:
Consider an overnight option in Barrie at certified bicycle friendly accommodations:
Richmond Manor Bed and Breakfast, Best Western Royal Oak Inn or Comfort Inn – Barrie (Hart Drive) or Three Wishes B&B or Georgian Summer Suites
Or stay at other nearby Ontario By Bike Network accommodations in Simcoe County all listed HERE.

Booking: All sales and tour bookings were coordinated by our booking partner, OK Cycle & Adventure Tours. who offer a range of tours world-wide.
(TICO licensed Travel Agent – Ontario Registration Number – 50014838)

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For More Information Contact: 
Ontario By Bike
Phone: 416-827-2774 / 1-866-701-2774
Email: info (at) ontariobybike.ca
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Return to Main Ontario By Bike Rides Page
for detailed information www.ontariobybike.ca/events/ontario-by-bike-tours