Cycling
Get a breath of fresh air on your next Barrie getaway as you explore some of Barrie's hundreds of kilometres of trails for cycling and inline skating. Enjoy the beautiful waterfront as you take a leisurely cycle or skate along the 6.71 kilometre paved and crushed gravel waterfront trail before enjoying a refreshing beverage and lunch at one of Barrie's many fine downtown restaurants. For a more challenging ride, indulge in the serenity of nature as you cycle along the many kilometres of trail through conservation areas, watersheds, and woodlands.
Born to Ride Bicycle
Born to Ride Bicycle offers bike rentals and guided cycling tours throughout Simcoe County.
We have highlighted samples of some trails for a great family outing or a scenic athletic challenge. Click on the following SIMCOE COUNTY SAMPLERS and get ideas for your next ride.
Road Cycling Routes
Family - Hybrid Bike Routes
Mountain Biking
In Town Cycling & Rollerblading
Waterfront Trail Along Kempenfelt Bay
Description: Approximately 6.7 km of mostly flat, paved trail. Access anywhere along Barrie's Lakefront parks, with parking at the Southshore Community Centre and other lots along Lakeshore Dr.
Out of Town Cycling
For more information on these and many more trails visit www.ontariotrails.on.ca.
Copeland Forest Trails (Ministry of Natural Resources)
2289 Nursery Rd, Midhurst
No motorized vehicles permitted
Description: Approximately 2km to 13km. Trails are ideal for the beginner cyclist and there are a variety of trails so you can tailor a loop just for you.
Directions: Parking available off of Ingram Rd. Follow Hwy 400 N. to Hwy 93. South on Hwy 93 towards Craighurst. Follow the signs.
Fort Willow Portage Trail, Springwater Township
Description: A historical site and conservation area. Fort Willow sits on a promontory overlooking the Minesing Swamp. It is part of the historical Nine Mile Portage used during the War of 1812.
Directions: For road access, take County Rd. 90 to Grenfel Rd. Travel 5 km north. An alternate route is George Johnston Rd. off either County Rd. 90 or Hwy 26, then go west on Portage Trail for 3 km. The route is well signed. You can park there, and at the back descend a set of steps to reach the trail.
Hardwood Ski and Bike
402 W Old Barrie Road Oro Station, Phone: (705) 487-3775 / 1-800-387-3775
Web: www.hardwoodskiandbike.ca
Open 7 days a week from May to October. Open weekends until 6 pm, Wednesday until 9 in the summer and until 5 pm all other days. 50 km of single track and 34 km of double track trails designed for riders of all ages and abilities. Mountain biking, road biking, hiking, trail running, beach volleyball, orienteering, café, disc golf, retail, rentals, programs, lessons, summer camp. Directions: Hwy 400 north, exit #111 (Forbes Road)
Oro Medonte Rail Trail
Description: 28 km trail following an abandoned CN rail line. Running parallel to the west shore of Lake Simcoe, passing through the communities of Shanty Bay, Oro Station and Hawkestone.
Directions: Shanty Bay Rd. to Line 1 North. Follow to parking lot.
North Simcoe Railtrail
Description: Begins about 9 km west of Barrie and goes 30 km to the Tiny Township line, just north of Elmvale. Part of the trail passes through Mayer's Marsh. A visit to Fort Willow is just off of this trail as well. The section north of Anten Mills allows for all uses, including ATV, horseback, snowmobiles.
Directions: West on County Rd. 90 to Pinegrove Rd. Follow north about 3 km to the trail. Park along the road.
Tiffin Centre for Conservation
8th Concession Essa, 4km south of Hwy 90, Phone: (705) 424-1485
Web: www.nvca.on.ca
Description: Mixture of wetlands, forests, open meadows, ancient lake beds and glacial shoelines following over 17 km of looped trails. Wheelchair accessible.
Directions: Dunlop St. (Hwy 90) West, past hydro wires and reach the 8th concession, turn left onto the 8th and continue 4 km south. Trails begin at the Tiffin Centre.