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After a short fool's springs, it looks like the warm weather is finally here to stay which means many of us will be spending every spare moment outside. If you prefer to explore on two wheels instead of on your feet, here is a list of incredible bike trails in Simcoe County to explore this summer.
Collingwood Trails Network
The Collingwood Trails Network is a series of connected paths that give access to every major landmark in town including the beaches at Sunset Point, the lookout at Millennium Park, the gardens at the Arboretum, and more. The trails are 60 km in length and have a low overall difficulty so anyone looking to explore all the beauty Collingwood has to offer, this is an amazing way to do it.
7 Beaches Route
A long bike ride can be a whole lot better with a few places to cool off while you ride and the 7 Beaches Route has more than a few places to do just that. Starting along the world's longest freshwater beach this trail will see you passing by lots of places to take a dip or grab a bite to eat. This trail can get busy in the peak summer season so if you're going to visit, it's best to go in early in the morning!
The Rail Trail
An easier, shorter trail for exploring Collingwood and Creemore, The Rail Trail follows an abandoned rail line which used to be part of the Ontario Simcoe and Huron Railway system connecting Toronto to Collingwood in the 1800s. Now, it's a beautiful route with lots of scenic landscapes to enjoy while you bike the day away.
Canopy Cruising
If you're looking for a trail that has both amazing scenery and a few sections that will get your heartrate up, Canopy Cruising is the perfect trail for you. Starting on the tree canopied Bass Lake Side Road this trail is moderately challenging loop that will have you exploring 30 km of pristine beauty near Horseshoe.
Heritage Estates Winery Tour
If you're going to spend the day outside and getting exercise, you also enjoy a reward! The Heritage Estates Winery Tour starts at Horseshoe resort and makes it's way to Heritage Estates Winery so that after you're done your bike tour, you can enjoy a wine tour filled with drinks and charcuterie boards!
Orillia Millennium Trail
Part of the Trans Canada Trail System that connects Rama and Severn, the Orillia Millennium Trail is a 15 km path that will give you awesome views of Lake Couchiching while passing through the sunshine city. Take a quick detour downtown for a bite to eat at some of the amazing local restaurants too!
Heart of Georgian Bay Loop
Another one that's part of the Trans Canada Trail System, the Heart Georgian Bay Loop is a long, relatively flat trail that takes you from the Georgian Bay waterfront, to quite farm trails, and ends in Tay Township. While it is definitely a longer trail, coming in at over 90 km, there are plenty of amazing spots to rest along the way.
Simcoe County Loop Trail
This is the big one. Spanning from Barrie, over to Orillia, up to Midland, and all the way back down again, the Simcoe County Loop Trail is 160 km of biking bliss. Tackle it in a single day (if you can) or stay at some of the cycling-friendly accommodations dotted along the trail and make it a multi-day adventure!
Featured image courtesy of Daniel Frank via pexels.com
