The overhanging canopy of trees protected us from the early morning sun as gravel crunched under our tires. It was still early on our first day on the Simcoe County Loop Trail and we were already charmed. We’d seen a couple of locals out for walks with their dogs or for a leisurely ride, but it was still all peace and quiet. We stopped at a road crossing to have a look at the map as we familiarized ourselves with the route ahead. Our destination for the night was Midland, but before that we’d have a chance to dip our toes in Georgian Bay.
Industrial arteries give way to leisure escapes
Simcoe County was home to the earliest European settlement in Ontario, Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons was a French Jesuit missionary settlement established in 1639 on Georgian Bay. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Barrie and the surrounding towns were the base of a vibrant shipping, lumber and grain trade. Today, the region is a little quieter with many of the old railways turned to multi-use trails.
As a cyclist, we dream of uninterrupted riding experiences that can take us to beautiful places. Just an hour north of Toronto, Simcoe County offers the kind of adventure we all look forward to, especially those searching for a bikepacking destination. The railpath is 160 km of nearly uninterrupted crushed gravel trail through the forests and countryside that connect Lake Simcoe with Georgian Bay and the communities of Barrie, Midland and Orillia along with smaller towns in between. Two days is enough to cover the distance and take in the region’s sights and flavours before returning back to where you started.
Two of us rode the loop clockwise. Our trip began just outside of Barrie but yours doesn’t have to. There are trail access points all along the route. Once you find a place to park, pack up your bike and head out. With a change of clothes, a pair of shoes, others essentials and a credit card, a two-day trip in Simcoe County doesn’t have to be a complicated logistical undertaking.
Photo: Matt Stetson
Photo: Matt Stetson
The open trail is calling
Midway to Midland, after passing the town of Elmvale, we had to get off the rail trail and onto pavement for a short distance. Here we stopped to fill our bottles from the Elmvale spring. Its structure is hard to miss and the freshwater flows freely from three taps. Locals come here to fill jugs of…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…