Explore South Georgian Bay by Bike
Southern Georgian Bay has a large trail system including wilderness, and bike trails that wind through the landscapes along the Niagara Escarpment, Georgian Bay and through Collingwood and The Blue Mountains.
Bike South Georgian Bay
South Georgian Bay is considered one of Ontario’s most diverse regions. The southern shores of Georgian Bay give rise to the highest point of the Niagara Escarpment, and a haven for four-season outdoor adventure.
Experience Historic Downtown Collingwood and the magnificent Town of The Blue Mountains, and Thornbury, forested trails and picturesque farmland. Take a ride around town or in the countryside. Visit a vineyard or tour one of many local breweries. Ride along the longest freshwater beach in the world, located in Wasaga Beach. Discover the beauty as you ride the winding roads and enjoy the vistas from the extensive rail trail network.
Home to one of the most extensive multi-use trail networks and some of the most scenic road cycling climbs in the province, South Georgian Bay offers a challenge for riders of all abilities and styles. Whether touring with friends or enjoying the fresh air with your family, we have a route for you. For more tourism information on the region, visit: www.visitsouthgeorgianbay.ca. If you would like more information on the cycling routes and trail networks, visit: www.cyclesimcoe.ca.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 60 kms
Start: Sunset Point Park
The Collingwood Trails encompasses over 60 kilometres of recreational trails for cyclists, walkers, joggers, skiers, and snowshoers as well as adults and kids commuting to work or school. There’s a Trail leading to every major point of interest in the Town including the beaches of Sunset Point, the scenic lookout at Millennium Park, the tranquil gardens of the Arboretum, the new Labyrinth, the historic Station Museum, our Collingwood Downtown and Nature Trails off the Eleventh Line. If you are looking to travel further afield, you have direct access to the Georgian Trail to Thornbury and Meaford or the Train Trail to Stayner. Most surfaced trails are flat terrain and generally accessible.
Collingwood Trails Website
The Georgian Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 34 km (each way)
Start: 3 Birch Street, Collingwood or Craigleith Depot – 113 Lakeshore Rd.
From Collingwood to Meaford, the trail runs near Hwy. 26 West with numerous access points along the way. If you are looking for the most scenic waterfront trail in the area, the Georgian Trail has it. Running along the south shore of beautiful Georgian Bay, the Georgian Trail has ample opportunity to stop, rest and swim during the summer months. The Georgian Trail is a fantastic way to commute around South Georgian Bay and is safe, accessible and fun for the whole family.
Clearview-Collingwood Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 14 km (each way)
Start: Station Museum, Collingwood
Spanning from Collingwood to Stayner, the Clearview Train Trail is a crushed gravel, linear trail connecting to the Collingwood Train Trail. It follows an abandoned rail line which used to be part of the Ontario Simcoe and Huron Railway system connecting Collingwood to Toronto and was built between 1851 and 1855. Prior to its abandonment in 1960, passengers enjoyed views of the tranquil landscape along the way. Now used as a multi-use trail, hikers and bikers can enjoy this flat railbed, stopping in either Stayner or Collingwood for lunch or a break.
The 7 Beaches Route
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 60 km
Start: Wasaga Beach RecPlex 1724 Mosley Street
Starting in Wasaga Beach and carrying on to Historic Balm Beach, this relatively flat route travels up the shore of Georgian Bay, passing beach after beach, including the world’s longest fresh water beach in Wasaga Beach. Bring your bathing suit along, because this route lives up to it’s name, “7 Beaches Route”. Take a swim in the clear blue waters of Georgian Bay at any point along the way or at the halfway point in Balm Beach. Grab a quick bite to eat and fill up your water bottles before you return via the same way back to Wasaga Beach where you can have a refreshing après ride swim!
Difficulty: Moderate/Advanced
Length: 60 km
Start: Fisher Fields Park, Collingwood
Heading counter clockwise out of the Town of Collingwood, the first portion which passes the Collingwood International Airport is relatively flat and perfect for your warm up. After crossing County Road 91 you enter more challenging rolling terrain. But the challenge is worth it, as you have multiple opportunities to view the beautiful Mad River along the way. If you are looking for an opportunity to stop and soak up the culture, be sure to take a break in Creemore, approximately half way through your ride. This town, known for its mouth watering restaurants and coffee shops, has art galleries, shopping and more! On your way back into Collingwood, be sure your legs are ready for the Fairgrounds Road climb, which is a difficult but short climb to a fantastic view of Georgian bay.
Lake Eugenia Loop
Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 90 km
Start: Fisher Fields Park, Collingwood
For experienced road riders looking to test their fitness, the Lake Eugenia Loop is the right choice. The Lake Eugenia Loop guides you along beautiful landscapes and up epic climbs, such as the Pretty River Valley. Stop off at the Rob Roy Museum or the Feversham Gorge for a break or carry on to the Village of Eugenia to refuel with a quick coffee. If you are a fan of butter tarts, be sure to visit the Kimberley General Store – known for welcoming cyclists with open arms, the Kimberly General Store has a gazebo, coffee and a butter tart that will charge you up for the last leg of the ride. One of the most picturesque sections of the ride is the return back into Collingwood, as it is characterized by a series of climbs that takes you to the top of the escarpment, overlooking Georgian Bay, followed by a quick blast downhill into the Town of Collingwood.
Thornbury Sticky Bun Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 15 km
Start: Town Hall in Thornbury – 32 Mill Street
Start at the Thornbury Bakery, ride up through Thornbury, cross over the Beaver River into Clarksburg, full of galleries and The Honey House. Turn right and go over the single lane bridge and a short climb up to Frogs Hollow (Side Rd 33). Spectacular views at the highest point (7) and a fantastic ride down Frogs Hollow. Goldsmiths Market (at 12), carefully cross Hwy 26 and connect with the Georgian Trail back to Thornbury Bakery for a coffee and people watching on the patio. While you’re there check out the Thornbury Pier, ice cream at Maiolo’s (by the harbour), the Fish Ladder at the Bridge and The Cheese Gallery across from the Bakery.
Apple Pie Trail PEDAL & PADDLE Adventure
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Length: 40 km
Start: Blue Mountain Village
Load your bike on the Blue Mountain Gondola and cycle 40km through the scenic Beaver Valley orchards, trails and country roads. The first 3km is a bit challenging but will all be forgotten when you’re riding down the escarpment. Includes a picnic lunch at Blackbird Pie Co., just steps from the launching point for your gentle 1 hour paddle down the winding Beaver River. Return to the Village via the Georgian Trail along the shoreline of Georgian Bay. For more information on dates and prices visit ApplePieTrail.ca.
Distance: 28km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, recreational ride
Start: Blue Mountain Village
Start this loop with a relaxing, scenic gondola ride to the top of the Escarpment at Blue Mountain and enjoy epic views of Georgian Bay and the Blue Mountain Village. This route is reminiscent of a roller coaster, cruising downhill through agricultural lands, mature apple orchards, forests and a vineyard.
Blue Mountain is home to some of Ontario’s best bike trails. Start off on the flowing singletrack, and work your way up to the technical downhill descents. Blue Mountain provides lifts to the top of the trailheads, and you can enjoy the magnificent views of Georgian Bay and the surrounding region.
Mountain biking lessons at Blue Mountain give riders an opportunity to develop greater confidence and new skills in a supportive and safe environment. Varied terrain and a variety of exercises will make you a better rider while greater familiarity with your mountain bike will reveal a better experience while you navigate some of Ontario’s best trails.
For Mountain Biking guidelines, lesson details, and maps, visit Blue Mountain’s Website
*Bike rentals available
