Simcoe County: Trails, Landscapes and History

The Simcoe County Loop Trail reaches Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching. The 160-kilometre loop passes through nine communities and is primarily a rail trail for non-motorized, multi-use activities. This provides a regional route that can itself become the focus of your trip planning. The communities it passes through convey the scale of the trail and distinguish it from a single attraction.

Trails and Activities

Cycling is permitted on all trails in Springwater Provincial Park, with the exception of the 1.5-kilometre interpretive Children's Trail. In winter, 10 kilometres of multi-use trails are available for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Compared with the regional loop, these are specific activity options within the park. When planning, note that cycling has an exception on one trail, while the winter activities are explicitly seasonal.

Landscape and Orientation

Simcoe County extends east to the shores of Lake Simcoe and west to Georgian Bay. The main building of the Simcoe County Museum is fully accessible, as are many outdoor areas with historic and exhibition buildings, as well as the hiking trails. The permanent landscape exhibit includes gently rolling sand dunes, a rugged escarpment, nutrient-rich marsh soil, dense forests, sandy beaches and clear waters. The range therefore extends from shores and beaches to marshland and forest.

Historic Sites and Ways to Visit

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons was the headquarters of the French Jesuit mission to the Wendat. The site has been reconstructed in its original location; costumed historical interpreters and activities bring its history to life. Discovery Harbour is located on Penetanguishene Bay and offers guided or self-guided tours with knowledgeable, costumed staff. The two sites offer different ways to experience history: a reconstructed mission with historical interpreters at one, and the choice of a guided or self-guided tour at the other.

Fort Willow is recognized as both a provincial and a national historic site. It is also an active archaeological site that visitors can explore on a self-guided visit. The combination of historic recognition and the opportunity to explore an active archaeological site independently offers another way to experience the county's history.

Find a Hotel Based on Your Travel Interests

If you're looking for a hotel in Simcoe County, first decide what kind of trip you want: should a regional loop route, an outdoor activity or a historic visit be the focus? The experiences also differ in how you can take part—from a self-guided trail to a guided tour or costumed interpreters.

Discover more destinations: Innisfil, Barrie, Orillia, Collingwood, Midland, Waubaushene, Wasaga Beach, Alliston, Port Severn, Angus, Oro, Creemore, Duntroon, Victoria Harbour, Nottawa, Wymbolwood Beach, Stayner, Port Mcnicoll, Tiny, Penetanguishene, Brechin, Borden, Washago.

For the broader travel overview: Ontario.