Cycle through Ontario’s beautiful scenery
Brendan Matheson chuckles when he talks about all of the enjoyable eating spots along the trails in Orillia & Lake Country. From Orillia’s celebrated downtown, to Coldwater’s equally beautiful historic community and many quaint stops through Oro-Medonte, cafes and restaurants are abound, so cycling and sampling isn’t a problem.
“Cyclists love bikes and butter tarts,” notes Matheson, who is the experience development coordinator for Tourism Simcoe County, which also has Cycle Simcoe under its wing. With a grin, he then adds ice cream and pretty much all other sweets to the list.
The area’s notable food is just one reason why cyclists from all over love the trails. Add three swimmable lakes to refresh them on their journeys, and there really is no better way to spend a weekend.
Situated on the shores of Lake Couchiching with its beautiful downtown waterfront park and exceptional biking trails, Orillia is the perfect place to begin your cycling adventure. Choose between several picturesque loop trails that will take you through completely different – yet equally beautiful – communities. For challenging climbs and rolling terrain, make your way west to ODAS Park/Orillia Fairgrounds to join the route past the scenic Bass Lake Provincial Park and on to Coldwater where shops and bistros line the main street that runs parallel to the tranquil Coldwater River.
If an easier ride to Coldwater is what you desire, jump on the waterfront trail in Orillia and make your way through beautiful areas on the paved Millennial and Trans Canada trails, and then along the forested Uhthoff trail.
Or, travel south from Orillia on the Oro-Medonte Rail Trail loop that connects Orillia to the north boundary of the City of Barrie. Cycling on the flat and crushed gravel route will take you through relaxing wetlands where beaver ponds and Osprey nests capture the attention. For a refreshing break, detour briefly to the Carthew Bay community on Lake Simcoe for a swim and treat.
In the area without your bike? No problem! The Crank & Sprocket Bicycle Co. and Velocity Cycle and Ski in Orillia both rent bikes by the day or part-day.
Visit www.CycleSimcoe.ca for route maps and GPS files.
Originally published in 2019, this article may contain information that is out of date.
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