Heart of Georgian Bay – Road and Trail Maps

Midland | Penetanguishene | Tay | Tiny  

 

World-famous for its clear water, rich forests, and abundance of multi-use trail networks, the Georgian Bay area is a four-season playground offering swimming and skiing, road cycling and trail cycling, boating and snowmobiling.

Just 90 minutes north of Toronto, a peninsula creates a unique coastline of sandy beaches and protected bays where societies have thrived for centuries. We call it the Heart of Georgian Bay.

Here you’ll find historical attractions, like 1000-year old artifacts, a re-creation of the first European settlement in Ontario, and a British Naval & Military Base from the war of 1812.

There’s remarkable architecture in the shrine to martyred Jesuit priests, demonstrations of the rich and varied local ecosystem, live music and theatre, and boat tours of beautiful Severn Sound.

For a scenic ride, take a cruise through Awenda Provincial Park or take a ferry over to the nearby Georgian Bay Islands National Park and Beausoleil First Nations (Christian Island).

Plus, extensive multi-use trails, open to cyclists, as well as, stylish boutiques, local artisans, farmers’ markets, a range of dining experiences, and accommodation for every budget. All of which, just minutes away from our cycling routes.

For tourism information, please visit https://experience.simcoe.ca/places-to-go/heart-of-georgian-bay/

ON-ROAD ROUTES

Penetanguishene Loop

Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 50 km
Start: Midland Harbour or Awenda Park

With only about 300m climbing, this classic North Simcoe loop winds through the beautiful Awenda Park and offers several opportunities to gaze upon Georgian Bay. Stop in at the Awenda Park store approximately half way through the ride for a quick rest or swim, before heading back into the town of Midland.

Please Note: Champlain road can see high volume traffic during peak season weekends.

Tiny Beaches Loop

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 30 km
Start: Midland Waterfront

For a taste of the true “Heart of Georgian Bay” experience, try the Midland to Tiny Beaches route. A relatively flat route with only approximately 200 metres of climbing, riders cruise along the famous Tiny Beaches Road. Halfway through your ride stop at Balm Beach for some relaxing waterfront time or take advantage of one of the many stores and restaurants.

Please Note: Tiny Beaches road can see high volume traffic during peak season weekends.

Thunder Beach Loop

Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 75km
Start: Main St., Penetanguishine

Following a similar route as the Awenda Loop, the Thunder Beach Loop winds along the beautiful Georgian Bay, through Awenda Provincial Park and then extends to Thunder Beach and carries on along the Bay on Tiny Beaches Road. The Thunder Beach Loop is relatively flat, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the waterfront view, so be sure to pack your camera and swim suit!

Please Note: Tiny Beaches road can see high volume traffic during peak season weekends.

Heart of Georgian Bay Loop

Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 95 km
Start: Midland Waterfront

A great tour through Tiny Beaches cottage areas and rural Tay Township, this relatively flat route takes you from Georgian Bay waterfront, to quiet farm roads and ends on the famous Tay Shore Trail – recognized for being part of the Trans Canada Trail. Several convenience stores are located along this route if you need to refill the bottles or take a much earned rest.

Please Note: Tiny Beaches Road and Concession 5 can see high volume traffic during peak season weekends.

Trails

Mid-Pen Link

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2 km
Start: Town Dock in Midland or Downtown Penetanguishene

A fully paved trail connecting the Town of Midland to the Town of Penetanguishene. Enjoy a quiet ride under tree canopies, on beautiful rolling terrain.

Caution – steep hill entering the trail from the Penetanguishene side. Ride slow, ride safe.

 

Tiny Trail

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 23 km
Start: Wyevale, Perkinsfield, Penetanguishene Waterfront Rotary Park

A railway park in a natural setting. A partially paved, partially crushed gravel multi-use trail that links the North Simcoe Rail Trail to the Town of Penetanguishene’s waterfront Trail. Meanders across Colepand Creek and the Wye River requiring some of the 16 historic railway bridges. The Tiny Trail offers many points of interest along the way, including views of wildlife and a historic burial ground.

Midland Waterfront Trail

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 8 km
Start: Town Dock or Ste. Marie Park

The Midland Rotary Waterfront Trail connects the Tay Shore Trail from Ste. Marie Among the Hurons in the South through Ste. Marie Park and along the residential waterfront to the Midland Town Dock and downtown core and on through recreational lands and private marinas to the Mid Pen link in the north. In this corridor there are seven public parks featuring waterfront lookouts, resting amenities, photo opportunities, flower gardens, and a man made waterfall.

Tay Shore Trail

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 18 km
Start: Wye Marsh, Trestle Park (just off Hwy 12), Albert St Park (Victoria Harbour), Coldwater Rd Trail Head (Waubaushene), Bridgeview Park (Waubaushene)

A fully paved rail trail winding its way along the southern shore of Georgian Bay from Midland to Waubaushene with a spur to Port McNicoll. Some great vistas and a ride through history with interpretive nature signs along the route. This multi-use trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail and perfect for the whole family.