Cycle Grey County | Simcoe County | Muskoka and Parry Sound
Download the four Muskoka and Parry Sound drive-and-ride itineraries below.
Each of the drive-and-ride cycling itineraries includes an on-bike experience that can be ridden in an afternoon, day or a weekend, from 16 km -100 km. Each itineraries includes suggestions for local accommodations and off bike activities that include hiking, and on-water experience like paddling or a cruise.
Discover one of the Great Lakes’ most spectacular regions as you cycle through the Georgian Highlands, with sweeping views of cerulean waters, onward to Parry Sound—the Gateway to the 30,000 Islands—and the nearly 40 lakes that define the heart of Ontario’s Cottage Country.
- ~600 km (372 mi) of signed cycling routes. – From Owen Sound at the foot of the Bruce Peninsula to Simcoe County, Muskoka and Parry Sound.
- Something for everyone – From the rugged landscape of Coffin Ridge to the longest freshwater beach in the world at Wasaga Beach, to kilometers of off-road trails including The Georgian Trail, Tiny Trail, Tay Trail, the more-rugged Uhthoff Trail and the rural and winding roads and hills of northeast Simcoe County, Muskoka, Seguin and Parry Sound that really let you feel the landscape as you ride.
- Stunning beaches and stunning lakes! – Visit almost 60 beaches including the longest freshwater beach in the world at Wasaga Beach and the blue flag Waubuno beach in Parry Sound, with windows onto almost 40 lakes including Lakes Muskoka and Rosseau.
- Get Close to the Water – On the Georgian Trail, in Collingwood, in Penetanguishene, in Midland and in Parry Sound where your route is nestled on the shore.
- The Canadian Shield – Out of necessity, the Trail ducks inland in Simcoe County, but does it ever provide! As the land rises and falls and the roads and trails wind, you’ll head north to visit the land of rock cuts and windswept pines, where the rustic and luxurious meet in the heart of Ontario Cottage Country. Ruggedly beautiful. Absolutely stunning.
- Gateway to the 30,000 Islands – Return to Georgian Bay in Parry Sound. See beautiful postcard views from Tower Hill, and get off your bike to cruise the 30,000 islands on boat or in the air.
- Parks – Visit any of 16 Provincial Parks, National Parks and Historic Sites and Conservation Areas connected by the Trail including the unique Big Chute Marine Railway and Georgian Bay Islands National Park
- Get Off Your Bike – On-bike is only half the experience. Get out on the water in a canoe or kayak or take on any number of rugged hiking nature trails.
What You Need to Know
Approximately 600 km (372 miles) Meaford to Simcoe County, Muskoka and Parry Sound is signed.
- Connects 17 municipalities. Each community has amenities.
- Family-friendly/off-road biking sections in: Meaford, The Blue Mountains and Collingwood (Georgian Trail), Penetanguishene (Tiny Trail); Midland, Tay Township (Tay Trail); Waubaushene, Coldwater and Orillia (Uhthoff Trail); and Parry Sound (Rotary and Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail).
- Four signature cycling loops: The Thunder Beach Loop, Big Chute Loop, Lake Muskoka Loop and Lake Rosseau Loop
- Four unforgettable drive-and-ride cycling itineraries: The Golden Beach Loop, Lake Muskoka Loop, Lake Rosseau Loop and 10-Lakes Loop do lots of the heavy lifting for biking trips on Georgian Bay and in Cottage Country.
- Gravel Sections: Only 1.7 km of Stagecoach Road south of Bracebridge and the 4.8 km stretch of the Rose Point Trail/Park to Park Trail near Parry Sound are unpaved. As of this writing, gravel on the Rose Point Trail is rough and recommended primarily for hybrid and mountain bikes. Gravel bikes may navigate it with some difficulty. On the Rose Point Trail, dismount before crossing bridges as the decking runs parallel to the trail.
- While the Trail connects many urban areas in Simcoe County, a few in Muskoka and the Town of Parry Sound, many communities along the route are small, welcoming destinations with seasonal and family-operated businesses. After Labour Day, some businesses reduce their hours or close for the season. We recommend confirming hours before your trip and arriving before 5:00 p.m. to allow time to purchase supplies and check into your accommodations.
- Services are generally available every 20–30 km. Carrying extra water and snacks is recommended, particularly on longer riding days.
- Connections and Junctions: The Trail overlaps significantly with and connects to the Simcoe County Loop in Simcoe County. It connects to the Park to Park Trail, a much more rugged trail, near Parry Sound. There are many junctions and overlaps with the Trans Canada Trail.
Examples of Terrain and On-Road Sections with Traffic
Off-Bike
Route Conditions
- ~88 km off-road trail through Grey and Simcoe Counties from Meaford to Orillia. The rest often uses on-road shared facilities or roads with paved shoulders, preferring roads with lower traffic where possible. The route in Simcoe County from the Uhthoff Trail north through Muskoka and toward Parry Sound is on-road.
- Cycling Experience: Muskoka is recommended for experienced cyclists comfortable cycling alongside traffic including truck traffic.
- Terrain: The route in Muskoka is very hilly. Add extra time to your trip to account for the terrain.
- Road conditions: Portions of Muskoka Roads 118 W and 169 around Lake Muskoka are major roads with posted speeds of 80 km/h and include truck traffic. Key sections include:
- 9 km on Muskoka Road 118 W from west of Milford Bay to Port Carling
- 6 km on Muskoka Road 169 from Muskoka Road 26 south to Bala
- 21 km on Muskoka Road 169 from Torrance to Gravenhurst
These sections have intermittent paved shoulders, soft shoulders, or narrow paved edge lines. The District Municipality of Muskoka has committed to adding paved shoulders to improve cycling safety and better connect communities around Lake Muskoka. Infrastructure improvements continue each year.
Trail Gaps
There are 2 gaps in the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail on Georgian Bay including a major long-term gap :
Muskoka Lakes – Georgian Bay Township
- Length and location: ~9.5 km of Muskoka Road 169, from the intersection with Muskoka Road 118 W northward to Lake Joseph Road. This section carries fast-moving truck and trailer traffic, has soft shoulders, and a posted speed limit of 80 km/h. We do not recommend cycling this section until cycling infrastructure is in place.
Travel North of Parry Sound
- The interim terminus for the GLWT is located in Parry Sound at Waubuno Beach. Travel as far as Grundy Lake Provincial Park is possible with a mix of secondary roads including the former Highway 69 and some segments of Highway 69 itself where there are paved shoulders. This section is proposed-only and presently unsigned.
- North of Grundy Lake Provincial Park / Hwy 522 is an 80 km corridor of Highway 69 that includes sections where the highway has been 4-laned and cycling is not legal. WRT is continuing to work with the MTO to provide recommendations and explore solutions to eventually see the Highway 69 corridor connected as far as Sudbury. This route includes many challenges, but we see it as the optimal option for a fully-connected terrestrial route for cycling around Georgian Bay.
“It makes you realize that you don’t have to leave Ontario for a great vacation”
“‘True’ Waterfront Trail.”
“The Golden Beach Route was lovely. The ride beside the river was delightful.”
“Falkenburg Road was a wonderful ride – rolling and curvy with a good road surface.”
“The Lake Rosseau Loop was challenging but spectacular. Not for inexperienced or weak cyclists, but worth the effort for the scenery, views and communities.”
