Even seen from across the water Penetanguishene is a treat. With its unique skyline of forested hills, clustered about with homes and businesses and the prominent double-spires of St. Ann’s Parish, you’ll get a simultaneous sense of the community and surprise on your arrival. Arriving at the heart of the Town’s waterfront, you can stop for a swim or roam Penetanguishene Rotary Champlain Wendat Park, a 90-acre active and historic greenspace celebrating a landing of explorer Samuel de Champlain and his meeting and stay with the Wendat (Huron) people. Nearby, Penetanguishene’s historic downtown is thriving with many places to stop, shop, eat at, and discover.
Taking the Trail north you’ll find waterfront eats and ice cream at the dockside, scenic Huronia Park with its small beach, and finally Discovery Harbour, a historic park, museum and interpretive centre located on the site of an 1800s naval base with both a theatre and restaurant on site and tall ships resting in the water nearby.
Scenery, culture, heritage and fun. What else could you ask for on your Great Lakes Waterfront Journey? You’ll enjoy the first of many trips to Penetanguishene.

Trail Attributes
Distance: 8km
- Follows mostly residential roads and off-road trail with one short busy section through Penetanguishene’s historic Downtown.
Trail Tips:
- The Trail through Rotary park and its connection west along the Simcoe County Loop / Tiny Trail are very family friendly.
- The history in Penetanguishene is not to be missed. The Rotary Park and Discovery Harbour? Yes! But make sure you stop by the statue of Kitchikewana and read his story as well.
- Consider the Floatel for a unique overnight.