Penetanguishene

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.

Download Printable Map

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.

Local Maps and Connections Staging Areas Amenities and Transit Helpful Links

Links to Local Maps

BruceGreySimcoe – Interactive tourism map for Bruce, Grey and Simcoe Counties.
Tourism Simcoe County interactive map
Cycle Simcoe (PDF and interactive maps – can request print maps)
Awenda Provincial Park (PDF)

Connections

The Trans Canada Trail — The Trans Canada Trail network stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, forming the largest trail network in the world. Within the County, the Great Trail follows much of the Simcoe County Loop.

Simcoe County Loop Trail – A 160km loop connecting some of the greatest locations in Orillia and Barrie to the serene countryside of Simcoe County and the sparkling waters of Georgian Bay. Site includes maps and GPS data.

Junctions

The Great Trail / Simcoe County Loop Trail – Intersection of Concession Rd 12 and Tiny Trail. Follows same route through Penetanguishene, Midland, Victoria Harbour, Waubaushene, Coldwater and into Orillia at Couchiching Beach Park.

Community Links

Penetanguishene
Simcoe County
Simcoe County Tourism
Midland

Staging Areas

All staging areas have parking, washrooms (may be seasonal)

Penetanguishene: Penetang Arena, 61 Maria St, Penetanguishene, ON L9M 2G2

Where to Stay:

Under the sheets? Nearby Midland has numerous accommodations, however for a unique stay on the water, check out the Floatel.

Under the stars? There are a handful of campgrounds located nearby including, Awenda Provincial Park. Awenda is very popular, so book your site well in advance.

Amenities

Accommodations, Campground
Accommodations, Roofed
Beaches
Groceries
Hospital
LCBO (Includes Breweries and Wineries)
Marinas
Museums
Outfitters
Restaurants
Shopping Areas
Tourist Information
Washrooms
WIFI
Winter Maintenance
Not all of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail in Penetanguishene is maintained for cycling in the winter.

Transit

Transit:
The Simcoe County LINX transit system has several routes to Georgian Bay coastal communities such as Midland, Penetanguishene and Wasaga Beach from Barrie, with a connecting route between Wasaga Beach and Collingwood. Not every route runs every day of the week.

GO Transit: Travellers can connect to Barrie from the the Greater Toronto, Hamilton and Niagara regions via GO transit.

Helpful Links

Tourism (General)
Experience Simcoe County – Places to eat, places to stay, events etc.
BruceGreySimcoe – Regional tourism for Bruce, Grey and Simcoe Counties. Places to visit, festivals and an interactive map.
CycleSimcoe – A great place for all things cycling in the Simcoe County area. Local itineraries, maps, packages.

Museums and Heritage Sites
Discovery Harbour – Historic site of an 1800s naval harbour with tall ships, restaurant and on-site theatre. Located in Penetanguishene.
St. Marie-among-the-Hurons – Living 1700s heritage museum located near Midland

Natural Attractions
Wye Marsh and Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre – Beautiful marsh with wildlife centre, located just outside Midland
Awenda Provincial Park – Camping, bluffs, beaches and beautiful hiking trails. Located a short distance away.

Ontario By Bike – Great resource with routes, tours and a vast list of bike-friendly businesses.