Local Attractions

SCOUT VALLEY is 2 km west of Orillia . You'll find this 93 hectare nature park and former Scout camp, with its three trails each 2.0 km long. Here one finds a superb recreational and educational community resource with a Provincially Significant Wetland, a remnant of majestic white pine, two substantial areas of hardwood bush and various landforms to catch your interest. The three trails interconnect, although you can start and finish each one independently, from three separate parking lots. Walking is mainly hilly of moderate difficulty. You can see the old retreating Ice Age Lake Algonquin shoreline, that covered much of south central Ontario formerly and gave us much of today's topography, an interesting study to follow up on. Enjoy this year round trail by walking, hiking or snowshoeing.

The Vernon Nature Area is a unique area that links three very diverse vegetarian zones found within Canada. These designated trails will acquaint you with the transition zone between the Boreal Forest Region, the St. Lawrence-Great Lake Forest Region and the Prairie Grasslands.

The Towab Trail is one of the most demanding and rewarding backcountry adventures in Lake Superior Provincial Park, leading hikers deep into the Agawa Canyon to the spectacular 25-meter Agawa Falls. This rugged out-and-back route is a true test of endurance and agility, often compared to the Coastal Trail in terms of difficulty but with greater verticality. The journey begins deceptively with a wide forest path before transforming into a technical obstacle course of rooty climbs, slippery rock faces, and steep ravines that require scrambling. As you follow the Agawa River valley, the trail undulates aggressively, forcing hikers to navigate washouts and narrow ledges high above the water. The final push to the falls is particularly challenging, often involving mud and steep ascents that require the use of hands for balance. Hikers can choose to tackle this as a punishing day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, utilizing the scenic backcountry campsites along the river (permits required).

The trail starts in Port Hope, on the north shore of Lake Ontario and after more than 400 kilometres connects with the Bruce Trail near Glen Huron. In Port Hope, the Ganaraska Hiking Trail connects with the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail. In the Ganaraska Forest, the trail crosses the Oak Ridges (hiking) Trail. In the hills of Oro Township, between Barrie and Orillia, a branch trail veers off to Midland and then turns south, through Wasaga Beach, to rejoin the main trail just east of Glen Huron (the link between the Midland section and the Wasaga section is not yet complete).

Hike 6 km on towering ridgelines to stunning cliff-top views. This trail has some of the best views the Highlands has to offer. Please be aware that this trail is linear and the distance is 6 km in one direction ending at the Circuit of 5 Viewpoints trailhead (see above). Ensure you have a trail guide map with you on this trail and pay close attention to trail junction signs so as not to mistakenly end up hiking onto a longer trail to a different access point. A car shuttle or some other form of return trip to the trail head is required to complete this trail in one direction, but the extra work is well worth it. This trail has some of the best, most varied terrain in the area and offers hikers an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in a true wilderness experience.

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.

The Raymond Trail follows the historic colonization route from the old Parry Sound Road to Skeleton Lake. The trail, with moderate hills, passes through field and forest. In places, you can still see the logs of the corduroy road, laid down to help settlers over the boggy sections. The trail wanders through dense hemlock stands that are a favourite habitat of deer, especially during the winter, and through hardwoods that are brilliant during the autumn. The route bypasses a large gravel pit and an abandoned hunt camp, ending at Skeleton Lake Road 2. At this point you have a choice of returning the way you came or travelling a similar distance along Skeleton Lake Road 2 to Highway 141 and back to the starting point. Alternatively, you can turn right, where a short walk takes you down the hill to the public wharf on Skeleton Lake.

The Sand Lake Gate is a major permit office for the "East Side" of Algonquin Park. This office offers Park information and bathroom facilities for access to the Achray Campground, Barron Canyon Trail, Grand Lake - Achray Access Point, Eastern Pines Backpacking Trail, McManus Lake Access Point, Mallard (Sec) Lake Access Point and Lake Travers Access Point.

Loop 5 is a 2 km green difficulty machine groomed trail located near Oro-Medonte Ontario. This nordic ski only trail can be used one direction and has a easy overall physical rating. Winter use: Classic / Skating snow grooming. Trail visibility is always easy to follow. On average it takes 1 minutes to complete this trail.

Head out on this 8.4-km loop trail near Kenora, Ontario. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 54 min to complete. This trail is great for cross-country skiing and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.

This is an awesome hike, and the trail is reasonably challenging with a couple steep spots and the added bonus of ending on a beautiful sandy beach. Taking a dip in the lake is a perfect way to finish the day. There are large sections of the trail that are in pretty thick bush but it often opens up over some great vistas. During summer, this will be overgrown in some areas with a few fallen trees. Hikers recommend downloading the offline maps to stay on the correct trail

Access route from the parking lot by Arab Lake, off of Big Salmon Lake Road. This route leads up to Birch Lake and Akron Lake, before looping back through pleasant woodlands. A series of nice elevation changes leads to some nice view points. There are several rocky areas and exposed roots along the trail.

Kawartha Land Trust's Ballyduff Trails are a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Open to the public, these trails provide opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a peaceful walk in nature or an exhilarating winter activity, Ballyduff Trails offer a perfect escape.

The trail winds its way across the property through forests and open fields, passing nearby wetlands. The trail is wide and generally flat with some sections of moderately steep inclines. Bicycles are permitted on this trail.

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.

At km 14.1 of Highway 60, a short road leads north to the access point at the southern tip of Canoe Lake. Latitude and longitude of Access Point: 45.535032°, -78.706570°

This area is a relationship gathering place with 8,000 years of history. A place where relationship is affirmed, confirmed and maintained. Stunning views of the Winnipeg River and Norman Dam can be seen along the series of trails which make up Tunnel Island. The trail also includes several lookouts and points of interest along its path. Many wildlife such as eagles, pelicans, deer and fox can be seen along this trail. This land was gifted to the Common Ground partnership between the City of Kenora, Grand Council Treaty #3 and the communities of Wauzushk Onigum, Ochiichagwe’Babigo’lning and Obashkaandagaang. Please respect the heritage value of this sacred site, while enjoying the land.

Awausee Trail is a memorable place to build a short outing around, especially when the day calls for something relaxed and uncomplicated. As a written listing, it benefits from language that feels easy, specific, and useful, giving readers a clear reason to photograph it without making promises that require on-site verification. The most useful angle is the outdoor experience: changing views, natural textures, quiet pauses, and the satisfaction of reaching a scenic point. The setting invites photos, conversation, and a slower rhythm, making it useful for travellers who want more than a quick checkmark. The description can highlight the way Awausee Trail adds shape to an itinerary: it gives people a destination, a pause, and a story they can easily remember afterward. Because every traveller approaches a stop differently, the copy should leave room for different versions of the visit. Some people may treat Awausee Trail as a quick break, while others may make it the centre of a morning, afternoon, or relaxed evening plan. What matters is the sense of invitation. The name itself should feel connected to a real experience, not just a pin on a map, so the writing should help readers imagine arriving, settling in, and choosing their own pace. As a listing, it should be described with a friendly tone that emphasizes atmosphere, ease, and the feeling of making a small discovery. The listing can also emphasize practical versatility, since travellers often appreciate stops that work for different ages, weather conditions, budgets, and energy levels. Rather than relying on a single feature, the appeal can be built through atmosphere, accessibility, and the promise of a small but satisfying break in the day. That makes the destination useful for itineraries that mix headline attractions with more personal moments, giving the overall trip a richer and more.

The Victoria Rail Trail (VRT) is an 85 kilometre rail trail in Kawartha Lakes with corridors linking Kinmount to Bethany, through Fenelon Falls and Lindsay. This public, multi-use trail is uniquely linked by affiliated trail connections for the explorer in all of us. The VRT is open year round for the avid outdoor enthusiast, honouring the rules and regulations for seasonal usage.

This is primarily a narrow forest trail. The climb to the top is steep and includes an additional climb on the other side of the ridge. It is not advisable to hike this trail if it is wet and slippery or snowshoe if conditions are icy. Take care along the edge of the ridge as there is a steep cliff near the trail. No bicycles allowed.

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.

On this former hatchery property, trout fingerlings were raised for release in local streams. The trail winds past the hatchery ponds, which have now been naturalized, and along the river, which flows from Skeleton Lake. The trail also features views of small waterfalls and rapids. Ontario Trails do not own or manage any trails. Check with the identified manager before using this trail. Do not trespass, allowed uses only

Mink Bay wetland is a beautiful area nestled in the west end of the City of Kenora. This area has the distinction of being the earliest settled area in Keewatin. This trail system winds through the wetlands and boreal forest of Mink and Portage Bay and into the green spaces and businesses of downtown Keewatin.

Nokomis Trail is located within Lake Superior Provincial Park in Ontario’s Algoma Country. This is a 3 mile (5 km) loop trail that follows Old Woman River and climbing through boreal forest. The trail offers multiple scenic lookout points that give an ideal vantage points of Old Women Bay. You may even be able to see the face of an old women immortalized in the cliff that rises 650 feet (200 m) above Lake Superior. The trailhead is located at the Old Woman Bay day use area. Leashed dogs allowed.

This historic railway bed is now a magnificent recreational corridor with a crushed limestone surface. This 53.8 km section of the national trail traverses east to west across Kawartha Lakes. The trail surface is 3 metre wide, hard-packed limestone which provides flat level surface, ideal for a variety of trail uses. You will encounter woodlands, farmlands, wetlands, and communities. For the most part, the trail is relatively flat, with modest changes in elevation throughout its entire length. Trail users will find facilities such as benches, bicycle racks, and picnic shelters along the way.

From the trailhead on Geeza Road, follow the main trail (Dahl Forest Access Road) to the Big Bend Trail Loop. Turn right on the Big Bend Trail Loop and keep going straight at the fork to hike the loop in a clockwise direction. Once you return to the intersection point, turn left. You'll come to the Dahl Forest Access Road. Turn left towards the trailhead.

The Point Grondine Campground and Eco Park is proposed as an off the grid campground with primitive campsites, First Nation Interpretive Center, hiking trails and canoe routes. The park will serve as the northern trail head of the Georgian Bay Coast Trail. The multi year project began in 2012 with a full park opening expected in the spring of 2014.

At Emsdale on Highway 11, turn east and follow Highway 518 for 8 kilometres to the village of Kearney. Then continue on Highway 518 for 14.4 kilometres to the Forestry Tower Road and follow it and signs for another 24.2 kilometres to the access point on the north-west shore of Magnetawan Lake. Latitude and longitude of Access Point: 45.668067°,-78.986728°

Try this 2.6-km loop trail near Severn, Ontario. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 41 min to complete. This trail is great for cross-country skiing, hiking, and horseback riding, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

The Rabbit Lake Trail system is partially inclusive, accessible and paved. This trail starts at the end of Nairn Avenue and this portion is called the Rotary Way Trail. This portion of the trail joins into the main Rabbit Lake Trail at a spectacular viewing site overlooking Rabbit Lake. Your journey continues along the shore of Rabbit Lake to Garrow Park and Beach. To complete your journey the trail then follows Birchwood Crescent, onto to Valley Drive which leads you back to Nairn Avenue. There are several resting areas along the bush portion of the trail. There are also several feeder trails that are not accessible.

Lake Superior Ridge Trail 2 generally refers to another segment of a rugged ridge or coastal hiking route within Lake Superior Provincial Park. These trails follow elevated terrain along the shoreline of Lake Superior, providing dramatic views of cliffs, forests, and the lake.

Georgian Bay Coastal Trail 2 generally refers to another segment of the Georgian Bay Coastal Route, a scenic recreational corridor that follows the shoreline of Georgian Bay.

Algonquin Backcountry Access Trail 2, more accurately called Backcountry Access Point 2, is one of the official entry points into the wilderness interior of Algonquin Provincial Park. Rather than being a traditional hiking trail, it is a launch and entry area used by canoeists, backpackers, and backcountry campers to begin multi-day trips into the park.

The Kenora Lakeside Trail (Lakefront Trail) is a scenic waterfront walking and cycling path that runs along the shoreline of Lake of the Woods in the city of Kenora. The trail is designed for casual recreation, offering views of the lake, marinas, and islands that make the area famous.

The Lake Superior Ridge Trail (often referring to a ridge section of the Lake Superior Coastal Trail) is a rugged backcountry hiking route located in Lake Superior Provincial Park. It runs along high ridges and coastal areas overlooking Lake Superior, offering dramatic views of cliffs, forests, and the shoreline.

The Kawartha Ridge Trail is a hiking trail located within Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park, a large wilderness park known for its lakes, forests, and rugged Canadian Shield terrain.

The Haliburton Highlands Trail often refers to the broader Haliburton Highlands trail and paddling network, which includes a system of water routes and land trails used for outdoor recreation in the Haliburton Highlands region.

The Georgian Bay Coastal Route / Trail is a scenic recreational route that follows the eastern shoreline of Georgian Bay. Rather than being a single continuous hiking path, it is a collection of connected trails, roads, and waterfront paths that allow people to explore the rugged coastlines, beaches, and forests along Georgian Bay.