North Simcoe Rail Trail: Barrie to Orillia

Rail trails work because they solve the two biggest problems casual cyclists face: hills and traffic. The North Simcoe Rail Trail delivers on both counts. Roughly 30 kilometres of crushed limestone running from Barrie north toward Orillia, following the old railway corridor through some of Simcoe County's best farmland. The grade never exceeds two percent. The surface is firm and well-packed. And you are separated from road traffic for nearly the entire distance. If you are new to trail riding or getting back on a bike after years away, this is the kind of trail that makes it easy.

The Route

The southern end of the trail starts in Barrie, near the Allandale Waterfront area. This is a good starting point with parking, washrooms, and food options before you set out. The trail heads north through the city's outskirts, crossing a few roads with marked crossings, before settling into the rural corridor that defines most of the ride.

Once past Barrie's northern suburbs, the landscape opens up into rolling farmland. The trail cuts through fields of corn and soy in summer, with hedgerows and woodlots providing intermittent shade. It is not dramatic scenery in the way that a Georgian Bay waterfront ride is, but it has its own quiet appeal. You can hear birds, wind in the crops, and not much else. The absence of traffic noise is one of the best things about riding a rail trail through agricultural country.

Craighurst, roughly the midpoint, has a small trailhead with parking. There is not much in the way of services here, so bring what you need. The trail continues north through Oro-Medonte Township, passing through patches of forest and crossing several county roads. Each road crossing is well-marked with signage and clear sightlines.

The northern end brings you into the outskirts of Orillia, a larger town on the shores of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe. Orillia has a proper downtown with restaurants, shops, and a pleasant waterfront. If you are doing the full out-and-back ride (60 kilometres total), Orillia makes a natural lunch stop before turning around.

Why Beginners Like This Trail

Everything about the North Simcoe Rail Trail is designed to be approachable, even if that was not the original intention. Railway corridors had to be nearly flat to work for trains, and that legacy grade means you will never encounter a hill on this path. The crushed limestone surface is firm enough for hybrid bikes and even narrow-tired road bikes in dry conditions, though wider tires (32mm or more) will be more comfortable.

The trail is also straight, with long sightlines in both directions. You can see other users coming from hundreds of metres away, which reduces the anxiety that newer riders sometimes feel about unexpected encounters. There are no sharp turns, no blind corners, and no technical sections. It is the kind of trail where you can focus on enjoying the ride rather than managing the terrain.

For riders who are building fitness, the flat grade and consistent surface mean you can control your effort precisely. Ride 10 kilometres out and 10 back on your first trip. Next time, push it to 15. Eventually, do the full distance. The trail accommodates every fitness level without judgment.

Riding with Families

This is one of the better family-friendly rides in the Simcoe County area. The flat surface works with trailers and trail-a-bikes. Kids on their own bikes can ride safely because the trail is wide enough for passing and there is no motor vehicle traffic. The straight sightlines mean you can keep an eye on children who ride ahead.

The main limitation for families is the lack of services between Barrie and Orillia. There are no water fountains, washrooms, or snack stops along the rural section of the trail. Pack water, snacks, and sunscreen. If your kids are younger, start from Barrie, ride north for an hour, and turn back rather than committing to the full distance.

Connecting Routes

From the Barrie end, the trail connects to the city's growing waterfront path network along Kempenfelt Bay. You can ride the waterfront, loop through downtown Barrie, and pick up the rail trail heading north, making a longer day of it.

At the Orillia end, there are connections to local trails around Lake Couchiching. And if you are ambitious, you can continue north from Orillia toward the Uhthoff Trail, which extends the rail trail experience into more rugged Shield country.

Heading west from the Barrie area, road routes connect through Stayner and eventually to Collingwood, where you can pick up the Georgian Trail. That combination requires some road riding on county highways, but it is doable for experienced cyclists.

The Tay Shore Trail from Midland to Penetanguishene is also within easy driving distance if you want to ride multiple trails over a weekend. The two trails together give you over 50 kilometres of off-road riding across different landscapes.

Practical Details

Barrie is about an hour north of Toronto on Highway 400. The Allandale Waterfront trailhead has free parking and is easy to find. Orillia is another 30 minutes north on Highway 11. Both towns have bike shops if you need last-minute supplies or repairs.

The crushed limestone surface is best from late May through October. Early spring can be soft and muddy as the frost leaves the ground. After heavy rain, give the trail a day to dry out before riding; wet limestone can be slippery and soft tires will sink in.

Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be leashed. You will encounter dog walkers regularly, especially near the town ends. Announce your approach politely.

For current conditions and any seasonal closures, the Ontario Trails Council maintains a provincial trail directory. Local cycling groups in Barrie and Orillia also post condition updates on social media through the riding season.

The Bottom Line

The North Simcoe Rail Trail is not flashy. It will not end up on anyone's list of the most dramatic rides in Ontario. But it does exactly what a good rail trail should do: it gives you a safe, flat, car-free corridor through pleasant countryside, with enough distance to make a real ride out of it. For beginners, families, and anyone who values simplicity over spectacle, it is one of the most reliable trails in the region.