Simcoe County Loop XL (The Moose Loop)
This bikepacking route was created by Sam Rahbar, founder of Pedals and Provisions
Simcoe XL loop (303km) is an extended version of the beloved Simcoe County Trail Loop which was developed by the lovely folks at Cycle Simcoe (A 160-kilometer loop that travels through nine municipalities, reaching three major bodies of water, including Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe, and Lake Couchiching. ) It is primarily on off-road, multi-use rail-trails! Farms, corn fields, beautiful hills, endless gravel trails, this is one of the most scenic and quaint parts of Ontario that is close to Toronto.
The XL version adds the super scenic Upper Big Chute Loop in Orillia and Lake Country, Heart of Georgian Bay (Tiny beach/Tay shore trail), and Thunder Beach loops (plenty of waterfront views) in Midland/Penetanguishene to the original route.
Plan for 3 back-to-back days of riding 100Km of mainly gravel.
The first 60km and roughly the last 30km follow the original loop, but everything else will be new roads. We recommend cycling this route counterclockwise but it would work either way. This route is designed perfectly for bikepacking as each day will conveniently end at a Provincial Park, first night at Six Mile Lake and 2nd night at Awenda Provincial Park. Make sure to book campgrounds in advance. These are very sought-after campgrounds in that region. That said there are lots of accomodation options between airbnb and motels.
This is a flat route with moderate hills as you approach the northern section of this trail.
1st Day: Depart Barrie and stop in Orillia or Cold Water for lunch, both have enough food options. Foodland in Coldwater is a perfect place to refuel and last major grocery store on route.
2nd day also has loads of food options along the Georgian/Sturgeon Bay waterfront, with Midland being the main town en route.
The 3rd day is one of the most scenic routes as heading south on Tiny Beaches Rd N. you will pass by many alleys that end on a secluded beach on Georgian Bay! Nothing like a nice dip in the lake mid-ride! But my absolute food gem on this journey is perfectly situated towards the tail end of day 3; Wyevale Jug City, a lowkey corner store (Concession Rd 5 E and Tiny Trail) that legitimately sells the best soft serve ice cream you have tasted in decades! It will take you back to your childhood and the first softserve you have ever had! Elmvale spring is another must stop on this route, a structure that has freshwater flowing from taps as strong as fire hoses and as fresh as it gets! You will for sure see a line up. Local cars with loads of jugs to fill! Elmvale Bakery is another classic stop along this route.
If you have any questions about this route please contact us.
Simcoe XL loop (303km) is an extended version of the beloved Simcoe County Trail Loop which was developed by the lovely folks at Cycle Simcoe (A 160-kilometer loop that travels through nine municipalities, reaching three major bodies of water, including Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe, and Lake Couchiching. ) It is primarily on off-road, multi-use rail-trails! Farms, corn fields, beautiful hills, endless gravel trails, this is one of the most scenic and quaint parts of Ontario that is close to Toronto.
The XL version adds the super scenic Upper Big Chute Loop in Orillia and Lake Country, Heart of Georgian Bay (Tiny beach/Tay shore trail), and Thunder Beach loops (plenty of waterfront views) in Midland/Penetanguishene to the original route.
Plan for 3 back-to-back days of riding 100Km of mainly gravel.
The first 60km and roughly the last 30km follow the original loop, but everything else will be new roads. We recommend cycling this route counterclockwise but it would work either way. This route is designed perfectly for bikepacking as each day will conveniently end at a Provincial Park, first night at Six Mile Lake and 2nd night at Awenda Provincial Park. Make sure to book campgrounds in advance. These are very sought-after campgrounds in that region. That said there are lots of accomodation options between airbnb and motels.
This is a flat route with moderate hills as you approach the northern section of this trail.
1st Day: Depart Barrie and stop in Orillia or Cold Water for lunch, both have enough food options. Foodland in Coldwater is a perfect place to refuel and last major grocery store on route.
2nd day also has loads of food options along the Georgian/Sturgeon Bay waterfront, with Midland being the main town en route.
The 3rd day is one of the most scenic routes as heading south on Tiny Beaches Rd N. you will pass by many alleys that end on a secluded beach on Georgian Bay! Nothing like a nice dip in the lake mid-ride! But my absolute food gem on this journey is perfectly situated towards the tail end of day 3; Wyevale Jug City, a lowkey corner store (Concession Rd 5 E and Tiny Trail) that legitimately sells the best soft serve ice cream you have tasted in decades! It will take you back to your childhood and the first softserve you have ever had! Elmvale spring is another must stop on this route, a structure that has freshwater flowing from taps as strong as fire hoses and as fresh as it gets! You will for sure see a line up. Local cars with loads of jugs to fill! Elmvale Bakery is another classic stop along this route.
If you have any questions about this route please contact us.
