BruceGreySimcoe has long been developing as a cycling mecca, but with last year's expansion of the
Great Lakes Waterfront Trail across our region, there are even more opportunities for cycle tourism in the area. This 3000km trail connects 140 communities and First Nations along the Great Lakes waterfront. By connecting communities, cyclists can use the trail for day trips, overnights, or multi-day tours. The trail consists of both on road and off road facilities, combining rail trails and cycling paths, along with local roads, rural highways and occasionally Provincial highways.
There are 3 sections of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail in the BruceGreySimcoe region and we're breaking them down in this blog to help you plan your route. We've chosen some must-see attractions along each route to help you explore before you go. Read on and start planning your Great Lakes Waterfront Trail ride today. You can download the individual maps in digital form, or
click here to order the complete map book in print.
Bruce County and the Saugeen First Nation: Section 2
To download a complete set of maps for this section click here.
This section of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail runs mainly along the shore of Lake Huron, using rambling roads as well as the North Shore Trail- a 6 kilometre paved multi-use path linking Port Elgin and Southampton. While this section of trail uses primarily quiet rural roads and multi-use paths, there is a roughly 15 kilometre section along Bruce Road 13 - a regional road with a higher traffic volume.
Highlights
- Stunning lakeside views, including a great vista of Chantry Island near Southampton. You can book a boat tour of Chantry Island here
- Great public beaches in Kincardine, Port Elgin, Southampton and Sauble Beach
- Make connections with the Bruce County and Saugeen Rail Trail systems to create local loops
- Inverhuron Provincial Park
- MacGregror Point Provincial Park
- The Point Clark Lighthouse National Historic site can be toured by booking in advance. Click here for details
- Great local dining options in Kincardine, Port Elgin, Southampton and Sauble Beach - check out The Wismer House, Grey Matter Brewing Company, The Casero Taco Bus or The Walker House.
Northern Bruce Peninsula: Section 3
To download a complete set of maps for this section click here
Composed of primarily quiet, rural paved roads with some unpaved sections, the trail does travel on busy Highway 6 for 17 kilometres. These sections often have narrow paved shoulders and cyclists should have experience riding with traffic. This section of the trail lets you see Lake Huron on one side of the Bruce Peninsula and stunning Niagara Escarpment views of Georgian Bay on the other.
Highlights:
- Soft sandy beaches at Sauble Beach and Singing Sands - note Singing Sands is part of the Bruce Peninsula National Park so admission fees apply
- Opportunities to stop and hike the Bruce Trail along the Niagara Escarpment
- Amazing harbour views in Tobermory, Lion's Head and Wiarton
- Lighthouses in Tobermory and Lion's Head
- Visit 2 National Parks: Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park
- Take a tour boat to Flowerpot Island
- Take your bike aboard the MS Chi Cheemaun
Grey County: Section 4
To download a complete set of maps for this section click here
Stretching from Big Bay to Owen Sound, Meaford, Thornbury and Collingwood, Section 4 of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail consists of primarily rural roads and paved and unpaved off-road trail. The GLWT follows the Georgian Trail that connects Meaford to Collingwood for 34 kilometres.
Highlights:
- Amazing homemade ice cream at the Big Bay General Store
- Big Bay is also the unofficial stone-skipping capital of Canada
- Discover Mudtown Station craft brewery in Owen Sound or Northwinds Brewhouse and Kitchen and Sidelaunch Brewery in Collingwood
- Stop for a swim at Hibou Conservation Area
- Cycle to a local winery in Annan with a stop at Coffin Ridge
- Visit Blue Mountain Village the base of Blue Mountain Resort
- Cycle Collingwood's Harborview Park boardwalk
- Take a picture at one of Meaford's Big Red Chairs
- Visit Craigleith Provincial Park
- Take in dramatic views of Georgian Bay
For more information on cycling in BruceGreySimcoe, visit our website at
https://brucegreysimcoe.com/activities/cycling