With warmer days finally here, it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy everything our community has to offer. Trails across Barrie and Simcoe County are reopening, making it easy to head out for a walk, a bike ride, or simply take in a quiet moment in nature.
Whether you’re looking for something scenic, family-friendly, or a bit more active, here are a few local favourites worth exploring.
| Ardagh Bluffs (Barrie)
One of Barrie’s most loved trail systems, Ardagh Bluffs offers over 17 km of interconnected trails winding through mature forest. You’ll find a mix of flat paths and gentle hills, making it great for both casual walkers and those looking for a bit more of a workout. In spring, the area comes alive with birds, fresh greenery, and that quiet “escape” feeling — all just minutes from residential neighbourhoods. Good to know: multiple access points, dog-friendly (on leash), some sections can be muddy in early spring. |
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Wilkins Walk Trail (Barrie Waterfront)
Set right along Kempenfelt Bay, this trail is all about views and accessibility. It’s fully paved, flat, and ideal for strollers, bikes, and casual walks.
You can easily turn this into a longer outing by connecting to Barrie’s waterfront paths, stopping at parks, beaches, or even grabbing a coffee downtown.
Good to know: very accessible, busy in warmer months, perfect for sunrise or sunset walks.
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| Nine Mile Portage Heritage Trail (Springwater)
This trail combines natural beauty with local history. Once used as an Indigenous and early settler route, it now offers a peaceful path through forests and wetlands. It’s relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it perfect for a slower-paced walk where you can truly take in the surroundings. Good to know: interpretive signage along the trail, great for families and history lovers. |
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Copeland Forest (Oro-Medonte)
A favourite for those looking for a bit more adventure, Copeland Forest offers a network of scenic trails with rolling terrain, forest views, and a true “get away from it all” feel. It’s especially popular for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking, with routes ranging from easy to more challenging.
Good to know: multiple access points, great elevation changes, ideal if you want something a bit more active and less crowded.
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| Simcoe County Forest - Barr Tract (Snow Valley / Springwater)
A scenic forest trail system with rolling terrain and a peaceful, tucked-away feel. Known for its mix of winding paths and gentle elevation, it’s a great spot for hiking, trail running, and biking when you want something a bit more dynamic than a flat walk. Good to know: moderate difficulty, some hills, ideal for more active outings, and typically less crowded than the main Barrie trails. |
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To sum it up, this is the kind of lifestyle that makes living in Barrie and Simcoe County so special . Whether it’s a quick walk after work, a weekend hike, or simply taking a moment to enjoy the fresh air, these trails are right at your doorstep. If you’ve been thinking about getting outside more, this is your sign. And if you’re thinking about making a move, finding a home that connects you to spaces like these can truly change the way you live.
