The best walks and hikes around Lake Simcoe
4.4
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222
hikers
33
hikes
Hiking around Lake Simcoe offers diverse landscapes, from extensive forests and woodlands to serene lakeside vistas and varied wetland ecosystems. The region features numerous trails that cater to different skill levels, providing opportunities for exploring natural beauty and wildlife. Many routes directly hug the shores of Lake Simcoe, while others meander through protected forests and wetlands. The terrain varies from flat, accessible paths to routes with moderate elevation gains.
Best hiking trails around Lake Simcoe
- The most popular hiking route is North Shore Trail: Johnson's Beach Park to Centennial Park, a 4.4 miles (7.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 49 minutes to complete. This easy path offers scenic views along Barrie's waterfront.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Tudhope Park loop from Atherley, an easy 2.4 miles (3.9 km) path. This route provides accessible walking options around Tudhope Park in Orillia.
- Local hikers also love the Innisfil Beach Park Trail, a 1.4 miles (2.3 km) trail leading through lakeside parkland, often completed in about 35 minutes.
- Hiking around Lake Simcoe is defined by lakeside vistas, extensive forests, and diverse wetland ecosystems. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to moderate paths.
- The routes in Lake Simcoe are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from 6 reviews. More than 100 hikers have used komoot to explore Lake Simcoe's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 4, 2026
8
hikers
7.12km
01:49
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.0
(1)
4
hikers
4.72km
01:13
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.51km
00:54
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
2.31km
00:35
10m
10m
Hike the easy 1.4-mile (2.3 km) Innisfil Beach Park Trail along Lake Simcoe, offering scenic views and park amenities.
1
hikers
6.43km
01:39
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Lake Simcoe
Tips from the Community
The Sugar Maple Way threads through the woodland beside the Nest Golf Club, where protected forest meets carefully sculpted fairways. A nearby lookout gives you a chance to pause and take in the contrast, while birdsong and dense greenery keep this stretch feeling much wilder than its golf-course neighbour might suggest.
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The White Cedar Loop winds for 1.75 kilometres through Friday Harbour’s Nature Preserve. Woodland and bridged streams create an easy escape into the trees, with plenty of reason to keep your eyes and ears open: deer, red foxes, and more than 40 bird species call the preserve home.
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The Boardwalk brings Lake Simcoe right into the heart of Friday Harbour. Here you can stroll beside the marina, watch boats come and go, and enjoy the open water.
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Water’s Edge Trail opened with the park in 1971, and follows the shore of Lake Simcoe before circling McRae Point itself. Along the water, the path is wide and relatively flat, then winds through a cedar and hardwood swamp filled with ferns and rattlesnake fern, crosses a boardwalk over the marsh, and climbs into mixed forest along the ridgeline. The path is uneven and narrow in a few places and can be challenging for anyone with limited mobility, but it’s a great walk for birdwatching and the views over the lake are breathtaking.
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McRae Point Provincial Park sits on the shores of Lake Simcoe, with a mix of forest, wetlands, beach and plenty of open lakeshore to explore. The park has a large campground and day-use area, a designated swimming area, and a boat launch providing access to the Trent-Severn Waterway. It’s a popular summer spot for swimming, boating, and fishing, and if you’re a birdwatcher, there are around 79 recorded bird species here, including yellow-throated vireos and pileated woodpeckers. You’ll find just one trail here, the Water’s Edge Trail, which winds through the hardwood swamp and along the waterfront.
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At the southern tip of the peninsula, the trees open up to a panoramic view of Lake Simcoe and Strawberry Island in the distance. It’s known locally as one of the best spots to watch the sunset in the park, and if you time it right, you’ll catch the beautiful colours reflecting on the lake as evening sets in. You might also spot a few wild ducks, often seen here drifting just offshore.
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The Millennium Trail through Tudhope Park is paved and takes you right along the edge of the water. There are a series of informative plaques along the path that tell you about the area's industrial history. Parts of the Millennium Trail follow an old railroad grade that used to run through Orillia.
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The park is large and has lots of trails, green spaces, shady benches, and coastline to explore. You can dip your toes in the water from Moose Beach after your walk, and there is sometimes an ice cream stand open near the parking lot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Lake Simcoe?
There are over 20 hiking routes available around Lake Simcoe, catering to various preferences and skill levels. Most of these, around 20, are considered easy, while a few offer a moderate challenge.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails around Lake Simcoe?
The hiking routes around Lake Simcoe are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from serene lakeside vistas to extensive forests and wetlands, and the variety of well-maintained paths suitable for different abilities.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners around Lake Simcoe?
Yes, Lake Simcoe offers many easy trails perfect for beginners. Routes like the Innisfil Beach Park Trail provide gentle, accessible paths with scenic views. The Tudhope Park loop from Atherley is another easy option, offering accessible walking around Orillia's Tudhope Park.
What kind of terrain can I expect on Lake Simcoe hiking trails?
The terrain around Lake Simcoe is quite varied. You'll find many flat, crushed gravel paths, especially on rail trails like the Oro-Medonte Rail Trail, making them accessible. Other areas feature natural surfaces through forests and wetlands, with some trails offering moderate elevation gains, particularly in protected forest areas like Copeland Forest.
Are the hiking trails around Lake Simcoe suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. Many trails around Lake Simcoe are family-friendly, offering easy and accessible options. Sibbald Point Provincial Park is a great destination with trails, sandy beaches, and picnic areas. The Innisfil Beach Park Trail is also an easy loop suitable for all ages.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails near Lake Simcoe?
Many trails in the Lake Simcoe region are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park or trail regulations beforehand. Generally, dogs are welcome on leash in most conservation areas and multi-use trails, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors with your canine companion.
Where can I find trails with picturesque lakeside views around Lake Simcoe?
For stunning lakeside views, consider trails that hug the shores of Lake Simcoe. The North Shore Trail in Barrie offers picturesque views along Kempenfelt Bay. The Innisfil Beach Park Trail also provides scenic lake vistas.
Are there hiking trails that go through extensive forests or woodlands?
Yes, the Lake Simcoe region boasts extensive forested areas. Copeland Forest, north of Barrie, is a significant natural area with 13 trails winding through 524 acres of protected forest. Grants Woods is another excellent choice, known for its trees over 200 years old, offering shaded pathways and opportunities for nature photography.
Can I find trails that feature wetlands and opportunities for wildlife spotting?
Certainly. Trails like the Oro-Medonte Rail Trail guide visitors through peaceful wetlands where you might spot active beaver ponds and osprey nests. Scanlon Creek Loop and the Tiffin Conservation Area also feature trails through wetlands, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching and observing diverse ecosystems.
Are there any circular hiking routes around Lake Simcoe?
Yes, there are several circular hiking routes available. The Tudhope Park loop from Atherley is an easy circular path in Orillia. The Hiking loop from Friday Harbour Nature Preserve is another easy loop option. Many conservation areas, like Tiffin Conservation Area, also offer looped trail systems.
What is the best time of year to go hiking around Lake Simcoe?
Lake Simcoe offers hiking opportunities year-round. Spring brings lush greenery and active wildlife, while summer is ideal for combining hikes with lakeside activities. Fall provides stunning foliage, especially in forested areas like Copeland Forest. Winter hiking is also popular, with many trails suitable for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Are there any historical or geological points of interest along the trails?
Yes, some trails in the region have historical significance. The Oro-Medonte Rail Trail follows a former CN rail line, while the Nine Mile Portage Heritage Trail traces an Indigenous and fur trader route. The Tiffin Centre Loop is also known for its ancient lake beds, offering a glimpse into the area's geological past.
Are there hiking trails around Lake Simcoe accessible by public transport?
While many trails are best accessed by car, some areas around Lake Simcoe, particularly within Barrie and Orillia, are reachable by local public transport. For example, sections of the North Shore Trail in Barrie are accessible from various points within the city. It's advisable to check local transit routes and schedules for specific trailheads.
Most popular routes around Lake Simcoe
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