Trails in Simcoe County

The Simcoe County area has a long tradition of blazing trails. Our First Nations peoples used trail routes to travel between villages and to conduct trade. Later on, colonial settlement established roads and railways, many of which followed original First Nations routes. Today, Simcoe County’s municipalities, it’s residents and various volunteer organizations remain committed to trails for their recreational benefits to area communities.

Trails in the Simcoe area come in a variety of forms and functions. Some trails are managed by volunteer groups and are established with the consent of landowner’s along the route. These include the Bruce Trail and the Ganaraska Trail. However, most trails are owned by municipalities and other public bodies. They are either community trails (neighbourhoods, parks, etc.) or inter-municipal trails (rail trails, along major roads, etc.). With an area of approximately 4,800 km² that includes 16 local municipalities, 2 separated cities, a Canadian Forces base, First Nations lands, several provincial parks, and conservation areas, there are many stakeholders who have an interest in building trails.

As a result of the County of Simcoe 2008 Transportation Master Plan and the New Official Plan adopted in 2008, it was determined that there was a need for the County to take on a role to coordinate and support the development of trails and active transportation routes to help build a healthier and stronger County. Through effective coordination and committed partnerships, we can realize the potential our County has to create a world-class trails network for residents and visitors to enjoy.

To guide the investment and development of a county-wide trails network, the County of Simcoe is coordinating the Simcoe County Trails Strategy.