Nestled under a canopy of sparkling, snowy trees, Orillia & Lake Country’s green spaces are the perfect place to rejuvenate yourself with nature’s embrace.
Refresh yourself with a relaxing walk alongside expansive lake views, get your blood pumping with exhilarating fat biking through the woods, or try your hand at a cozy, snowshoe through the wilderness. Whatever your interests, these lake country trails will leave you refreshed and ready to take on the day.
Copeland Forest
Boasting 4,400 acres of provincially protected landscapes, Copeland Forest is made up of rich foliage, cold water streams, and rolling hills. Featuring over 75-kilometres of trails, this greenspace is perfect for hiking, snowshoeing, and fat biking (rentals available at nearby Horseshoe Resort), or simply immersing yourself in nature. For the cross-country skiing enthusiast, check out the 30km of groomed trails in the forest maintained by Horseshoe Resort. An extensive trail map can be found on the Copeland Forest Friends website here, or if you’re new to exploring, try out Horseshoe Resort’s well-marked trails with one of their trail passes here.
Grants Woods
Grants Woods is the perfect destination for those seeking a respite in nature. A network of 4 km looped walking trails, with connecting footbridges and interpretive kiosks, leads the visitor through a mature forest of towering maples and pines, some dating back 200 years. Don’t forget your camera, as the diverse flora and fauna of Grant’s Woods make for great photographic opportunities. A map of Grants Woods can be found on the Couchiching Conservancy website here.
Scout Valley
Located on the outskirts of Orillia, Scout Valley is a 230-acre oasis of nature that includes three well-maintained trails. Each of these trails has its own features, including mature deciduous trees, streams, and a scenic lookout with views of Lake Couchiching and Simcoe. View the Scout Valley trail maps on the City of Orillia’s website here.
Hardwood Ski and Bike
If you prefer cross-country skiing, visit Hardwood Ski and Bike, where 40 kilometres of groomed routes across rolling hills of maple and pine forests await to be explored. Not a skier? Hardwood also offers 11 kilometres of snowshoe trails, fat-biking routes, and groomer tours. Full gear rentals and passes are available to pre-book on their website here.
The Millennium Trail
The 9.5-kilometre shared recreational-use Millennium Trail in Orillia is part of the Trans Canada Trail and remains maintained all winter long. Providing many great views of frozen Lake Couchiching, the trail is popular with walkers and fat-bikers and travels through some of the city’s most scenic waterfront parks including J.B. Tudhope Memorial and Couchiching Beach. A map of the trail can be found on the City of Orillia’s website here. If you’re an early riser, bring your phone or camera, Lake Couchiching sunrises are always a special sight.
Looking for ways to get outside this winter? Check out our list of the Top Winter Activities in Orillia & Lake Country.
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