A worth-it spot for some scenic waterfront running is Collingwood. Located 50 km northwest of Barrie, Collingwood is on Nottawasaga Bay, the southern part of vast Georgian Bay. In winter, it’s a gateway to the Blue Mountain ski resort, and nordic trails. There are several km of scenic waterfront paths in Collingwood, but not 100% seamless along the water. We’ve mapped two separate sections, which can be combined for 14 km!
Millennium Overlook Park. Google Street View
East Section: Starting near downtown near First St. & Hurontario St., head south for 2.5 km to Sunset Point Beach & Turtle Rock. The first 1 km is along First St. — not that scenic. The nicest section is the 1.5 km in the Sunset Point area. A scenic add-on option is to take the path alongside Heritage Drive out to the point at Millennium Overlook Park. This adds 2.4 km out and back, and there are great water views.
WestSection: A scenic path that goes for 3.5 km to White’s Bay Park. Starting as the Georgian Trail off First St., this includes a lovely 1 km through the Collingwood Arboretum, where there some additional trails. Just past the Arboretum off Rt. 26/Balsam St. the waterfront trail along Balsam St. is called Boardwalk Ave. Good water views much of the way!
Add-Ons: there are additional trails inland off Balsam St. You can follow the Georgian Trail inland or the Georgian Meadows Trail toward Black Ash Park.
A worth-it spot for some scenic waterfront running is Collingwood. Located 50 km northwest of Barrie, Collingwood is on Nottawasaga Bay, the southern part of vast Georgian Bay. In winter, it’s a gateway to the Blue Mountain ski resort, and nordic trails. There are several km of scenic waterfront paths in Collingwood, but not 100% seamless along the water. We’ve mapped two separate sections, which can be combined for 14 km!
Millennium Overlook Park. Google Street View
East Section: Starting near downtown near First St. & Hurontario St., head south for 2.5 km to Sunset Point Beach & Turtle Rock. The first 1 km is along First St. — not that scenic. The nicest section is the 1.5 km in the Sunset Point area. A scenic add-on option is to take the path alongside Heritage Drive out to the point at Millennium Overlook Park. This adds 2.4 km out and back, and there are great water views.
WestSection: A scenic path that goes for 3.5 km to White’s Bay Park. Starting as the Georgian Trail off First St., this includes a lovely 1 km through the Collingwood Arboretum, where there some additional trails. Just past the Arboretum off Rt. 26/Balsam St. the waterfront trail along Balsam St. is called Boardwalk Ave. Good water views much of the way!
Add-Ons: there are additional trails inland off Balsam St. You can follow the Georgian Trail inland or the Georgian Meadows Trail toward Black Ash Park.
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Essentials
Up to 12 km (7.5 miles), combining the east and west sections
The signature run in Barrie combines the Heritage Trail and North Shore Trail for 6.2 km along Lake Simcoe. Several lovely parks and wonderful lake views.
A nice run in western Barrie combining three parks, with a few road connections: Arboretum/Sunnidale Park, trails in the Sandy Hollow Buffer, and Lampman Park. Much of the route is on sections of the Nine Mile Portage Heritage Trail.
A pleasant run on a path through a narrow, long park following Hewitt's Creek. With the connector trail, it's a 6.7 km run. Can add with wooded path along Lovers Creek.
Good trail running spot in southern Barrie. 17 km of hilly, wooded trails over 548 acres. Well waymarked. This is moderately challenging trail running.
The best running in Orillia is 4.5 km along Lake Couchiching on a scenic waterfront path. Other good options are the Trans Canada trail headed north toward Georgian Bay or south toward Barrie.
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Essentials
Up to 12 km (7.5 miles), combining the east and west sections
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