Horseshoe Resort is home to a downhill park. Daily lift passes and bike and equipment rentals are available, and an onsite bike shop offers services and repairs. Visit their downhill park for weekly races, cycling events, summer bike day camps for children, and private lessons. Enjoy on site dining options and book an overnight stay.
Cycling
Oro-Medonte is a Cycling Mecca!
Oro-Medonte serves as a cycling haven, offering road cycling, mountain biking, and picturesque trails to cater to bike enthusiasts of all kinds.
Cycle Simcoe has developed safe, accessible, and scenic cycling routes for tourists and locals alike. The Township of Oro-Medonte was used as the pilot for Cycle Simcoe's kick off. Four routes were established, including the easy, family-friendly Lake Country Oro-Medonte Rail Trail and three road cycling loops, the most advanced of which would give even the most experienced a true challenge. The road routes are signed with share the road messaging, encouraging motorists and cyclists to practice courtesy and keep safety top of mind.
The Oro-Medonte Rail Trail
The Oro-Medonte Rail Trail is a year-round multi-use recreational trail on the former rail line linking the cities of Barrie and Orillia. Cyclists can explore nature, discover historical plaques, and stop at great local restaurants and shops for food, snacks, beverages and handmade products.
Since the launch of this program, dozens of businesses throughout Simcoe County have been certified as "bicycle friendly" by Ontario by Bike, with many offering bike racks and some bike repair stations.
To learn more and view the Oro-Medonte cycling routes, visit the Orillia & Lake Country Routes which includes the Cycle Simcoe Oro-Medonte road bike routes: Canopy Cruising, Bass Lake Beauty, and Hills of Oro-Medonte. For further details and information contact Cycle Simcoe to request a printed map. Plan ahead and visit their website for more information about the fantastic cycling opportunities in Oro-Medonte!
Mountain Biking
For mountain biking, consider exploring the trails where Oro-Medonte locals and Canadian 2024 Paris Olympic mountain bikers, siblings Gunnar and Isabella Holmgren, learned their biking skills and trained to compete at international levels. There is a plethora of Mountain Biking options and various levels of complexity in Oro-Medonte, including Horseshoe Resort, Hardwood Ski & Bike, the beautiful Copeland Forest or trails in the Simcoe County Forest, maintained by the Simcoe County Mountain Biking Club.
Mountain Biking Locations
Hardwood Ski & Bike offers mountain biking, including weekly races and events, and a specialized mountain bike camp for children in the summer. Trail passes can be purchased for biking on Hardwood's trails for all different skill levels. They offer bike and equipment rentals, with rates for both on- and off-site rentals, and they have an onsite bike shop for bike services and repairs. Various clinics offered include Learn to Ride, Ride Better, Women's clinics, an NCCP coaching course and private lessons. Food is available on site-plan a day of scenic trail riding.
The Copeland Forest is a densely forested area with flat and rolling trails for beginners and those with intermediate bike skills. Flatter and less technical trails begin off Horseshoe Valley Road, north of Horseshoe Resort, and towards the east, elevation increases and the trails become more technical. There is no charge to use the trails. It is highly encouraged to support the Copeland Forest Friends through an annual membership. Cyclists are encouraged to stay on the trails and share them with other users. There are no food/beverage options available along the trails. Visit nearby Craighurst or Horseshoe Valley for dining options.
Simcoe County Mountain Biking Club (SCMBC)
The SCMBC is a non-profit organization that partners with Simcoe County Forestry to build, maintain and develop mountain bike trails in Simcoe County. With the purchase of an annual membership, you will receive a bike tag and help support the club, including insurance and trail maintenance costs. On SCMBC's website, you will find links to Trailforks, which will show you maps of the trail networks found in Simcoe County and the surrounding area. There are no food/beverage options, visit nearby Craighurst or Horseshoe Valley or other areas of Oro-Medonte for local dining options.
Horseshoe Resort offers fat biking on an 8.5km groomed loop that is great for beginners to intermediate riders in the Copeland Forest. A trail pass must be purchased, and equipment is available for rental.
Hardwood Ski and Bike also offer fat biking with a seasonal or day pass on certain days, for use on cross-country ski trails. Additionally, they have a dedicated 5km Fat Bike Trail (the "Phatty") available seven days a week.
Cycling Experiences
While touring Oro-Medonte by bike, there are several options to include either along the way or as a pre or post stop to your biking adventures. We highly recommend that you stay locally and visit local businesses, including some great farm stands and local producers. To find out more, visit our Agritourism webpage.
Experiences
Some local & cycling friendly places to visit while cycling in Oro-Medonte include:
While cycling in the rolling hills of Oro-Medonte, you'll find Quayle's Brewery, a farm brewery that produces fine farm-fresh craft beers. Stop off for a beverage and food while enjoying the peaceful surroundings and fresh air amongst the hop field. Quayle's is bike-friendly, with bike stands, bike tools and pumps available. To find out about events, hours open, and new beers, visit Quayle's Brewery website.
Quayle's Brewery - Farm-Fresh Craft Beer - Oro-Medonte (quaylesbrewery.ca)
Located a short distance from Quayle's Brewery, Woodfolk Cider and two neighbouring farms grow more than forty varieties of apples. Take a rest stop at Woodfolk Cider for tastings, where you'll find ciders ranging from light, bubbly, and bright to those with a juicy and fresh guava taste. Woodfolk is bike-friendly, with bike stands, bike tools and pumps available. To learn about events, hours open, and new ciders, visit the Woodfolk Cider website.
Heritage Estate Winery and Cidery
When cycling on Penetanguishine Road or near the southern part of the Township, stop by Heritage Estate to roam their lush vineyards, learn about making wine and cider, and sample beverages. Heritage Estate offers beverages uniquely crafted from Ontario apples, free from additives or preservatives, with less than half the sugar content of most commercial ciders. You'll discover their century-old farmhouse, tasting room, and venue for weddings and events. To find out about events, hours open, and new beverages, visit Heritage Estate Winery and Cidery website.
Visit the Art Trees
Along your route, discover the one-of-a-kind painted metal tree sculptures displayed at local businesses, attractions, and public places. Local artists painted these vibrant Art Trees to showcase the natural beauty, history and culture of Oro-Medonte, including the local forests and tree canopies that make the area special. Visit the Art Tree website.
Visit the Barn Quilts
When cycling through the rolling hills past local farms in Oro-Medonte, look for the colourful barn quilts showcasing unique artwork created entirely by volunteer painters and hosts. Over 25 quilts located throughout farms celebrate agriculture as an essential thread in the fabric of our region. For interactive maps, visit the Oro-Medonte Barn Quilt webpage.
Contact Us
Township of Oro-Medonte Administration Centre
148 Line 7 South
Oro-Medonte, ON L0L 2E0
Phone: (705) 487-2171
Fax: (705) 487-0133
Sign up for our Council Highlights & Township Updates Newsletter
Stay up-to-date with Council meetings, important topics of discussion, and relevant information by subscribing to the Council Highlights & Township Updates eNewsletter!