Combine a great beach and gorgeous views over Georgian Bay with 30 kilometres of mixed-use trails, and you’ve got the trail system at Awenda Provincial Park in Penetanguishene, Ontario. Unmarked single-track trails weave in and out through the wider 4×4/hiking trails, allowing you to customize your ride to be as relaxed or technical as you like. The marked Bluff Trail will take you along 13 kilometres of high bluff and low wetland, giving you a good taste of the region’s biodiversity. If you want to get off your bike and explore, the park also offers dedicated easy to moderate hiking trails, as well as a section of beach that is pet-friendly. More info: Ontario Parks and MTBR.com
What’s nearby: Hop on a boat at Penetanguishene’s historic port and take a guided cruise around the 30,000 Islands. Along with breathtaking scenery, you’ll see the site where Samuel de Champlain landed in 1615, as well as the First Nations reserve on Christian Island.
How to get there: Take highway 400 north, then exit onto highway 69 (towards Parry Sound). Take exit 121 to merge onto Penetanguishene Road/93, which becomes Simcoe Road 93. Turn left onto Robert Street W, turn right onto Lafontaine Road/County Road 26, then turn right onto Concession 16. The park will be on your right.
