Cycling in Stayner

Stayner is a small town in Clearview Township, right in the middle of Simcoe County's best cycling territory. The North Simcoe Rail Trail runs through town, the surrounding farmland is laced with quiet county roads, and Creemore is a short ride away for anyone who likes to mix cycling with craft beer. The terrain here is gently rolling, the roads are paved and well maintained, and traffic outside of the main highways is light. It is not dramatic riding, but it is deeply satisfying: the kind of countryside where you find a comfortable pace and just keep pedalling.

Nearby Trails and Paths

The North Simcoe Rail Trail is the main trail route through Stayner. This former rail corridor runs north-south through the township on a packed gravel surface with a gentle grade. You can ride north toward Collingwood and Georgian Bay or south through farmland toward Barrie. The surface is well maintained and suitable for hybrids and gravel bikes, with mountain bikes handling the looser sections easily.

The trail passes through open farmland with views of the Blue Mountains to the west and the Nottawasaga River valley to the east. There are road crossings at regular intervals, which means you can mix trail riding with road loops to create rides of whatever length you want.

County Road 91 heading west toward Creemore is a popular road route. The road is paved with decent shoulders, and the 15 km between Stayner and Creemore roll through some of the nicest farmland in the county. The return ride can follow a different concession road for variety.

In-Town Riding

Stayner is a one-main-street town. Highway 26 runs through as the main commercial corridor and carries moderate traffic, especially on summer weekends when people are heading to the Georgian Bay cottage area. The residential streets on either side of the highway are quiet and flat.

The rail trail passes through the east side of town, and you can pick it up near the community centre. From there you are on trail within two minutes, heading into open countryside. The Nottawasaga River is south of town and there are informal paths along some sections, though these are not officially maintained trails.

Family-Friendly Options

The North Simcoe Rail Trail is an excellent family ride. The grade is gentle, the surface is smooth crushed gravel, and you are away from traffic as soon as you get on the trail. The section heading south from Stayner is particularly good for kids: flat, open farmland with long sightlines so you can see them ahead of you.

In town, the streets near the school and the community centre have almost no traffic on weekends and are flat enough for even the youngest riders. The Stayner Kinsmen Park on the east side of town has open space and a playground. For more trail options suited to families, see our family-friendly rides guide.

Downtown Stops

Stayner's downtown is along Highway 26, with a handful of restaurants, a bakery, and a couple of coffee shops. The Stayner Thursday market runs through the summer and is worth planning your ride around. It is small but has local produce, baked goods, and prepared food.

Creemore, 15 km west, has a livelier food and drink scene relative to its size. The Creemore Springs Brewery is the main draw, but the village also has good restaurants and cafes along its main street. A ride from Stayner to Creemore and back, with a lunch stop in the village, is one of the best half-day outings in Simcoe County.

Best Season

Late May through October is the primary riding season. The rail trail firms up by mid-May in most years, and the county roads are rideable as soon as the frost heaves settle in spring. Summer is peak time, with warm temperatures and the longest daylight hours. Weekday mornings are the quietest times on both the trail and the roads.

Fall is outstanding in this part of Simcoe County. The farmland turns golden, the Blue Mountains in the distance pick up autumn colour, and the air gets crisp enough that riding feels effortless. Late September through mid-October is the sweet spot. The Thursday market runs until Thanksgiving, so you can still combine a mid-week ride with a market stop into October.

Nearby Combos

Stayner connects naturally to the broader Simcoe County cycling network. Ride the North Simcoe Rail Trail north to pick up trails heading toward Collingwood and the Georgian Trail. Head south and you are riding through the Nottawasaga Valley toward Wasaga Beach and Barrie.

The Creemore loop is the classic day ride from Stayner: 15 km each way on county roads through rolling farmland, with a brewery stop in the middle. For a longer outing, continue past Creemore into the Noisy River area, where the roads get hillier and the forest closes in. From Penetanguishene to Stayner on the rail trail and county roads is about 50 km and makes a good full-day ride with views of Georgian Bay at the north end and open farmland through the south.