Rustic Cabins & Camping: Mansfield Outdoor Centre

Just 30 minutes further north, this outdoor adventure hub will please mountain bikers as well as gravel road enthusiasts, with 14 rustic cabins (each sleeps 3 or 4 people), a larger dorm style cabin (bring the whole cycling club) and 6 riverside campsites. Add to that ample on-site parking, a cafe and beer garden open 7 days a week, a bike repair stand and fat bike rentals and there are many reasons to stay longer than the day.

If mountain biking, access 20km of single track, and 10km of double track, suitable for beginner to advanced riders, all adjacent to Dufferin Forest, or try one of the annual events based at the Centre. Become a local legend on the 40km Mulmur gravel route conquering 828m of climbing, that can also easily be started from the Centre.

Need to know: Trail passes required. Fat bike rentals available year-round. Fat bike or ski on groomed winter trails.

More info at: www.mansfieldoutdoorcentre.ca

Durham Region

Cycling Hub: The Trail Hub

It is only fitting that Uxbridge, also known as the trail capital of Canada, should be home to The Trail Hub, the ultimate outdoor destination and event centre. With a ton of bike friendly amenities along with a restaurant, lounge and cafe, plus full-service bike store opening this year, it is a perfect launch point for riders of all levels.

From the Hub access over 240km of trails and the region’s best mountain biking in Durham Forest, Walker Woods, and Glen Major. It is also close to the Uxbridge Kawarthas rail trail, a part of the Trans Canada Trail, the Greenbelt Route, plus a number of other cycling looped routes in Durham Region. If you are looking to stay overnight, new this year Trail Hub is offering primitive camping for tents and RVs. For roofed accommodation try the Great Blue Heron Hotel, not far away in Port Perry, or one of the numerous smaller B&Bs in the area (try Trailside B&B or alternatively glamping tents at ReWild, both certified as bicycle friendly).

Need to know: Trail passes required. 17 eMTB available. Four-season trail access.

More info at: www.trailhub.ca

York Region

Shoreline Resort: The Briars Resort & Spa

Located on the shores of Lake Simcoe in Jackson’s Point, what is considered Ontario’s original cottage country, this historic resort has been welcoming guests since it was built in 1840. Make The Briars a base for biking and kayaking, golfing or simply relaxing amidst the resort’s towering trees and majestic gardens.

Cruise along Lake Drive on protected bike lanes, discovering parkland beaches, or ride further following the Lake to Lake Route that connects Lake Simcoe to Lake Ontario. Plan your route using the York Region Cycling Map.

More info at: www.briars.ca

New but Old in Newmarket: Postmark Hotel

Find this recently opened boutique hotel on the vibrant downtown main street of Newmarket. Originally a small town post office dating back over a hundred years, this spectacularly renovated historic building is the place to stay and gather and explore more of the area.

With the hotel so close to the Nokiidaa Trail, an incredible 18km multi-use trail, pedal through plenty of green space, past wetlands and historic cultural sites and link to numerous other trail side communities. The trail is also a part of the longer Lake to Lake Route.

More info at: www.thepostmarkhotel.ca

Getting There by Train & Bus

No car, no problem. You can get to most of the above locations using GO Transit with a combo of trains, buses and cycling. All GO buses have front bike racks for 2, and trains can take 2 bikes per carriage (bikes allowed on trains outside of rush hours). Directions from Toronto:

• Hockley Valley/ Orangeville – Take the Kitchener train and transfer at Brampton Innovation District onto GO bus to Townline and Mill Street in Orangeville. Ride the trail north through Island Lake Conservation Area and connect onto Hockley Valley Road, 11km to resort.
• Trail Hub/Uxbridge – Take Stouffville train and transfer at Mount Joy onto GO bus to Toronto St. at Elgin Park Drive in Uxbridge. Both Concession Road 6 and 7 are frequently-used road riding routes south 11km to The Trail Hub.
• The Briars/Lake Simcoe – Take the 61 Bloomington GO bus, transfer at Bloomington to the 67 Woodbine/404 GO bus, ride 25km following the Lake to Lake route along Lake Drive North, Metro Road North, Lake Drive East.
• Postmark/Newmarket – Take the Barrie GO Train and get off at the Newmarket GO station. Follow the Nokiidaa Trail south 1km to downtown area and Main Street.

With plenty of options to suit any budget or ride style, enjoy hassle free and happy ride times with family and friends close to home this summer, all within an hour of the Greater Toronto, Hamilton area (GTHA).

Plan Your Bike Getaway in York, Durham, Headwaters

• York Durham Headwaters – Visitor Information
• Ontario By Bike – Great Places to Cycle – Find routes, trail information, maps, and bicycle friendly businesses in
  • Durham Region
  • York Region
  • Peel Region

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Sponsored Content Partner: York, Durham, Headwaters

Article by Ontario By Bike. Photo Credits: 1 – The Trail Hub), 2 – Hockley Valley Resort, 3 – Mansfield Outdoor Centre, 4 – The Trail Hub, 5 – The Briars, 6 – Joshua Best/Toronto Life