Copeland Forest - South Central Ontario

Spending your leisure time wandering thru the beautiful, picturesque forests within cottage country is definetly time well spent! So why not take the whole family outside for a day of play and enjoy the tranquility that nature has provided. The Copeland Forest, located in central Ontario's cottage country, is another amazing slice of our four season paradise. Take a stroll thru the lush Pine forests speckled with fern and wild mushrooms or watch the Salmon run as you picnic by the river. The scenic trails of Copeland are magnificent for cycling, hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, dog sledding, horseback riding and Geocaching.

An endless ribbon of wilderness trails meander throughout cottage country and the Copeland Forest trails are ideal for those just learning to appreciate walking, hiking and cycling for fun and recreation. Once you've found your 'legs' you could spread your wings and venture onto the Ganaraska Trail which is over 200 km long! There are hundreds of miles of trail systems just within cottage country that also enable ATVing, snowmobiling and other motorized sporting equipment such as...

• Bruce Grey County Rail Trail - Ontario's West Coast - Port Elgin - 80 km
• CP Trail Southern Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe - Flesherton - 77 km
• Southern Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe - Township of Tiny - 22.5 km
• for a complete list visit the Ontario Trails Council

While exploring the trails of Copeland Forest keep your eyes open for wildlife such as White Tailed Deer, Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey. In early fall the Chinook Salmon are running in the Coldwater River which makes for fantastic viewing as many of the Salmon are swimming in just inches of water. Geocaching has become very popular for treasure hunt enthusiasts throughout cottage coutry, with Copeland Forest being one of the mapped hot spots. Horse enthusiasts and pets (on a leash) are welcome while motorized vehicles are not which simply enhances this tranquil setting even more.

Copeland Forest Trails
Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)
2289 Nursery Rd.
Midhurst, Ontario
Phone # 705-725-7500
Spot a Bear! Call Phone # 1-866-514-2327

How to Get to the Copeland Forest - If you visiting from Barrie you can reach the Copeland Forest from Highway 400, north of Barrie by taking Exit 121 and turning east onto Highway 93 towards Craighurst.

If you have any questions, call the MNR before heading out into Copeland Forest. There are reported Bear sightings in the area at times, so if you have concerns call the MNR. Please do not litter or feed the animals and pay attention to your surroundings at all times. Pack a compass, map, flashlight etc. and wear appropriate attire. Safety should always be a factor when going out of doors and into the wilderness. Hunting is a recreational sport within Ontario in general so regardless of what trail or wilderness area you may be in, take extra precautions during hunting season. Wear bright colours, not your fur coat and antlers!

Simcoe County Trails has a  map of cottage country that highlights numerous other Loop and Linear trail systems throughout cottage country.

Skiing, Tubing & Seasonal Fun at Snow Valley, Ontario

Snow Valley Barrie features snowboarding and skiing for the entire family and was proudly named "Best Ontario Hill for Kids" by Ski Canada Magazine. Their focus is centered on family fun for all ages and they offer a full range of resort amenties including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and no skills required snow tubing! As well, the Summer Adventures Day Camp at Snow Valley offers your children a great summer of fun, friendship, skill development and activities so keep that in mind for summer 2010.

Snow Valley has partnered with some of Barrie's fine hotels to provide you with 'Stay & Play' packages for skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing so you can enjoy your stay, day and night. Snow Valley is also a great venue for your wedding reception, business meeting, corporate or social event as they offer full facilities, catering and custom events.

Located less than an hour away from Toronto, just 5 minutes from Barrie Snow Valley is home to 19 runs, 8 chairlifts and 5km of marked snow shoe trails with rentals and lessons available.