UHTHOFF
TRAIL
&
LIGHTFOOT
TRAIL
The Uhthoff and Lightfoot Millennium Trails follow the same former rail line and are connected
near the boundary between the City of Orillia and the neighbouring township. Together they have
a length of about 28 kilometres. The Lightfoot section is within the city and is a paved trail. The
Uhthoff trail is the longer section which extends into the countryside to the north and west of
Orillia, to the village of Coldwater.
The Trails
The trails were little too short when I first visited in 1997, but the extension to Coldwater has made for an excellent ride. A lot of tourists visit the
area and many more pass over the trail as they travel along Highway 11, a major route between
southern and northern Ontario. If you are in the area, be sure to allow some time for the trail.
From the Orillia waterfront head northerly for
the Uhthoff Trail. This is the direction that is
longest and will take you out into the
countryside. There are occasional road
crossings within the city but they are few in
the country. About four kilometres from the
waterfront you will pass under Highway 11,
and after about seven more kilometres you
will come to a bridge across the North River.
One kilometre further the trail crosses Burnside Line, then continues to Coldwater.
You can also head south from the Orillia waterfront on the paved Lightfoot Millennium Trail, and
visit the Leacock home, which is well worth visiting. This part of the trail was difficult to follow
when I rode it but I am told it has been improved, lengthened, and is well signed. You can get
more information at the Orillia website.
The surface of the Uhthoff trail is a crushed limestone which is quite good for most types of
bicycle. There are a few soft sections and an occasional protruding stone, but road bikes will
manage quite well with the possible exception of those with tubular (racing) tires.
The scenery along the trail is pleasant but not
spectacular. It passes mostly through woods and past
farmland. Within Orillia you will have views of Lake
Couchiching.
Trail Amenities
The trail was developed by the Orillia Naturalist Club. They have provided two large signs with
maps of the trail, some benches, but no water or toilet facilities. There are no stores near the trail
after in leaves Orillia. Within Orillia the names of cross streets have been provided on posts.
Accessibility for Wheelchairs and Suitability for
Children
Wheelchairs should be able to navigate the trail surface. Some Orillia sections may have traffic
hazards for children but the sections in the countryside would be quite safe.
History
This trail follows a former Canadian Pacific track. Nearby and more recently abandoned is the
former Midland Railway line which terminates in the Town of Midland. This would make a
wonderful trail and the local politicians should be encouraged to acquire it. See my page on the
Victoria Recreation Corridor for more information about the Midland Railway.
How to Find
In Orillia the best way to
find the trail is to head for
the waterfront and park
near the Rotary Train at
Couchiching Beach Park.
At Jarvis Street, just north
of the train, you will find
the trail heading
northwards.
There are no official
parking lots for the trail,
but the city has lots along
the waterfront that may be
used. They can be very
busy during summer.
Outside of the city the trail can be found by going along Burnside Line, 8.7 km past Highway 11. From that location it is 13 km to Coldwater and about 12 km to Orillia. In Coldwater the trail starts behind the fire hall and arena.
Area Attractions
Orillia has plenty of restaurants, shops and motels. There is camping at Bass Lake Provincial
Park, I believe the City might have camping at Tudhope Park, and there are private campgrounds
in the area. There are tourist boats on Lake Couchiching, pleasant parklands along the
waterfront, and Casino Rama is a few kilometres out of Orillia.
Return to Trail Location Map
Return to Ontario Rail Trails Home Page
Last Updated April 23, 2005 by Ken Brown