Barrie Collingwood Railway Active Transportation Trail extension opens

Barrie Collingwood Railway (BCRY) Active Transportation Trail extended its reach along the rail corridor. Thu., April 30, 2026. PHOTO: CTV NEWS BARRIE/STEVE MANSBRIDGE

Adding to an already well-used walking trail, the County of Simcoe has extended the path 23 kilometres along the Barrie Collingwood Railway line.

The former railway line has been transformed into a multi-use active transportation trail that connects Collingwood, Stayner, New Lowell and Angus, while passing through several other small villages and towns along the way.

With this expansion, the Rail Trail now extends nearly 34 kilometres from Collingwood to Angus.

The trail provides a safe, accessible route for walking, cycling and other non-motorized uses, offering scenic views of rural landscapes and small-town amenities making it an attractive option for cyclists, hikers and visitors exploring the region.

“This trail will promote walking and cycling for recreation, support healthy living, boost tourism and ultimately foster a healthier, stronger, and more connected county. It’s also a unique opportunity to connect a trail of this length and scope and we thank the towns and townships for working with us to make it a reality,” said Warden Basil Clarke.

In addition to supporting residents, the extended trail is expected to – and already has –enhanced tourism across Simcoe County and contributed to overall economic development.

Barrie Collingwood Railway Trail Facts:

• In 2011, rail operations ceased on the Collingwood-to-Utopia section of the Barrie Collingwood Railway. The County of Simcoe purchased this section of the corridor in 2018.
• The Georgian Trail, which runs west from Collingwood to Meaford, was originally developed in 1989.
• More than 46,000 tonnes of screening gravel were used in the construction of the extended trail.
• Simcoe County promotes more than 241 kilometres of multi-use linear trails through Tourism Simcoe County and Cycle Simcoe.
• Cycling tourism generated more than $2.2 million for the local economy in 2025.
• More than 5,000 overnight stays were recorded in Simcoe County by cycling-friendly accommodations.