Bikepacking for Beginners: Simcoe County Loop (160km) - The EASIEST Ontario Overnight?

Join me on a spectacular Thanksgiving weekend ride as I take on the Simcoe County Loop, a beautiful 160-kilometer route primarily following well-maintained rail trails in Southern Ontario. This video is a detailed guide to the loop, which starts (officially) near the Simcoe County Museum, but is easily accessible via the GO Train from downtown Toronto to the Barrie Allandale Transit Station—a low-stress option for urban riders. I'll cover everything you need to know, from parking options to ride logistics, and the best way to tackle the distance. The Simcoe County Loop is an ideal route for: First-Time Bikepackers: It's not technically challenging (mostly rail trail, no single track) and is great for testing your gear and riding with a loaded bike. Weekend Tours: Easily broken up into two or three days. Long Gravel Rides: Challenge yourself to complete the 160km in a single day. -------------------------- 0:05 Intro 2:21 Getting There 3:37 First Trail 4:40 Wolverine Sighting 5:20 Why It's a great route 13:21 Penetang 14:50 Grounded Coffee Midland 16:07 Coldwater (Ice Cream) 16:57 Orillia 17:20 Mariposa Market 19:56 Arriving in Barrie 20:40 Outro ---------------------------- I highlight essential resupply and accommodation spots, including hotels and restaurants in towns like Midland and Orillia, as well as options for finding campsites or discreet stealth camping spots near County Forests (always be respectful of private land!). And if you're planning a trip, the fall colors are spectacular! I filmed this on October 12th, and the foliage is expected to peak over the next 5-10 days—a perfect window to see the stunning autumn leaves in the Barrie area. Distance 161.8 km Moving Time 6:32hrs Paved 40% Unpaved 60% Route / Map Files: Route from Video https://ridewithgps.com/trips/342560867 Official Route https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44282759 Other ways you can support the channel. Buy Me A Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/thrurider Patreon   / thrurider   Check out our website: https://thrurider.bike Partners Get your own Revoray glasses here: By using this link, you get a discount using code: THRURIDER https://revoray.com/?ref=THRURIDER Follow this link to a Flextail for a 15% discount using code: ThruRider15 Go Transit https://www.gotransit.com/ Keywords: Bikepacking, Simcoe County Loop, Rail Trail, Gravel Riding, Bike Touring, Ontario, Barrie, Midland, Orillia, First Bikepacking Trip, Thanksgiving Weekend, Autumn Colors, Southern Ontario Cycling. Credits Maps: Ride With GPS Music: YouTube Music