Ganaraska Forest Trail hiking , York, Durham and Headwaters, Ontario, Canada

Starting Point

The Ganarsaka trail begins at Port Hope on Lake Ontario's north coast and connects with the Bruce Trail in Glen Huron after more than 400 kilometres.

The Ganaraska  trail links with the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail in Port Hope. The path crosses the Oak Ridges (hiking) Trail in the Ganaraska Forest.

A branch route veers off to Midland in the hills of Oro Township, between Barri and Orillia, and then swings south, via Wasaga Beach, to rejoin the main trail about east of Glen Huron (the link between the Midland section and the Wasaga section is not yet complete).

The trail's entire length exceeds 500 kilometres, including numerous offshoot paths.

Why visit Ganaraska Forest Trail

Trails for Hiking & Cycling

Find a spot where you may get some exercise and broaden your perspective. There are around 20 hiking trails in Northumberland County.

Cycling enthusiasts can choose from demanding routes or an easy rail-trail that traverses the country (The Great Trail). Hiking, riding, and adventure-seeking are all possible in our two massive woods, Northumberland County Forest north of Cobourg and Ganaraska trail north of Port Hope.

Treetop Trekking

Treetop Trekking is a wonderful retreat from the city, nestled in the lovely Ganaraska Forest between Port Hope and Peterborough. Ganaraska is home to Timberwolf, Ontario's most difficult aerial course, as well as a handful of simpler courses.

Ganarsaka River

The Ganaraska River, which runs through the heart of Port Hope and is accessible from Highway 401, is one of Ontario's top streams. Observing trout and salmon, as well as fishing, are extremely popular activities. The mouth of The Ganny (as locals name it), in Lake Ontario, is available all year for rainbow trout (steelhead), brown trout, Pacific, and Atlantic salmon fishing.

The river is known for its tremendous spring steelhead run and yearly salmon migration in the fall.

Smallmouth bass, pike, walleye, perch, catfish, carp, and freshwater drum (sheepshead) find their way into the river mouth and port during the summer months. From the C.N.R (Canadian National Railway) bridge south to Lake Ontario, shore fishing at the mouth of the Ganaraska is accessible all year. During the winter, try to hook up with a steelhead!

Things not to be missed

The Ganaraska Forest Centre is a multi-use facility in the centre of the 11,000-acre Ganaraska Forest, owned and administered by the Ganaraska trail Region Conservation Authority. The facility has a spacious Great Hall, four break-out classrooms, a professional kitchen, and skilled culinary staff to look after any group's nutritional needs. It also has overnight accommodations for over 80 people.

Where to sleep ? Our favorites

Glamping on 50 Acres of private Ganaraska forest

A tranquil haven set on 50 acres of quiet terrain where you may reconnect with nature. A magnificent 16-foot belle tent, a fire pit, a BBQ, an outhouse, and an outdoor shower are all available on the property. Rice Lake, restaurants, a convenience store, and an LCBO are all within a 20-minute walk of town! The neighbouring lavender farm, fruit picking, and zip-lining courses are all within a 10- to 20-minute drive.

No Public Camping is Allowed on Ganaraska Hiking Trail

Except in the Wilderness part of the Ganaraska trail, there are no public camping facilities.

Here are some further details: “While there are camping sites within Queen Elizabeth II Wild lands Provincial Park (which encompasses the majority of the Ganaraska trail's Wilderness Section), please be aware that QEIIWPP is a “non-operating” park, which means park users have free access but there is no reservation system, and demand far outnumbers supply, particularly during the summer and weekends. Through hikers will have to spend the night at Loon Lake in the park's centre, although that location should be enough in terms of capacity.

Cottages

The Wilderness Wild lands segment of the trail begins near Moore Falls, at the intersection of Highway 35 and Black Lake Cottage Road.

Just before a sign stating that the cottage road is reserved for cottagers, there is a little grassy parking place. DO NOT drive down the cottage road in your automobile.

Where to eat?

They are many best restaurants near the Ganaraska trail some of them are these following:

Lake view bar and grill

The restaurant is at a fantastic location, with a stunning view of Rice Lake. The Lakeview  is a family-owned and operated business that caters to families and friends. to be LLBO licensed, with a fantastic menu and, even better, a fantastic price! Rice Lake is a stunning location. The terrace is large, and the service is kind. Breakfast, lunch, and supper are all excellent options.

Moody's Bar and Grill

The Village of Millbrook has a restaurant that is looking to expand local culture by working with local farmers and craftspeople as a community.

They are around the multiple cafes near the Garasaka trail some of them are these following:

Tea Granny’s & Friends

Tea Grannys & Friends in Newtonville, Ontario, Tea Granny's & Friends offers a Victorian Afternoon Tea Experience. Clarington's Newtonville Road (7 km away)

Pastary Peddler

Pastary Peddler Pastary Peddler offers delectable sweets, delectable dinners, picnic hampers, and catering. On Ganarsaka, they are located at 17 King Street.