Experience the history of The Heart of Georgian Bay

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Midland, Ontario, CA

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Route Overview

Southern Georgian Bay Active Transportation Advocates

Your bike ambassadors in The Heart of Georgian Bay

15 mi.

380 ft.

Explore the storied past of The Heart of Georgian Bay by bike.

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Route Details

This peaceful 24km out and back route is accessible to riders of all ages and abilities. Start out at @poi[Midland Town Dock](1110700) and head east along the Rotary Waterfront Trail. Follow the shoreline of picturesque Midland harbour as it opens into Georgian Bay. At @point[kilometer 4](d,4054.44) be sure to turn right as you pass through a trail gate. Continue along the trail over the @poi[iron train bridge](1110738) that passes over Hwy. 12 and the @poi[wooden trestle bridge](1110739) that passes over the the Wye River. As you cross the trestle bridge you will see [Sainte-Marie Among The Hurons](http://www.saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca/sm/index.htm) on your right.  This is the site of the first European settlement in the province of Ontario.  You may be tempted to veer off the trail to check it out, but continue straight ahead until you reach a @point[road crossing at kilometer 5.6](d,5634.34).  Turn right and follow the road.  If your a history buff check, out Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons on the right. If you consider yourself more of a nature nut, visit [The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre](http://www.wyemarsh.com/) on the left. Once you've had your fill of history and nature, head back onto the trail.  You are now on the Tay Shore Trail. The Trail snakes along for a while until you come to a @point[road crossing gate](d,9880.31) at Triple Bay Road.  After crossing Triple Bay, be sure to turn left and follow the trail into Port McNicoll. The trail ends at Ney Avenue. Turn right onto Ney and follow the road toward Talbot Street. There is an @poi[ice cream parlour](1110740) near this intersection if you have a sweet tooth.  If not, turn right onto Talbot and follow it toward the water where the [S.S. Keewatin](http://www.sskeewatin.com/learn-the-history/) is docked. The Keetwatin is a passenger liner from the days of the Titanic.  It once sailed between Port McNicoll and Thunder Bay.  After checking out the Keewatin, you will head back the way you came. There is a slight variation in the return trip.  As you are heading on the trail back past Sainte-Marie Among The Hurons, turn off to the @slice[side trail on your left](d,18382.69,18541.93) before you reach the trestle bridge.  Follow the trail under the trestle bridge and continue under Hwy. 12 to visit [Martyrs Shrine](http://martyrs-shrine.com/).  This church has excellent gothic style architecture  and beautiful gardens on the grounds. After checking out Sainte-Marie, get back on the trail and take the @slice[small bridge](d,18902.43,18945.56) on your right over the Wye River, rather than going back over the trestle bridge. Continue back to Midland Town Dock and enjoy a meal in downtown Midland.

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Experience the history of The Heart of Georgian Bay

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