IPTHINGS TO DO 1 BRILEE SEARS. ; bsears@metroland.com Ready to see the outdoors but =, not interested in taking a hike? 2 Here are eight places to take ad- = vantage of mountain biki: i Thursday, August cal businesses along the trail, giv- ing them opportunities to take a break and grab some snacks. HILTON FALLS Featuring three bike trails be- in Ontario this year. Fs . MINK BAY URBAN RECREATIONAL © TRAIL 2 2 a ‘is easy rated 4.3-km loop in Kenora leads bikers ‘ough Mink and Portage Bay, Past the remnants of a bu mill, and througha eta area, A trail guide allows visitors to identify the various trees along the way and gives an in depth his- tory of the area. WALTER BEAN GRAND RIVER TRAIL 25-km gravel trail going auouch Kitchener, and Cambridge takes visitors along the banks of the Grand Riv- er. The trail can be accessed from. several parking lots, ensuring space for anyone who wants to come. Guests will pass several lo- ety of options for bikers. The sin- gle-track bike trails take visitors right near the falls for photos, while the Bent Rim Trailincludes several firepits and picnic areas. While here, take time to learn about the Jefferson salamander, an endangered species that lives in the area. UPPER CANADA HERITAGE TRAIL Traveling 14 km along the Ni- agara Escarpment, this path was arail line converted into a rough gravel trail. While biking visitors will pass through wineries and orchards before ending up in the historic Old Town of Niagara-on- the-Lake. SOUTH MARCH HIGHLANDS Located in Ottawa, the South March Highlands has 23 km of trails for intermediate and ad- vanced riders looking for a chal- lenge: Rock gardens, rock slabs, y bridges are just some of he features riders can expect to see during their mostly flat ride. GUELPH LAKE With more than 30 intercon- nected trails totalling over 20km, Guelph Lake has lots of options for all levels of mountain bikers. Riders can alternate between dif- ficult sections of the trail like the Phoenix and easy riding like the pinball. Unique names at each section also make it easy for rid- ers to identify which part of the trail they're traveling on. GEORGIAN NORDIC OUTDOOR ACTIVITY CENTRE Beginners and experienced bikers alike can take advantage of the many trails available at the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activ. ity Centre in Parry OSE just starting out ws eae views of the Georgian Forest on gentle trails with wider tracks. For Scan to Download and read your FREE copy today! Inside are mall the ingredients 022 VISITOR GUIDE for I of-a adventure. theifp.ca New Hamburg « HSH. New Hamburg + INDEPENDENT .ca 2022 ViStTOR Guin ge (NH 4. ¢-4. "EIGHT PLACES TO HIT THE TRAILS WITH A MOUNTAIN BIKE THIS YEAR Peter Istvan photo Acyclist uses one of the many mountain biking trails available at The Georgian Nordic Ski Centre, located east of Parry Sound. those seeking achallenge, try out the twisting single lane trails winding along the Canadian ield. Q B SHUNIAH MINES In the middle of Trowbridge Forest near Thunder Bay, the 17- km Shuniah Mines mountain bike trail can be found. While travelling through the winding and tailing piles from the mining along the way to challenge those who choose to make the ride. / Find the Rexall flyer and more on Save.ca