Island Lake – Park Trail

Length – 8 + 4 km

80% park path
20% single track MTB

Elevation – Level path around the lake with one long climb and a few quick inclines.

Terrain – wide path, crushed stone, gravel, wooden boardwalks and bridges + singletrack dirt trail

Skill – easy

Highlights – bridges, boardwalks, Island Lake, downtown Orangeville

Trail Fee – $6.50, less for kids

Facilities –  Parking, washrooms, picnic tables, swimming, boat rentals

Maps – Map at trailhead, signs on the trail

Hours – 8 – 9 pm mid-summer

Phone – 519 941 6329

Website –  Island Lake Conservation Area

Similar Trails – Guelph Lake, Beaches Boardwalk, Hamilton Beach

Local Clubs – Caledon Cycling Club, Team Van GO

Access –  From hwy 10 in Orangeville, up Buena Vista Dr. left to the end of  Hurontario St #673067.

Out in Orangeville at Island Lake Conservation Area is an 8 km park path that loops around the lake which makes for a very pleasant day outing.

On a summer day, this is a wonderful easy ride for most bike riders, on gravel paths and boardwalks with few hills.  

There is an option of making the loop around the lake a little longer, by taking alternate loops instead of the straight trail across the dam on the north end. (see map)

Next to this main lake (reservoir) circuit are a few short single track trails  in the woods, on the southside that are a bit harder to manage. They wind through the trees with random rocks to navigate around.  What I would rate as easy MTB riding.

The most common feature of this ride, are the many wooden boardwalks and bridges. There are lots of them, crossing the water many times (did I count 6x).  Officially the most I’ve ever seen anywhere. I think they cut a whole forest down, so enjoy.

Most of the ride is fairly level. There is one gradual long hill and one very steep section to avoid the…

Read more of this review in my trail guidebook with better maps, and suggested parking available as an eBook or paperback.