Ontario Travel to Southern Georgian Bay to experience the new Tay Township Paved Shore Trail Leading to Midland and the Historic Attractions dating back to the 1600's

Southern Georgian Bay Including Midland, Penetanquishene, Tiny and Tay Township and Honey Harbour border the shores of Georgian Bay in one of Canada\'s most significant tourist destinations.

2008-04-10 22:05:13 - Cyclists and hikers who are amateur or avid history buffs may want to consider heading back in time to the early 1600's where they can re-discover the shores of Historic Georgian Bay and the life in New France between 1639 and 1649. Starting in Waubaushene just off Highway 400 at Highway 12 is the newly paved Tay Shore Trail which runs to the Wye River and Midland. For 20 km. the new trail completed in 2007 will take you through the heart of Southern Georgian Bay shorelines, rural Simcoe County country side, the towns of Waubaushene, Victoria Harbour, Port McNicoll eventually leading to Wye River and the town of Midland.

Tay Township, Ontario---April , 2008. Ontario's earliest recreation of the Huron-Jesuit mission 1639-1649, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is one of Canada's treasures sought out by visitors from around the world. The story of Sainte-Marie is of historic proportions as the foundations of Christianity in North America begin with this inland mission settlement. Today, Sainte-Marie presents living history in an entertaining and informative format that is exciting for families and adults. www.georgianbaytourism.on.ca/S/AllMembers/SainteMarieAmongTheHur ..

Right next door to the 'Old Fort Sainte-Marie' as it was once known, stands the Martyrs' Shrine, a tribute to the French Jesuits and companions who were martyred during the Huron-Iroquois wars of the 17th century. The landmark Shrine Church contains relics of three of the eight martyrs, and the Martyrs' Hall Museum is filled with period exhibits and artifacts. www.georgianbaytourism.on.ca/S/AllMembers/MartyrsShrine/AboutUs. ..

Tay Township Mayor Scott Warnock was quoted as saying 'the successful completion of the Tay Shore Trail in 2007 was the culmination of over a decade's worth of effort by Tay Township council, staff and residents. The securing of the abandoned CN Rail corridor and its eventual development into a multi-use trail dates back to the mid 1990's.' Mayor Warnock looks forward to the linking of the Tay Shore Trail with the Town of Midland in 2008.

The Township of Tay has created a lanyard containing historical area information, suggested historic walking tours, beaches and parks along with and a detailed breakdown of specific shorter sections easily navigable for families with young children. The route is divided into six suggested cycling or walking (hiking) routes including:

Wye River to Trestle Park: 4.51 km.
Trestle Trail to Port McNicoll: 1.37 km
Trestle Park to Victoria Harbour 3.70 km
Victoria Harbour to Caswell Road: 3.25 km.
Caswell Road to Tanners Road: 3.16 km
Tanners Road to Coldwater Road 3.30 km.

Lanyards can be picked up at the Tay Township Municipal Offices located at 450 Park Street in Victoria Harbour, or at the Libraries in Victoria Harbour, and Waubaushene, or at the Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce office on the Lakeshore in downtown Midland

A variety of accommodation and getaway vacation packages can be found at the Georgian Bay Tourism website www.georgianbaytourism.on.ca/S/Home.aspx


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For additional Information Contact Jeanine at Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce 1-800-263-7745, or Tay Township Offices at 705-534-7248