Hiking, cycling, skiing, and four-season adventure in Stayner and the Clearview countryside.
If you love the outdoors, Stayner is where you want to be. The town sits in a remarkable landscape where the rolling farmland of Simcoe County meets the foothills of the Niagara Escarpment, creating a diverse terrain that supports an exceptional range of outdoor activities. Add in the proximity to Blue Mountain, Georgian Bay, and an extensive network of trails, and you have a four-season outdoor playground that rivals anywhere in Ontario.
The Clearview area offers wonderful hiking opportunities for all skill levels. The Bruce Trail, Ontario's oldest and longest marked footpath, runs along the Niagara Escarpment just west of Stayner, providing access to some of the most scenic hiking in the province. The trail features dramatic lookout points, waterfalls, and pristine forests that are spectacular in every season.
Closer to town, local trails and conservation areas provide gentler walks through meadows, along creek valleys, and through woodlands. These trails are perfect for family walks, dog walking, and casual nature exploration. The Batteaux Creek area offers particularly pleasant walking with opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the peaceful countryside.
Stayner and the surrounding Clearview countryside are a cyclist's dream. Quiet rural roads wind through beautiful farmland, offering long rides with minimal traffic and stunning scenery. The relatively flat terrain east of town is ideal for casual riders and families, while the hills toward Blue Mountain provide challenging climbs for more serious cyclists.
Mountain biking enthusiasts will find excellent trails at Blue Mountain Resort and in the surrounding forests. The resort's mountain bike park features professionally designed trails for all abilities, from beginner flow trails to expert-level technical descents.
Winter in the Stayner area is anything but dull. Blue Mountain Resort, just twenty minutes away, is Ontario's largest ski resort, offering over 40 trails for downhill skiing and snowboarding, plus terrain parks, night skiing, and a vibrant village with dining and apres-ski entertainment.
For those who prefer a quieter winter experience, the region offers outstanding cross-country skiing at Highlands Nordic, the Collingwood area trail system, and various county forests. Snowshoeing is available on many of the same trails, providing a wonderful way to explore the winter landscape at a relaxed pace.
Snowmobiling is a popular pastime in the region, with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs maintaining an extensive trail network that passes through the Clearview area. These trails connect to routes across Simcoe County and beyond, making Stayner a convenient base for snowmobile adventures.
Georgian Bay and its tributaries provide opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The Nottawasaga River system, which includes waterways near Stayner, offers paddling opportunities ranging from gentle floats to more adventurous runs during spring runoff. Fishing for trout, bass, and other species is available in local streams and at nearby lakes.
For swimming, Wasaga Beach's warm, shallow waters are ideal for families, while the beaches at Collingwood and other Georgian Bay communities offer additional waterfront options.
The Collingwood-Blue Mountain area is one of Ontario's premier golf destinations, with numerous courses within easy reach of Stayner. From challenging championship layouts to friendly community courses, golfers of all abilities will find excellent options for a round.
In Stayner itself, residents enjoy access to the arena for skating and hockey, ball diamonds for baseball and softball, soccer fields, tennis courts, and multipurpose outdoor spaces. Community sports leagues operate throughout the year, offering organized play for children, youth, and adults in a variety of sports.
For trail maps and outdoor recreation information, visit the Municipality of Clearview website or contact the visitor centre. Check Nearby Attractions for more on Blue Mountain and Wasaga Beach.