Trail Planner
We invite you to explore the Glengarry Recreational Trail system, a picturesque adventure that seamlessly blends nature, history, and recreation to offer an unforgettable experience for all. A hub of activity, embraced by walkers, trail runners, bird watchers, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and dog walkers (remember to keep those furry friends on a leash and kindly pick up after them). Amidst the natural beauty, traverse the many boardwalks, be captivated by the transition across wetlands into a hardwood forest, engage in a scavenger hunt, delve into historical signage, and savour the Tales on the Trails installation featuring locally produced stories and artwork. This ever-changing narrative adds an element of surprise to each visit.
Pause and take in the tranquility on strategically placed benches, or ascend a lookout for panoramic views that will leave you breathless on the Red Trail and the Joy’s Trail; every step tells a story.
For your convenience, parking is available at Island Park, the Lochiel Trailhead, The Garry Fen, and the Loch Garry Trail.
This Trail Planner offers a starting point to select and plan your route – accept the challenge!
The Red Trail | 2.5 Km
Discover a world of wonder and excitement along the Red Trail – your gateway to an adventure!
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for a good time, this 2.5 Km stretch of the Glengarry Recreational Trails system is your ticket to an unforgettable journey. The round-trip with a starting point at the Island Park adds to 5 Km of distance.
Natural environment, wide path, mostly flat, partly packed gravel surface, boardwalk and natural compacted surface.
The Joy’s Trail | 1.2 Km
The Joy’s Trail (in pink), a private trail made accessible to the Glengarry Recreational Trails system, is a new addition—an interconnecting link to the McCormick Trail (in black, formerly the seasonal trail) for an additional 1.6 Km.
The Joy’s trail offers something unique: a walk through a field of Sunflowers. While the McCormick Trail provides a walking bridge across the Garry River, an excellent photo opportunity.
Natural environment, natural compacted surface, McCormick trail is groomed for cross-country skiing.
The Green Road Trail | 3.6 Km
A 3.6 Km shared backbone of the Glengarry Recreational Trail system that interconnects and anchors all the other trail routes. The roundtrip from the Red junction to Gary Fen Trail junction is of 7.2 Km.
Accessible from the Lochiel Trailhead (The Red Trail), County Road 45, Marcoux Road, or Lakeshore Road. This trail is used by cross (terrain) runners, hikers, cyclists. In winter this is a shared trail including snowmobiles.
Natural environment, natural compacted surface with some gravel compacted areas, sometimes uneven, mild slope, groomed for snowmobiles during winter.
The Garry Fen Trail | 3.6km
The Garry Fen Trail is a special place! As you walk along the trail, pay close attention to your surroundings as you traverse eight ecosystems within a 3.6 Km walk.
The Loch Garry Wetland is a Provincially Significant Wetland with open water, swamp, marsh, bog and fen. The Garry Fen comprises only 2% of this wetland. The Area is classified as Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) by the Ministry of Natural Resources. It is the habitat for many unique organisms, including two rare dragonfly species.
The natural environment includes mild to medium slopes, a mix of naturally compacted and uneven surfaces, boardwalks, single track in some areas, and some roots and rocks.
The Loch Garry Trail | 1.9 Km
The Loch Garry Trail is a 1.9 Km path that runs through the Loch Garry Provincially Significant Wetland, and it includes a variety of habitats such as open water, wood areas, swamp, marsh, and bog—designated as a Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) by the Ministry of Natural Resources. This wetland is home to many unique organisms, including two rare species of dragonflies.
A rustic picnic table is available near the parking.
Natural environment, some mild to medium slopes, mix of natural compacted and uneven surfaces, single track in some areas, some roots and rocks.
Part One
- Park your vehicle at Island Park in Alexandria, just East of the Lochiel Road Trailhead and walk to the trailhead entrance.
- Once at the trailhead entrance, walk along the Red Trail to the Green Road Trail Junction.
- Turn left and walk along the McCormick Trail to the Joy’s Trail.
- Walk the loop back to the McCormick Trail, turn left South, and walk towards County Road 45.
- At the road line, turn around and walk back along the McCormick Trail to the Green Road Trail Junction.
- Turn left, West, and walk along the Green Road Trail to County Road 45.
- Cross County Road 45 and continue along the Green Road until you reach the Garry Fen Junction.
- Turn left, walk on the right side, West of the Garry Fen Trail, and you’ll see Lakeshore Road through the trees in some areas.
- Follow the Garry Fen Trail until you reach the junction point.
- Turn right and walk towards the Garry Fen Parking area.
- Before the gate near the parking area, take the Loch Garry Trail link.
- Follow along; you’re walking southeast, the road crossing that brings you near the Loch Garry Boat Launch.
- Cross Lakeshore Road to the Boat launch parking area.
- Take the right trail entrance and walk along the Loch Garry River.
- Walk the 1.9 km loop until you’re back at the Boat launch parking area.
- Walk along the Loch Garry Trail link to the Garry Fen Trail.
- When you arrive at the Garry Fen Junction, you’ll see a park bench on the right side and walk straight to the boardwalk.
- Walk along the boardwalk until you arrive at the northern Garry Fen Junction. Keep right, and walk to the Green Road Trail – you’re almost there.
Part Two
At the Green Road Trail, you can either turn left and walk to Lakeshore Road, (approx 500 meters) , then turn around to head East along the Green Road Trail until you reach the Red Trail Junction.
Or you can turn right and walk along the Green Road Trail until you reach the Red Trail Junction.
At the Green Road Trail/ Red Trail Junction, turn left North and walk towards County Road 43 or the hospital.
At County Road 43, turn around and walk back along the Red Trail to the Junction.
At the Junction, turn left East and walk back towards the Lochiel Trailhead.
Walk along Lochiel Street until you reach West Boundry Road.
Turn left towards the park.
Follow the path to the Island Park parking lot.
Remember to have fun, take lots of photos or videos, and tell us you completed the challenge.
Share your experience with us on Instagram or at communications@glengarrytrails.com
The Glengarry Trails are a four-seasonal trail system, open all year round. You can walk, bicycle, snowshoe, or ski. However, during the winter, only some trails are groomed and the Green Trail is shared with snowmobilers.
Please Note: Trail User assumes all risks as per Occupiers Liability Act RSO 1990, in case of Emergency call 911.
