Dufferin County offers nature trails, forest areas and regional cultural heritage for a range of discovery interests. The Dufferin Rail Trail follows a former railway corridor for 38.1 kilometres, running from Orangeville through Amaranth, Shelburne and Melancthon to Dundalk. Other highlights include the trails in Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, the multi-section Dufferin County Forest and the Museum of Dufferin. When planning your stay, it’s worth deciding on your main focus first: a route along the former railway corridor, hiking in the park or insights into the region’s rural heritage.
Hiking trails and a route along a former railway corridor
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is located within the Township of Mono in Dufferin County and has numerous hiking trails. The Dufferin Rail Trail offers a different point of reference: its 38.1-kilometre route follows a former railway corridor from Orangeville through Amaranth, Shelburne and Melancthon to Dundalk. The sequence of places provides a clear guide to the route. You can choose between trails within the park and a route connecting several named places.
Dogs are permitted on the Dufferin Rail Trail if they are leashed or under control. Recreational use of the trail is governed by the consolidated bylaw for the County Forest and Rail Trail. If you’re travelling with a dog, keep this requirement in mind; checking the bylaw before your trip is a sensible way to prepare. Access to the Bruce Trail is indicated from Dufferin County Road 19.
Forest areas and year-round recreational opportunities
The Dufferin County Forest covers 1,066 hectares and consists of several sections; the County owns and manages the forest. This structure is an important distinction when planning: rather than being one continuous forest, it explicitly consists of several separate areas. The Island Lake Conservation Area lies among the rolling hills of Dufferin County, in the Towns of Orangeville and Mono, and offers recreational opportunities year-round.
The Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area is also a natural attraction in the wider travel area; part of it lies in Dufferin County. There are two marked trails at Luther Marsh. The East Launch Trail is an easy, six-kilometre cycling or walking route. More than 263 bird species have also been recorded at Luther Marsh. Trail use and birdwatching offer different ways to experience the area.
Rural heritage and the museum
The Museum of Dufferin is located in the hills of the Township of Mulmur. Its building was purpose-built as a museum in the style of an Ontario bank barn and reflects the region’s rural and agricultural heritage. Each year, the museum offers exhibitions, events, programs and tours. This adds a cultural theme to the county’s natural areas. If you’re planning a visit, check the dates for the individual offerings.
A seasonal event in autumn
The Dufferin Town & Country Farm Tour takes place annually in autumn. It’s a specific seasonal point of reference for travel planning, while recreational opportunities at Island Lake are available year-round. If you’re planning your stay around the farm tour, check the event dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Shelburne, Orangeville, Mansfield, Durham Regional Municipality, Thunder Bay District, Kawartha Lakes Division, Northumberland County, Regional Municipality Of York.
For the broader travel overview: Ontario.
