Stephanie’s Trans Canada Trail: Exploring Uxbridge, from Scenic Landscapes to Historic Sights
Written by Stephanie Mayo
Lured by the excitement of a new adventure, I stepped through the nearly hidden entrance into the forest. I set out on a crisp fall morning to tackle a different section of the Trans Canada Trail in Ontario. This time through the charming small town of Uxbridge. A popular destination for day trippers, it is also known as the Trail Capital of Canada, with over 300 kilometres of trails in the township. So it was fitting to hike a section of the greatest trail in Canada while in Uxbridge.
I chose this 10-kilometre stretch of the Trans Canada Trail for its unique blend of varying landscapes, which includes everything from forests to downtown streets and historic sites. It’s the perfect fall hike: you can explore a lovely town on foot, learn about its interesting sites and enjoy a lunch mid-hike.
Chickadees and a chatty chipmunk
Setting off, I immediately noticed I was accompanied by chickadees chirping in the nearby trees and a chatty chipmunk. Feeling like a modern-day Disney princess with her forest friends in tow, I continued along. This enchanted feeling lingered for the first segment of the trail, which follows the Brookdale section, with wildflowers, mushrooms, a boardwalk, and a lovely lookout with a bench where you can sit and soak it all in.
Five town trails, each offering hikers something different
The Trans Canada Trail through Uxbridge uses five existing town trails. Each offers something different, taking you through various terrain. After the Brookdale section is the Ewen Trail, which features a grove of vibrant sumac trees with their leaves ablaze in red during the fall, towering pines, and the ideal forest habitat for migrating warblers.
After a short stint on the Wooden Sticks Trail into Elgin Park, a sprawling green space that’s home to the over 150-year-old Uxbridge Fall Fair, it’s onto the next section of the trail: the Historic Trail. This trail travels through an old area of the town and features plaques with information about significant places, like the old fairgrounds and the site of an old mill in Elgin Park. At the location of the old mill, you’ll find a scenic lookout over Elgin Pond. Keep your eyes peeled for an old nail in a tree nearby and the family of swans that call the pond home.
A charming downtown and lunch options, right on the Trail
Leaving the park and pond behind, I left the Historic Trail behind too and made my way along the Trans Canada Trail. The trail leads downtown, between the Roxy Theatre and the over 100-year-old library building, onto Brock Street. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab lunch at one of the many fantastic restaurants downtown. For a full meal, head to TIN Restaurant, like I did. Or if you’re looking for a refreshing drink and light snack, pop into the Bridge Social. Both options are conveniently located along the Trail.
With a full belly, I wandered along the picturesque main street, lined with local shops and quirky art installations. It’s like walking through a Hallmark movie — and not surprisingly, many have been filmed here. The next must-stop on the trail is the Uxbridge Railway Station. With its iconic “witch’s hat” roof, the station was built in 1904 to replace the former station of the Toronto-Nipissing Railway. While the scenic trains no longer run, the station is a significant part of the town’s railway history.
A profound sense of connection washed over me
After a 650-metre stretch that runs past the station, the trail meets up with John McCutcheon Way. It’s named after a local who, along with Trans Canada Trail Pan Am / Parapan Am Legacy funds, donated to help restore the historic Uxbridge Trestle Bridge. Towering over the Uxbridge Brook, it’s a popular section of the trail for cyclists thanks to its wide and flat gravel path.
Walking across the Uxbridge Trestle Bridge, I couldn’t help but think of all the people who have travelled over it, from rail passengers 100 years ago to families doing weekly cycling trips. As I walked the final stretch of my journey along the Trans Canada Trail through Uxbridge, a profound sense of connection washed over me. Knowing that countless others have travelled this path before me and that many more will follow, I felt deeply linked to all those who have experienced the beauty and wonder of this remarkable Trail.
Stephanie Mayo is a travel blogger based in Barrie, Ontario, who’s always on the hunt for hidden gems, going beyond the popular places, from small towns to trails. Her passion is celebrating all things local, from farm to fork experiences to artisan markets. You’ll find her travel and hiking guides at The World As I See It, and you can follow along via her Facebook page.
