Hitting Paydirt in Algoma's Dubreuilville
Deep in the wilds of Ontario's Algoma country lies the small town of Dubreuilville—and the adventure of a lifetime. Rich in mining history and rugged Canadian beauty, the remote town is home to a predominantly francophone community that lives and breathes the outdoor lifestyle 365 days a year. They live life to the fullest. The attitude up here: work hard, play hard.
Check out the video from Xbox Canada's recent trip to Dubreuilville!
The roar of snowmobiles engines fills the air all winter long (and winter is always long). In warmer months, anglers from near and far are drawn to the bounty of trout, walleye and northern pike that swim the Magpie River and many surrounding lakes. Spring and fall see ATV, Side by Side and dirt bikers bounding about the scenic vistas and muddy valleys of the area's well-established trail system. There are enough trails to keep you busy for a week's visit never covering the same ground twice.
Where is Dubreuilville?
Nestled in the heart of the Magpie Forest, Dubreuilville is remote while also easily accessible. Follow the Trans-Canada Highway north of Sault Ste. Marie and up to Wawa, then head east onto Hwy 519. At the end of the road, you'll think you've gone back in time to a land surrounded by ghost towns, abandoned mines and breathtaking beauty. It's a 5-hour drive from Thunder Bay, 3.5-hour drive from Sault Ste. Marie.
The Place to Stay
The hub of all this activity is the motorsports haven, the Magpie Relay Resort. Open year round, the site offers dining, spa and massage facilities, as well as some of the best French-Canadian hospitality outside of Quebec City.
This place was designed for the motorsport adventurer. It has ample parking for trailers, a heated storage area dedicated to motorized vehicles including a repair bench in case you need to work on your machine in between outings. And of course, the "man cave" to unwind in after a long day of exploring.
Guided tours and rentals are available and if there's anyone who knows the area it's the owner, Pat Dubreuil.
Where to Ride
The Magpie is situated right in the heart of the Mooseback, an area of the Algoma countryside that will test even the most experienced rider. The Mooseback tour loop begins and ends in Dubreuilville with gas, food and limited repair options available in town. The trails and roads link the adjoining communities of Wawa, Hornepayne, Hearst, Missanabie, Hawk Junction and White River meaning that with Dubreuilville and the Magpie Relay as home base, expeditions out to these areas can keep you riding new trails for days and days.
Use the Ontario Tourism's Interactive Touring tool to plan your route.
Adventure Awaits
Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned pro, taking the family on a vacation or riding with buddies, the friendly town of Dubreuilville is ready for you.
Check out the local ATV club to learn about current trail conditions and events. They'll be more than happy to take you for a tour and show off the wealth!