Adventure for Two: Our Experience Riding Ontario's Highlands Together

There’s something really special about quiet mornings and winding country roads, especially when travelling with someone you love and the journey is on two wheels. This past summer, Cecilia and I set off on a multi-day motorcycle trip through Ontario’s Highlands, eager to explore the backroads, quaint towns, and hidden gems of the region.

Our trip starts with a lakeside breakfast after an evening of live music and a quiet night's sleep at the Bonnie View Inn in Haliburton. Since we’re no strangers to what Ontario’s Highlands offers, we knew the next few days promised spectacular views, incredible roads, and a journey that deepened our bond. There’s something about mornings like this—just the two of us, our bikes, and the anticipation of the adventure that lies before us. From the moment we hit the road, we were graced with picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and some of the best roads Ontario has to offer. It didn't take long to feel like these roads were crafted specifically with motorcyclists in mind, smooth pavement, sweeping bends, and endless vistas welcoming us around every corner.

We started our ride by making a stop at the Eagle Lake Country Market. The market had that small-town charm that makes motorcycle trips so memorable, a perfect place to pick up snacks and baked goods for the day ahead. The small-town feel of the market made it clear we were far from city life, and it set the tone for the rest of the trip. After our stop, we headed to Eagle Lake Beach to stretch our legs and enjoy the calm surroundings before getting back on the road.

From there, we rode toward the Stanhope Heritage Museum. There’s a rhythm that develops between two riders, a silent communication through movement, a feel for the road, and the shared bond of immersing yourselves in the experience. At the museum, we learned about the area’s rich history, from early local pioneer life to the booming logging industry that shaped this part of Ontario. A welcome stop that blends education and exploration.

Our next stop was Haliburton Highlands Brewing, where we were excited to pick up the first of our Ride the Highlands patches to commemorate our journey, and of course, a couple of well-earned beers to enjoy at the end of the day. Every place we stopped felt like an extension of the journey itself, a place to pause and connect, whether it was with the land, the locals, or each other.

Riding together allows you to experience more than just the landscape, you experience the moment in a way that’s really very unique. We continued on to the Dorset Lookout Tower, which offered an incredible 360-degree view of the surrounding forest and lakes. The climb to the top was worth every step, rewarding us with an incredible view. From there, we wound our way through the countryside, stopping at Henrietta’s Pine Bakery then off to the Parkway Trading Post for a coffee, a quick shop, and to collect the next coveted Highlands Loop patch for our collection. We both agreed that there’s something about navigating these roads, sharing the experience as we ride together makes the journey feel that much more meaningful.

Our journey continued through the incredible Algonquin Park where we made stops at both the East and West Gates to take in the scenery and stretch our legs. Riding through the park was one of the highlights of the trip, and we couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe as we rode deeper into the park's quiet roads, surrounded by towering trees and peaceful lakes. A stop at the Algonquin Logging Museum gave us another chance to step back in time and learn more about the region’s rich history, while our kayaking adventure at Deep Roots Adventure offered a change of pace, scenery, and some quiet time on the water together.

A bit of adventure came with the kayaking session on Elephant Lake. After several hours on the bikes, the chance to get out on the water was a welcome change. We paddled through a river system that took us to the beautiful High Falls waterfall, where we pulled the kayaks onto the beach and went for a hike through a lush trail system to get a closer look at the waterfall.

After a full day of riding and exploring we checked into the newly renovated cabins at South Algonquin – Roots RV Resort, had a bite to eat, and settled in for the night. The cabins offered a cozy, restful sleep, and waking up to a view of the lake was exactly what we needed before heading out for another amazing day on the bikes.

Our first stop of the day was at The Edge Café for coffee and some morning snacks. This gave us a chance to refuel and do some planning before continuing the day's ride. The café had that welcoming, laid-back vibe with plenty of boutiquey items to make you stay a little longer. After our coffee, we hopped on the bikes and set off toward Kate’s Burger Counter for lunch. The ride itself was a treat, with warm air and lakeside roads winding through the scenic landscape of the Highlands.

Riding side-by-side with Cecilia added another layer of enjoyment, watching as she skillfully navigated the twists and turns reassures me how grateful I am for a partner who shares my passion for these adventures. As we arrived at Kate’s Burger Counter, the lakeside spot tucked along a quiet road not only greeted us with delicious burgers packed with flavour, but also with a peaceful view of the water, which made the stop well worth the ride. It felt like a perfect stop, relaxed, unhurried, and in sync with the kind of trip we had hoped for. To cap it off, we treated ourselves to a generous serving of Kawartha Dairy ice cream, the ideal way to finish off a leisurely lunch on a warm day before getting back on the road.

Our final night was spent at the Rockcliffe Restaurant and Hotel, where we had dinner overlooking the lake. The meal was excellent, and it felt like a good way to wrap up the trip. The combination of great food, great company, and sharing highlights from the trip made it a memorable evening.

This trip through Ontario’s Highlands was one of those rare adventures where everything came together; the roads were perfect, the people were friendly, and the scenery was incredible. But what made it truly enjoyable was experiencing it with someone else who shares the same love for adventure. Travelling by motorcycle together brings a unique intimacy; it's a shared challenge and thrill, punctuated by moments of peace and quiet admiration for the scenery and each other. It engages all your senses, deepening your appreciation for the simple joys of travel. But most importantly, this trip reminded me how special it is to experience these adventures alongside someone you love, sharing every mile and unforgettable moment together.

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