Escape the 401

Exit Right!

Every Ontario rider knows the 401 is good for one thing: getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible. Otherwise it's an uninspired slab of tarmac best suited for people on 4 or 18 wheels. But just a few minutes off the 401, an hour and a half from Toronto or Kingston, is some incredible scenery and hospitality that reminds us of all that is great about this province.

Up and Around

The video ride below begins on County Road 45 in the friendly little town of Roseneath, Ontario and quickly moves to an incredible vista of a large rural valley with working farms, forests and tiny houses dotting the landscape, always twisting and turning, rising and falling in a pleasantly engaging ride that isn't too technical, but will definitely keep you wide-awake, wanting more.

With roads that pleasantly wind up and down the rolling hills of rural and forested areas, multiple crossings over the beautiful Trent river, lookouts around every corner and dozens of bars and restaurants with outdoor patios, Northumberland is a feast for the eyes and the senses. Inspiring views are found mostly along the region’s many waterways: Rice Lake, the north shore of Lake Ontario and the Trent-Severn Waterway. And just re-opened is the Crowe Bridge Park about 3km north of Church-Key Brewing in Campbellford, right on one of the prime touring routes. It’s a great place to picnic alongside the Crowe River. You can even dunk your feet in the shallow stepped limestone right in the Park.

Where To Go

Businesses dotting these prime touring routes are more than happy to receive riders. The best routes have been identified for you by local riders that outline eateries and scenic areas. Check out Stu Seaton's article in Motorcycle Mojo on his ride through the areas, and give Northumberland Tourism a call at 1-866-401-EAST (3278) for an information package. If you're looking to make a weekend of it, check out some of the other motorcycle-ready routes in Ontario.

View Northumberland Touring Roads in a larger map

Download the GPX file for your GPS.

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