Let’s face it, Dads don’t always get the credit they deserve. When you’re young, Dad teaches you how to ride a bike or bait a hook, while dealing with all the tantrums and “boo-boos” along the way; when you're a teenager, he has to ride along with you, flinching in fear of you scratching the car, as he desperately tries to teach you to parallel-park; and once you reach adulthood and leave the nest, he gets the call in the middle of the night because your furnace stopped working, and you know Dad can fix it!
Dads work hard and are sometimes under-appreciated, so give him a well-deserved break this Father’s Day, doing something he really enjoys. We asked a pair of Dads, Lee and Mike, what they would enjoy doing for a Dads-only getaway, and their answer was to go on a motorcycle trip! So, if you have a biker Dad deserving of some down time, share these loop ideas and tell Dad to hit the road!
This approximately three-hour loop is perfect for Dad to get away for the afternoon. The scenic route passes through farmland, BIG Northeastern Ontario forests, and plenty of lakes and rivers along the way. One unique point of interest is the Graywalk Buffalo Ranch on Route 64, a spot worth slowing down for to take in the sight of these mighty animals. This route also offers plenty of rest areas to pause and stretch along the way, like the Lavigne town docks, or options to stop for gas or food. Tell Dad to make the most of his trip, and suggest he take a slight detour to rent a cedar boat at Memquisit Lodge for a mini fishing trip with the guys.
Approximately four hours, this route stretches from Espanola to South Baymouth, with plenty of extra detours and sights along the way. With so many breathtaking views and lookouts, Dad will definitely want to bring along his camera to document this epic trip. Lee and Mike, our Dads-only motorcycle trip experts, crown this route as having the most scenic roads anywhere, with the stretch of asphalt past the Willisville hill and through the La Cloche Mountains being obvious highlights.
Dad will cross the Little Current swing bridge, an iconic Manitoulin landmark, before continuing on Highway 6. Batman's Cottages and Campground, located in nearby Sheguindah Bay, is a great place to stay if Dad is looking to extend his trip! A must-stop is at the Ten Mile Point Lookout, where the views are absolutely fabulous. Back on Highway 6, head over to Providence Bay, home to a beautiful sandy beach. Another great lookout along the way requires a slight detour, but it's well worth the extra time. There is no doubt this trip will have Dad in awe of Manitoulin Island's rolling hills and amazing vistas. For an added side trip, take the Chi-Cheemaun ferry from South Baymouth to Tobermory, and head to wherever home is.
Tell Dad to take his time with his friends on this route, approximately five hours long. Rolling through Field, up to Marten River, down Highway 11 to North Bay and back via Golden Valley, this trip offers a variety of surroundings. Dad will pass through both urban and rural settings, with a mix of highway driving and side roads. This trip can easily be made into a mini-vacation by stopping in Marten River and staying at Beaverland Camp for a few nights where Dad can enjoy some great fishing and hiking with his friends. North Bay offers plenty of urban exploration, including great restaurants and attractions, like taking a scenic cruise on the Chief Commanda II. On the home stretch heading back to the Verner starting point, stop in at Hartley Bay Marina offering a worthwhile detour if Dad wants to trade his bike for a canoe for the afternoon.
