As the popularity of cycle touring explodes, Northeastern Ontario finds itself in an exciting position, with not one but two official cycling routes in the works that traverse the length of the region’s southern reaches.
Part One is the Voyageur Cycling Route, from the shores of the Ottawa River in Mattawa to Sudbury. Part Two is the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, which heads west to the Spanish River in Massey and beyond, making up 300-plus km of country roads, lake side stops, and cycle-friendly communities that will have cycle tourers planning trips for years to come. Over the past season, a lucky few have put rubber to the pavement, all in the name of research. The following 20 images offer a glimpse into the journey.
There's no better way to experience a region than from the seat of a bike. You set you own pace and stop when and where it suits you. It’s all about the sights, the smells, and the people you meet along the way; and now, thanks to the Voyageur Cycling Route and The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, the cycle touring outlook in Northeastern Ontario has never looked brighter. But don't take my word for it—go see for yourself.
