Cruise comfortable, paved highways through scenic landscapes of towering old growth forests, rolling fields, and sparkling crystal waters. Stop for a stretch or rest for the night in one of the region’s quaint rural settings or bustling urban centres. Pull in for lunch at one of the region’s famous roadside diners; take a detour to visit memorable attractions, historic sites and museums; or pull off the highway to snap a picture with one of the region’s BIG (and weird) roadside landmarks. Enjoy thousands of kilometres of open road with five gorgeous pre-planned routes and countless alternate tours and detours. Start planning your BIG adventure in Northeastern Ontario at Ride the North.
Total Distance: 1350 km
Time: 5 - 7 days
This journey into Ontario’s high north is definitely a ride you need to check off your list. You will visit Sudbury, Timmins, Cochrane, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Mattawa and North Bay. On this trip, you’ll get up close and personal with the Northern Ontario landscape and witness some incredible roads and roadside scenery. You’ll be introduced to the fabled Northern hospitality, and you’ll experience unique attractions. If you take the time, you can swim with polar bears, get up close and personal with moose, bison and elk at the Cedar Meadows Resort Wilderness Tour in Timmins, broaden your understanding of the natural world at Science North and Dynamic Earth, and see pieces of history and culture at the many museums, heritage sites, and historical buildings.
Total Distance: 260 km
Time: 2 - 3 days
It’s island time. Duly known as the World’s Largest Freshwater Island, Manitoulin is home to some of Canada’s best boating and incredible motorcycle touring. Islands typically have their own culture and pace and Manitoulin is no exception, running on its own schedule. As soon as you depart the ferry or cross the swing bridge you will feel it: little traffic, scenic secondary roads, and small town charm. Riding on Manitoulin is about exploring with no set agenda. Having a coffee at a local shop, photographing your bike at a lighthouse or visiting Bridal Veil Falls.
Total Distance: 450 km
Time: 2 days
Two provinces, plus three cultures, equals one very memorable ride around Lake Temiskaming and its wide collection of river valleys and historic villages. Water has played a significant role in not only shaping this landscape, but also in shaping the lives of its inhabitants. First Nations peoples and explorers travelled these same routes by voyageur canoe and not chromed out V-twins. You can salute their spirits for finding this place as you twist and wind your way around the lake. Highlights include the Temagami Fire Tower Lookout, Cobalt Mining Museum, the World’s Shortest Covered Bridge in Latchford, Fort Témiscamingue National Historic Site, and Myrt’s Family Restaurant in Mattawa. This is a two-day ride that will see you eating your way around the lake with several tempting stops for fresh baking, ice cream, and legendary poutine.
Total Distance: 1400 km
Time: Minimum of 3 days
Georgian Bay, considered Ontario’s sixth Great Lake is the kind of ride that gives you a very good impression of how diverse the Ontario landscape really is. Winding atop the Niagara Escarpment, through the La Cloche Mountains, along the Canadian Shield and alongside two of Canada’s biggest freshwater beaches, this ride frames this huge, stunning, fresh body of water. The Chi-Cheemaun Ferry that connects Manitoulin Island to Tobermory is a unique way to see the bay, with your bike safely tied down below you. This route gets you as close to the shore as possible but some of the best views are just a short walk up a lookout tower, or one of the many trails. Take a glass bottom boat ride, a floatplane tour, or even a sea kayak excursion to experience it. Georgian Bay can be done on its own or be included as part of a larger Northeastern Ontario road tour.
Total Distance: 300 km
Time: 1 -2 days
Anchored by the historic waterfront of the City of North Bay, the Lake Nipissing Circle Tour winds and twists its way around one of Ontario’s largest inland lakes. Lake Nipissing is a legendary hotspot for fishing in all four seasons. Family-run lodges and camps dot the shoreline and provide everything you need to catch the BIG one. So, no need to pack that tackle box, rod and net on your bike. This exciting route is mostly secondary roads with little traffic, small towns and interesting stops such as Board’s Honey Farm, Callandar Bay, the Lake Nipissing Scenic Lookouts, French River Interpretive Centre and the North Bay Waterfront. North Bay is the perfect hub to begin and end this trip.
