Motorcycle Touring Ontario- Top 10 Roads In Cottage Country
Discovering Moto Adventure in Ontario's Great Canadian Wilderness
When it comes to finding excellent motorcycle touring opportunities in Ontario, it's hard to ignore the fantastic experiences available in the Muskoka region. While Muskoka is a commonly used namesake for the region a couple of hours north of the GTA, there is much more to the area than you might realize. Muskoka, Algonquin, Parry Sound, Loring-Restoule, and the Almaguin Highlands comprise the area known as Ontario's Great Canadian Wilderness.
So, when I learned of the "Top Ten Motorcycle Touring Roads in Ontario's Great Canadian Wilderness" list, a plan was set in motion. Some Google Maps browsing and a 1500-kilometre adventure takes shape from Toronto to cottage country and back, all top ten roads checked off.
Let's Get This Ride Started
For me, the journey starts in Toronto, but we all have to come from somewhere, so let's make the official starting point, Orillia.
In Orillia, turn east onto Highway 12 and let the fun begin. The first part of the ride's destination is Whitney and the east gate of Algonquin Park. There is more to this stretch of the ride than just getting there. Stop in at Quaker Oaks for a coffee and some delicious baked goods (amazing butter tarts) and experience some of Ontario's Ride The Highlands fun roads along the way.
In Whitney, take a break to refuel the bike at the gas station and the body at The Mad Musher or the Algonquin Lunch Bar, then head west and officially check off the first road on the top ten list.
Quaker Oaks… Fun place to stop for a coffee and some fresh baked goods.
The Mad Musher in Whitney is a popular lunch stop.
Highway 60 through Algonquin Park.
Highway 60 traverses Algonquin Provincial Park in a beautiful stretch of big sweeping turns lined with lakes, rock, and forest. Notable opportunities to stop to stretch your legs are at the Algonquin Park Visitor’s Center to learn about the park or Lake of Two Rivers Cafe and Grill for food and ice cream.
The top ten road count continues as we turn south onto Highway 35. Straightaways are in short supply as the road twists and turns constantly. Stop in at the Dorset Lookout Tower and take in the view; you will find food and gas in Dorset.
While the list of the top ten best moto-touring roads in the Great Canadian Wilderness is a good one, the fact is that any of the roads that make up this ride can be added to it.
Turn west onto Highway 118, which is not on the list, and be wowed by the undulating ribbon of pavement that snakes between rock cuts.
Muskoka Beach Road
A short stretch south along Highway 11, turn onto Muskoka Beach Road, a tight, twisty ride connecting Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. You know you are nearing the end of the road when you pass the Muskoka Brewing Company. It's an excellent opportunity to pick up a couple of post-ride refreshments.
Day one concludes at the Inn at The Falls in Bracebridge. I prefer staying overnight at places that provide convenient access to amenities once I've parked my bike. The Inn at The Falls, located just minutes from downtown Bracebridge, offers on-site dinner options at the Basilico Restaurant and a lovely river setting, making it my favourite place to stay.
Day One Stats: Toronto to Bracebridge
Distance: 560 km
Saddle time: 6.5 hours
Total time: 9.5 hours
Top Ten Roads - Highway 60 through Algonquin Park, Highway 35, Muskoka Beach Road
Stay at Inn at The Falls, Bracebridge
Dinner at Basilico Restaurant
Highway 141 as it squeezes between rock and Lake Rosseau.
Day Two: Let’s Go
After enjoying a complimentary breakfast at the inn, it's time to get rolling. I immediately pick up the pursuit of the top ten roads with a brisk morning cruise along Highway 141 and the most memorable s-turn in the region as the road snakes its way between water and towering rock walls along the edge of Lake Rosseau.
In Rosseau, I check Aspdin Road off the top ten list and then follow it to Huntsville before setting the destination for Trout Creek, 85 kilometres to the north.
The chances for a Moose sighting along this route are good.
Breakfast at Jake’s Place in Port Loring.
Highway 522
Part of the top ten list, Highway 522 marks the northern reaches of the Great Canadian Wilderness region and provides 106 kilometres of remote motorcycle cruising. The east end of 522 contains excellent pavement and big sweeping bends. As you make your way west past Port Loring, the road straightens, and the pavement deteriorates in place.
In Port Loring, you can get gas at Buchanan's Hardware and stop at Jake's Place or Roxie's Diner for lunch.
As you approach Highway 69, watch for Grundy Lake Supply Post if you want to indulge in a couple of scoops of ice cream.
Turning south onto Highway 69, I start the ride home in a very indirect way.
Eighty-some kilometres later, and after a stop at Trussle Brewing for my post-ride refreshment pickup, day two ends at the newly renovated Best Western Hotel in Parry Sound.
I enjoyed my stay at the Best Westen. The hotel had accommodating and friendly staff, complimentary breakfast, a pool, a gym, and dining options within walking distance. Also, the gas station next door made for a leisurely morning full-up.
Day Two Stats: Bracebridge to Parry Sound via Port Loring
Distance: 460 km
Saddle time: 5.5 hours
Total time: 7.5 hours
Top Ten Roads - Highway 141, Aspdin Road, Highway 522
Stay at Best Western Parry Sound
Dinner: I just grabbed a Submarine sandwich beside the hotel
Day Three: Homebound but not so fast
The morning sun's warmth feels comforting as it cuts through the chill. After enjoying a complimentary breakfast at the hotel and refuelling my bike, I head east towards Hyw 124. Instead of taking the easiest route along Hyw 11 North, I decide to take a more scenic route through the countryside along McDougall Rd. This leisurely detour eventually leads me to my desired destination, making it a perfect start to the day.
Next on the list of the top ten best roads is Hyw 520. Big sweeping curves and impressive vistas fill the distance between Magnetawana and Burk's Falls. A short detour from Hyw 520 takes me to the must-see local attractions: the Screaming Heads sculptures. A unique outdoor art installation features giant sculptures created by artist Peter Camani.
Justa few of the many Screaming Heads sculptures you can explore.
The ride must go on. The road conditions are excellent heading west from Huntsville along Ravenscliffe Road. However, when you turn onto Stisted Road, you can expect to encounter sand on the road and sections of rough pavement. Be mindful of signs announcing 90-degree turns along Stisted Road as they approach quickly, and the corners are rough and loose.
Just a couple of the many twists and turns along Highway 518.
Next, my favourite road in the region, Hyw 518, puts the usual smile on my face. Tally-Ho Swords Road ( on the list ) continues south to Highway 141 and Rosseau, where there is an opportunity for a lunch stop at the renowned Cross Roads restaurant.
The last road on the top roads list is Highway 632, also known as Peninsula Road. However, just because the list is completed doesn't mean the fun is over. After stopping for lunch at Clear Lake Brewing Co., where I also pick up my post-ride refreshments to take home with me, I finish the tour with 33 kilometres of twists and turns along Southwood Road before the highway takes me home.
Day Three Stats: Parry Sound to Toronto
Distance: 520 km
Saddle time: 6.5 hours
Total time: 8 hours
Top Ten Roads - Highway 520, Ravenscliffe Road, Tally-Ho Swords Road, Highway 632
Lunch: Clear Lake Brewing Co.
If you're like me and enjoy a locally produced refreshment after the day's ride, there is no shortage of craft breweries along the route.
There you have it, a 1500-kilometre (give or take) ride with a purpose. Yes, the "Top Ten Motorcycle Touring Roads in Ontario's Great Canadian Wilderness" list is good. That said, there isn't a road on this ride that doesn’t deserve a spot on that list.
For a two-day version of this ride, I recommend following the route but making Huntsville your overnight stop.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please do leave a comment.
You may also like…
