With thousands of kilometers of road and a daunting number of potential moto touring routes to choose from, planning your next Ontario motorcycle ride can be a challenge. What will it be, a long-distance epic, beach hopping along the great lakes shoreline or zigzagging between northern lakes and the Canadian Shield? Sure, a visit to the GoTourOntario.ca can assist, but if you happen to be the kind of rider that believes lunch should be as good as the ride, allow us a few suggestions.
Here are five Ontario motorcycle rides that will put a smile on your face and keep hunger at bay.
Deer Trail Loop
The popular Algoma Deer Trail Tour at 120 km is easily doable as a day ride, but a hungry rider is not a happy rider, and the shorter route means more time to enjoy some local cuisine. Following the Lake Huron North channel and river valleys, this fun loop around Elliot Lake, Blind River and Iron Bridge offer plenty of opportunities to stop and refuel the body.
The Red Top Motor Inn & Restaurant is known for its delicious food and comfortable accommodations in Iron Bridge. Blind River’s quaint main street is worth a stop on its own; pick up some take out at Mad Mat’s Rockin’ Road Food or sit in at A Touch Of Home. You can always find some motorcycles parked at Elliot Lake’s FireSide Classic Grill. For a chance to combine lunch with a lake view, the deck at Dunlop Lake Lodge is the place to be.
Valley Sally
Browse Ontario’s Ride The Highlands map, and you will find routes aplenty, but if sampling some of the area’s best roads and fantastic food are what you’re after, the 298 km Valley Sally route is for you.
Get your coffee and pastry ‘fix’ at Madawaska Coffee Co in Barry’s Bay. Charlie D’s chip truck serves delicious burgers or Poutines just down the road. Heading east along Highway 60, the historic Polish Pub Wilno Tavern serves Polish fare and a traditional Canadian menu. A good time is always a guarantee at Whitewater Brewing Company. In Combermere, it’s a tough choice between the outdoor dining experience alongside the river at the Bent Anchor Bar and a hearty burger or a delicious burger buddha bowl at Heartwood Restaurant; no wrong choice here.
The Great Canadian Wilderness – The Small Loop
At just over 650 km, the Small Loop through The Great Canadian Wilderness, aka Muskoka, is a perfect weekend of motorcycles and food. You are in for a treat with some of the most fun roads in the province and eateries to match.
Located in Rosseau at the crossroad of the figure eight loop, the appropriately named Crossroads restaurant always makes for a good lunch destination. In Parry Sound, the Trestle Brewing Company’s outdoor patio and water view are perfect on a summer day. At the north end in Port Loring, Jake’s Place and Roxie’s Diner are favorites with locals and visitors alike. Fantastic food and hospitality, the Cast Iron restaurant in Baysville will have you coming back for more. The Pub at the Falls in Bracebridge is a perfect spot to end the day with delicious food and atmosphere, and yes, you can stay at the adjoining Inn.
Lake Temiskaming Circle Tour
Northeastern Ontario’s 450 km Lake Temiskaming Circle Tour is unique in the sense that it splits its length almost equally between Ontario and Quebec, offering an abundance of natural, historical and cultural treasures to discover along its length. Of course, one of the benefits of a cultural stir pot is good food.
Heading north along Highway 11, the newly renovated Temagami Shores Inn and Resort serves up good eats inside or on the patio in the summer. Taking two days to complete the loop, New Liskeard is an ideal location to spend the night. If staying at the Waterfront Inn, your dining enjoyment is as close as 28 on the Lake, located in the same building. Another local favourite is Ali’s Grill and Bar. Day two head south via Quebec
Aucoin D’La Patate in Fabre is a perfect spot to pick up a mid-day snack, Poutines, perhaps? In Mattawa, head to the Valois’ Motel & Restaurant for some North American comfort food or maybe some authentic Thai cuisine at Le Voyageur Restaurant. Back in North Bay, celebrate the ride at the White Owl Bistro.
Shoreline Drive Loop
In the heart of Eastern Ontario, the 189 km Shoreline Drive loop begins along the shore of Hay Bay and the Bay of Quinte and heads north past cottages, campgrounds, and lakes, through a landscape of rolling hills twisty roads.
Along Highway 41, stop at The Hot Rod Smoke House for some superb smoked brisket or some fries at 41 Fries or the family-run Addison’s Restaurant for some comfort food. At the end of the ride, head east along Hyw 7 to the moto-friendly Iron Rooster restaurant.
Yes, motorcycle tour opportunities in Ontario are many. Still, if you happen to be the kind of rider that believes lunch should be as good as the ride, the above five Ontario, ride, eat and repeat motorcycle tours are sure to satisfy.
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