The word waterfall evokes a certain vision of beauty and tranquility, of the sheer power of flowing water. Waterfalls have captured the attention of people since the dawn of time and today, waterfalls continue to instil the feeling of "ahhhhhh" that we all want to capture.

We inhale deeply and exhale calmly when we admire waterfalls. It is a feeling of bliss, in with the fresh air, out with the worries of our jobs, in with the fresh air, out with the thoughts of our email box filling with unread messages, in with the fresh air, out with the incessant sounds of the ringing telephone every 30 seconds, when you are trying to get work done, ring, ring, ring, ring....... Okay, I will admit I got a bit caught up in that ramble, but seriously, waterfalls come in countless shapes and sizes and each one is as individual as the landscape around it. They all evoke a feeling of calm into the very fibre of our being.

In Algoma, we are home to a dozen waterfalls located throughout our beautiful area. We've selected six waterfalls that are not to be missed and mapped them onto a Waterfalls Tour for you. These tours are sure to give you many, "ahhhhh" moments while you savour the grandeur of Algoma. So grab your camera, pack a bag and come to Algoma to enjoy this self-guided tour of the majesty and magnificence of this area.

Aubrey Falls – Mississagi Valley
This waterfall is well worth the drive! Located in the Mississagi Valley, one of the most scenic areas of Northern Ontario, Aubrey Falls is approximately 53 meters high with water flowing through more than 7 areas over beautiful granite formations. Mists rise from the base of some of the larger falls. Best viewed from a bedrock ridge downstream, the cascading water carves out an island at the base of Aubrey Falls. How to Get Here: Follow Highway 129 to Aubrey Falls Provincial Park. From the parking lot, the trail takes about 10 minutes to reach the bridge over the gorge.

Aubrey Falls located in the Mississagi Valley. Photo credit Limberlost Lodge.

Crystal Falls – Sault Ste. Marie
A favourite spot for locals, Crystal Falls can be found in Hiawatha Highlands Park (Kinsmen Park) within city limits of Sault Ste. Marie. This is a very pretty waterfall and super easy to visit. Reaching 50 metres high it's a bit tough to see the entire waterfall at once so take the wooden boardwalk and stairs that lead to the very top. The bridge and trail are also part of the Voyageur Trail system and the conservation area is home to a 35 km long network of trails allowing you to hike for hours! How to Get Here: Head north of Sault Ste. Marie to Highway 17, take Fifth Line Road, following until you reach Kinsmen Park. Drive into the Park and follow the road to the base of the fall.

 Crystal Falls in Hiawatha Highlands Park. Photo credit Rob LaRue.

Chippewa Falls – Highway 17 North
Another favourite spot for locals! Chippewa Falls is by far at its best during the spring thaw when melting ice spews rapidly rushing water over the 25 metre drop. When the flow is low, the river is confined to the lower notches and grooves in the bedrock and you can do more exploring on the rocks. How to Get Here: Very easy to get too! Follow Highway 17 North from Sault Ste. Marie for about an hour. Chippewa Falls is visible from the roadside park, hiking trails and from the bridge.

Chippewa Falls in Algoma. Photo credit Rob LaRue.

Silver Falls – Wawa (Part 1)
This is a very pretty waterfall, made up of a series of waterfalls. Silver Falls (middle falls) is the most scenic of the three. Standing on the wooden bridge at the Sandy Beach Road, you are looking at the middle falls. If you follow the short trail (200 metres) starting from the north side of the bridge, it will lead you to the upper falls and a beautiful old twisted cedar tree. You can get right on top of the falls if you follow the marked trail. You can also reach Silver Falls by hiking the Magpie Voyageur Trail from Scenic High Falls.

Scenic High Falls (Part 2)
This very impressive waterfall stands 75 feet high and 125 feet wide – definitely worth a visit! The beautiful park area is located at the base of the falls with a covered picnic shelter, BBQ, wheelchair accessible washroom facilities and plenty of parking. The short walking trails which follow the top of the falls to the park at its base also provide signage for an informative look at the history of power in the Michipicoten area.

How to Get Here: It's very easy to get Silver Falls & High Falls. Take Highway 17 North along the coastline of Lake Superior and follow to the Michipicoten River Village Road.

Sand River Falls – Lake Superior Provincial Park
Located in Lake Superior Provincial Park and is a gorgeous river landscape! The waterfall can be easily reached using the Pinguisibi Trail, which follows the river upstream. After visiting the Lower Falls, a moderate walk of about 10 minutes brings you to the Upper Falls. These falls are in a wonderful, natural setting and are exceptionally beautiful in the fall. How to Get Here: Take the Sand River exit off Highway 17 North. You will also need a Park Pass.

Pancake Falls – Pancake Bay Provincial Park
Pancake Falls is a small set of falls on the Pancake River, located in Pancake Bay Provincial Park. There are at least three distinct drops, none more than 5 feet high. The uppermost (or at least the uppermost that the trail passes) is the most impressive. The trail to the falls in made up of foot trails and old logging roads and part of a 10 km loop. Bikes are permitted on the trail. In addition to the falls, there is the Lookout Trail which allows you to see across to Whitefish Point where the Edmund Fitzgerald sunk in a fierce Lake Superior storm in 1975. How to Get Here: Follow Highway y 17 North of Sault Ste. Marie to Pancake Provincial Park. The trail head is across from the campground, 2 km from the park entrance. Turn onto Lookout Road from Highway 17. You will need a Park Pass.

View Waterfalls of Algoma in a larger map

Plan your tour with more information for where to stay, where to eat for this Waterfalls Tour in Algoma at our website www.algomacountry.com

An avid motorcyclist once explained to a non-rider the difference between touring in a motorcycle verses in a car. On a motorbike, it’s comparable to sitting on your deck and enjoying nature as it happens around you with all the sights, sounds and smells. From a car, it’s like watching it from your kitchen window!

For the touring motorcyclist looking to get out of the kitchen, Highway 17 North of Sault Ste. Marie to Wawa is a great sample of all things Algoma. One of the Top Ten Drives in Canada, this stretch of roadway offers a WOW! factor featuring sharp turns, dips along the stretch and waterfront vistas with views of 30 miles or more across the lake. At times you may feel as if you’re going to drive right off the edge of the highway into Old Woman Bay, Alona Bay or Katherine Cove. You may not want to do any over-the-shoulder viewing!

Experience changing forest types, dizzying heights of land and rock faces along with big water views from a highway that hugs the coastline of Lake Superior. This stretch of highway is like touring a panoramic postcard where one turn reveals a sheer-drop view of Lake Superior while the next features a wall of rugged Canadian Shield rock that rises up beside you beyond your range of vision.

This route can be toured in less than a day. There are many rest stops along the way that offer incredible views of the Lake Superior coastline, that include sandy beaches. Stop at a local restaurant to experience some of friendly Northern hospitality and a delicious home cooked meal. The changing of the day, from dusk until dawn, presents views of beautiful sunsets filling the sky with an assortment of colours. After dark those touring should take caution of the local wildlife. It is important to obey all deer and moose-crossing signs in the area.

There are many great leg stretch stops off the highway at Lake Superior Provincial Park.

For Mike of Saginaw, Michigan, this northern stretch of highway is an old friend having travelled the area since the 1970s. He and his biking partner, Dennis from Spawling, Michigan have taken the Grand Algoma Tour. Follow Highway 17 from Sault Ste. Marie to Wawa, take to Highway 101 to Chapleau and down Highway 129 to the Mississaugi Valley. Dennis joked that he comes for the peameal bacon but it’s also for the people: 

I set out on a trip but often get hung up with the locals talking about the area and, as for the food, there is no such thing as bad food here.

The view simply can't be compared to anywhere else he's toured.

For Marv of King City, Ontario this Northern stretch of highway was part of a package tour he participated in through Trillium Tours. In his senior years, Marv took up motorcycle touring and is always on the lookout for a route that is no less than thrilling.

It was an exciting trip anyway but then Liz (Jansen of Trillium Tours) goes out of her way to find those interesting off-the-beaten-path experiences that include food, lodging and side trips.

One stop that is always listed as a favourite by participants is the pre-arranged side trip to the Michipicoten First Nations Reserve.

People really enjoy going into there because the people are so welcoming and the setting becomes extra special when you realize that they've been settled here for 7,000 years...where else can you get that experience?

The spectacular of Lake Superior in the distance during a ride from Sault Ste. Marie to Wawa along Highway 17.

Whether you choose the summer months to see lush green forests, or during the fall months when the leaves are in their full prime colour, Algoma is an experience you won’t soon forget. The Grand Algoma Tour is just one of many tours avid motorcyclists can take through Algoma.

For more information about motorcycle touring in Algoma and to order a FREE route map visit www.algomacountry.com

Are you ready to get That dirty?

If you are looking for a way to really test your skills over a diverse landscape with wild rugged trails, Algoma is Canadian Shield country. What does that mean exactly? Rocky, rugged landscapes with a multitude of pine trees, bogs and mountains. Sounds pretty awesome, eh?

Getting ready to do a little bit of mud bogging in Algoma.

This region has a lot to offer whether you are an avid ATVer, or a rider that is just starting out in this sport. Outfitters and resorts across Algoma offer everything from maps and self-guided touring information to expertly guided full-service overnight trips. Some of Algoma's fishing operators even offer guided ATV fishing trips to remote lakes accessible only by ATVs. Imagine combining two of your passions into one trip! You can enjoy a day trip and sleep in the luxury of afull-service resort, or have a rustic camp out under the stars.

Looking for the ultimate ATV experience? Plan a trip to Elliot Lake -- they have a great trail system around the community and the surrounding area. These trails offer riders the option of half-day day rides to multi day touring on over 300 km (180 mi) of looped trails connecting back to the community. This looped trail system is designed so that you are never further than 30 km (18 mi) of Elliot Lake. You will have all the amenities of urban accommodations mixed with the beauty of the wilderness that surrounds with beautiful city. Did we mention that the city is ATV friendly? You can even drive your ATV through the drive through at Tim Horton's in Elliot Lake. Can't get much better than that, can you?

Overlooking Elliot Lake from the ATV trail during the fall colours.

Elliot Lake has many attractions, events and amenities for visitors to explore and enjoy. Ride, hike, fish and enjoy photo opportunities of area wildlife while enjoying an ATV experience. GPS trail maps that identify the approved routes surrounding the city are available when you buy a trail-riding permit. Trail Passes are readily available at local hotels, lodges, dealerships or the Elliot Lake Welcome Centre.

Charlotte from Sault Ste. Marie has been ATVing for a couple of years and has experienced a variety of terrain challenges. This is what she had to say about her ATVing experience with a group of friends on the Elliot Lake ATV trails:

The Elliot Lake route was beautiful, we rocked and rolled through it," she says, adding that there were challenging enough sections for those in the group who wanted a little more adventure than some of the others. I tend to prefer a well-maintained trail meaning that it has been brushed out but the more mud the better.

Have a look at the Interactive Elliot Lake ATV Map -- you can explore different loops on the map.

There are many places to ATV in Algoma -- for example, Wawa has an abundance of trails and logging roads with sections that overlook Lake Superior. Check out this article "Algoma Country ATV Tour" written by Mark Hamerton for more information about ATVing in Wawa.

For more information about ATV Adventures in Algoma visit the website at www.algomacountry.com

Along the legendary shores of the largest Great Lake, Lake Superior, Lake Superior Provincial Park makes up an area of over 1,600 square kilometres making it the perfect destination for the outdoor enthusiast.

Located between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa along Highway 17 North, Lake "Gitche Gumee" is deeply rooted in local aboriginal culture. The earliest artifacts to be uncovered and carbon dated is 500 B.C. Immerse yourself in this history with a hike to the Agawa Rock Pictographs estimated to be between 150 to 400 years old. European fur traders and explorers settled along the shores of Lake Superior and mapped the lake. The early 1900s brought Canada's Group of Seven who made the first boxcar excursions to fill their canvases with the wonder of Algoma's landscapes.

Camping, rentals, hiking...and don't forget your camera!

Lake Superior Provincial Park has something for everyone. Hiking possibilities are endless from short day trips to multi day backpacking adventures as there are eleven hiking trails from easy to challenging. The Coastal Trail alone takes five to seven days to complete offering numerous lookouts to view the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior, high cliffs, beautiful sand beaches, boulders and windblown trees. Several access points in the park make it possible to hike shorter portions of this trail. There are seven canoe routes which range from one to five days in duration. Rentals are available at Rabbit Blanket Campground at Mijinemungshing Lake, Agawa Bay, or Crescent Lake campgrounds. If you decide to canoe the big lake, pick up a canoe route map at the chosen park prior to departure. For the wildlife enthusiast, over 200 species of birds have been sighted in the park and between 120 and 135 of these species call Lake Superior Provincial Park home.

Aerial view of Lake Superior's rugged coastline.

Lake Superior Provincial Park is also a great place to experience Algoma's great fishing

Fishing is allowed in Lake Superior Provincial Park and it has one of the finest brook trout fisheries in all of North America. Four kinds of trout can be found in the park: Brook, Lake, Rainbow and Splake. A valid fishing license is required to fish.

The Famous Cross Canada Driving Tour

Stop into Lake Superior Provincial Park on a cross-Canada driving tour. Because part of Trans Canada Highway 17 cuts through the Park, there are many scenic lookouts and leg stretch stops. Some of the most popular are: Agawa Bay, Alona Bay, Old Woman Bay and Katherine Cove. You'll have incredible views of Lake Superior's blue-green water and shoreline, secluded spots to picnic and great spots to swim in Lake Superior.

Lake Superior Provincial Park offers something for everyone: camping, hiking, leg stretch stops and picnics, canoeing and kayaking.

For more information about Lake Superior Provincial Park phone toll free 1-888-668-7275 or visit the Algoma website at www.algomacountry.com

Long-time Ontario rider Chris Hughes of Bruce County had this to say after a ride on the Grand Algoma Tour:

Cruising around St. Joe's Island, up through the Soo to Wawa and then east to Chapleau and then down the 129 is a rider's dream. It’s not a race it’s a soul searching meander that tugs at the heart strings of why we live in the greatest place on earth. Stopping along the route to chat, reveals the heart and soul of this great region. Oh yah, the roads are super twisty, and bring a towel to wipe the grin off your face.

Every ride needs windy roads, great scenery and good food. Algoma Country has grip twisting roads, neck cranking scenery, and gas tank filling Northern Ontario hospitality. A must do for every rider.

Chris Hughes, Bruce County

Did you know that the Grand Algoma Tour is #1 on Ontario's Top Ten Rides for 2013?

Order a FREE Motorcycle Map and receive travel information for your next ride in algoma at www.ridealgoma.ca or phone 1-800-263-2546

John Campbell of Canadian Biker Magazine, after a motorcycle tour of the Algoma region's roadways, sent us this note to tell us what he thought of the tour:

For a die-hard westerner such as myself, much of Ontario has long been something of a mystery. But an all-too-short week roaming lakeside highways, exploring historic villages and venturing the back roads of Algoma Country has opened my eyes to the sheer power, size and diversity of this provincial jewel. Here, the proud rocky bluffs, the hardwood forests and the sparkling lakes and river courses of the Canadian Shield have carved out beautifully winding roads; trim, leafy communities, and intriguing nooks that any motorcyclist with even an ounce of adventure in him absolutely needs to experience first-hand.

- John Campell, Canadian Biker Magazine

Start planning your next motorcycle tour in Algoma with a visit to www.touralgoma.com where you can order FREE road maps, travel guides and receive more information.

Locally grown farm-fresh products are at your finger tips in Algoma Country

It's almost time for Algoma Farmers Markets to open for the season. And for the non-green thumb (people like me!) who wants farm-fresh organic produce, quality meat and poultry to prepare healthy meals, a Farmers Market is the place to go. Farmers Markets are a meeting place to celebrate what's local – which make them an exceptional shopping experience. These open air markets offer a warm, inviting country atmosphere for both locals and visitors staying in the area and go far beyond just essentials like fresh vegetables and meat. In Algoma Country, you'll also find baked goods, handpicked berries, maple syrup products, wood working, Alpaca products and homemade arts and crafts.

Below is the complete list of Algoma Farmers Markets from Sault Ste. Marie, the North Shore to St. Joseph Island. At the bottom of the article, you'll find some helpful tips for shopping at farmers markets, and my favourite recipe for cooking new potatoes. If you are interested in farm-gate purchases, you can find more information at www.buyalgoma.ca

ALGOMA FARMERS' MARKET
Summer Market: June to October
Saturdays 8am - 12pm
Wednesdays 2pm - 6pm
Roberta Bondar Pavilion
www.algomafarmersmarket.ca

JOHNSON FARMERS' MARKET DESBARATS
June 2 – September 1
Saturdays 9am – 2pm
September 8 – October 12
Saturdays 10am – 2pm
Johnson Township Community Centre
www.johnsonfarmersmarketdesbarats.ca

IRON BRIDGE FARMERS' MARKET
July, August and September
Saturdays 9am - 2pm
Iron Bridge Museum
www.huronshores.ca

SOWERBY FARMERS' MARKET
June – September
Saturdays 9am – 1pm
Cordukes Historic 12-sided Round Barn

BLIND RIVER FARMERS' MARKET
June 2 to September 21
Saturdays 8am – 2pm
Pavilion next to Timber Village Museum
www.blindriver.com

HILTON BEACH OPEN AIR MARKET
Late June to September
Saturdays 10am – 1pm
Yellow tent beside the Library
www.hiltonbeach.com

SAULT STE. MARIE WINTER MARKET
Year Round
Saturdays 10am to 4pm
Wellington Square Mall

Tips for Shopping at Farmers Markets

1. Get to know your seasons. Knowing what to expect and what grows in the area makes shopping more efficient.
2. Go early because the early bird does get the worm! You'll be able to get the best selections, and those limited items that go quickly.
3. Bring big sturdy bags and cash with small change. Transactions with cash or exact change is much easier.
4. Be spontaneous. Sometimes it's fun to leave the shopping list at home, or at least be open to trying something new.
5. Ask an expert. If you find a vegetable new to you, ask the farmer how they like to eat it. You'll get the best tips!

View Algoma Farmers Markets in a larger map 

Cooking New Potatoes: My Favourite Way to Eat Them

One of my favourite childhood memories is wandering my grandparents' farm, exploring their vegetables patches, sampling the raspberries and peas as I walked the paths (I ate plenty of both). New potatoes were always my favourite thing to eat and I've shared the simplest, tastiest way to prepare them:

New potatoes (freshly harvested young potatoes) should be feel firm and have a smooth, unblemished skin. Make sure to rinse them well and don't peel them.

Put new potatoes in a pot of salty water and boil gently for about 10 minutes, until tender.

Drain and shake off excess water. Put the potatoes in a serving dish and toss with plenty of butter and sprinkle with salt and fresh cracked pepper, or your favourite herb. Serve.

If you are vacationing in Algoma this summer, make sure to visit the Farmers Markets. For more information about our towns and communities visit the website www.algomacountry.com

The most spectacular long distance ride in Ontario, Ride Lake Superior can be tackled in one epic 1300 mile / 2080 km tour -- half in the US, half in Canada -- or in a variety of smaller trips. Make sure you give yourself enough time to really experience the natural splendor and local colour of this unique, epic motorcycle route. This isn't a ride that should be rushed.

Lake Superior is the world's largest freshwater lake, and the sparsely populated region straddling Algoma Country and Northwestern Ontario offers many restorative sights for the weary city rider, with miles of mountains, forests and water. What sets Superior apart from the other great lakes is the distinctive topography, reminiscent of Highway 1 down the California coast. With towering quartzite cliffs on one side, the never-ending blue of the lake on the other, Highway 17 sweeps and climbs in a breathtaking rollercoaster of curves.

Ride along the one of the greatest lakes, Lake Superior and take in the breathtaking vistas it offers.

Starting points for those planning a long-haul of the northern shore are either Sault Ste. Marie or Thunder Bay. But for the best views, riders should consider a clockwise navigation around the lake.Riders approaching from the south might consider starting in Duluth, MN.

Plan on spending a day or two in Thunder Bay to kick off or finish your journey -- there are some amazing gems here you won't want to miss. With its unique cultural history of Finnish and Polish settlers, it has some distinct traits that riders won't want to miss.

Renowned for its Finnish pancakes, the Hoito also serves a variety of other Finnish and Canadian foods.

Breakfast at the Hoito is a must. Housed in the basement of the Finnish Cultural Centre, it offers typical Finnish fare such as delicate crepe-like pancakes and Piirakka, rye-crust pastries stuffed with egg salad, as well as hearty diner-style breakfasts and sandwiches.

Take a day trip out to Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park -- the 40m drop into a Precambrian Shield Gorge creates one of the most impressive sheets of water in Ontario. And if you're looking for something fun to do out of the saddle, try a harbour tour with Sail Superior Yacht Charters. They run four sailing tours every day for a different perspective of the city.

The Niagara of the North, the Kakabeka Falls plunge 40 metres over sheer cliffs and some of the world's oldest fossils.

Just an hour from the bright lights of Thunder Bay is the peaceful peninsula of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Fill up in Thunder Bay -- there's no gas on the peninsula. The road to Silver Islet is one of my favourite roads in the province, and leads riders to the quaint village of Silver Islet. Plan to stop for a homemade cinnamon bun at the General Store there; a charming, peaceful spot at the end of the road,it's a great spot to wander with an ice cream cone, past sweet sleepy cottages and several antique stores and galleries.

Leaving the peninsula, the road turns inland for 100km/60 mileson the way to Nipigon. Fill up and have lunch before you head off along the north shore to Terrace Bay, where you'll find several inns, motels, and bed and breakfasts. Charters to the Slate Islands leave from Terrace Bay taking riders across the big water to the sheltered bays and ancient rock formations that are home to a herd of protected caribou.

Continuing east from Terrace Bay, Highway 17 veers north around Jackfish Lake and twists through forest and around smaller lakes inland -- dropping down to shore sporadically for surprise big water vistas before tucking back inland again -- for most of the way to Wawa, about 260km/160 miles.

Don't forget to check out the old fashioned pickle barrel at Young's General Store.

In Wawa, plan to spend at least an hour at Young's General Store, chockablock full of souvenirs, snacks, fishing accessories, and a giant pickle barrel. It's a must-see, from the stuffed moose on the porch to the jalapeno fudge. If you're done for the day, the Wawa Motor Inn is a great place to stop, with motel-style rooms or private cabins, and a perfectly paved parking lot. And don't forget to snap a photo at the iconic Goose on your way out of town.

The ride between Wawa and Sault Ste Marie is some of the most exhilarating coastline along the Canadian part of the route. In 230km/140 milesthe road goes inland just once -- through the deep green of Lake Superior Provincial Park -- before bringing riders to the absolutely stunning Agawa Bay, where peach-coloured sand stretches out for miles.

Agawa Bay, Old Woman Bay, and Batchawana Bay are great places to stop for a swim or a picnic, to just bask in the sunshine or soak your feet in the clean blue water. And if you're cruising down here at dinnertime, do not miss the feast at the Bavarian restaurant Salzburger Hof.

After a few days on the road, Sault Ste. Marie offers a great variety of historic and cultural sights. If you're interested in old machines (as many riders are), you could get lost for hours in the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. Housed in an old airplane hangar right on the river, it's not only a repository of 25 bushplanes and water bombers, but an educational centre dedicated to preserving the history of Bush Flying and Forest Protection in Canada.

The old downtown core of Sault Ste Marie is really quite beautiful, with some gorgeous old heritage buildings and interesting coffee shops and eccentric fashion houses. It has an interesting vintage feel, with the old store signage and diners like Mike's Lunch, but vibrant and alive at the same time. It's also home to the historic Ermatinger*Clergue National Historic Site, the oldest log house northwest of Toronto.

From border to border, the Canadian leg of the Lake Superior Circle Tour has something for every rider -- exhilarating roads, breathtaking scenery, and perfect beaches just made for a relaxing afternoon. It's home to some of the best hiking in Ontario, fabulous restaurants, intriguing museums, and some truly unique and excellent shopping.

So whether you're a long distance rider, or just up for a long distance dash over long sweepers in the sunshine, Ride Lake Superior on your bucket list for this summer.

Learn more about places to eat, sleep and play in Algoma Country at Algoma Country, Ride Algoma, and Northwestern Ontario.

Sault Ste. Marie is:
345 miles from Detroit, Michigan
465 miles from Chicago, Illinois
282 miles from Green Bay, Wisconsin
430 miles (700km) from Toronto, Ontario
1000 miles from New York, New York

Thunder Bay is:
340 miles from Minneapolis, Minnesota
700km from Winnipeg, Alberta

View Ride Lake Superior Motorcycle Touring Route - Lake Superior Circle Tour in a larger map

For the Love of Food

We've designed this tour for the rider with an advanced appreciation of the finer things in life. Namely FOOD and DRINK! Anyone whose ever ridden in Ontario knows the only thing better than the roads is all the incredible places to eat and drink along the way.

Fuel Up! (On Caffeine)

Starting at the end of the Forks of the Credit Road, check out Higher Ground Coffee, a well-known rider hang out. Their incredible coffee will keep you going until your next stop.

Heading Into The Bruce

Grey-Bruce is full of biker-friendly places to eat, so much so that we recommend you spend the night there before heading up to Algoma Country for your next fill-up. Starting at the Hawg's Breath Saloon in Kincardine, grab some free peanuts and a delicious Bloody Ceasar (a Canadian special) before placing your order.

A Little Jaunt Before Dinner

Head over to Sauble Beach for a relaxed afternoon and to kill some time before dinner. There's plenty to see and do in the Bruce — check out their Facebook page, which is constantly updated with the latest events and happenings in the area. For dinner, head over to Ted's Range Road Diner. If you can time your visit to be there on a Wednesday night, you'll be entertained by their legendary Jamm Night where local performers take the stage. Ted's has everything; prime rib, lobster tail, venison, elk, quail and more. Don't be afraid to experiment!

The Morning After

Stay the night at Taylor-Made Bed & Breakfast and treat yourself to the "Best Breakfast on the Bruce" the next morning. With an elaborate spread of coffee, fresh bread, jams, eggs any style, sausages, bacon - anything your heart desires. When you've added a good couple pounds to the total weight of your "rig", head over to the Neustand Springs Brewery. It might be a little early for a sample for this well-respected craft brewery, but grab a couple of bottles for the next night.

Just Enjoy The Scenery

Head up the peninsula into Algoma Country, motoring up Highway 17 to the Voyageurs' Cookhouse where you'll enjoy authentic northern Ontario cuisine - fresh fried fish, either lake trout or whitefish, baked beans, burgers and bannock - and all of this overlooking beautiful Batchawana Bay on shores of Lake Superior.

After your lunch fill up, head up to Wawa and the Kinniwabi Pines Restaurant where you can enjoy multicultural meals, family style-dining and local specialties. The view over a forested valley is not to be missed! Stay the night at Best Northern Motel and be sure to enjoy their spectacular breakfast before heading on to your next culinary adventure.

Not Quite Done!

Heading over Highway 11 will take you through some incredible northern wilderness to Danny's Justa Pastas recently written up in a Globe and Mail article on Northern Ontario cuisine. As you wrap up your tour heading south around Lake Temiskaming, head over to Mattawa and Myrt's Family Restaurant before the final leg through the Kawarthas into the small town of Keane to enjoy Muddy's Pit BBQ. Hopefully you'll roll in before they run out of meat!

Keane: Muddy's Pit BBQ

Relive that 1972 Lake Superior trip you did sitting while jammed in the back of the family station wagon. This time do it on your own terms, with your best buds, on your favourite steed.

Ride Lake Superior is an epic motorcycle journey of roller coaster roadways that curve and twist along the highway that wraps around Lake Superior. Discover the intense thrill of taking your eyes off the road to look over your shoulder to gaze at the world's largest freshwater lake. Beautiful coastline on one side, sheer rock cuts on the other. The touring route was made for the motorcycle enthusiast and steers its way around the Canadian and American coastlines with plenty of must sees, miles of road, and the challenge of this just over 2,000 mile ride (and that's only around the lake!).

Watch this video of motorcycle enthusiast Chris Hughes of Bruce County experiencing the shoreline of Lake Superior.

In 2006, The National Post named the ride from Thunder Bay to Sault Ste. Marie is one of the Top 100 Things To Do in Canada Before You Die.

 View of Lake Superior Coastline from the Alona Bay Lookout along Highway 17 North.

Starting in Algoma in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, your ride to Wawa slices through Lake Superior Provincial Park. There are some awesome leg stretch stops  along this part of route and some must stops are: Agawa Bay, Old Woman Bay and Katherine Cove. Hungry? Stop at Voyageur's Lodge & Cookhouse for their Friday Night Fish Fry with fresh locally caught fish. Check out the Loft Gift Shop to pick up a souvenir.

Stop at Voyageur's Lodge & Cookhouse in Batchawana Bay for a delicious fresh fish fry and homemade desserts!

Once you get to Wawa, make sure to take a photo of you with your companions at the famous Wawa Goose monument. Heading west towards Thunder Bay, you'll want to stop at Kakabeka Falls which is known as the Niagara of the North. It plunges 40 metres over a sheer rock face -- definitely worth the stop! And don't forget to share your photos or videos on the Ride Lake Superior Facebook!

The famous Wawa Goose Monument has been welcoming visitors since the early 1960s.

Crossing into Minnesota, you'll want to stop at World's Best Donuts -- people from all over the world stop here in Grand Marais. Other interesting places to stop on the American side of Lake Superior are: Top of Brockway Mountain Drive and Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise, Michigan. You'll be able to find plenty of motorcycle friendly accommodations and restaurants among the many communities that dot the route around Lake Superior. Many of  places around the Lake Superior circle tour are well marked with a Ride Lake Superior Parking Sign.

If you've decided to make this epic journey and you've logged your first mile or kilometer, then you are automatically a member of Club RLS (Ride Lake Superior). We've created checkpoints around Lake Superior for Club Members to reward you for making the journey -- these are REALLY COOL souvenirs! Each checkpoint has something different for you and your bike. Most checkpoints are open regular business hours 7 days per week.

You can print out the ride checklist, read a full list of Must Sees and order a FREE Ride Lake Superior Route Map at the website www.ridelakesuperior.com