Finding the Right Route

Algoma is home to four of Ontario's best motorcycle routes:

• Ride Lake Superior
• The Grand Algoma (the top ride of 2014 as declared by Ontario Tourism)
• The Deer Trail Touring Route
• The Island North Tour (ADV Route)

A rider once explained to his non-rider friend the difference between touring on a motorcycle versus in a car; a motorbike is comparable to sitting on your deck and enjoying nature all around with the sights, sounds and smells.

From a car, it’s like watching it from your kitchen window!

For the touring rider looking to get out of the kitchen, Highway 17 north of Sault Ste. Marie onward to Wawa is a great sample of what the true spirit of Algoma is. One of the Top Ten Drives in Canada, this stretch of roadway features twisty sections, hills and valleys, and vistas of the great lake with views of 30 miles or more. Some of the most scenic stops are Old Woman Bay, Alona Bay and Katherine Cove.

Rock faces hug the highway and shoreline all along Lake Superior, with big water views from the highway and can be ridden in less than a day. There are so many great places to stop along the way, each with a different and incredible view of the Lake Superior coastline. Stop at a Voyageurs' Lodge to experience some friendly Northern hospitality and delicious food. The turning of the day, from dusk 'til dawn, presents views of beautiful sunsets and sunrises filling the sky with colours.

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. The route follows Highway 17 from Sault Ste. Marie to Wawa, then Highway 101 to Chapleau and then down Highway 129 to the Mississagi Valley. Dennis joked that he comes for the peameal bacon but it’s also for the people: 

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.

Another 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 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?

Order a Free Motorcycle Route Map to start planning now. Toll-Free 1-800-263-2546 or visit Algoma Country.

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. 

More Good Reads:

• Cool Roadside Attractions
• The Planet D Rides Lake Superior
• Cities and Towns in Algoma
• Indulge Your Inner Foodie

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