Every year we take stock of the state of motorcycle touring in Ontario. We look for improvements to routes, or to their trip planning resources. We check out any new routes, amenities, and festivals or attractions that might enhance your ride. We add in long-term weather forecasts and anticipated construction, and compare everything to come up with this list
This year you’ll find a familiar cast of characters—most routes have improved in ride quality. This summer and fall should see moderate stable temperatures, with some additional stormy weather, but with average rainfall. For those of you looking for a fall ride, these stable temps mean this is going to be a good year.
But any time spent riding is a good time—right? Read on for our top 10 for 2018.
10. Cruise the Coast
Who Should Ride It: If you’re from St. Catharine’s, Windsor, Michigan, Ohio, or New York state, the Cruise the Coast route is great for people looking for a quick weekend ride who prefer straight lines and quaint farmland to technical twisties, rock cuts, and forests. You’ll be close to Lake Erie for much of the ride, so if you feel like going for a dip, or staying somewhere right on the lake, this can work for you.
Why You Should Ride It: Food, craft beer, beaches—if this sounds like your scene, this is definitely the ride for you. If you like quiet back roads winding gently around farmer’s fields, rivers and streams, and lots of old school character, you don’t need to read any further.
9. Explore the Bruce Motorcycle Routes
Who Should Ride It: The Explore the Bruce route is perfect for Toronto and Michigan riders, especially those originating in the greater Detroit and Lansing areas. Group tours on big bikes, or adventure bikes looking to try out a little bit of dirt and gravel before tackling something more complex.
Why You Should Ride It: Hilly countryside with lots of big water surrounding it, and, like Cruise the Coast, plenty of options for where to stop and eat, and some great breweries and wineries. This is either a great short weekend trip from the big city, or the gateway to bigger trips via the Chi-Cheemaun ferry in Tobermory.
8. The Great Legends Tour
Who Should Ride It: Riders from Ottawa, Toronto and Kingston areas who are looking to do some high mile touring in a remote wilderness setting will love the 1,350-km Great Legends Tour. It encompasses so much territory in the North that you have to be a lover of long rides.