According to my GPS, the average travel time from the Toronto area to Manitoulin Island is about six hours – quite an ordinary duration by Ontario standards.
So why is it that every time I set Manitoulin as my destination I feel as if I'm setting off on a grand adventure? Perhaps it’s because getting to this hidden gem of Northeastern Ontario takes a bit of effort. There are two and only two ways to get there from the GTA.
Option #1: Follow the east shore of Georgian Bay along Highway 69 to Sudbury. Then, head west on Highway 17 to Espanola. From Espanola, follow Highway 6 south to Little Current, and once you’ve crossed the Swing Bridge, you are on Manitoulin Island. Funny how having to go up and around and back down to reach your destination makes the trip feel farther than it really is.
Option #2: This is my personal favourite. Ride up the Bruce Peninsula to Tobermory, hop aboard the MS Chi-Cheeman ferry, which will drop you off in South Baymouth on the south shore of Manitoulin Island. This might be the nicest day of motorcycle travel in the province, with the added steps of loading, unloading, and the restrictions of the ferry schedule enhancing the feeling of adventure.
Judging by the dozen big touring bikes parked in the belly of the boat, the motorcycle touring potential of Manitoulin Island is no secret. But our bikes are sporting more dirt than chrome and the objective for us is to search out the roads less paved.