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One-day rides are satisfying, but true freedom on two wheels often comes from multi-day tours. With thousands of kilometers of paved highways and remote backroads across Ontario, planning a multi-day motorcycle trip can be daunting — the GoTourOntario app, which offers dozens of pre-planned itineraries, helps simplify the process.
The Grand Algoma Tour — 682 km
Often described as one of Canada’s most thrilling rides, the Grand Algoma Tour packs two standout sections into a compact two-day loop. Riders typically start near Sault Ste. Marie and follow the shoreline before diving into the interior.
Key highlights and road character
Expect narrow, twisting pavement and dramatic scenery. Highway 129 — sometimes nicknamed the northern answer to the Tail of the Dragon — threads between steep rock cuts and Lake Huron vistas. Highway 101 opens into long vistas toward Wawa, while the Lake Superior coastal stretches deliver sheer cliffs and wide panoramas around Old Woman Bay.
Stops, food and places to stay
Local favorites include Bobbers Restaurant in Bruce Mines and the apple fritters at The Voyageurs’ Lodge and Cookhouse; Young’s General Store is a handy stop for snacks. Photo ops range from the Wawa Goose to Lake Superior Provincial Park, Magpie Scenic High Falls and Sandy Beach. Overnight options noted by riders include the Wawa Motor Inn and Tunnel Lake Trading Post & Motel.
Georgian Bay Coastal Route — 1,400 km
Stretching along what many call the “sixth Great Lake,” this coastal circuit takes three to four days to appreciate fully. The route traces the Niagara Escarpment, hugs the shoreline and reaches into the La Cloche range for stark granite views.
Key highlights and road character
Riders can ferry their bikes from Tobermory aboard the MS Chi‑Cheemaun to Manitoulin Island, ride Highway 6 through white quartz outcrops in La Cloche, and detour to Killarney for rugged shorelines and hiking opportunities.
Stops, food and places to stay
Good meal stops include Trestle Brewing Company in Parry Sound and Herbert Fisheries in Killarney. Sightseeing ranges from the Little Current Swing Bridge to the French River Provincial Park Visitor Centre and Killarney Provincial Park. Overnight stays often cited are the Anchor Inn Hotel in Little Current and the Killarney Mountain Lodge.
The Highlands Loop — 1,000 km
Centered in the Ride the Highlands area, this 1,000-kilometer circuit winds through the Canadian Shield. The roads here are rarely straight, rewarding riders with constant curves, elevation changes and frequent lake views.
Key highlights and road character
Look for technical stretches such as Calabogie and Centennial Lake Road, which are popular with sport-touring riders for their pavement and corner sequence. Sections through Algonquin Park and along the Ottawa River offer longer, sweeping runs and excellent fall color.
Stops, food and places to stay
Refuel at the Wilno Tavern or Redneck Bistro in Calabogie, or try the Iron Rooster Rotisserie and Grill. Attractions include Bonnechere Caves, Artech Glassblowing Studios and the Champlain Trail Museum. Accommodation choices range from Sir Sam’s Inn to Somewhere Inn Calabogie and the Bonnie View Inn, the latter known to offer a motorcyclist discount.
The Big Loop — 1,000 km
Linking classic corridors through Muskoka and central Ontario, The Big Loop combines granite outcrops with a chain of lakes for a two- to three-day tour that highlights the area’s scenic diversity.
Key highlights and road character
The route includes favored stretches such as Highway 518 — noted for its flowing turns — and quieter north-woods tracts on Highway 522 and Highway 60 that pass through the heart of Algonquin Provincial Park.
Stops, food and places to stay
Pick up breakfast at The Trail Mix on Hwy 518 or Jake’s Place on Hwy 522; The Mad Musher serves visitors near Algonquin’s East Gate. Overnight options range from the modest Four Ninety Muskoka to Deerhurst Resort and the rustic Bristlecone Lodge Resort.
Nor’Wester Loop — 555–613 km
Running from Thunder Bay toward Kenora, the Nor’Wester is a two-day wilderness tour through Northwestern Ontario’s extensive lake country. The route offers remote riding with minimal traffic and wide natural panoramas.
Key highlights and road character
Originally intended as a connector for riders joining the Lake Superior Circle Tour from the west, the Nor’Wester stands out on its own for waterfalls, high cliffs and expansive river crossings that dominate the landscape.
Stops, food and places to stay
Notable sights include Husky the Muskie in Kenora, Kakabeka Falls near Thunder Bay and the Keewatin rock-holes. Lodging and meal stops used by riders include The Riverview Lodge, La Place Rendez‑Vous Hotel in Fort Frances and the Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel in Thunder Bay.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to motorcycle in Ontario?
Riding season runs roughly from late May through early October. Summer months provide long daylight and warmer weather; late summer into early October reduces insect activity and brings dramatic fall foliage on routes such as The Highlands and The Big Loop.
Should I reserve ferries and places to stay ahead of time?
Yes — accommodations along popular corridors like Wawa and Muskoka fill quickly on summer weekends. If you plan to cross on the Georgian Bay route, reserving a spot for your motorcycle on the MS Chi‑Cheemaun is strongly recommended.
Are these routes suitable for less-experienced riders?
Most roads are paved and well maintained, but several sections demand confident cornering and attention. Parts of Highway 129 and Centennial Lake Road are technical; riders should choose routes that match their skill level and pace themselves.
Is wildlife a concern?
Yes. Moose and deer are common across northern and central Ontario, especially in and near provincial parks. Avoid dawn and dusk riding when animals are most active and remain vigilant on rural stretches.
Disclosure: This article includes sponsored content produced in partnership with Destination Ontario.
