Eastern Canada - Needing Route advice through Ontario

Hi all,
I'm from the southern U.S. (Oklahoma) and am planning my route for a Atlantic to Pacific tour this summer. I'm excited to be going through Ontario as i have not traveled much outside of my little corner of the world. I would appreciate it if someone could take a look at my proposed route and offer suggestions concerning bicycle friendliness. I would also welcome any other feedback such as places to see, etc. Thanks in advance.
keith

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=210381330892239424788.00049b4231c165f91a71e&t=h&z=6

Hwy 17 from Sault Ste. Marie to Espanola will be fine, but I would definitely not ride around the north side of Georgian Bay. Hwy 69 is not bike friendly, and it is being converted piece by piece to 4 lane contolled access highway.Rather, I would turn south on HWY 6 at Espanola and ride accross Manitoulin Island. At the southern end of the island, there is a ferry that takes you to Tobermory where Hwy 6 resumes. I've ridden accross the island, and on Hwy 6, and it's a nice ride.
From there, take your pick of any of the secondary highways to get you to Lake Ontario and the Waterfront Trail.

Outstanding. Thanks Dan.

Dan is right about 69, it's probably not safe, there is a lot of fast trucking traffic and tiny shoulders. Not much there to see that route anyways... Tobermory has a nice park to visit/camp and the main highway south(hwy 6) from there i'm told has paved 1m shoulders for a distance. If you want to skirt around the southern points of georgian bay it would be nice, avoid Wasaga beach/26 on the weekends.

I also ridden through the area of 35/118... this is cottager country so on friday afternoon and sunday evening traffic could be intense, try to avoid it. You'll be skirting around the cottage I visited near west guilford in the summer. I went up north through bobcaygeon through.

The other thing I'd be a tad nervous about is the international bridge at Sault Ste Marie. According to Wikipedia, bikes are allowed, but there are no dedicated bike lanes and it is a looooonng bridge. Actually, it's more like two connected bridges. I cross it from time to time with a truck, last time was a week ago yesterday, but I don't remember ever seeing bicycles on it. There is a walkway along side, so at the very least, I think you could walk the bike across, although it would be a long walk.
Another option is to head for Grand Portage Mn. That's a land crossing, and bikes are no problem there. It means dealing with some pretty serious hills between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie, but it's a fairly well used bicycle route in the Summer, and it's pretty safe. I drive an 18 wheeler on that route all the time, and we know to be on the lookout for ya.

Yup, plus some really scenic spots between sault and thunder bay camping wise on the way... but hills, steeper rock faces and no cellphone reception will up the difficulty and cut your locations to make camp.

+1 on Manitoulin Island, really nice ride. And once you arrive in Tobermory, it's an interesting place to stop of for a day or two if you can. You can go for a hike or take a boat to Flowerpot Island. Here's a website, just in case you're interested http://www.tobermory.org/page/home/Welcome

Then heading towards Toronto (to connect with Waterfront Trail http://www.waterfronttrail.org/trail.html), the area of Caledon, Belfountain, Orangeville, Mono is hilly but very picturesque.

Highway 69 is way more bike friendly than Highway 17. Highway 17 has tons of traffic and a narrow shoulder. Highway 69 also has tons of traffic, but it has a giant shoulder until about 10 km before Parry Sound, at which point you have to get off and take smaller roads through the Muskokas.

Having said that, I agree that going through Manitoulin Island is a better way to go. From Tobermory I would go Owen Sound, Collingwood, Wasaga, Orillia, Coboconk, Fenelon Falls, Bobcaygeon, Lakefield, Peterborough, Campbellford, Trenton, and then hook onto the Waterfront Trail.

I'd stay away from Hwy 69 as well. The Manitoulin route is better. From Bobcaygeon I'd take county road 36 to Hwy 28.

Hwy 28 was resurfaced last summer so the section from Burleigh Falls to Woodview is new. I have a cottage
about 20 miles east of Apsley so I drive around there on a regular basis from April to November. It's not a very
long section so it's doable.

Hwy 28 can be very busy on weekends from anywhere south of Apsley. It's probably better than Hwy 62 where
you stand a good chance of being blown off the road by a logging truck. If you are going south on a weekday
it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

If you're going to be camping in provincial parks make sure that you have reservations.
https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/
Book online well in advance. Campgrounds like the Sandbanks are really packed on the weekends.


As said before, cellphone coverage is really spotty along your route.

If you're a member of AAA, then you should be able get help from the CAA. The CAA has a program to help
CAA members who are cycling and need assistance. http://www.caasco.com/automotive/roadside-service/caa-bike-assist-faq.jsp

There are a number of wineries in Prince Edward County (from Trenton to Picton). There a number of organized cycling tours in that part of the province.

The route from Tobermory to Toronto isn't bad either. There are a number of alternate roads you can take besides Hwy 10 from Owen Sound to Toronto. Hwy 10 can be a very busy but you can take most of the county concessions (not all of them are paved though) going north/south.

The area around Caledon is pretty hilly but I've ridden from Mississauga to Belfountain and it's all downhill to Lake Ontario once you get out of the Credit River valley. I'd take Mississauga road south (I haven't been around there for years so I'm not sure how busy it is) and connect up with the Waterfront trail. The road used to be pretty rough at one time with a really cool hairpin turn (that's more civilized these days) but it's a nice ride these days.

I'm partial to using the Waterfront trail because the trail runs about 100 yards from my house.

Thanks again all for the great information. Sounds like this will be one of our highlights!

Hi again, here's the schedule and prices for ferry from Manitoulin Island to Tobermory http://www.chicheemaun.com/chi/english/schedule_fares.html
We had to tie up the bikes to a rail in the parking area. The ropes were provided.

And if you ride through Prince Edward County as suggested, you can ride to Picton, and then take Glenora ferry (Hwy 33). I haven't done that myself, so would suggest contacting them to make sure bikes are allowed, but I'm pretty sure they are. Prince Edward County is great for riding.

I agree that the Manitoulin route is a better way to go than 69, though last year when I was visiting Tobermory a few times I noted that hwy 6 had no real shoulders, was pretty busy and was being repaved in parts. Might be better now but it's not my idea of an ideal road for biking. No other real choices though until you get down Wiarton.

I agree that the Manitoulin route is a better way to go than 69, though last year when I was visiting Tobermory a few times I noted that hwy 6 had no real shoulders, was pretty busy and was being repaved in parts. Might be better now but it's not my idea of an ideal road for biking. No other real choices though until you get down Wiarton.

Apparently the shoulders(brand new) run down to Mar, Ontario... you are right about some of those roads... riding to wasaga beach on the long-weekend was nuts, two lanes, tourists and 80km+ and jetski trailers...

Apparently there is also a pilot project (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2010/09/16/bikes-highway-shoulders469.html)for hwy 6 on Manitoulin island.

I haven't been up that way for a couple of years. I think there are a couple of sideroads off of hwy 6 once you get about 5 miles south of Tobermory. I don't know how
good or bad they are though.

Oh.. and as far as I know, bikes are allowed on the Glenora ferry.

Once you get to Owen Sound there are quite a few options. The 503 through the Haliburton Highlands is a beautiful but hilly ride.

How many miles a day are you planning on ?

Highway 6 on the Bruce Peninsula is quite busy. I took quiet roads that ran to the east of 6. Dyers Bay Road to East Road. East Road becomes Forty Hills Road, which is unpaved, but hard packed, so easy to ride. Take CR 29 into Lion's Head, and CR 9 out of it. That will take you to Wiarton. East out of Wiarton, CR 1 is a beautiful road. Highway 26 is very busy, but there's a rail trail that parallels it from Meaford to Collingwood.

I've taken my bike on the Glenora Ferry many times. There's no problems, and it's free. In Prince Edward County, stop at Slickers in Bloomfield for the best ice cream in the world.

I would only make reservations at provincial parks if you're going to be there on the weekend. They charge a huge reservation fee, and I've never had a problem getting a site during the week.

It's been years since I've gone camping. I know that some parks are worse than others for getting a campsite but yeah, you should be able to get a site without a reservation on a weekday.

The best thing to do is to drop into an internet cafe in some of the larger towns on your route and check online to see what the availability is.

Trip average needs to be about 100km a day.

Wow. I'm finally sitting down to adjust per everyones recommendations and my head is spinning. It may be a few days before i get all the changes made.

Paul2, my travel partner now has a "Must Stop" marker at Slickers:).

I haven't been up that way for a couple of years. I think there are a couple of sideroads off of hwy 6 once you get about 5 miles south of Tobermory. I don't know how
good or bad they are though.

Oh.. and as far as I know, bikes are allowed on the Glenora ferry.

Once you get to Owen Sound there are quite a few options. The 503 through the Haliburton Highlands is a beautiful but hilly ride.

How many miles a day are you planning on ?

Trip average needs to be about 100km a day.

Wow. I'm finally sitting down to adjust per everyones recommendations and my head is spinning. It may be a few days before i get all the changes made.

Paul2, my travel partner now has a "Must Stop" marker at Slickers:).

Haha, since you'll be in the area(probably not after the changes)... There is a large dairy in Minden, Ontario that is a local ice-cream hot spot.

I am assuming from the lack of comments concerning Toronto is that we don't want to go into the city? I'm a country boy and that would be fine with me. However, it may be my one and only opportunity to visit, so just wanting to make sure.

Haha, since you'll be in the area(probably not after the changes)... There is a large dairy in Minden, Ontario that is a local ice-cream hot spot.
Ahh.. The Kawartha Dairy Bar... Haven't been there for a while... mmmmm . There's also one in Bancroft.

I am assuming from the lack of comments concerning Toronto is that we don't want to go into the city? I'm a country boy and that would be fine with me. However, it may be my one and only opportunity to visit, so just wanting to make sure.

There's a lot to do and see if you want to come to Toronto. There's even a city run campground near the city limits

http://www.rougepark.com/explore/interest/campground.php

You can connect up with the Waterfront Trail from there
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Glen+Rouge+Campground&daddr=Rodd+Avenue,+Pickering,+Ontario&geocode=Fe5mnAIdiXZI-yEFtYGeayvDlg%3BFddJnAIdOc5I-ykVbcV6-dvUiTFcrFblzAIDOA&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=43.796221,-79.136367&sspn=0.0219,0.055747&ie=UTF8&ll=43.803128,-79.130487&spn=0.021898,0.055747&z=15

I'm not sure when you are planning on arriving in Toronto but there are so many things going on during the summer that I can't really describe them in a few sentences.
http://www.torontolife.com/
Toronto Life Magazine is a good place to start and pick up a tour guidebook like Fromms.

When looking for accomodations, the Waterfront Trail folks posted a list of places they recommend for people who are riding in the GWTA (the end to end ride)

http://www.waterfronttrail.org/gwta_web/accommodations.htm
When in Toronto, make sure that you get a reservation and ask about if they have secure storage for your bikes or if it's OK to store them in your room.

One more thought, there are two possible ways of coming into Toronto by bike. Which way you come in depends on what route you are taking coming in from the north.
My guess is that you will be coming south from Tobermory running parallel to Hwy 10 or Hwy 6 which means you would be coming into Toronto from the west side.

Maybe Dan has some suggestions ? I haven't lived out that way for 25 years and a lot has changed since then but my guess is that the safest way would be to connect up with the Waterfront Trail from anywhere from Burlington to Oakville.

If you are coming in to the East end I can suggest a number of routes to get you there. It all depends on where you want to stay.

Paul2, my travel partner now has a "Must Stop" marker at Slickers:).

If it's ice cream your travel partner is after, in Big Bay on CR 1 east of Wiarton there's a convenience store that has homemade ice cream that is quite good.

Maybe Dan has some suggestions ?
Indeed I do. My choice would be to ride hwy 6 from Tobermory to Guelph, link up with old hwy 24 (not sure what it's called now, I'll hafta look it up) south to Cambridge, catch hwy 8 east to hwy 5, east to Waterdown, south on Mill St, (becomes Waterdown Rd), east on Plains rd, (becomes Fairview St),south on Brant St to the waterfront.
Most of the big hills you'll encounter are downhills, and there are some really nice small towns on this route.

i think that you would really enjoy going through bancroft ontario... seeing as i live there and all you could visit the eagles nest which has the most terrific views and then go south towards bellville and continue your route. But it would be well worth your while and there is always something going on. It was titled Ontario's most talented town and if you pm i could possibly hook you up with a cabin to stay in on the eagles nest if your interested.

something else you may want to consider is visiting wolfe island, you could take the ferry across to the states for less than $10 and it would be alot less busy compared to the bridge you were going to cross

i think that you would really enjoy going through bancroft ontario... seeing as i live there and all you could visit the eagles nest which has the most terrific views and then go south towards bellville and continue your route. But it would be well worth your while and there is always something going on. It was titled Ontario's most talented town and if you pm i could possibly hook you up with a cabin to stay in on the eagles nest if your interested.

I second that. You could stay a day or two there and do the equivalent of the "Hilly Hundred" :)My concern is the traffic going south to Belleville on Hwy 62.

The traffic isn't heavy but you'd have to watch out for the logging trucks. I see that google maps picks out an interesting route from Bancroft to Belleville that looks doable.

there are a good amount of backroads that go to bellville but not so many that go to peterborough, anyways just something to consider

Some interesting trivia about Manitoulin Island.. From Wikipedia: "Lake Manitou is the largest lake (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake) on Manitoulin Island (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoulin_Island) in Canada (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada). It is the largest lake on a freshwater island in the world.[citation needed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)] Since Manitoulin Island itself is in Lake Huron (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Huron), Manitou qualifies as the largest "lake in a lake". Lake Manitou has an area of about 104 square kilometres (40 sq mi). It is drained by the Manitou River (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitou_River_%28Manitoulin_Island%29). There are also two islands in Lake Manitou, making them islands in a lake on an island in another lake. Neither island is named, and neither is inhabited."

As I can recall, it is one of the few places in the world where you have "islands in a lake on an island in another lake".

Something else you may see while heading south on Hwy 6 near the junction of Hwy 6 and Hwy 10 are Amish buggies in the Chatsworth area http://www.chatsworth.ca/ I seem them from time to time along the shoulder of the road during the summer when I'm taking one of my sons up to a summer camp in Hepworth.

You'll usually see a wagon parked by the side of the highway with a couple of kids selling Amish baked goods.

Since you're passing through Whitefish falls on the way to Manitoulin Island, there is some excellent fishing in the north channel. I've caught some really nice bass and pike there while staying at the Island Lodge http://www.island-lodge.com/

Some interesting trivia about Manitoulin Island.. From Wikipedia: "Lake Manitou is the largest lake (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake) on Manitoulin Island (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoulin_Island) in Canada (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada). It is the largest lake on a freshwater island in the world.[citation needed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)] Since Manitoulin Island itself is in Lake Huron (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Huron), Manitou qualifies as the largest "lake in a lake". Lake Manitou has an area of about 104 square kilometres (40 sq mi). It is drained by the Manitou River (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitou_River_%28Manitoulin_Island%29). There are also two islands in Lake Manitou, making them islands in a lake on an island in another lake. Neither island is named, and neither is inhabited."

As I can recall, it is one of the few places in the world where you have "islands in a lake on an island in another lake".

Something else you may see while heading south on Hwy 6 near the junction of Hwy 6 and Hwy 10 are Amish buggies in the Chatsworth area http://www.chatsworth.ca/ I seem them from time to time along the shoulder of the road during the summer when I'm taking one of my sons up to a summer camp in Hepworth.

You'll usually see a wagon parked by the side of the highway with a couple of kids selling Amish baked goods.
Actually, I believe those are Mennonites, not Amish. There is a good chance of encountering some buggies between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury as well. There is quite a large Mennonite community up there.
I grew up in Waterloo County, which is also Mennonite country. I have second cousins who commute by horse and buggy and wear black.(Oh yeah, and sell goodies by the roadside as well.)

I think i've got the majority of the reroute done. Once again, i'm overwhelmed with the feedback. We should be in the area the second week of June. What can we expect temperatures to be?

I think i've got the majority of the reroute done. Once again, i'm overwhelmed with the feedback. We should be in the area the second week of June. What can we expect temperatures to be?
Cool nights to the north, summerish temperatures to the south. You'll be here at the height of bug season though.

Actually, I believe those are Mennonites, not Amish. There is a good chance of encountering some buggies between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury as well. There is quite a large Mennonite community up there.
I grew up in Waterloo County, which is also Mennonite country. I have second cousins who commute by horse and buggy and wear black.(Oh yeah, and sell goodies by the roadside as well.)

You're right, they're Old Order Mennonites. My wife's family are General Conference (as my wife says ,"the modern ones") , mostly from around Vineland and Toronto which explains the many trips up to Hepworth in the summer (Camp Silverlake) where the parking lot seems to be full of minvans, SUV's and BMW's. As I can recall, most of the Mennonites in the Chatsworth area bought land around there because it was getting too expensive in Waterloo.

Cool nights to the north, summerish temperatures to the south. You'll be here at the height of bug season though.
Ugh Black flies :notamused: Last year wasn't too bad as long as you stayed out of the bush. Little buggers hate the wind and are found near running water.. rather they find you.

Speaking of which ? Can anybody recommend a good wicking helmet liner to wick the sweat away and keep the bugs out ?

there are a good amount of backroads that go to bellville but not so many that go to peterborough, anyways just something to consider
There's a bike path that goes from Lakefield to Peterborough. South from Peterborough take Ashburnham Dr. to Baseline Rd.

The other thing I'd be a tad nervous about is the international bridge at Sault Ste Marie. According to Wikipedia, bikes are allowed, but there are no dedicated bike lanes and it is a looooonng bridge. Actually, it's more like two connected bridges. I cross it from time to time with a truck, last time was a week ago yesterday, but I don't remember ever seeing bicycles on it. There is a walkway along side, so at the very least, I think you could walk the bike across, although it would be a long walk.
Here in Niagara, cyclists are allowed in _some_ of the bridges to the USA - like the 'Peace Bridge' in Fort Erie. There's a page with instructions, and yes - you are required to walk your bike across the bridge. (PB is also pretty long)

Better than the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, ON, which is on a prime touristic strip but only allows vehicles or pedestrians, not cyclists. :(

For as many times as I've crossed this bridge, I confess I never really paid much attention to the bikeability of it in the past.
Well, I crossed Canada bound Saturday afternoon, so I took the opportunity to ask some questions at the toll booth, make some observations, and shoot a couple of photos on the way over.
Unfortunately, being on the road means I'm at the mercy of a less than ideal internet connection, and I'm having difficulty uploading the photos, so I'll have to add them later.
First, the big question, are bikes allowed? Yes they are. How much toll? Half the$3.00 car rate. How much if the bike is pulling a trailer? She didn't know, but said she could call somebody to find out.
Well, there was a lineup forming behind me, so I thanked her and moved on.
It's amazing how you can think you remember things that are not at all like you thought they were.
There is no segregated walkway along the bridge. Just one lane of traffic in each direction with a rub rail a couple of feet from the railing. There would just barely be room to walk between the rub rail and the railing, certainly not enough room to ride a bike. If you were nervous about riding, you could feasibly walk your bike, walking inside the rub rail, and wheeling your bike outside, but it would be a long walk, like about four and a half kilometers.
Personally, I think I would ride it, but I would pick my time. Weekend traffic is very heavy over the bridge in the summer, with lots of RVs and tourists. I think I would aim to cross during the week and maybe even consider doing it in the middle of the night with lots of reflective gear and lights.
When I get somewhere I can post the pictures, I will.

Wow. Thanks Dan. That is going WAY beyond any assisstance i could have dreamed of! I really appreciate it!

For as many times as I've crossed this bridge, I confess I never really paid much attention to the bikeability of it in the past.
Well, I crossed Canada bound Saturday afternoon, so I took the opportunity to ask some questions at the toll booth, make some observations, and shoot a couple of photos on the way over.
Unfortunately, being on the road means I'm at the mercy of a less than ideal internet connection, and I'm having difficulty uploading the photos, so I'll have to add them later.
First, the big question, are bikes allowed? Yes they are. How much toll? Half the$3.00 car rate. How much if the bike is pulling a trailer? She didn't know, but said she could call somebody to find out.
Well, there was a lineup forming behind me, so I thanked her and moved on.
It's amazing how you can think you remember things that are not at all like you thought they were.
There is no segregated walkway along the bridge. Just one lane of traffic in each direction with a rub rail a couple of feet from the railing. There would just barely be room to walk between the rub rail and the railing, certainly not enough room to ride a bike. If you were nervous about riding, you could feasibly walk your bike, walking inside the rub rail, and wheeling your bike outside, but it would be a long walk, like about four and a half kilometers.
Personally, I think I would ride it, but I would pick my time. Weekend traffic is very heavy over the bridge in the summer, with lots of RVs and tourists. I think I would aim to cross during the week and maybe even consider doing it in the middle of the night with lots of reflective gear and lights.
When I get somewhere I can post the pictures, I will.

If you're going to be in the Peterborough area, this map (http://www.thekawarthas.net/pdf/directory/Greater_Peterborough_Cyling_Map_F.pdf)should be helpful.

Wow. Thanks Dan. That is going WAY beyond any assisstance i could have dreamed of! I really appreciate it!
Don't mention it. Glad to help.
Here's the photos.
http://i53.tinypic.com/2ij0u3o.jpg

http://i51.tinypic.com/208705j.jpg

Here's a shot in the right mirror to show you how much room there is on the right side of a truck hugging the centre line. It looks worse than it is because of the snow accumulation along the rail.

http://i52.tinypic.com/s266hl.jpg

I found this
http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,1607,7-151-9615_11223-22759--,00.html

For other bridges to Michigan http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-497331.html

A major hazard on any big bridge is high winds. I'm talking, blow your bike and you into traffic kind of winds, or even blow you off your bike winds. I'd try to pick a day with as low wind as possible. Also another reason to consider a night crossing as winds often subside at night.
In any case, I hope you'll keep us up to date on your progress during your trip, and if you are blogging it, by all means post a link here.
Ya never know when we may be on the same stretch of road somewhere.

When going up the Bruce Peninsula I find Bruce Road 9 to be a much nicer drive than highway 6. I have ridden 9 and found it nice but I haven't ridden 6.
Also unless they changed the rules since last summer you can bike across the Rainbow Bridge but you have to ride across as if you were a vehicle. It isn't too bad because it is such a flat bridge but waiting in the lines can be rough with all the exhaust.

It is almost time. I went live with my crazyguy journal yesterday. Pretty big step. Thanks again all for the advice. http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/whenlife

It is almost time. I went live with my crazyguy journal yesterday. Pretty big step. Thanks again all for the advice. http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/whenlife
Thanks for the link. Hope you'll be able to give us live updates along your travels.

Hi all. We are in Kingston today taking the day off. We underestimated the Green Mountains through Vermont and had several days of rain so we are a touch behind but otherwise all is well!

Thanks for posting back, looks like you will have superb weather through ontario.