Jul 10, 2018
10 min. read
Riding through Ontario’s Highlands on a motorcycle feels like streaking through a Group of Seven painting: lush greenery and clear lakes blur by beneath a bright blue blanket of sky. The inviting roads curve and wind, offering a challenge for even the most seasoned rider.
To plan your expedition, choose from five routes curated by Ride the Highlands, an online resource for riders. For insider tips, we spoke with Chris Hughes, who has ridden through the region approximately 30 times. A partner at BC Hughes—which developed Ride the Highlands—Hughes shares this golden rule: “It’s not a race. The only way you’ll experience the full fabric of the place is to take your time and stop whenever possible.”
To make a day of it: Rideau Ridge
The shortest of the five routes, Rideau Ridge includes a figure-eight loop around the Rideau Canal. Since it’s one of the Highlands’ easternmost riding routes, Ottawa locals can easily do this as a day trip.
Point of interest: Westport Road. “It follows a lake, has some 180-degree beasts in it and has good asphalt,” Hughes says. “If you want good camera shots, that’s the road.”
Distance: 261 km
Duration: 1 day
To enjoy small-town charm by bike: Dynamite Alley
Dynamite Alley starts just east of the Kawartha Lakes region and snakes through Haliburton, Algonquin and Bancroft, among other towns. When you finish your first day’s ride, be sure to stop at Rhubarb Restaurant—try the duck poutine—and grab a Kungaroo IPA at its attached brewery, Boshkung Brewing.
Point of interest: Dorset Lookout Tower offers good photo ops, as do the many hiking trails along Highway 60 in Algonquin Park.
Distance: 508 km
Duration: 2 days
To slow things down: Riding and Relaxation
As the name suggests, Riding and Relaxation is best done at a leisurely pace. Stop and check out the views around Haliburton and Perth, and be sure to smell the flowers.
Point of interest: Hidden Goldmine Bakery. According to Hughes, the owner, a motorcyclist himself, once rode a dozen tarts to Barrie, delivering them to a customer who had ridden all the way to the bakery only to find it closed.
Distance: 703 km
Duration: 2 to 3 days
To get a chip-truck fix on your motorcycle trip: Deep Valley Run
Stretching along the eastern portion of the Highlands, Deep Valley Run features the spectacular sights of the Ottawa River and Valley.
Point of interest: Wes’ Chips in Arnprior and Whitewater Brewing Company in Cobden. “Even when I’m 600 kilometres away, I still buy their [beer] when I can find it,” says Hughes.
Distance: 771 km
Duration: 2 to 3 days
To see it all by motorcycle: The Highlands Loop
This is the full experience. The Highlands Loop is for the adventurous biker who wants to see what the region offers from end to end. “It threads the whole thing together,” Hughes says. “Riders get to experience different terrain, scenery and twisties.”
Point of interest: Night owls should visit the Lennox and Addington County Dark Sky Viewing Area for stargazing.
Distance: 1,000 km
Duration: 3 days
Ready to take a ride?
Check out our guide to getting your motorcycle road-trip ready, plus our handy tips for beginners.
Make sure you’re covered; CAA Insurance will give you peace of mind on the open road. Click here or visit your local CAA Store today to get a quote.
Image credit: Colin Field, Martin Lortz and Mike Jacobs