5 Best Ontario Motorcycle Routes Perfect for a Weekend Ride

Welcome to the weekend—that magical window of time where anything is possible, especially if your favorite getaway involves exploring Ontario from a motorcycle seat.

Because Ontario is massive, narrowing down the best weekend-worthy moto adventures can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, the planning is already done for you. Here are five of the best motorcycle routes in Ontario designed for an unforgettable weekend escape. All you have to do is turn the key and ride.

1. The Lake Temiskaming Tour (Northeastern Ontario)

• Distance: ~450 km
• Recommended Time: 2 to 3 days
• Starting Point: North Bay, ON

Northeastern Ontario’s Lake Temiskaming Circle Tour is a two-for-one adventure, splitting its distance almost equally between Ontario and Quebec. Crossing two provinces brings a rich mix of languages, cultures, historical sites, and natural landscapes along the way.

At 450 km, this is an easy two-day loop starting from North Bay. If you are traveling from further away in Southern Ontario, you can easily stretch it into a relaxing three-day weekend.

Heading north, Highway 11 being one of the main passages through Ontario’s north, you will be sharing the road with other users, but the ride is no less enjoyable as it twists and turns between lakes, rocks and forest. Be sure to stop at Gramp’s Place General Store for some ice cream, take in the grand view from the Fire Tower in Temagami, learn about Cobalt’s mining history and grab a selfie with Ms. Claybelt the giant cow in New Liskeard.

New Liskeard is an ideal location to spend the night, and the lakeside Waterfront Inn offers a chance for some beach R&R. For your dining enjoyment, 28 on the Lake is located in the same building.

Day two, head south via Quebec. Highway 101, what a gem of a road, from charming villages, grand lake and river views and its remote vibe as you make your way south to Temiskaming. Back into Ontario, follow the sweepers along the Ottawa River; then it’s back into the forest and the tight twisties of highway 533 bound for Mattawa before turning west and the home stretch to North Bay.

2. The Big Loop (The Great Canadian Wilderness / Muskoka)

• Distance: ~1,000 km
• Recommended Time: 2 to 3 days
• Highlights: Georgian Bay, Algonquin Provincial Park, Almaguin Highlands

Located within easy reach of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the Muskoka region needs no introduction as a top weekend destination. For riders, the region delivers an impressive mix of terrain—from tight, technical curves to wide-open sweepers stretching from Georgian Bay to the wilderness of Algonquin Park and the Almaguin Highlands.

There are a couple of ways to approach a motorcycle weekend in the Great Canadian Wilderness. With a list of the area’s top ten motorcycling roads in hand, the assignment is simple: check off as many roads as time allows. Option number two follows the preplanned 1000km Big Loop. No matter the approach, the roads will be the highlight of the weekend, but of course, there is more to a good ride than just the ride, and luckily in Muskoka, there is no shortage of bike attractions. Stop by the falls in Bracebridge or the Visitor Centre in Algonquin Park. Stroll amongst the sculptures at Screaming Heads near Burk’s Falls or along the harbour in Parry Sound. Enjoy lunch at the Crossroads restaurant in the village of Rosseau or a coffee in Bala. Tour one or all of the half-dozen breweries along the way.

3. Riding & Relaxation Route (Ride the Highlands)

• Distance: ~703 km
• Recommended Time: 2 days
• Best For: Riders based near Ottawa, Kingston, GTA, or Montreal

With multiple world-class routes under thein Ride the Highlands umbrella, picking just one isn't easy—but the 703 km Riding and Relaxation Route delivers the perfect balance of twisty tarmac and top-tier hospitality.

Ride through rolling hills and twisty roads from the forest, rock and lakes of Haliburton Highlands to the farmlands of Ottawa Valley. Along the way, pamper yourself at Sir Sam’s Inn or hit the town in Perth. Walk underground at the Bonnechere Caves. In Barry’s Bay, grab a coffee and pastry at the Madawaska Coffee Co, enjoy lunch at the Redneck Bistro in Calabogie. Stop by one of the many breweries along the way (at the end of the day’s ride, of course) or at Scheuermann Winery, one of Ontario’s most northern vineyards.

4. The Grand Algoma (Algoma Country)

• Distance: ~650+ km loop
• Recommended Time: 2 to 3 days
• Best For: Northern Ontario locals and Michigan riders (via Sault Ste. Marie)

Home to what many riders consider the most breathtaking coastal highway in Eastern Canada, The Grand Algoma is a bucket-list ride. Because of its northern location, it is best suited for Northern Ontario locals or riders crossing the International Bridge at Sault Ste. Marie from Michigan.

This route offers drama at every turn, hugging the rugged shorelines of Lake Superior and cutting deep into the pristine interior of Algoma. Traffic is virtually non-existent once you leave the main highway corridors.

The visual delights are aplenty as the route splits its distance between the shores of the Great Lakes and the rugged landscape of Algoma’s core. What’s not in abundance is traffic; once away from the busier Trans Canada Highway, the traffic count often matches the fingers on one hand.

Enjoy the twists and turns along Highway 129 as it snakes its way between river and rock through the Mississagi Valley. Take in the remote vistas along Highway 101 and, of course, the visual spectacle along the shore of Lake Superior.

The Wawa Goose provides the selfie fodder, and a stop at the Voyageurs’ Lodge & Cookhouse to sample their famous apple fritters is pretty well mandatory. Wawa and Chapleau offer many accommodation options, as does Sault Saint Marie.

5. The Lion’s Tail (Bruce Peninsula)

• Distance: ~300+ km local loop
• Recommended Time: 2 to 3 days
• Best For: Southern Ontario riders looking for coastal views

The Bruce Peninsula has long been a favorite weekend getaway for Southern Ontario motorcyclists. While many riders take a straight shot up Highway 6, the newly mapped Lion’s Tail Route turns a quick trip into an immersive coast-to-coast riding experience.

Park your bike by your beach towel in Sauble Beach, catch the sunset in Tobermory or hit the town in Owen Sound. There are many accommodation options, be it camping, cottage or hotel, but the Bruce Peninsula is popular with more than just us riders and reservations are strongly recommended.

Get that motor running; weekends are for motorcycle adventures. Luckily for us, Ontario has abundant opportunities. The riding season is short, and planning takes valuable time. Hopefully, the above five weekend-worthy routes will save you time and get you out there exploring.

Ready to Ride?

The Canadian riding season is short, and weekend time is precious. These five Ontario motorcycle routes offer the ideal mix of sweeping curves, iconic northern scenery, and great roadside stops. Pick a route, pack your saddlebags, and hit the road!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to ride these Ontario motorcycle routes?

The prime riding season in Ontario runs from late May through early October. July and August offer the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, while early autumn (late September to early October) brings spectacular fall foliage, particularly along northern routes like The Grand Algoma and Lake Temiskaming.

Which Ontario motorcycle route is best for beginners?

The Lion’s Tail on the Bruce Peninsula and the Lake Temiskaming Tour are great options for intermediate or novice touring riders. They feature manageable daily distances, gentle sweepers, and plenty of amenities and towns along the way to rest and refuel.

Which route offers the most technical, twisty roads?

For riders seeking sharp turns and technical twists, Highway 533 (on the Lake Temiskaming Tour), Highway 129 (on The Grand Algoma), and the roads surrounding Calabogie (on the Riding & Relaxation Route) deliver some of the most dynamic curves in the province.

How far in advance should I book accommodations for these trips?

For high-traffic tourist regions like Muskoka and the Bruce Peninsula, it is strongly recommended to book accommodations at least 1 to 2 months in advance, especially for weekend stays between July and Labour Day. Remote northern routes like Algoma and Temiskaming have fewer lodging options, so securing rooms early is always advisable.

NOTE: This is sponsored content produced in partnership with Destination Ontario