Fall colour motorcycle tours

The Great Canadian Wilderness, AKA Muskoka

Within easy reach of most of southern Ontario, Muskoka is a fall colour favourite. Whatever type of road you prefer, from tight and twisting to big, open and remote, you are in for a treat. 

From the shores of Georgian Bay to Algonquin Park and the Almaguin Highlands, there are trees aplenty, and the fall colour show is guaranteed to be spectacular.

There are several ways to make the best of a fall ride in the Great Canadian Wilderness. Check off as many roads as time allows off the area's top ten motorcycling roads list or follow one of the pre-planned loops like the 1000-kilometre Big Loop or the 650-kilometre Small Loop.

Of course, there is more to a good ride than saddle time, so be sure to 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. The Crossroads Restaurant is always an excellent lunch stop in the village of Rosseau. Exploring the half-dozen breweries in the area is a tour of its own and a perfect way to pick up your post-ride refreshments. 

The Lake Temiskaming Tour and beyond

Northeastern Ontario's 450-kilometre Lake Temiskaming Circle Tour is a fall colour wonderland that splits its length almost equally between Ontario and Quebec. Two provinces, languages, and cultures offer an abundance of natural, historical and cultural treasures to uncover along its length.

In the Ontario portion, head north from North Bay along Highway 11 as it twists and turns between lakes, rocks, forests and the brilliance of fall colour. Stop for a look around at Gramp's Place General Store, take in the grand view from the Fire Tower in Temagami and learn about the area's mining history in Cobalt. In New Liskeard, spend the night at the lakeside Waterfront Inn and refuel the body with some good eats at 28 on the Lake located in the same building. 

Point the front wheel north via Elk Lake and the remote Highway 560. Lunch at the Watershed 144 truck stop, then continue along Highway 144 to Timmins where you can pamper yourself for the night at Cedar Meadows Resort and Spa.

Ride the Highlands

Ride the Highlands is motorcycling bliss with a landscape of water, rock, forest and some of the best motocycle roads in Ontario. Add the spectacle of fall colours and an easy ride from Kingston, Ottawa, the GTA and Montreal, and you have a perfect autumn colours destination. The most challenging decision you might have to deal with is which one of the seven Ride The Highlands routes to follow. 

Ride through the rolling hills of Haliburton Highlands and the farmlands of Ottawa Valley. Along the way, indulge yourself at Sir Sam's Inn and walk underground at the Bonnechere Caves. In Barry's Bay, grab a coffee and pastry at the Madawaska Coffee Co. and enjoy lunch at the Redneck Bistro in Calabogie. Stop by one of the many breweries along the way or at Scheuermann Winery, one of Ontario's northernmost vineyards. 

The Grand Algoma

Containing perhaps the most spectacular stretch of road in Ontario along the north shore of Lake Superior, The Grand Algoma is a memorable ride any time during the riding season but definitely at its visual best during fall's colourful show. 

Enjoy the twists and turns along Highway 129 as it snakes its way between river and rock through the Mississagi Valley at its stunning best, draped in fall colours. Take in long views along Highway 101, and of course, the visual spectacle along the shore of Lake Superior is breathtaking. 

Grab a selfie with Ontario's version of the Tail of The Dragon sign along Highway 129 at the Tunnel Lake Trading Post, and the Wawa Goose offers another photo opportunity. There are many worthy stops in Lake Superior Provincial Park, with Old Woman Bay being one of the favourites.

It is mandatory to do some souvenir shopping at Agawa Crafts and stop at the Voyageurs' Lodge & Cookhouse to sample their famous apple fritters. Wawa and Chapleau offer many accommodations, as does Sault Ste. Marie. 

Cruise the Coast

While the routes of northern Ontario offer an abundance of colourful treetops for your viewing pleasure, a ride in southern Ontario's Cruise the Coast region will have you rolling through quaint, picturesque towns, along hilly and windy roads and past fields, forests, lakes and farms. A captivating combination of colourful trees, golden farm fields and white sand beaches. With a dozen routes to choose from, head out for a few hours or combine a few routes for a more extended tour.

Hit the beach at Long Point Provincial Park or visit motorcycling's most well-known beach town, Port Dover. Stock up on your post-ride wine at Burning Kiln Winery. Port Stanley offers many reasons to stay, including lunch with beach views at Mackie's. Visit the Windsor waterfront and take in the sights of Detroit across the river, then follow along the St. Clair River and the shore of Lake Huron.