North shore of Lake Superior

[SCDC]

Forum Sponsor

Seeking advice from anyone with experience riding along the Superior North Shore.
Best season to ride
Sights to see
Places to stay, get gas and eat.
Equipment to carry
Prep for the bike.
What are some of the unexpected items you encounter?
I may have 2 weeks in July, is this enough time to cover this distance?
Will be riding a road/touring bike.
Thanks for all your valuable suggestions

 

[sburns]

It's a good trip, you have lots of time.

Thread 'Lake Superior ride 2018'

Jul 31, 2018

Doing a multi day ride around the big lake. Finally had a chance to do a multi day ride and the weather looked good so I struck out!

Sent from the Moon!

• sburns
• Replies: 20
• Forum: Cruising / Touring

 

[Lightcycle]

If you like Apple Fritters, the best ones in the world (claimed) are at the The Voyageur's Lodge right on Hwy 17 in Batchawana Bay, Algoma:

Everyone Loves The Voyageur - Algoma Country

Enjoy famous apple fritters, fresh fish dinners and a grab-and-go deli on the shores of Lake Superior at The Voyageurs Lodge in Batchawana Bay.

www.algomacountry.com

Fair warning: they are F-n huge!

The Voyageur's Lodge and Cookhouse · ON-17, Batchawana Bay, ON P0S 1A0

★★★★★ · Deli Shop

maps.app.goo.gl

 

[timtune]

That's not an overly long trip. I've done it.
No special prep or equipment required other camping gear if needed.

When you get to Thessalon, maybe shoot up #129 (some refer to this as Canada's Deal Gap - it's good but a far cry from the real thing) for an hour or so and then double back to the transcan. The best part of the it is the southern end.

I like reviewing the sites below to find quirky stuff to see along the way.

Roadside Attractions

Across Canada, there are hundreds of interesting roadside attractions. This site is dedicated to cataloging our nation’s large roadside attractions.

www.roadsideattractions.ca

Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations - Atlas Obscura

Definitive guidebook and friendly tour-guide to the world's most wondrous places. Travel tips, articles, strange facts and unique events.

www.atlasobscura.com

 

[ToSlow]

If you run 129 north till the end and turn left, it will bring you into Wawa, turn right for Chapleau for fuel

 

[timtune]

If you run 129 north till the end and turn left, it will bring you into Wawa, turn right for Chapleau for fuel

If my memory is correct the top end is only so-so.

 

[shanekingsley]

If my memory is correct the top end is only so-so.

That's correct. The section between Thessalon and Aubrey Falls is the best. From Aubrey Falls to Chapleau, I had a tough time staying awake.

To the OP, if you have the time, go further than Thunder Bay and ride over to Fort Frances and up towards Kenora. Then over to Dryden and down to Atikokan - note that some of those roads will be 150km or so between gas stops. Make a point to stop at the Terry Fox memorial near Thunder Bay. Visit the Aguasabon Falls. Take a short hike in Pukaskwa National Park. Stop at Old Woman Bay along Lake Superior for a break and a dip in the water - it's surprisingly warm there. Ride the 556/32 to Searchmont Resort and back (note the eastern portion of 556 that is Ranger Lake Rd is 84km of gravel, while the western portion to Searchmont Resort is nice pavement). Ride the 546/108 loop through Elliot Lake. Ride the amazing #6 between Espanola and Little Current and check out the swing bridge in Little Current.

I've been out that way a few times on the bike and it's well worth the visit. I've stayed in the the Coach Motel near Terrace Bay, which was nice, The Village Inn Motel in Iron Bridge was equally nice and had great home cooked food and gas nearby. I've also camped on a separate trip out there, of which there are some great spots all along the Trans Canada to pitch a tent.

2 weeks is plenty of time and you can do around 500km/day and have lots of time to get off the bike over 2 weeks. If you get off the bike less, then it's an easy 1 week trip too. July is perfect. The mornings can be cold, even in July. We often hit very dense fog in the mornings too.

Have an awesome trip!

 

[ReSTored]

You mention riding a road / touring bike.

If you're getting 300km + on a tank probably not too much of a concern, but I'd remember to be conservative and top up when you can. You don't want to stretch things and find a gas station closed with limited other options.

Also be aware that accommodations can be very limited and booked up in advance by fire and road crews.

 

[kurtrules]

Hope this helps - Ride Report: The Lake Superior Coastal Ride

 

[sburns]

Speaking of gas and just a things to be generally aware of everything up North closes early, even in larger cities.

Where are you starting from?

 

[nobbie48]

The last time I did it was 2008 and it was not like Beezewood PA with masses of motels and gas stations. I was OK with the wing but a sportbike sized tank would have been different. I had to stop once while a herd of deer held a protest on the highway. Things may have changed a bit but it's more relaxing if you don't push your fuel or accommodation luck.

 

[backmarkerducati]

Beware of animals and avoid dusk and dawn if you can. If dusk or dawn is necessary stick behind another vehicle, let them take the hit...
Even in summer the weather can be miserable (heavy rain) so if you have some flexibility to wait a day or so it can pay off.
Plan fuel stops if your bike has a shorter range, beware some stations can close early.
Bugs, bugs, bugs, late summer can help this a bit.

Sault to Thunder Bay is a one day trip but there are many scenic stops so you can also take your time and book a hotel midway.

 

[MacDoc]

I used to recommend August for that ride but my last one was June just to get out of the the GTA which had 30+ degrees days coming up.
It got down to 9 in the fog at the corner of the park...nervous ride as could not even see to get off the road sufficiently and my summer gloves left my hands frozen.
Then got past the fog and as if it was another world....bright sunshine and mid teens.
.

was not dressed for that but was a pleasant mid teens the rest of the way around to Duluth and then 30 and Tstorms all the way home.

OP has lots of time.
I left the GTA at 5 am on the slab and stopped at Parry Sound for a welcome coffee at Tims in 2 hours. Was glad for warm up stop in Duluth and then peeled it all off as I turned the corner there and it was 30.
Lots of Tstorms roll through - this was on the S SHore....guess you are doing an out and back this year to avoid the US?

I loved riding in June with the long daylight hours. One thing I miss here...little seasonal variation for daylight ....fair bit for weather.

Forum Sponsor