Toronto to Goderich: Scenic route recommendations?

jonnymedia

jonnymedia

Well-known member
Hi all. Taking to bike out to a cottage around Goderich next week. Will also be able to explore that area. I've done the heck out of Halton, Forks, but haven't really explored North/West of the city other than the routes to Niagara.

Question 1. Best scenic route to Goderich/Grand Bend. Hwy 7 or nicer alternatives? Can't go too out of the way .

Question 2. Any must see/must rides in and around that area while I'm there?

Appreciated.

j
 
Unfortunately, it's just farm land. Maybe some locals can tell you about some nice roads but honestly, it's just consession roads, one right after the other. There are no mentionable waterways or elevation changes to really make the effort worth your while.

Once is start getting west of Fergus, she's pretty well flat.


Good luck.
 
Last year I went up to Goderich to get my tires installed at Platinum Powersports.

I took 7/8 all the way up.

Wasn't very exciting, but I have never been that North West past Waterloo and it was interesting to see.

There's also a very nice Fish and Chips place that I missed. Forgot the name.
 
There is really not much of interest that way.....Stratford is very nice tho if you've not been. Great couple of cafe's and restaurants right downtown and it's pretty along the river.
If it's hot just slab it and enjoy the water where you are going. Few gems out that way from a mcycle aspect.

It's either slab to just past KW or back roads ( still mostly straight and boring ) at a slower speed.

St. Jacob is a decent place to drop in - good Mennonite food in town.

If you know the Forks then you can go north of Erin to the Timmies and turn left and wind over some roads to stay north of Guelph and KW and along HWY 9 ...drop into York Soaring for a bit for a break just east of Arthur - you'll see the signs.

Very little difference in total distance - but slower pace. Basically get to the Forks and get up to 9 - there are some nice smaller roads you likely know then just head west til you hit big water :D

If you are in the area for a week a loop in Michigan might be fun

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/Routes/Michigan_98.html

Just remember your passport. You are not that far from the Blue Water crossing.
 
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I used to live near Goderich and most of the roads are pretty boring, however, there are some things that are worth seeing while you are in the vicinity....


  • Kincardine Pipe Band parade - every Sat. night starting at 8 pm. They close off the main street for the parade and thousands of people usually show up. You can follow the band up/down the street and stick around afterward in Victoria Park for the pipe band concert. Kincardine has a sizeable pipe band, and they are usually joined by pipers and drummers from other bands. It is awesome if you like bagpipes. Kincardine is about 50 km north of Goderich on Hwy 21.
  • Bayfield - Make sure you check out downtown Bayfield (about 20 km South of Goderich on Hwy 21.) I havent been there in quite a few years, but it used to have some wonderful shops and art studios as well as some nice historic buildings.
  • Grand Bend - A great beach town about 50 km South of Goderich.
  • Blyth - a quaint little town about 30 km East of Goderich that has a huge leather goods factory/store called The Old Mill.
  • Benmiller Inn - There is one other somewhat interesting road between Goderich and Benmiller (Saltford road.) There is a restaurant at the Benmiller Inn that used to be pretty good 15 years ago (but it is somewhat pricey.) Here is the route http://goo.gl/maps/F9bUc Here is the Benmiller Inn website http://benmiller.ca/home/
  • Bluevale (East of Wingham) used to have a place where they roasted cashews from Guatamala. Unquestionably the best cashews I have ever tasted. I believe it was run by the Mennonites. I haven't been up that way for years, so I don't know if it is even still there (but if you like cashews, it is worth investigating.)

Have fun!
 
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Thank you everyone. Too bad my dreams of twisty coastal roads will have to wait, but I'm all about making the best of what you got as there's always something interesting if you look closer. Sounds like there certainly is. All your route and stops suggestions will very much come in use. Appreciated!

j
 
There are a couple nice corners/elevation changes around Paisley lol, but seriously that whole area approaching Lake Huron is all about gravel roads. Not so much for the roads but for the feeling the surrounding landscape gives off. To me it's like stepping back in time. It's really quite nice in the summertime.
 
Once west of Clinton on 8 turn north (right)at the intersection just past the Lavis construction pit/site. That road snakes up towards Benmiller. Turn left and go through Benmiller. When you come to a stop sign hand another left which will bring you back to Hwy 21 at Saltford. Turn left again and head across the bridge and up into Goderich past the salt mine.

I commuted St marys to Goderich for 7 yrs. The described route takes you through the few curves available in this land cursed by the British surveyor.
 
Just had a snack in Stratford, giving her a cool off under a tree, rider included.

I see what you all mean. Views are nice but the roads are relatively standard fair. Turning off 7/8 onto gravel side roads are a nice way to dice it up.

Local cafe owner in Rockwood (near Guelph) told me about Caves and the "Devils Navel" which was interesting trail blazing side quest with a bonus dip in the river. Like a much smaller, less visited Elora Gorge.

Thanks again everyone.

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dirtbag said:
Once west of Clinton on 8 turn north (right)at the intersection just past the Lavis construction pit/site. That road snakes up towards Benmiller. Turn left and go through Benmiller. When you come to a stop sign hand another left which will bring you back to Hwy 21 at Saltford. Turn left again and head across the bridge and up into Goderich past the salt mine.

I commuted St marys to Goderich for 7 yrs. The described route takes you through the few curves available in this land cursed by the British surveyor.
Click to expand...

Perfect timing. I'm just outside St. Mary's now, and admiring the corn fields and laser straight gravel roads as we speak.
 
Hehe we were correct eh - at least you got a decent day tho windy and hot.
Love your bike - lots of memories.
 
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