Multiday Trip – 2 Days / 1 Night

Total Distance: 126km

The Ride:Experience some of the best cycling on Manitoulin Island on this two-day ride around Lake Manitou, the largest lake on Manitoulin Island. From beaches to historic sites, from quaint communities to First Nation’s culture; experience a local hospitality and a network of quiet, paved roads that reveal a countryside perfect for overnight cycling trips.

Experience Level: Experienced road cyclist, paved roads, unsigned:

View digital route of tour – RideWithGPS.com

Day 1 (Leg 1 of 2): Mindemoya to South Baymouth – 32km

Area services: Accommodations, cafes, restaurants, groceries, shopping, banking, and attractions. Limited services between Mindemoya and South Baymouth.

Start from the community centre riding south on Yonge Street and out of the community of Mindemoya. Smooth sailing for 8km through farmlands and wooden areas. Riding east on Government Road, enjoy relatively flat 13km of quiet and quintessential countryside of Manitoulin Island. Continue riding on Government Road until Side Road 10. Turn left and visit Ward’s General Store, a century old, and true old fashion general store. Heading back south on Side Road 10 for 5km, cross over Blue Jay Creek. Connect south on Hwy 6, part of the growing Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, and enjoy paved shoulders into South Baymouth.

Day 1 (Leg 2 of 2): South Baymouth to Manitowaning – 30km

Area services: Accommodations, cafes, restaurants, groceries, shopping, banking, and attractions.

Start north again on Hwy 6. Enjoy 14km of cycling through wooded areas with some rocky outcrops. Just over 1km along Hwy 6 is Kicking Mule Ranch. If time permits, take their one hour horseback riding tour or come back for their monthly Jamboree with local country musicians and festivities. Finish the day spinning into Manitowaning, the oldest European settlement on Maniloulin Island and the end destination to day 1 on this itinerary.

Day 2 (Leg 1 of 2): Manitowaning to Sheguinadah – 24km

Area services: Accommodations, cafes, restaurants, groceries, banking, attractions and trails.

Ride north on Hwy 6 with views of rolling countryside, mixed with woodlands. Catch a glimpse of Lake Huron and the distant islands and shorelines. Approximately 9km along Hwy 6 is High Falls and picnic area. Seasonal washrooms on site. Continue north on Hwy 6, where the landscape changes to more open grasslands heading towards Ten Mile Point and stunning views over the North Channel, Georgian Bay and the LaCloche Mountains. The remaining 7km on Hwy 6, to the village of Sheguinadah, has portions with small or no paved shoulders. Use caution along this stretch.

Day 2 (Leg 2 of 2): Sheguinadah to Mindemoya – 39km

Area services: Accommodations, cafes, restaurants, groceries, banking, attractions.

Turn left off Hwy 6 onto Townline Road. Head west for 4km on a beautiful rural road that skirts the northern shore of Bass Lake. Turn left onto on Greenbay Road and enjoy true rural riding on a quiet road with views across grasslands and over the western end of Bass Lake. Turn right on Bidwell Road and begin cycling around Green Bay and the northern stretches of Lake Manitou. Beach and seasonal washrooms approximately 2km along Bidwell Road. After another 2km north along Bidwell Road, veer left. Head south on Rockville Road for just over 5km, where cyclists will reach a T-Junction. Take a quick right and left and follow Rockville Road south with stretches overlooking the western shoreline of Lake Manitou. Turn left onto Hwy 551, heading south along the final 4km into Mindemoya and the final destination for this ride.

Notes to Riders

This route is a suggested route only. All cyclists are responsible for their own safety. Always wear the proper safety gear when cycling, ride sensibly and abide by all laws. Each route should be evaluated by each individual cyclist based on their level of experience, comfort level in cycling on trails and roads, weather conditions, time of day, and any road obstacles. This route is suitable for cyclists with experience and comfort in riding on roads with vehicle traffic. This route has been selected to incorporate roads with low-traffic and low-speeds, bike lanes and paved shoulders whenever possible. Exercise caution as conditions warrants and ride safe. As much of this route is through rural areas, with communities and services as marked, take spare bicycle parts, extra water, and other refreshments as needed.

Additional Information

Getting To/From Start: Manitoulin Island can be reached with the MS Chi-Cheemaun Ferry from Tobermory to South Baymouth or driving in from the north via Espanola on Highway 6. Visitors are recommended to park overnight at their accommodation. Additional overnight parking is available at the Mindemoya Community Centre.

Visitor Information: Use below to find out more about ride areas and plan an extra day or two to see more.

• Ontario By Bike – Manitoulin Island
• Manitoulin Cycling – www.manitoulincycling.com
• Great Lakes Waterfront Trail – www.waterfronttrail.org

As part of Canada’s 150th celebrations in 2017, Ontario 150 Celebrate by Bike connected fifteen communities across Ontario through cycling. Ride itineraries, events and cycling education in Bike Friendly Communities and Ontario By Bike ride destinations were developed and hosted to take advantage of the iconic Greenbelt Route and Great Lakes Waterfront Trail to strengthen communities and create cycling itineraries as a permanent legacy of Ontario 150. This initiative was a collaborative partnership between the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, Ontario By Bike, and Share the Road Cycilng Coalition, building on two decades of investment in cycling infrastructure in Ontario. Check out the 15 legacy ride itineraries, and make plans to get out there to explore more of Ontario By Bike.