Alvar Cycle Tour Adventure (September-209km)

5 days fun riding, 4 nights stay

Take in the majestic views over Georgian Bay, the famous North Channel, the vast expanse of Lake Huron with glimpses of some of the 108 sparkling inland lakes, while riding along the silent, serene pastoral country roads. On Manitoulin, we move at a leisurely pace, locals call it “Island Time”.  Come and see for yourself why Manitoulin is one of the best loved cycle destinations in Ontario and nationwide. Your ever present tour guide tells you the stories letting you emerge deeply into the fascinating marine, geological and agricultural history. We will show you the natural Alvar formations, First Nations art and culture, art galleries, many museums, one-of-a-kind Mom and Pop shops, and locally produced food and drink. Includes a bike and hike to the famous Cup and Saucer.

Your guide is with you in a car every day, all day. He is able to carry your personal items all day so you can ride pannier free.

209 km week | 36 – 52km per day

Day 1, 40 km: Welcome and start of your cycle vacation riding along the safe cycle infrastructure of paved shoulders, visit to the fisheries, lunch break on beautiful  lake Manitou, rolling past Big Lake into Mindemoya.

Day 2, 39 km: Bike and Hike day, starting early biking along the west side of Lake Manitou will bring you to the famous Cup and Saucer. Quick change of shoes, grabbing a bagged lunch and your off to climb part of the Niagara Escarpment, rewarded with the stunning views from the highest elevation on Manitoulin Island. Riding on safe  paved shoulders you will find yourself in M’Chigeeng overlooking West Bay. At the museum, amongst many other items, you will see, exquisite quilt boxes, moccasins, paintings and wonderful Indigenous pottery. You will visit the Pow-Wow ground and  the Ojibwa Cultural Foundation. Wide paved shoulders will bring you back to Mindemoya.

Day 3, 52 km: Cycling along the west side of Lake Mindemoya brings you to one of Manitoulin’s Alvar formations, you will visit the Perivale Gallery,  one of Ontario’s best . Lunch break will be at Lake Kagawong, Manitoulin’s second largest lake. Past the small town of Spring Bay, through wonderful farming country you will find yourself back in Mindemoya.

Day 4, 38 km:  After a stop at the impressive war memorials, you will soon be at the largest sand beach in the little hamlet of Providence Bay. The lovely boardwalk with lunch overlooking the vast expanse of Lake Huron are sure to lift your spirit. Cycling along gently rolling farmland will bring you back to Mindemoya.

Day 5, 40 km: On your last day you will visit a century old hardware store and soon after find yourself at the ferry Terminal.

Includes:

Schedule: Welcome at the South Baymouth ferry terminal. We shuttle your 1 piece, well-marked luggage to your accommodations. Provide you with a daily itinerary, a Manitoulin Island Cycling route and Road map and make sure you get to where you need to be (please be sure to bring at least one inner-tube and a tire with you that fit your bicycle). Your luggage will be transported to the Ferry terminal in South Baymouth for your departure.

Experience Level: Manitoulin has gentle rolling hills and not too much elevation on most routes chosen for these particular packages. Feeling comfortable with on road riding is needed.

Ferry Details: Board Monday early ferry leaving Tobermory at 8:50am, departing Friday from South Baymouth at 3:50pm