Alvar Cycle Tour Adventure (June 19-23 – 308km)

Discover the world’s largest fresh water Island.

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 visit the famous Bridal Veil Falls and an Alpaca farm located on an original old settlers homestead. The tour is organized by the Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates (MICA), a not-for-profit organization and proceeds from the tours go to MICA to support cycling activities and development on the island.

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.

308 km week | 60 – 80km per day

Day 1, 68 km: Welcome and start of your cycle vacation riding along the safe cycle infrastructure of paved shoulders to lunch on the lake in Manitowaning besides the old ferry and Mill. Visiting High Falls and Ten Mile Point’s spectacular view of Georgian Bay, the views visible all the way into the North Channel and the La Cloche mountains. Next stop is Sheguiandah’s old town site and fish ladders, then onto Little Current, the only Island town with land access over the century old swing bridge.

Day 2, 67 km: After a tour of Little Current, we ride along the paved shoulders of Hwy 540 overlooking the vast expanse of the North Channel, followed by a power break at a innovatively built greenhouse. A spectacular view into the famous Cup and Saucer Manitoulin’s highest elevation. In M’Chigeeng you will see a small indigenous museum and soon arrive in Mindemoya, your town of rest.

Day 3, 73 km: A visit to the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, experience an Alpaca farm-tour, see famous Bridal Veil Falls with the sculptures found in town and the splendid view of the North Channel. Rolling along will bring you back to your accommodation near Mindemoya.

Day 4, 60 km: After a stop at the impressive war memorials, we will hear details about Manitoulin’s Alvar formations, visit both the Perivale and Mutchmor Gallery, and overlook the largest sand beach and boardwalk in Providence Bay, Returning back to you accommodation.

Day 5, 40 km: On the final day we will stop at a stream rehabilitation site and return to the Ferry dock.

Includes:

• 5 days, 4 nights stay in a hotel & lakeside Cottage or beautiful B&B
• 4 breakfasts
• 4 lunches
• 4 dinners (Alcohol excluded)
• 5 Daily road side snacks
• Luggage shuttle
• A guide in a support vehicle is with you, telling the stories, pointing out what to see and providing assistance with whatever he can, to make your trip interesting and safe.
• Mechanical support
• Manitoulin lsland & La Cloche Mountains Cycling Routes & Road Map
• Museum Fees
• 15% meal gratuity
• Insurance

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