Visit Georgian Bay - Ride the Entire Coastal Route! (7 days)

Follow the best motorcycle roads around Georgian Bay. This Georgian Bay Coastal Route Motorcycle route is 7 days in length and features the best back roads and places for bikers to stop along the way.

Day 1

Be sure to print the driving directions from the website to take along for the ride. (Please note - This is a tour designed to see the sights of Georgian Bay, therefore daily distance may be limited.)

Ride from Collingwood to Parry Sound today. Follow the twisty trail through Midland and Penetanguishene and the Muskokas on your way to Parry Sound. This route limits your time on Hwy 400, and takes you on some beautiful wandering backroads through cottage country as you head toward Parry Sound. On your way through Wasaga, be sure to cruise the world’s longest freshwater beach, before heading to Midland and Penetanguishene. Grab a bite to eat in town then continue to ride along Hwy 12 to the Muskokas. Stay off the big highways by following the driving directions through Coldwater and Port Severn. Be sure to stop at the Big Chute Marine Railway and watch as boats are lifted 18 metres between Gloucester Pool and the Upper Severn River. After a short distance on Hwy 400, take the scenic route through Bala, Glen Orchard and Rosseau before ending the day in Parry Sound.

Distance:

Collingwood to Midland scenic route – (70 km (45 m), 1 hr 30 min)
Midland to Parry Sound – (185 km (115 m), 3 hr 30 min)

Accommodation Options:

Comfort Inn
120 Bowes Street, Parry Sound
P. 705-746-6221
Website

Bayside Inn
10 Gibson Street, Parry Sound
P. 866-833-8864
Website

Lunch Options:

Cellarman's Ale House
337 King Street, Midland
P. 705-526-8223
Website

Georgian Grill
7 Tiny Beaches Road N, Balm Beach
P. 705-361-1861
Website

Mad Cravings
8215 Highway 93, Wyebridge
P. 705-527-1666
Website

The Boathouse Eatery
177 King Street, Midland
P. 705-527-7480
Website

The Surf Family Restaurant
369 Balm Beach Rd. West, Balm Beach
P. 705-361-1612

Maple Canadian Pub @ Wye Heritage Marina
3282 Ogdens Beach Rd, Midland
P. 705-528-1919
Website

Famous Dock Lunch
4 Main Street, Penetanguishene
P. 705-549-8111
Website

Dinner Options:

Bass Lake Roadhouse
4700 Hwy 169, MacTier
P. 705-375-5440
Website

Wellington's Pub & Grill
105 James Street, Parry Sound
P. 705-746-1333
Website

Trapper's Choice Restaurant
50 Joseph Street, Parry Sound
P. 705-746-9491
Website

Things to Do:

Wasaga Beach
Town of Wasaga Beach
P. 705-429-3844
Website

Big Chute Marine Railway & White's Falls
Big Chute
Location: Hwy 34 east of Hwy 400
Website

Day 2

After breakfast, head north varying your route between Hwy 69 and the less travelled, winding side roads as indicated by the driving directions. Be sure to stop at the French River Visitor Centre. Here you will enjoy views of the French River gorge as you wander across the suspension bridge on your way to Recollet Falls. Continuing north, travel west to the Village of Killarney (Hwy 637 west, north of French River), a quaint village nestled at the base of the La Cloche Mountains. If you didn’t get your fill of Georgian Bay whitefish last night, be sure to lunch on amazing fish & chips at Herbert Fisheries Mister Perch located right on the dock! When you’ve had your fill, retrace your steps on Hwy 637 to Hwy 69 north to Sudbury, where you’ll spend the night. After checking into your accommodation, head to Dynamic Earth around sunset to catch the last golden rays of daylight reflected in the nine metre high Big Nickel.

Distance:

Parry Sound to French River – (130 km (80 m), 1 hr 45 min)
French River to Killarney – (105 km (65 m), 1 hr 30 min)
Killarney to Sudbury – (108 km (68 m), 2 hr 15 min)

Accommodation Options:

The Northbury Hotel and Conference Centre
50 Brady Street, Sudbury
P. 1-800-461-1144
Website

Travelway Inn
1200 Paris Street, Sudbury
P. 1-800-461-4883
Website

Comfort Inn
2171 Regent St. South, Sudbury
P. 705-522-1101
Website

Radisson Hotel
85 Ste Anne Road, Sudbury
P. 1-800-333-3333
Website

Travelodge Hotel
1401 Paris Street, Sudbury
P. 1-800-525-4055
Website

Lunch Options:

Herbert Fisheries Mister Perch
21 Channel Street, Killarney
P. 705-287-2214
Website

Killarney Mountain Lodge
Killarney
P. 1-800-461-1117
Website

Dinner Options:

Eddie's Restaurant & Sports Bar
1769 Regent Street, Sudbury
P. 705-522-5244
W ebsite

Gloria's Restaurant
469 Bouchard Street,, Sudbury
P. 705-522-1476
W ebsite

Buzzy Brown's Brasserie
1984 Regent Street, Sudbury
P. 705-522-6284
W ebsite

Things to Do:

French River Visitor's Centre
20526 Trans-Canada Hwy 69, Alban
P. 705-857-1630
Website

Big Nickel at Dynamic Earth
Location: Big Nickel Road at Regional Road 55
P. 1-800-461-4898
W ebsite

Dynamic Earth
122 Big Nickel Road, Sudbury
P. 705-523-4629 / 1-800-461-4898
W ebsite

Day 3

After an early breakfast, begin your journey to Manitoulin Island, the World’s Largest Freshwater Island. If time permits, first head north west of Sudbury to AY Jackson Lookout at High Falls, at Onaping, then head for Manitoulin Island to check out some backroads made for a motorcycle. Your route on the island will be determined by your chosen accommodation for the night. On your way into little current, be sure to stop at the Swing Bridge. It’s the oldest in North America! Following Hwy 540, continue on to Kagawong for a stop at Bridal Veil Falls. If you feel like a walk to stretch your legs, follow the trail to the bay and back. Your choice of accommodation for the night will determine your direction next.

Distance:

Sudbury to Kagawong via Onaping – (230 km (145 m), 3 hr 15 min)

Accommodation Options:

Sunset Motels & Cottages
7 Red Mill Road, Little Current
P. 705-368-2186
W ebsite

Rockville Inn
Location: East of the village of Rockwell
P. 705-377-4923
W ebsite

Red Lodge Resort
363 Red Lodge Road, Sheguiandah
P. 705-368-3843
W ebsite

Meldrum Bay Inn
25959 Hwy 540, Meldrum Bay
P. 877-557-1645
W ebsite

Manitoulin Inn
2070 Hwy 551, Mindemoya
P. 1-877-270-0551
W ebsite

Dining Options:

Garry's Family Restaurant
28 Van Koughnet Street,Little Current
P. 705-368-3370
Website

The Anchor Inn Bar & Grill
1 Water Street,, Little Current
P. 705-368-2023
W ebsite

Garden's Gate Restaurant
Hwy 542, Tehkummah
P. 705-859-2088
W ebsite

Things to Do:

A.Y Jackson Lookout - High Falls
Location: 45 km northwest of Sudbury on Hwy 144 - just 3 kms north of Dowling
P. 705-674-4455 ext. 4603
Website

Bridal Veil Falls
Location: Hwy 540 at Kagawong
Website

Little Current Swing Bridge
Location: Hwy 6 to the information centre for parking.
P. 705-368-2969
Website

Day 4

Today’s your day to explore Manitoulin Island. Find your favourite route, and wind around the backroads. If you didn’t have time yesterday to visit Bridal Veil Falls, be sure to stop there today. Take the time to venture to Meldrum Bay, at the very west end of the Island. Walk the boardwalk in Providence Bay. Your itinerary today is up to you! Be sure to make a reservation for the Chi-Cheemaun ferry to Tobermory in the morning.

Distance:

Depends on your route!

Accommodation Options:

Sunset Motels & Cottages
7 Red Mill Road, Little Current
P. 705-368-2186
W ebsite

Rockville Inn
Location: East of the village of Rockwell
P. 705-377-4923
W ebsite

Red Lodge Resort
363 Red Lodge Road, Sheguiandah
P. 705-368-3843
W ebsite

Meldrum Bay Inn
25959 Hwy 540, Meldrum Bay
P. 877-557-6145
W ebsite

Manitoulin Inn
2070 Hwy 551, Mindemoya
P. 1-877-270-0551
W ebsite

Dining Options:

Garry's Family Restaurant
28 Van Koughnet Street,Little Current
P. 705-368-3370
Website

The Anchor Inn Bar & Grill
1 Water Street,, Little Current
P. 705-368-2023
W ebsite

Garden's Gate Restaurant
Hwy 542, Tehkummah
P. 705-859-2088
W ebsite

Things to Do:

Chi-Cheemaun
8 Eliza Street - Tobermory or South Baymouth
P. 1-800-265-3163
W ebsite

Bridal Veil Falls
Location: on Hwy. 540 at the entrance to Kagawong
Website

Providence Bay Boardwalk
Providence Bay
Location: Providence Bay Beach
Website

Day 5

Catch the morning ferry crossing to Tobermory aboard the Chi-Cheemaun (Be sure to check-in one hour before your sailing to guarantee your reservation). Once you dock in Tobermory, enjoy some time wandering the streets of this picturesque fishing village while you await your boarding on a Flower Pot Island excursion, or Fathom Five Park Tour. The Flower Post Island excursion will take you to the island to wander the short trail to view the sea stacks known as flower pots, or on a longer trail to the former lighthouse keeper’s quarters. The Fathom Five Park Tour cruises past Cove Island Lighthouse, Flower Pot Island and other Islands in the Park. Back ashore, travel to the Parks Canada Visitor Centre to learn more about the local area and enjoy the view of Georgian Bay from atop the Lookout Tower. When finished, travel to Lion’s Head and check in at your accommodation for the night.

Distance:

South Baymouth to Tobermory (via Chi-Cheemaun ferry, 2 hours sailing time)
Tobermory to Lion’s Head (48 km (30 miles), 40 min)

Accommodation Options:

Taylor-Made B&B
31 Byron Street, Lion's Head
P. 877-434-9464
W ebsite

Cedarholme B & B
108 Beech Street, Hope Bay
P. 519-534-3705
W ebsite

Lunch Options:

Sunset Dinner Cruise on the MS. Chi-Cheemaun
At the Ferry Terminal, Tobermory
P. 800-265-3163
W ebsite

Crowsnest Pub & Restaurant
5 Bay Street, PO BOX 98, Tobermory
P. 519-596-2575
W ebsite

Dinner Options:

Lion's Head Inn
8 Helen Street, Lion's Head
P. 519-793-4601
W ebsite

Rachel's Bakery and Cafe 50's Diner
79 Main Street, Lion's Head
P. 519-793-3982
Website

Things to Do:

Chi-Cheemaun
8 Eliza Street - Tobermory or South Baymouth
P. 1-800-265-3163
W ebsite

Fathom Five National Marine Park
Chi sin tib dek Road, Tobermory
P. 519-596-2233
W ebsite

Flowerpot Island
Accessible by boat only. Please book with a tour operator.
Website

Little Tub Harbour
Location: Downtown Tobermory
P. 519-596-2452
W ebsite

Parks Canada Visitor Centre & Lookout Tower
120 Chi sin tib dek Road, Tobermory
P. 519-596-2233
W ebsite

Day 6

Today, after a leisurely breakfast, stop by the Lion’s Head Lighthouse & Marina for a photo-op, before you head out of town. Follow the back roads into Wiarton, for your second photo-op of the day. Strike a pose with the Wiarton Willie statue located in Bluewater Park, on beautiful Colpoys Bay. Then venture across the road in hopes of catching a glimpse of the real live version who lives in his display burrow outside the local library. Next, head for Owen Sound along the scenic route, following the shore road. Upon arriving in Owen Sound, head straight to Inglis Falls to view the Sydenham River cascade over the limestone shelves of an 18 meter cliff. (Please note - if you wish to do more riding today, consider adding Sauble Beach as a stop for lunch along the way. Lobbies offers a beachfront patio and motorcycle parking right out front.)

Distance:

Lion’s Head to Wiarton (30 km (20 m), 30 min)
Wiarton to Owen Sound (30 km (20 m), 30 min)

Accommodation Options:

Best Western Inn on the Bay
1800 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound
P. 1-800-780-7234
W ebsite

Quality Inn
950 6th Street East, Owen Sound
P. 519-376-1551
Website

The Falls Inn
113 Robert Street, Walters Falls
P. 519-794-4388
W ebsite

Dining Options:

Kettle's Back Home Cookin’
317239 Hwy 6&10, Chatsworth
P. 519-794-0330
Website

Things to Do:

Lion's Head Lighthouse & Marina
Location: Take Cty Rd 9 east off Hwy 6. Turn left and follow the signs to the harbour
P. 1-800-268-3838
W ebsite

Wiarton Willie Statue
Location: Bluewater Park in Wiarton
P. 519-534-1300 / 1-877-534-1400
Website

Inglis Falls
Location: From Rockford - take Grey Road 18 West to Inglis Falls Road. From downtown Owen Sound - south on 2nd Ave E to 2nd Ave SE, take Inglis Falls Road.
W ebsite

Day 7

On your last day of cruising Georgian Bay, travel to the The Blue Mountains and Collingwood today, via the beautiful Beaver Valley, winding your way through quaint villages to scenic lookouts along the way. As you prepare to descend into the valley along Grey County Road 7, first stop and enjoy the view from the Epping Lookout. This area is especially scenic during the fall, when the colour is amazing. Next, head to Eugenia Falls, park and take the short trail to the falls. As you wind your way to Collingwood, your next stop is Scenic Caves Nature Adventures. Explore the labyrinth of caves and crevices then venture cross Ontario’s Longest Suspension Footbridge, for a view while suspended above the world! If you’re feeling especially daring, finish up with a wicked ride on a 1000 foot zip line! Spend the night one of the local accommodations, or finish your tour with a leisurely cruise home.

Distance:

Owen Sound to The Blue Mountains via the Beaver Valley (115 km (70 m), 2 hrs)

Accommodation Options:

Blue Mountain Village
108 Jozo Weider Blvd, Town of The Blue Mountains
P. 1-877-445-0231
W ebsite

Dining Options:

Leeky Canoe
94 Sykes Street North, Meaford
P. 519-538-1377
Website

Beaver & Bulldog Sports Pub & Wingery
195 First Street, Collingwood
P. 705-446-9711
W ebsite

The Dam Pub
53 Bruce Street South, Thornbury
P. 519-599-2110
W ebsite

Things to Do:

Epping Lookout
196241 Grey County Road 7, Meaford
P. 519-376-3076
Website

Eugenia Falls
Location: Grey Road 13 at Eugenia
W ebsite

Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
260 Scenic Caves Road, The Blue Mountains
Location: From Collingwood, drive west on First St. to the First St. extension. Continue west on Mountain Rd which becomes Grey Rd 19. Follow the traffic circle onto Scenic Caves Rd. Follow this road to the top of the hill.
P. 705-446-0256
W ebsite