Motorcycling in Sunset Country
Motorcycling in Northwestern Ontario - Take a Ride on the Wild Side
Northwestern Ontario is one of those undiscovered places that many motorcycle riders look for. It has open roads, fun hills and curves, and incredible scenery. While you are mainly riding two-lane highways here, many of these cut through beautiful rugged wilderness, a land dotted with endless lakes, and there's not a lot of congestion like some other routes.
You have a good chance of seeing wildlife off the side of the road, and as a rider, you should be on the lookout for animals as you ride. It's unlikely to see a bull moose or a black bear sow and her cubs on roads north of Toronto, but you have a good chance to see them here. It is a unique and different riding experience that you should check out.
For riders looking to experience true Canadian wilderness, pristine open roads, and epic wildlife viewing, there’s no better option than the Heart of Canada Touring Route in Sunset Country. The new route in Central Canada is what road trip dreams are made of. Stretching from Winnipeg, Manitoba, in the west to Thunder Bay, Ontario, in the east, and just north of the Minnesota border, this 1,500-kilometer route in the shape of a figure 8 offers an unrivalled opportunity for motorcyclists.
You can start from any point along the route and make the trip your own. We recommend taking about a week to explore.
Top 5 Highways in Sunset Country
If you're looking for open roads without a lot of traffic, then Sunset Country has a few to offer. The main difference is that some of our roads go in a north/south direction, eventually ending, meaning you're riding in and then back out. The good news is the scenery is so good you won't mind.
Here are five highways we think you'll like:
Highway 105 "The Red Lake Road": Starting at Highway 17 in Vermilion Bay and heading north to the Municipality of Red Lake, Highway 105 provides a fun ride that takes you through some scenic country. You'll travel through the small town of Ear Falls on Lac Seul. As you head north, stop at The Whiskey Jack in Perrault Falls and grab a bite. Their food is delicious. In Red Lake, it's worth checking out the lake and the float plane base and walking through Norseman Park. The Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre is another really interesting stop. Ride time to Red Lake from Highway 17 in Vermilion Bay is about two hours. Depending on your stops, you could overnight in Red Lake, return the next day, or start early and go in/out all in one day.
Highway 71 - Lake of the Woods: Starting in Kenora, you can head east for a short distance on Highway 17 and then south on curvy Highway 71, which passes through the tourist communities of Sioux Narrows and Nestor Falls.This ride is full of turns and hills, and you'll often see a lake off to either side of the road. Sioux Narrows has good shopping and dining options, so don't miss out. The Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre in Sioux Narrows is a great place to stop, take a break and see some very interesting history.
When you reach Nestor Falls, stop and look at the Falls themselves. If water levels are high, they are a spectacular sight. Both Sioux Narrows and Nestor Falls also have accommodations if you want to stick around overnight. This Highway runs north/south between Highways 17 and 11 and takes about two hours to ride.
Highway 599 - The Wilderness Corridor: While Highway 599 is another in/out route, if you decide to ride it, you'll be riding the most northerly, all-weather paved road in the Province of Ontario. When you arrive in Pickle Lake, that's the end of the (paved) road. For any motorcyclist, that is a pretty cool achievement. On the way back, you can detour SW on Highway 72, which takes you through Sioux Lookout, a highway with great hills and curves. It's highly recommended you carefully manage your fuel as services are limited. Be on the lookout for moose; your chances of seeing one are good.
Highway 11-17—Border Route: Highway 11 in Sunset Country traverses the entire region from west to east and hugs the international border with the USA. This is a good route and an alternative to the busier Highway 17. Highway 11 can include stopovers in Rainy River, Emo, Fort Frances, and Atikokan. Check out Manitou Mounds National Historic Site near the small community of Stratton.
Highway 17: Highway 17 is the primary commercial route through Ontario's Sunset Country. Expect more traffic on this route, but there is some spectacular scenery, with many lakes off to the side and some big hills to climb. Highway 17 is part of the Heart of Canada Touring route and includes stops in Thunder Bay, Ignace Dryden, Vermilion Bay, and Kenora. The distance between Kenora and Thunder Bay is 550 kilometres, so a good day's ride. There is a lot to see in the various towns and cities along the way, and many accommodation options ranging from hotels and B&Bs to lodges.
Why Discover Sunset Country By Motorcycle?
Explore Our Sample Sunset Country Itinerary for Motorcyclists
This 4-day itinerary offers a relaxed and immersive experience for any rider—and it’s easily adaptable depending on your interests.
Bring your fishing gear, a tent, and a sense of adventure—and get ready to enjoy the epic, scenic roadways of Northwestern Ontario. For more information, check out this first-person account of what it’s like to ride Sunset Country. Safe travels and enjoy the ride!