Almaguin Highlands is home to quaint and vibrant villages nestled amongst rolling hills, picturesque valleys, lush forest tracts, freshwater lakes and traditional farmlands. Cycling through these landscapes is perfect for a peaceful road ride.
Ride
Type: Road Ride
Distance: 65 km loop with 53 km and 40 km extensions
Staging Areas:
- Municipal Office and Community Centre, Magnetawan
- Lion’s Waterfront Park, Sundridge
- Swift Canoe & Kayak Hwy 124, South River
- Home Hardware, Burk’s Falls
Ride Supports:
- Outdoor Bike Fix Stands in Magnetawan and Burk’s Falls
- Bike Parts at Home Hardware in Magnetawan
- Lake Bernard Bicycle Repair Shop in Sundridge
- Free Community-Run Bike Share in Magnetawan
Ride Description:
AIM Triangle (65 km)
The AIM Triangle is a preferred half day route for the local Almaguin In Motion cycling club. The route connects three distinct Almaguin villages with quality paved rolling hills that can be enjoyed by riders of varying skills and endurance levels. Enjoy a mix of scenery and natural features which include everything from traditional farmer’s fields, picturesque waterways, scenic views and a healthy dose of the area’s cherished wilderness. Note that riders may encounter moderate traffic on Hwy 520, especially in the summer. Some sections of the AIM Triangle have limited or no paved shoulders, but sight lines are generally good on this road ride. The good news is that Hwy 124 has wide paved shoulders and moderate to low traffic. Also, don’t miss filling your water bottle at the artesian well in Sundridge, or the antique hand pump in front of Magnetawan Bar and Grill.
Eagle Lake Loop Extension (53 km)
If you’re looking for more, add the 53km Eagle Lake extension to make it a metric century road ride. As a standalone ride, the Eagle Lake Loop can be short and quick or broken up into sections over a day with cool stops along the way. Rest at the Eagle Lake Narrows for a swim, or relax on the beach with an ice-cream from the Country Store, take in a round of disc golf at Mikisew Provincial Park, or a wander through the Crystal Cave and Artisan Village. A great way to wrap up the ride is with a light tasting at the South River Brewing.
Ahmic Lake Loop Extension (40 km)
For a bit of extra altitude, explore the country backroads circling Ahmic Lake along the 40km Ahmic Lake Loop extension. Novice to intermediate road riders will appreciate the rolling hills and winding road, but stay alert as this road has poor sight lines, and expect to encounter fast moving vehicles on the cottage-laden Ahmic Lake Road. As an added bonus, the route takes riders along parts of the historic Old Nipissing Road which is dedicated as part of the iconic Trans Canada Trail. You wanted those hills, so get ready for a trio of steep grinds between the locally-famous Cornball Store and Magnetawan . Just don’t burn all your matches too early into the loop!
Rest
Almaguin in Motion (AIM) is a dedicated group of cyclists who advocate for cycling in the region. From the free bike share program in Magnetawan to loads of bicycle friendly businesses, outdoor water pumps for filling water bottles and the local hardware store stocking bicycle parts, their efforts have created a welcoming environment for cyclists across the Almaguin Highlands.
DISCOVER
Visit the historical one-room schoolhouse at the 1870s pioneer settlement of Berriedale (now Burk’s Falls) for a wide selction of antiques and collectables.
The hand operated dam and locks are located on the Magnetawan River in the Village of Magnetawan. Built by the Ontario Government in 1883, the first lock system with stone-filled timber cribwork and was subsequently replaced in 1911 with the concrete structure seen today. The lock raised or lowered steamships through the early twentieth century opening passage as far as Ahmic Harbour. With a riverside park and public beach, walking trails and museum, the locks are a great spot to stop for a picnic lunch.
On the shores of Eagle Lake, the Studio by the Lake is open daily for viewing the original art by Marg Cunningham.
You’ll need time to explore the mineral exhibit, crystal shop, gallery, learning centre and artisan village at the Crystal Cave on Hwy 124. It is an amazing place to explore, imagine, create, learn and be inspired.
Jill’s images are derived from observations and interpretations of weather phenomena, changing seasons and unique land forms. The gallery in Sundridge is open most days in July and August.
EXPLORE
The Heritage River Walk invites you to explore the history of the Magnetawan River from a covered foot bridge and walking trail. The Magnetawan River Railway Company built a rail line connecting Burk’s Falls station on the Grand Trunk Railway and the village of Burk’s Falls station on the Magnetawan River. This steam-operated railway system was mainly used as a freight spur, transporting goods from the Magnetawan River to the Grand Trunk Line. Today, this historic spur line is connected to a traditional footpath, providing visitors with a scenic walking trail.
The Knoepfli Falls was built at the same time as the locks and dam in Magnetawan. The dam was erected to raise the water height in Ahmic Lake, and this enabled the steamboats to enter the lake and deposit both passengers and cargo in Ahmic Harbour, during the exploration of the area. The falls are a picturesque stop for a picnic lunch on Hwy 124.
In 1905, Cecebe Lake Lighthouse was constructed to mark the entrance to the locks. Each evening during the navigation season, the keeper would row out to the lighthouse and light the fixed white light, which was visible for three miles, and then extinguish it the following morning. By 1930, the steamboat era on the Magnetawan River ended, and the lighthouse, no longer needed, was eventually demolished. In 1995, the Magnetawan River Heritage Association had a replica built of the original Cecebe Lake Lighthouse.
GRAB & GO
Sundridge Meats & Delicatessen
Authentic German fare. Besides a variety of handcrafted cold cuts and lunchmeat, sausages, oven ready dishes and salads the deli offers a well selected assortment of European specialties, gourmet BBQ sauces, delicatessen and non alcoholic German beer.
Food and fuel stop with a view! Grab something to eat at the country store, and rest on the beach across the road. Picnic area, and washrooms with a view of Eagle Lake.
Hot food trailer (summer time only) serving your favourite perogies and homemade foods in Burk’s Falls.
A must stop location to have ice cream, or homemade baked goods. Gluten free options are available. Water filling and washrooms are also available during business hours.
SIP & SAVOUR
Licensed family restaurant with million dollar patio view of beautiful Lake Bernard, best fish and chips in town, home cut fries, gluten free options.
Come as you are for casual dining and the best in British hospitality. On Hwy 124 with a large parking lot with a bike rack to start and finish the ride.
In addition to traditional foods, enjoy vegan, vegetarian, keto, and gluten-free options, all made by local chef Dan Kivell. Three meals a day, dine in or take out. Call ahead!
Not just a bowling alley beside the river! A favourite watering hole for local AIM cyclists with outdoor patio and pool hall. Stop in for a rest and some fuel during or after your ride.
Founded in 2009 and one of the original Northern Ontario breweries, brewing small batch craft beer utilizing locally foraged ingredients whenever possible. The retail store sells local artisanal arts & crafts and is a repository of information about tourism and events in the community.
“The spirit of the North”, this family-owned craft distillery in the village of Sundridge offers over 20 different spirits and liqueurs, and merchandise to fill your paniers.
ACCOMMODATION
Choose from traditional accommodations such as motels, inns, and resorts, as well as non-traditional accommodations such as camping, cottages and B&B’s. Whether you are interested in staying in luxury, enjoying the quaintness of small-town living, or roughing it in the great outdoors, Almaguin Highlands has all options available.
What cyclists are saying about the Almaguin Spin:
“The public water fountain in Sundridge has the best water in the world!” AIM Riders
What cyclists are saying about the Almaguin Spin:
“It feels like an accomplishment to say that I biked beside the World’s largest freshwater lake without an island.”
What cyclists are saying about the Almaguin Spin:
“My favourite ride is in Almaguin in the Autumn. The fall colours, the quiet country roads, crisp air and the well deserved pint at a craft brewery at the end with friends is something I look forward to.”
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