This self-guided bike tour offers a challenging and engaging ride through scenic farmland featuring rolling hills, waterways, and lush forested areas.
The Farmstand 40 bike route allows you to peruse farmgate stands offering produce, meat, baked goods, maple syrup, preserves, and artisanal crafts at your leisure – you’re sure to find something wonderful to bring home with you!
Ride
Type: Gravel Ride
Distance: 37 km loop with 23 km extension
Staging Areas:
- 250 Clark, Powassan
- Alderdale General Store, 1496 Alderdale Road, Chisholm
Ride Supports:
- Basic Bike Parts at Home Hardware on Main Str., Powassan
- Porta-Potties at various municipal locations as identified on map; indoor washrooms limited
- Water fountains as identified on map
Alerts:
- Cell service spotty in places, Bell coverage is strongest in the area
Ride Description:
Starting from 250 Clark
Quiet roadways with both paved and hard-pack gravel sections lead you to a variety of farm gate stands offering produce, meat, baked goods, maple syrup, preserves and artisanal crafts. Starting from 250 Clark Street, you will begin on paved roads, which are fairly level throughout the downtown section. While the paved sections of Memorial Park Drive and Chiswick line have a few steep hill climbs, the hard-pack gravel on both roads have long sections which are flat and level. All sections of the hard-pack gravel areas have loose gravel shoulders, and can be dusty during the summer months.
Starting from the Alderdale General Store
For those looking for a slightly shorter route, park at the Alderdale General Store and head South on Alderdale to pick up the loop heading East on Chiswick Line. Heading West across the Highway 11 overpass will connect you with the Farmstand 40 Extension Route, offering a blend of long loose gravel stretches with hills, rugged off-road terrain, a paved secondary highway, and additional farmstand stops. Be sure to pause for a break at the Hydro Pond where you can swim, fish or have a picnic. Washroom facilities are also available here.
See the downloadable map (under MAP) and trip sheets for further details on route conditions, locations of amenities and points of interest.
Rest
Whether you’re seeking a quick break, or a place to stop and enjoy a great meal, Powassan and area has some fantastic options available.
EXPLORE
Memorial Park
Main Street Powassan. Park-like setting, water refill fountain, small gazebo.
Hydro Pond (Farmstand 40 Extension)
Off of Maple Hill Road – beach, picnic area, washrooms, paddling launch point.
Wasi Lake Public Beach
Beach Road, near Memorial Park Drive, Chisholm – beach, picnic area, washrooms, paddling launch point.
located in the Powassan Mountain Conservation Area. Find the trailhead on Catherine Street, tucked in behind Eastholme – Read the map. The Pines features three 2 km trails, including one to the lookout, have been created or improved with signage added. The view of the Rift Valley to the West provides a fascinating panorama of the area between Powassan and beyond Lake Nipissing. These trails are open to the public whenever walking them is possible.
SIP AND SAVOUR
The Wagon Wheel Restaurant
852 Main Street, Powassan, (705) 724-2222. Serving Canadian fare; hamburgers, pizza, wings, pasta, ice cream and soups. Dining room, outdoor patio and room to park bicycles.
458 Main Street, Powassan, (705) 724-6868. Offering Chinese-Canadian food; small dining room; small area to park bicycles outside.
Trackside Fries
548 Main St, Powassan, (705) 303-7646. Handmade pogos, fries, burgers, poutine and more. Outdoor seating available.
DISCOVER
The Great Powassan and Area Farmstand Tour
follow the tour on Facebook to find active farms and in-season farm-fresh produce, meat, baked goods, maple syrup, preserves and artisanal crafts.
Alderdale General Store
1497 Alderdale Road, Chisholm, (705) 724-1497. Locally produced food items, groceries, gifts, crafts, fuel, seasonal food truck. Open year-round; large parking area.
The Powassan Treasure Mill
265 Memorial Drive, Powassan. (Not open in 2021)
Small market offering antiques, collectibles, furniture, books, fine china, toys, games and more! Open may long weekend through to Thanksgiving long weekend; has a large parking area. You may even park next to a horse and carriage here!
Local farm goods and fresh produce. Â 61 Memorial Park Dr W, Powassan
ACCOMMODATIONS
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.