Superior Country: Canada’s Greatest Motorcycle Destination?
When I think about Canada’s most stunning motorcycle trips—those defining ‘bucket list’ destinations that you just have to ride—my personal ‘shortlist’ would include the likes of the Sea to Sky Highway in BC, the Icefields Parkway in Alberta, the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, and, after my experiences this summer, it will also include Ontario’s Superior Country.
So, what do all of these great road-tripping destinations have in common? They undoubtedly feature an incredible clash of geological diversity, a rugged landscape of natural wonders, as well as beautiful waterways dotted with spectacular attractions and unique accommodations. Which of these trips (or any others) sits atop your personal list is entirely up to you, but for me, the shoe definitely fits for Superior Country. I cannot check the boxes hard enough. Can it get any more spectacular than the world’s largest freshwater lake? I would argue no, which is especially true when its shoreline and the natural wonders are as mind-blowing as they are here. These locations are also connected through incredible roadways and unique stops, creating a kind of road-tripping bliss where one incredible location leads to the next, perfect for that epic motorcycle adventure.
The Landscape
Lake Superior’s shoreline is vast and filled with diverse, undulating beauty. This is especially true in Superior Country, where the most rugged and impassable sections of the Canadian Shield are located. The cliffsides and soaring palisades are interspersed by canyons, waterfalls, and stunning beaches, all on near-constant display. As the highway curves with one perfect sweeping turn after another, you'll be left scratching your head, wondering, how on earth did they build a highway here? Well, centuries ago, this prospect was hotly debated, and they almost didn’t (but thank God they did). It would have been much easier—though perhaps a little less scenic—to simply stick to the southern shore of Superior, as many argued we should have.
Indigenous people have inhabited the area for time immemorial, as evidenced by the many pictographs. Later came the fur trade. Modern settlement, however, began with the railway. To really emphasize this point: If you get the chance, make sure to stop at the Schreiber Railway Museum. They have a short film which details the insurmountable task of blasting through several hundred miles of near-solid granite, marked by endless canyons, rivers, lakes, and muskeg. The Prime Minister at the time, Alexander Mackenzie, remarked: “One of the most foolish things that could be imagined,” and it nearly led to bankruptcy. Yet, the incredible legacy of the railway endures, as the settlements have remained and thrived long after its initial construction. We benefit greatly, as we now have access to a tourism hotspot with ample recreational opportunities—from incredible camping to world-class hunting, fishing, and hiking—all connected by a vast network of roads, which are, of course, best experienced by motorcycle.
The Stops along the Northern Shore - A Few of the Highlights
As we drove up from Southern Ontario, our first sighting of Lake Superior, as we traced Highway 17, was north of Sault Ste. Marie. Things start to get truly incredible as you head north through Lake Superior Provincial Park to Wawa, and then northwest to Marathon, which marks the beginning of our journey along the north shore of the lake in Superior Country. Manitouwadge is another great option if you want to extend the trip and explore some side roads off the main highway east of Marathon.
In Marathon, make sure to descend to Pebble Beach. We approached on a still, calm day where you could barely distinguish the water from the sky at the horizon. There may not be a more beautiful spot in the world to witness a sunset. The beach itself is a geological marvel, with a vast expanse of colorful, softball-sized stones that have been smoothed out over years of pounding waves from the inland sea that is Lake Superior. Marathon is also next to the incredible Pukaskwa National Park, which offers backcountry hiking, camping, and a suspension bridge over the roaring Chigamiwinigum Falls, if you have the time.
The ride from Marathon to Terrace Bay is marked by conveniently located kiosks along the Lake Superior Circe Tour, packed with great information about the area. Many of the region’s natural wonders are highlighted as part of the tour, including Kakabeka Falls, Sleeping Giant, Sea Lion, the Amethyst Mine, Ouimet Canyon, Eagle Canyon, Red Rock, and the Nipigon River. Time permitting, you should check out every single one.
Terrace Bay is a stunning town perched high atop a plateau overlooking the bay, which includes a vast sandy beach with the Parks Canada Pavilion and views of the nearby Slate Islands Provicial Park. The beach is a surfing hotspot. Yes, you can surf here—just in case you needed more evidence that this is not your average lake. Just outside of town is Aguasabon Falls and Gorge, where the 100-foot waterfall flows into an ancient gorge, and ultimately the water descends to the lower falls right next to the beach. There are amazing hiking opportunities tracing the falls and gorge, as well as along the shoreline to a set of the famous Parks Canada red chairs. We had a great time doing some of the short hikes to the chairs, which are invariably situated to take in one stunning vista after another.
The townsite of Terrace Bay offers many conveniences at its central plaza; shops, galleries, places to stay (we opted for Drifters), Slate Island Brewing, and the defining lighthouse lookout tower are all right there.
The aforementioned town of Schreiber is another great stop. It features an incredible beach and a hike to additional red chairs. The railway museum is full of fascinating items inside decommissioned railcars, and the beach at Isbester’s Landing is where the history of the railway began, serving as the main access point for shipping workers and building materials.
The stretch of road through Rossport includes one of the best-situated roadside rest stops along the lake, perfect for a photo op with your bikes, only a stone’s throw from the water. Rossport is nestled along a section of the lake dotted with many islands, which are worth exploring if you’re staying for an extended period. The area is also home to Rainbow Falls Provincial Park, which includes easily accessible waterfalls and hikes. Further along, Kama Lookout offers an incredible vantage point high above the lake.
Nipigon will be the next major stop, with the Nipigon Bridge jutting out over the river. The nearby observation tower is a must-stop. The soaring modern architecture of the bridge and tower offer the perfect juxtaposition to the rugged landscape and distant hillsides. Nearby, there is also a memorial to local legend and artist Norval Morrisseau.
We stayed overnight near Red Rock, a quaint town tucked into soaring red palisades. The Lodge at Red Rock offered a comfortable stay in a timelessly Canadian setting. The log cabin with a big central room and hearth was as cozy as it sounds, and it was great sharing delicious meals with other travelers, most of whom were there for incredible fishing and boating on the lake.
As you travel further west, be sure to check out the Grill Shack for some great local food, which can be enjoyed at one of the picnic tables along the lake. Then, as you venture inland to Ouimet Canyon, I’ve been told that you pass the very herd of cattle whose companion you likely just ate. Shop local!
The drive up to Ouimet Canyon is delightfully twisty, and the payoff is extreme. The canyon is a geological marvel. The sheer cliffs drop deep down to an almost alien landscape, whose flora differs completely from the surrounding area. You’d have to venture another thousand kilometers north to find anything similar.
Thunder Bay – The Perfect Home Base for Exploring
As we ventured further west towards our next overnight stop in Thunder Bay, we met up with the manager of Thunder Bay Tourism, Paul Pepe. He’s far from your typical local bureaucrat, he rides a beautiful Harley and sports a tattoo resembling the Ride Lake Superior logo on his forearm. He’s the real deal, and I could ride and chat with him for days as he is a fountain of knowledge and enthusiasm. Riding with him, it became apparent why the city is known as Canada’s Premier Outdoor City. Sheltered by the Nor'Wester Mountain Range, with a vast protected marina and waterfront along Lake Superior, the city is a gateway to 500,000 square kilometers of Canadian wilderness, with over 150,000 lakes and rivers, offering every recreational activity you could desire. Thunder Bay is truly a nature lover’s ultimate playground.
We spent the remaining days of the trip using Thunder Bay as our home base, exploring a couple of distinct motorcycle loops, including Ride The Giant and the Waterfall and Scenic Lookouts Motorcycle Tour. There are more loops listed on Superior Country’s page as well.
Before arriving in Thunder Bay, however, we paid homage to the hero that is Terry Fox at the Terry Fox Monument. This is hallowed ground for Canadians and anyone affected by cancer. The 9-foot bronze statue rests atop a base made of granite and amethyst, with sweeping views of Sleeping Giant, the lake with its huge ships, and the downtown skyline, with Anemki Wajiw (Mount McKay) in the distance. This is a must-see stop and photo opportunity.
Ride The Giant is a great day trip through the park. The winding road is built for fun, with endless twists and turns, and the payoff at the bottom of the park is Silver Islet, home to the famous general store. This store is a remnant from the ancient silver mine that brought industry to the area in the 19th century. They offer great souvenirs, pastries, ice cream, and coffee, with a patio overlooking the lake—a perfect reward for completing the trip. You can also enjoy incredible hikes along the way.
The Waterfalls and Scenic Lookout tour took us to some of the area’s iconic natural wonders. Anemki Wajiw (also known as Mount McKay) is a plateau that rises a thousand feet above the city on the nearby Fort William First Nation, offering stunning views of Sleeping Giant and Chippewa Park. The tour also passes Kakabeka Falls, the “Niagara of the North.” but at these falls, you can walk across a bridge that spans the top, offering an unparalleled perspective.
Be sure to spend some time exploring Thunder Bay. Hillcrest Park is another conveniently located lookout where you can park the bikes at the top of the city, with the downtown skyline, waterfront, and Sleeping Giant all lined up for some great photos. The city has fantastic attractions, dining, breweries, and a distinct local cuisine. Be sure to try the classic persians (a delicious pastry with pink icing) as well as the renowned Heartbeat Hot Sauce while you're here.
Final Thoughts
After several days with our heads on a swivel, it was time to ride home. But not before filming a final interview with my riding buddy Maureen MacDonald, to get some of her thoughts. Prior to joining me on this adventure, Maureen was fresh off a trip to the Yukon on her BMW adventure bike. She had the same bike on this trip, while I rode a plush Gold Wing—two of the best bikes for putting down serious mileage, to be certain.
We were both still reeling from the absolute blast we’d had riding our touring bikes across such an incredible landscape. It’s worth reminding, Maureen had just been riding in Yukon’s wilderness, and even she was blown away. Do yourself a favour and check out the video where to witness the pure joy of someone discovering Superior Country for the first time. The excitement, the wonder, and the enthusiasm for the area are all on full display. As she so perfectly put it, "I fell in love with Lake Superior and Thunder Bay… I’d do it again in a heartbeat. If anybody asked, ‘Would you like to go to…’ Yep! (cutting herself off)." Then she broke into her happy dance, of course.
The joy from the trip is palpable in these sound bites, and they perfectly capture how we felt after our short time riding motorcycles across Ontario’s incredible Superior Country.
Superior Country isn’t just a place; it’s an experience—a breathtaking blend of rugged landscapes, vast waterways, and rich cultural heritage that calls to every rider’s adventurous spirit. From the twists and turns of its stunning highways to the countless natural wonders and warm hospitality at every stop, this region is the perfect embodiment of what makes motorcycle touring so extraordinary. Whether you’re chasing sunsets on Pebble Beach, marveling at the majesty of Sleeping Giant, or simply enjoying the open road alongside Lake Superior’s sparkling shoreline, every moment here is unforgettable. So, if you’re looking for your next great adventure, set your sights on Superior Country—it’s a destination that will stay with you long after the ride is over.
