Manitoulin Island
As the largest island in a freshwater lake, Manitoulin is big enough for cyclists to enjoy a multi day tour. Many visitors may be unaware of the following distances between towns and destinations in between.
Road Distances on the Island:
South Baymouth to Meldrum Bay 133km
South Baymouth to Little Current 64km
South Baymouth to Gore Bay 83km
Little Current to Espanola 47km
Little Current to Gore Bay 63km
Gore Bay to Meldrum Bay 70km
Country Roads – With plenty of quiet country roads around it is not hard to create numerous route options. Road surfaces differ from paved with shoulders perfect for cyclists, paved with light traffic, surface treated to hard packed gravel. The only times there is increased traffic and cyclists should use caution, is on the road to/from South Baymouth around ferry times.
Provincial Road Status Report - View a list (pdf) of provincial roadways on Manitoulin Island and their current suitability for cyclist HERE.
Mountain Biking in McLean Park – This 100 acre park offers an 8 km loop ride with little elevation but challenging rough terrain. It is located on New England side road, off Hwy 6 between Manitowaning and South Baymouth.
Additonal Information
Manitoulin Tourism - General tourism information and cycling / hiking activity information.
Manitoulin Cycling - Cycling routes which are posted on in blog format.
Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocacy (MICA) Group - Search 'Facebook' groups for more info and current projects.
Bike Rentals - Available at Auberge Inn, Providence Bay & Bike Rentals
Bike Service & Sales - Bike Medics, 2394 Hwy 540, between M'Chigeeng & Little Current
LaCloche Foothills
Many long distance cyclists travel this way as they are on round the lakes or cross Canada tours. Communities with many of the amenities and services cyclists are looking for are easily arrived at within a day's ride or closer. This area encompasses Espanola, communities along the north shore from Spanish to Nairn Centre, and south from Espanola towards Little Current on the Island.
Provincial Road Status Report
View a list (pdf) of provincial roadways in the LaCloche Foothills area and their current suitability for cyclist HERE. Highway 17, Highway 6.
Proposed North Shore Bike Route – Currently underdevelopment, this route will take cyclists from Sault St. Marie to Sudbury 340km. With only 5% of route expected to be on busy Highway 17, this route will offer a quieter scenic alternate routing option increasing access to towns enroute and the North Channel shoreline.
Plan your own route now - make use of provincial road maps - until route maps are published.
Cross Regional Cycling Trails
Long distance cyclist can make use of information above to create their own cross regional cycling route by making use of information above, including current Road Status Reports and provincial road maps.
Popular route takes cyclists from Sault St Marie, to Espanola, Little Current, South Baymouth with the ferry connecting them to Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula.
View ferry Information - Ms Chi-Cheemaun - May to October service.
* Please note there may be additional information and map guides for the area that may be of interest and useful to cyclists. New maps and guides are available yearly, and information above may change.
Manitoulin Island / LaCloche Foothills Funding & Event Partners:
