Come for a Ride and Discover So Much More: The 2024 Great Lakes Waterfront Trail Adventure Cycling Tour

  August 30, 2024

If you have ever envisioned yourself cycling along one of the picturesque landscapes of Lake Superior, Lake Huron North Channel, and Manitoulin Island, the 2024 Great Lakes Waterfront Trail Adventure Cycling Tour recently granted over a hundred cyclists the opportunity to transform that vision into reality.

While cycling nearly 500 kilometres over six days might impress, this annual tour is more than just a bike ride; it's a journey that takes you through diverse landscapes, vibrant communities, and a tapestry of cultural experiences that are as enriching as they are unforgettable. It might start as a ride, but you discover so much more.

The Majestic Landscape: A Cyclist's Paradise

The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail spans over 3,600 kilometres, connecting over 155 communities from the eastern edge of Ontario at the Quebec border to the shores of Lake Superior. The 2024 rendition of the Great Lakes Waterfront Adventure spans the rugged landscape of Lake Superior, the Lake Huron North Channel and Manitoulin Island.

Along the way, riders discover a spectacular variety of landscapes, each segment more breathtaking than the last, from the rushing waters of Chippewa Falls to the vastness of Lake Superior as it stretches to the horizon. Riders enjoy the serene landscape along quiet country roads. Take in the stunning Lake Huron North Channel view from the red-roof gazebo at the Spanish Municipal Marina and cycle beneath white quartz stone walls and through Manitoulin Island's rolling farmlands.

Community Spirit: The Heart of the Trail

What sets the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail Adventure apart is the sense of community you'll find along the way. The trail connects diverse communities, each with its unique character and charm. As you ride, you'll interact with residents eager to share their stories, traditions, and hospitality.

From gathering at Northern Superior Brewing for the opening night reception in Sault Saint Marie to a community dinner and music in the park in Bruce Mines, the fantastic breakfast spread in Blind River, lunch at the Spanish Municipal Marina, and rest stops provided by Thessalon and the town of Espanola, all much appreciated. Each community left a lasting impression and a desire to return.

Warm Hospitality: A Welcoming Haven for Riders

One of the tour's highlights is the warm hospitality you'll experience at every stop. The communities along the trail have a long tradition of welcoming cyclists, and they go out of their way to ensure that you feel at home.
But it's not just the amenities that make the hospitality special; it's the people. The residents take pride in their host role and are genuinely interested in making your stay enjoyable.

Thank you to Velorution Bike and Skis for opening their doors early and providing water and treats to keep us fueled.

At Ojibway Park and Campground… the Garden River First Nation welcomed us with a community Breakfast, accompanied by a youth drumming group and the story about the beach’s significance in Indigenous culture.

The communities of Bruce Mines, Blind River, and Spanish ensured that we had the strength to continue with fabulous feasts. In Massey, local businesses ensured the campers were well-fed with pizza deliveries, and the morning breakfast was one of the best of the tour.
On Manitoulin Island, a massive power outage greeted us with more adventure than expected. Thank you to the local food trucks that fired up their stoves.

A Culinary Journey: Savoring the Flavors of the Great Lakes

Feeding cyclists is not easy. A cycling tour is incomplete without great food, and the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail Adventure is no exception.
Luckily, we were in for a culinary treat.

Located in the spectacular setting of Havilland Bay on Lake Superior, lunch at McCauley's was delicious, as was breakfast at the Breakfast Pig in Sault Saint Marie.
Bruce Mines Bobbers restaurant serves some good food, but its pie and ice cream leave an exclamation mark on a delicious meal.

Like so often on an adventure, the best memories are made when least expected, like the wonderful lunch stop at Ije's Place in the rural community of Desbarats, an unexpected gem of a Caribbean restaurant.

For those who love to combine a craft brew with a good burger, the patio at Manitoulin Brewing and the on-site The Brewgers food truck are the spot in Little Current.

Cultural Riches: A Tapestry of Traditions

The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is not just a route through stunning landscapes but a journey through Ontario's cultural heart. As you ride, you'll encounter a rich tapestry of traditions, art, and history that tells the story of the region and its people.

Museums, galleries, and cultural centers dot the trail, offering opportunities to learn about the indigenous peoples who have called this land home for thousands of years and the European settlers who followed.

In Sault Ste Marie, murals created by some of the world's best artists, including Ojibway Woodland artist Thomas Sinclair, provide an outdoor gallery experience.

In Bruce Mines, Iron Bridge, and Massey, museums explore the area's mining, logging, and farming history.
On Manitoulin Island, Indigenous art takes center stage. Stunning works of art are proudly displayed in hotel lobbies and local galleries. Browsing the works of so many local artists at Ten Mile Trading Post was a tour highlight.

It’s Always Better When We Work Together.

The GWTA partners have also developed customs over the years. CAA South Central treats all riders to outstanding bike mechanic support—adjustments and repairs that keep the group moving throughout the week. There is also a designated Greenbelt Day when participants sport a Greenbelt shirt or jersey in honour of the long-standing collaboration between the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and Greenbelt Foundation to protect, connect and celebrate two of Ontario’s iconic landscapes: the Great Lakes waterfront and Ontario’s protected countryside. This years Greenbelt Day was hosted in Manitoulin Island to celebrate the end of another successful ride for over a hundred cyclists!

The GWTA 2024 is made possible through the support of Trail community partners, the CAA South Central Ontario, Destination Northern Ontario, Algoma Country, the Greenbelt Foundation, Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocate, and various overnight hosts.

The Adventure Awaits

The 2024 Great Lakes Waterfront Trail Adventure Cycling Tour is more than just a bike ride; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in this region's unique landscapes, communities, hospitality, food, and culture. Whether you're looking to challenge yourself with a long-distance ride or want to explore the beauty of the Great Lakes at a leisurely pace, this tour offers something for everyone. So come for the ride and discover so much more along the way. Your adventure awaits on the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.

See you next year.

Looking for a Fall cycling adventure? Join the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, Greenbelt Foundation and CAA for Farm Fresh Tours on September 28 (Hambur Loop) and 29 (Rural on the Ridge).
Click here to learn more and register: https://waterfronttrail.org/trip-ideas/farm-fresh-tours/