Ride the Edge Check 2026: The Top Ten Touring Roads in the Great Canadian Wilderness
By Guest Blogger Martin Lortz
I find it hard to believe that the Top 10 Motorcycle Roads in the Great Canadian Wilderness spring road inspection ride has been my first ride of the season every year for, now, a decade. For 2026, the weatherman promises, as usual, a mixed bag of conditions. The ride must go on, so we layer up and fire up the engines.
Rather than simply giving a report card on the top roads, we’ll take you along for the ride as we spend three days exploring all of the “Top 10 Motorcycle Roads in the Great Canadian Wilderness.”
First, we have the necessary commute from the GTA, the official ride begins in Orillia, heading east towards Haliburton and South Algonquin. Roads like Elephant Lake Rd and Highway 127 already make us smile, though the 7°C temperature and the rainy drizzle don’t.
In Whitney, we grab a late lunch at the Algonquin Lunch Bar before ticking off three of the top 10 roads before the day’s end. If you require a more substantial lunch experience, The Mad Musher across the road is also highly recommended.
Highway 60 Through Algonquin Park
Condition: Excellent
Riding through Algonquin Provincial Park on a cool, rainy spring day is the kind of motorcycle experience that sticks with you. The good news: the road is fully open with no construction delays to worry about. While passing through the park, it’s worth stopping at the Lake of Two Rivers Cafe & Grill or the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre to stretch your legs and learn more about the region. Keep in mind that if you plan to stop along Highway 60, you’ll need a day-use permit, which can be reserved up to five days in advance of your visit. Famous for its incredible wildlife, Algonquin Provincial Park is also a place where riders should stay attentive and keep an eye out for animals along the roadway.
Highway 35
Condition: Excellent
The stretch between Highways 118 and 60 follows Highway 35 through classic Muskoka scenery, with endless curves winding past rugged rock cuts, forests, and sparkling lakes. Later in the season, the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower is a must-stop, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Nearby, the village of Dwight is a convenient place to grab a meal or refuel before continuing the ride.
Muskoka Beach Road
Condition: Good
Running between Gravenhurst and Bracebridge, Muskoka Beach Road offers a fun ride. Some sections have bumpy pavement that needs attention, but overall, the road has withstood winter conditions well and continues to provide an enjoyable experience.
We end the day at the Inn at the Falls in Bracebridge. After a long day’s ride, the last thing I want to do is get back on the bike. The Inn’s location is just a few minutes’ walk from downtown, which is perfect. We enjoy some playoff hockey over a bucket of wings and a cold beer at the Wing House. In the morning, we refuel with the continental breakfast at the Inn and get back at it. On today’s to-do list are five more top 10 roads.
Highway 141
Condition: Excellent
Early season might be the best time to enjoy a ride along Highway 141 before the cottage crowds arrive. Happy to say there’s no construction causing delays. In any direction, Bracebridge, Rosseau, or Parry Sound, Highway 141 remains a top road.
Muskoka Road 3 – Aspdin Road
Condition: Excellent
Connecting Rousseau and Huntsville makes Muskoka Road 3 – Aspdin Road. This road is a top ten choice, thanks to its fun, fun, fun factor. The south end follows the edge of a few lakes and sometimes floods in the spring, but things are dry and ready to ride.
Ravenscliffe Road
Condition: Not recommended
Starting in Huntsville, the ride is still fun, but local traffic can make it less so. As Ravenscliffe Road turns into Stisted Road, conditions deteriorate. Potholes and sand become more common. There are a couple of road-construction spots and some chunky gravel, and now the second half of Stisted Road is dirt. For now, I would not recommend it unless you are on an adventure bike.
Highway 520
Condition: Excellent
The ride between Burk’s Falls and Magnetawan is memorable for its sweeping turns and spectacular views. In Magnetawan, you can enjoy lunch at the Magnetawan Snack Bar, Magnetawan Grill and Grocery, or The Bears Den food truck, all highly recommended. Since it’s too early for lunch for us, we continue riding, with Highway 522 next on our route.
Highway 522
Condition: Good
The remote vibe of Highway 522 makes you feel like you’re out there as it crosses the northern part of The Great Canadian Wilderness between Highways 11 and 69. The eastern section has smooth, sweeping curves on good pavement, while the western section has always struggled with winter’s ravages, and this past winter has left its mark more than any winter before. Watch out for rough patches and potholes.
You can fill up on gas, including premium, at Buchanan’s Hardware in Port Loring. For lunch, we stop by Jake’s Place, a local favourite. Now under new ownership, the friendly staff, good food, and local vibe remain the same.
We finish day two at the Best Western in Parry Sound. We enjoyed a great stay, but all the
dining options within walking distance are fast-food places. If you are willing to venture out on the
town, good food and good times can be had at Trestle Brewing Company, Maurizio’s Pizzeria Inc.,
or the Blue Lagoon.
Day three is home time, but not before checking off the final two of the top ten roads.
Tally-Ho Swords Road
Condition – All good
Winding between Highways 141 and 518, Tally-Ho Swords Road is a short, charming
stretch of smooth asphalt, perfect for riders who love wide, sweeping turns.
Highway 632 – Peninsula Road
Condition: Excellent
This scenic route offers many twists, turns, ascents, and descents, making for an
enjoyable ride. The road is clear and ready for travel. The popular Crossroads Restaurant
or Rosseau Pizzeria is a great place for lunch, but remember to check their hours to
ensure they’re open, particularly in the early season.
The Great Canadian Wilderness includes South Algonquin, Muskoka, Algonquin, Parry Sound, Loring-Restoule, and the Almaguin Highlands. It features excellent roads ideal for motorcycle tours. Travelling all ten routes described will cover around 1,500 kilometres from Toronto, offering either a couple of extended riding days or an ideal long weekend.
The winter was long and the spring wet, but that’s behind us, and riding season has arrived. I’m pleased to announce that The Great Canadian Wilderness is ready for riding. See you out there!