25 Things to Do in Ride the Highlands in 2025
Riding season is almost here, and Ride the Highlands is ready. Whether you’re carving through legendary twisties, tracking down hidden gems, or fueling up at must-stop eateries, 2025 is packed with ways to make every kilometre count.
From epic rides to roadside attractions, here’s your ultimate bucket list for the season. How many can you check off?
Must-Rides and Moto Experiences
1. Pick up your Ride the Highlands patch and route patches. Did we mention they’re free? Click here to plan your stops and start collecting.
2. Take on all three ADV routes. If gravel is your thing, tackle the Pick-Axe, Timber Trail, and Gravel Crusher loops.
3. Explore the new Local Rides. Launching early summer, these routes are built for hub-and-spoke day trips, so you can ride light and keep the good times rolling.
4. Check off every Top 10 Road. We’ve narrowed it down to the absolute best rides in the Highlands. Think you can hit them all this season?
5. Join the Ride the Highlands Facebook group. Share your ride stories, post your best road shots, and swap tips with fellow riders.
6. Hunt down the larger-than-life roadside attractions. These oversized landmarks make for great ride-break photo ops.
7. Solo or group ride? Do both. Some roads are perfect for getting lost in your own thoughts, while others are best shared with your crew.
8. Ride early in the season. Beat the traffic and enjoy the open road before the summer rush.
Stops, Food, and Scenic Views
9. Refuel at Iron Rooster Rotisserie & Grill. Grab a bite and check out their vintage motorcycle museum while you’re there.
10. Take a break on a scenic patio. Nothing beats a good meal with a killer view—stop and soak it in.
11. Give moto camping a shot. Roll in, set up, and sleep under the stars at one of the many motorcycle-friendly campgrounds along the routes.
12. Hit up Wilno Tavern. A Ride the Highlands staple since day one, serving up authentic Polish cuisine and cold drinks.
13. Cool off mid-ride. Ontario’s Highlands is packed with rivers and lakes—ditch the gear for a quick dip before hitting the road again.
14.Talk to a local. They know the best twisty backroads, the go-to eats, and the hidden gems worth a detour.
15. Take to the air or water for a different kind of thrill. Try Airborne, OWL Rafting, Wilderness Tours, or Madawaska Kanu Centre when you need an off-bike adventure.
16. Check out Rally in the Valley. The inaugural motorcycle event rolls into Barry’s Bay on June 20–22—mark your calendar.
17. Load up on local craft beverages. Grab some brews, spirits, or cider to enjoy at your final stop of the day.
18. Fuel up with a strong cup of coffee. Stop at one of the Highlands’ many rider-friendly coffee shops for a caffeine fix.
19. Take in the views from epic lookouts. Ride up to Kamaniskeg Lake Lookout, Skyline Park, Eagles Nest Park, or St. Mary Catholic Church for incredible scenery.
Unforgettable Rides and Experiences
20. Plan a fall colour ride. Ontario’s Highlands explode with red, orange, and gold in the fall—this one’s a must.
21. Climb the Dorset Lookout Tower. At 30 meters tall, it offers a killer panoramic view of the Lake of Bays region.
22. Go on an ice cream tour. Hit a few stops and cool down with a cone on those scorching summer days.
23. Just wing it. Skip the pre-planned routes, play the left-right game, and see where you end up. Just make sure you’ve got a Ride the Highlands map for backup.
24. Make it a multi-day trip. There’s too much ground to cover in a single day. Book a stay at a motorcycle-friendly inn, lodge, or cabin and wake up ready for more.
25. Still reading? Nice work. You just found our Easter egg. Email us at ontariohighlands@gmail.com with “Ride the Highlands 2025” in the subject line for a shot at winning a Ride the Highlands “Motorcycle Only” parking sign. The winner will be randomly drawn on May 16 to kick off the riding season.
Start Planning Your 2025 Ride
No matter how many times you’ve hit these roads, there’s always something new to experience. Grab your map, fuel up, and chase the curves, the views, and the moments that make every ride unforgettable.