A 1400 km Escape to Pure Bliss – Riding the Highlands Loop
I am no stranger to Ontario’s Highlands and have ridden many of the roads. Being located just north of Toronto, many of these road explorations have been done expediently – leave very early, get there quickly, and ride until it is time to head back home before sunset. Wanting to ride as long as I can, I will stop to fuel up, eat a protein bar, and keep riding. I have never really taken the time to slow down, explore and enjoy everything to the fullest.
Last summer, MJ and I got an amazing opportunity to carve out six days to discover the hidden gems and hospitality this region offers. In mid-August 2025, we traded our day-to-day online team meetings and email pings, for six days of open-road freedom on Ride the Highlands’ longest paved route, the Highlands Loop. Covering over 1400 kms and stopping at over 30 roadside attractions, shops, lookouts and hotels, this ride offered the perfect blend of winding roads, lakeside serenity and genuine human connection.
Living in the Moment: Disconnecting from Everyday Life
Swapping traffic lights for towering pines, meant my phone spent most of the trip on my motorcycle handlebars in GPS mode, guiding us through this adventure. Each dawn began with mist rising off calm lakes or cool country pavement, and each dusk closed under a moon so bright that your phone flashlight often felt unnecessary.
With no deadlines to chase, my only countdown was how many corners until the next scenic vista, roadside discovery, or human encounter. Roadside attractions replaced online meetings, and every unmarked road construction detour felt like a mini-adventure, proof that sometimes the best way forward is to leave the grind behind.
Route Overview and Daily Breakdown
The Highlands Loop traces a circuit of over 1000 kms, and you can begin your journey at any point within the loop. Our adventure began in Haliburton going clockwise through Algonquin Park, Madawaska Valley, Calabogie, Sharbot Lake, Tweed, Bancroft and back to Haliburton. We also added an extra loop around the Ottawa Valley to explore one of the favourite riding areas in Ontario’s Highlands. Here’s how our six-day itinerary unfolded:
Day 1 (≈190 km): Download GPX File
- Checked our rides for safety and readiness
- Packed up and loaded our rides
- Departed from Markham to Haliburton
- Night at the Bonnie View Inn and Resort
Day 2 (≈215 km): Download GPX File
- Breakfast at the Bonnie View Inn
- Ride begins with a quick stop in Haliburton at SIRCH Bistro & Bakery
- Onwards to Stanhope Heritage Museum followed by the Dorset Lookout Tower
- Entered Algonquin Park trough the West Gate with photo stops the Visitor Centre and Logging Museum
- Night in Barry’s Bay at the Balmoral Hotel
Day 3 (≈215 km): Download GPX File
- Breakfast at Fifth Chute Coffee in Eganville
- Tour of the spectacular Bonnechere Caves
- Afternoon ride through Ottawa Valley – Shrine of St. Ann, Rockingham Church, and Crooked Slide Park
- Amazing visit of the Szare szeregi monument
- Dinner at Wilno Tavern Restaurant then another night the Balmoral Hotel
Day 4 (≈270 km): Download GPX File
- Breakfast at Madawaska Coffee Co.
- Photo stop at St. Mary’s Church followed by winding roads to Petawawa and Arnprior
- Shopping stop at 1840s General Store & Bakery in Pakenham
- Dinner at On the Rocks
- Night at Somewhere Inn Calabogie
Day 5 (≈200 km): Download GPX File
- Breakfast at Oh-el-la Cafe Calabogie
- Morning twisties toward Denbigh with stops at Rosie’s and the Cloyne Pioneer Museum
- Lunch at Back Forty Artisan Cheese and wine tasting at River House Vineyard & Winery
- Dinner at Belong Sharbot Lake with overnight stay in Sharbot Lake
Day 6 (≈340 km): Download GPX File
- Breakfast at Cardinal Cafe & Shop followed by scenic winding roads through Kaladar, Erinsville, and Marlbank
- Fun stop at North America’s Smallest Jailhouse in Tweed
- Lunch stop at the The Iron Rooster Rotisserie and Grill
- Cruise up to Bancroft and across the Haliburton Highlands
- Concluded the ride-out at the Bonnie View Inn & Resort
The Heart of the Highlands: Roadside Hospitality
The true highlight of this journey wasn’t just the ride and stops, it was the people we met along the way. Having just ridden these roads almost always in a hurry, imagine my amazement when I was given the opportunity to stop and soak in the sights, the attractions, and most importantly, connect with people. Let me tell you, hospitality runs deep all along the route:
– In Eganville, we witnessed true passion with owner Chris’s spirited stories of the discovery of Bonnechere Caves and the impact of tourism on the region over the past decade.
– At the Iron Rotisserie and Grill, owner Shelley was so inviting and passionate about the community and the importance of staying close to the people and things that matter.
– In Sharbot Lake, we shared a lovely coincidental encounter with Kathy, owner of nearby Clarendon Station, who enlightened us on how local small businesses support and promote each other.
– Even the smallest roadside farmstands greeted us with smiles, insider tips and invitations to return next season.
These encounters turned our 6-day excursion into a rolling community of open-road enthusiasts.
Hidden Gems and Unexpected Delights
Among the 30+ stops, it was the few unplanned discoveries that stole our heart:
– An unplanned roadside stop off Rockingham Road where a small stream revived our senses on a rainy day.
– An artisan shop in Petawawa where we found the perfect – and unexpected – housewarming sign to liven up our kitchen.
– A quiet dock on Sharbot Lake where loons called across the glassy morning waters.
These surprises remind you that the best routes are not just plotted on a map but uncovered while you ride.
Planning Your Own Highlands Loop Ride
If you’re tempted to tackle the Highlands Loop:
– Aim to ride from June to mid-August when wildflowers bloom along the ditches and roads are filled with fellow riders.
– Book your hotel/motel/camping accommodations at least a couple of months in advance to secure lakeside views and avoid disappointment.
– Pack layers, mornings can be cool by the water but afternoons heat up to surprising warmth.
– Keep your phone charged and consider carrying a power bank for emergencies.
– Download Ride the Highlands’ GPX files to ensure you have navigation in those spotty areas of cell reception
The Journey is the Destination
Six days, 1400 kms and more than 30 unforgettable stops later, the Highlands Loop proved to be more than a riding route, it was a reset button. It reminded me that the journey is the destination. If you’re craving panoramic roads, a digital detox, and the warmth of roadside hospitality, then map your riding escape and let Ontario’s Highlands help you rediscover your sense of wonder and amazement.
Gilles (@motogilles) is a passionate motorcycle enthusiast who’s goal is to inspire and encourage riders of all ages. He shares his rides and connects with fellow riders through a shared passion of riding Ontario motorcycle roads.