Fuel for the Ride: High-Octane Coffee Stops Across the Highlands
Ask any seasoned rider—when you’re chasing curves and carving through Ontario’s Highlands, there’s one essential stop that rivals gas stations and lookout points: the coffee shop.
Not just any coffee shop. We’re talking about the kind of place that smells like freshly ground beans, serves food made with real care, and gives you that perfect mid-ride jolt. These are the stops where helmets pile on tables, conversations flow, and you leave with more than caffeine—you leave recharged.
We’ve made it easy—here’s your route-by-route list of high-octane cafés to hit up during your next motorcycle tour through Ride the Highlands:
Covering the heart of the region, the Highlands Loop is a multi-day ride packed with scenic routes, hidden gems, and unforgettable pit stops. These cafés are worth pulling over for:
OWL Rafting’s Waterfront Café – Foresters Falls
Down Rafters Road, this waterfront café is a chill break from the ride. Kick back with a specialty coffee, a hot meal, or a fresh milkshake with a view of the water. Pure gold on a warm day.
Shamrock Café – Plevna
This Irish-inspired café has everything you need to stay sharp on the road: a strong cup of coffee, fresh baked goods, homemade soups, and sandwiches to enjoy on the spot or later down the road—all served with cozy, small-town hospitality.
Other Route Coffee Stops:
- The Muse Gallery & Café – Bancroft
- Madawaska Coffee Co. – Barry’s Bay
- Rosie’s Café & General Store – Denbigh
- Oh-el-la Café – Calabogie
- Cardinal Café – Sharbot Lake
- Cube Coffee Bar TWD – Tweed
- Wildflower Bakery – Havelock
Carving through the Ottawa Valley, this route mixes epic roads with river views and local flavour. Here’s where to stop for your coffee fix:
Oh-el-la Café – Calabogie
Just off Centennial Lake Road, Oh-el-la serves top-tier espresso, matcha lattes, and everything in between. Stylish inside, chill on the patio, with views of Calabogie Lake and a vibe that matches your throttle pace.
Rosie’s Café & General Store – Denbigh
More than just a general store, Rosie’s is that all-in-one pit stop—fuel for your ride and a cup of coffee to keep you going. Located right on Highway 41, it’s the Highlands’ version of a classic roadside hero with no-fuss service and small-town charm.
Other Route Coffee Stops:
- The Muse Gallery & Café – Bancroft
- Madawaska Coffee Co. – Barry’s Bay
- Fifth Chute Coffee – Eganville
Blasting through the rock and rolling into scenic towns, this 2-day loop is made for riders who love the thrill. Here’s where to recharge:
The Muse Gallery & Café – Bancroft
Fuel up on locally roasted espresso, Hungarian stews, paninis, fresh salads, and baked goods. Bonus: there’s plenty of local art and handmade items to check out while you’re recharging your batteries.
A relaxed route winding around lakes and locks, Rideau Ridge is all about small-town charm and scenic cruising. These stops are perfect when you need to stretch your legs and grab a cup:
North Folk Café – Perth
Downtown Perth delivers big with this local favourite. Their espresso is roasted nearby in Smiths Falls, the food’s seasonal, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try their house-made kombucha. Great vibe, great fuel.
Cardinal Café – Sharbot Lake
Need breakfast, lunch, or just a great espresso and a doughnut? Cardinal Café’s got you covered. Bonus points for their soft serve—yes, soft serve. A cozy, friendly stop right off the main drag.
This mostly gravel loop takes you deep into rugged Ontario’s Highlands beauty. Whether you’re riding it all in one day or stretching it out, these cafés will keep you going strong:
Madawaska Coffee Co. – Barry’s Bay
This one’s a staple. Madawaska roasts their own beans and delivers smooth, full-bodied brews that keep riders coming back. Grab a pastry, sip something strong, and toss a bag of beans in your saddlebag for later.
Fifth Chute Coffee – Eganville
Real bread. Real coffee. No gimmicks. Drop in to refuel with a cappuccino and a pastry, and don’t leave without a loaf of their in-house sourdough. Worth the detour.
Other Route Coffee Stops:
- Oh-el-la Café – Calabogie
Backroads, gravel, and big views—this multi-day loop is made for riders who like it a little dusty and a lot rewarding. Here’s where to grab that all-important coffee break:
Cube Coffee Bar TWD – Tweed
This one’s for the riders who want a solid brew and something fresh to go with it. Cube serves up direct-trade coffee from a PEC micro-roaster, fresh pastries, and a range of vegan and vegetarian bites—including their famous vegan banana bread. A top-tier stop whether you’re gearing up or winding down.
Other Route Coffee Stops:
- Cardinal Café – Sharbot Lake
- North Folk Café – Perth
- The Quartermaster’s Store & Quirky Café – Tamworth
Wherever your throttle takes you, make time for a great coffee stop. These places are more than just refueling stations—they’re part of the ride. So, park the bike, grab a cup, and soak it all in.