High-Octane Coffee Stops
We all know that when planning our motorcycle rides, there are select stops that have higher priority over others like gas, bakeries, craft breweries and of course the highly coveted coffee shop. There is something about a good coffee shop that attracts riders.
Maybe it’s that little pick-me-up that fuels you for your long journey, or a place to brake and recap the morning’s ride. Maybe just like each bike is unique in its own way, with its different customizations, so is each coffee shop and the coffee it brews. Either way, we, like most riders are always looking for that high-test goodness.
So, to help you find those must stop coffee shops on your next Ride the Highlands tour, we have created a list of places to stop at and refuel.
Located in Barry’s Bay and Pembroke, Madawaska Coffee Co. roasts their own beans making your choice of caffeinated drink delicious to the very last drop. Pair it with one of their freshly baked pastries and you have the perfect combination to keep you fueled for the rest of your journey. Don’t forget to pick up a bag of their beans to pack in your saddlebag.
Whether you’re about to ride Centennial Lake Road or just finished it, Oh-el-la Café is the place to stop to get your java fix. Step inside this trendy coffee shop located in Calabogie and see how every detail has been carefully selected. Choose from a menu of drinks including a traditional Americano, or choose one of their specialty drinks like a chai or matcha latte. On a nice day, opt to sit on their outdoor patio for a great view of Calabogie Lake.
Don’t be fooled by the name, The Little Coffee Shop has a large selection of high-octane beverages brewed from locally sourced roasted beans. Even on those hot riding days, you can find a cold brew ice coffee to cool you down and give you the energy to keep riding the twisty roads that surround you. This coffee shop is also known for their freshly baked donuts, so make sure you pick up a few to give you that added sugar rush.
What do you get when you put a bakery and a coffee shop together? You get the Wildflower Bakery. While their primary focus is breads and baked goods, we can’t help but love the coffee they serve. If you are riding the Highlands Loop or Dynamite Alley, drop your kickstand here to get revved up before hitting highway 504 or 507.
North Folk Café is located in Perth’s quaint downtown. Take a break from riding the Rideau Ridge for a little caffeinated pick me up thanks to their locally sourced espresso beans roasted by Mighty Valley Coffee just down the road in Smiths Falls. The food and beverage menu is seasonally inspired, and if you are a Kombucha fan or have always wanted to try, owner Dasha creates her own which you can purchase in store.
While technically not a coffee shop, we feel that Rosie’s Café & General Store deserves to be part of this list. Located in the heart of Ontario’s Highlands on Highway 41, Rosie’s is the perfect place to brake for a quick stop to refuel. Rosie’s provides you with high-octane for both you and your bike to get back on the road in no time.
With fall around the corner, these coffee shops are a great place to stop and warm up with a caffeinated beverage that will get you into second gear. Happy riding!
You didn’t mention the Cardinal Cafe in Sharbot Lake! Great coffe and fresh baked treats, sandwich’s in beautifully restored brick church
We have tried contacting them in the past to become part of Ride the Highlands, and we have never received a response. We would love to have them as a Ride the Highlands business.
We rode the Highlands only once. We started from Ottawa and did a loop through Quebec 158, Pembroke, Algonquin Park, Highlands, Calabogie etc. Nice 2.5 – 3 days. Loved it.
https://youtu.be/ja8CgX8D8Mc