The Lake Temiskaming Tour by Motorcycle

Motorcycling Lake Temiskaming Tour

In 2013, the Lake Temiskaming Tour was the second largest motorcycling tour in Ontario. This world-class circuit crosses the highways and hilly roads of Northeastern Ontario and Quebec. It is open throughout the biking season and can be accessed anywhere along the circuit. Starting from North Bay, here are a few places along the route that are worth mentioning:

Downtown North Bay is one of the most beautiful urban areas in Northern Ontario. Visitors can move from the waterfront to the downtown area through a tunnel connected to the old train station. The North Bay waterfront, with its unique design, is a good starting point for the circuit. Before beginning your ride, take a long walk along the Lake Nipissing sidewalk and stretch your legs while admiring the scenery. Choose among the variety of food options along the walk, from snack bars to a full restaurant in a moored ship. You can also take a cruise on the Chief Commanda. The whole family will enjoy the miniature train and a ride on the restored carousel.

Travel a little farther north and take Highway 11-B to Cobalt, the site of Ontario's first silver boom, which began over 100 years ago. Recent renovations to the Cobalt Railway Station have restored this historic building to its original beauty. Inside, an interpretative centre acquaints visitors with the area's exciting history; Cobalt produced more valuable minerals than the famous Klondike gold rush! The Cobalt Mining Museum boasts one of the world's largest displays of silver ore as well as thousands of historical photographs. Watch a play in the restored Classic Theatre. Take a walk along the self-guided Heritage Silver Trail in town, or drive along the 17-kilometre historical loop to see the remains of the mining boom. Cobalt's rich history is also displayed in two parks, which are landscaped with mining and milling equipment. The underground mine tour offered by the Cobalt Mining Museum is another must.

Drive another eight kilometres to Haileybury, the town in which the wealthy mine owners lived in the early 1900's. During the summer, Art in the Park is free to the public on Wednesday evenings. Walk among the various art exhibits as musicians play. From the waterfront, you can also enjoy the superb view of Lake Temiskaming and the sailing regattas hosted by the Haileybury Sailing Club. The Redstone Automotive Miniature Gallery on West Road has more than 3,500 miniature cars on display.

Before continuing around Lake Temiskaming, explore the gold mining towns of Matachewan, Kirkland Lake, and Elk Lake. Elk Lake Eco Centre, a beautiful resort area on the shores of the Montreal River, has wonderful restaurants and a fascinating ecological program. If you continue on Highway 65 to Matachewan, and then on Highway 66 to Kenogami, watch out for moose at dusk. The spiral chips at the Kenogami Bridge Inn on the edge of Lake Kenogami are another must.

Highway 66 continues to the Québec border, where it becomes Highway 101 South. Take Highway 391 to Angliers for a beautiful panoramic view of the Lac des Quinze and visit the Gédéon Lumber Camp in the forest. This historic camp provides a glimpse into the loggers' lives, with its interpretive panels and reconstructed buildings from the 1930's.

Continue on Route 391 and take Highway 101 towards Ville-Marie. The road is dotted with farms and offers magnificent views of Lake Témiscamingue. Walk along Ville-Marie's waterfront and visit the local chocolate factory, “Les Chocolats Martine”. Take a break at Chez Eugène's patio, eat at the tasty bistros and trendy restaurants, or sample beer from the local microbrewery: beers include “La Blonde du Frère Moffet” and “Devil's Rock”. Accommodations include campgrounds, chalets, and motels, most of which have stunning views of Lake Témiscamingue.

Leaving Ville-Marie, the National Historic Site of Fort Témiscamingue, located a few kilometres off Highway 101, is a must. Stroll along Lake Témiscamingue's magnificent pebble beach, and you'll find yourself imagining that a fur trapper carrying beaver pelts could appear! Make the most of your visit to Fort Témiscamingue by visiting the site's exhibitions and watching The Voyageurs, a film that tells the story of the fort's important contribution to Canadian history. Obadjiwan is an interactive exhibit that brings to life the fierce rivalry between the French and British in their attempts to exploit the fur trade. From the tip of Fort Témiscamingue, one can see St. Claude Mission located on the Ontario side of Lake Temiskaming.

Continue south on highway 101 to the village of Laniel, located on the shores of beautiful Lake Kipawa. A 110-metre-high wall tells the story of this small hamlet. From here, the road leads to the town of Temiscaming. Enjoy a meal in the old railway car and a dessert in the nearby creamery, all the while being serenaded by the town's beautiful waterfall. Take some time to visit the museum in the train station and to view the priceless bronze works of art in town.