Winnipeg to Sault Ste. Marie – Stage 3

Winnipeg was at the heart of the country’s fur trade and instrumental in developing Canada’s Gateway to the West before Europeans arrived. It is also our gateway into the Canadian Shield.

Some describe the route from Winnipeg to Thunder Bay as the most nerve-racking part of the journey because there are narrow shoulders and speeding trucks. We will ride safely as a group and avoid busy sections wherever possible. From Winnipeg, there are a few alternate routes to avoid Highway 1 but at the Ontario border, we have limited choices.

Ontario’s license plate motto is, Yours to Discover, and that we will do! It’s a long ride through Ontario with many changing landscapes. At Kenora, we will head south to Sioux Narrows through wilderness and lake country. The TransCanada #11 heading east will take us through the western edge of the Canadian Shield country with many hills, pine forests and lakes. There are few services and towns on our way to Thunder Bay but plenty of opportunities to cool off in refreshing lakes and streams. From Thunder Bay, we will follow the northern shore of Lake Superior to Sault Ste. Marie. The hills along this section are some of the most challenging climbs in Canada, but it is also one of the prettiest parts of the tour as you ride along the north shore of Lake Superior. Small towns, beautiful lookouts and beaches along Lake Superior are highlights for this section.

The day-to-day route below is for planning purposes. Bike travel requires some flexibility for weather, road conditions, suitable camping and other factors outside our control. As much as possible we will stick to this itinerary, but please use the information below only as a general guide. Frequent updates will be available for each stage of the tour as we travel along the route. If you are planning to join us, please allow a few days on either end of the date range when making plans.

ConnecTour local events are in the planning stage

July is a moderately hot month along the Canaidian Shield and northern shore of Lake Superior. The average temperatures in this region range between min 11°C and max 30°C.  July is the warmest month in Sault Ste Marie. The great lakes act like heat sinks and keep the surrounding area a moderate temperature. As well, the lakes create a lot of moisture in the air. Daytime temperatures can allow for shorts, short-sleeved shirts, and dresses. But, be sure to pack for a range of temperatures and potentially cool or wet days. Always be prepared to dress in layers. Expect some long hot days with exposed sun and mosquitoes. We will search out cool and refreshing swims along the way. Don’t forget your sunscreen and bug spray. 

The daily trip plan and activities are adventurous and fun. The trip is all about enjoying the bike travel experience – we will pack what we need, eat well, and connect with each other and the locals along the route.

All group members are part of the team.  Everyone will agree to participate in group activities, food preparation, shopping, camp setup/cleanup, and telling the story. Regular rotation of trip activities will include:

• Green team – minimizing our impact on the places we visit and stay
• Journal team – documenting and sharing our daily activities with the group and broader community
• Hospitality team – keeping the group in good spirits
• Cook team – meal planning and preparation, grocery shopping and cleanup

What is included?

All day-to-day bike travel expenses, including:

• All group meals
• Daily snacks and happy hour
• All group camping and accommodation
• Campground and park fees
• Reservations and coordination of activities
• Trip leaders and basic bike mechanical service and repair

Please note:

• Beer, wine, and alcohol and extra snacks are at your own expense.
• Group meals are meals that we prepare together at camp or at picnics along the road.
• Meals and snacks on rest days and event days are at your own expense.

Food and Meals

We will be doing a mix of cooking and preparing our own food at camp or at picnics on the road. We can accommodate most diets and you will be involved in meal planning and preparation to share your favorite recipes with the group. Those who prefer to eat at restaurants or prepare their own food are free to do so at their own expense. You will have the opportunity to shop for food, snacks and drinks most days.

The fun thing about bike travel is that you can pretty much eat as much as you want. The food tastes better, the scenery will change the way you think about nature, and your mind will be clear. There is nothing better than ending a day’s ride by enjoying some snacks or a local craft beer. Sit around a table and share your daily highlights and images from the day. Wake each morning and go for a bike ride and do it all over again.

Our home on the road will be a mix of camping (sometimes not in official campsites) and home-stays as guests of friends and family or communities. As much as possible, we will choose well-maintained campgrounds and local stays with comfortable arrangements including indoor facilities and showers. In more remote backroads camping scenarios, we may have to improvise portable toilets and water features for cleaning up.

Those who prefer not to camp are free to stay in hotels or Air BnBs along the route, at your own expense. We will communicate with you each day about meeting points and other logistics.