Published June 25, 2019
The 12th Annual Great Waterfront Trail adventure is a yearly week-long ride along the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. It is an amazing way to experience the beauty that Ontario and the Great Lakes have to offer.
Organized by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust (WFT), part of the goal of the Adventure is to help people reconnect with the Great Lakes. For the WFT, “The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is a key part of a strategy to protect, connect, and celebrate the Earth’s largest group of freshwater lakes.”
In 2019, the ride will be launching the entire Lake Huron North Channel Expansion of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and The Great Trail. This expansion follows 12 heritage rivers, connects with 11 northern lakes, winds through forests, and is the North’s first signed cycle route.
The ride takes place from July 28th through to August 2nd. Participants ride for 65 to 107km per day for a grand total of 410km over the course of the trip.
This year’s journey will “Cycle the North, Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury.” A part of the Great Trail (formerly the Trans-Canada Trail), this cycling adventure will travel along the coast of Northern Lake Huron, passing through 26 communities along the way.
Here are some of the highlights:
1
Sault Ste Marie
Beginning on the shores of St Mary’s River, you’ll get a chance to take in the beauty of Sault Ste. Marie before you hit the trail. Take the opportunity to view the 19th-century Sault Ste. Marie Canal, lined with red sandstone buildings. Prior to settlement by French Jesuits in the 1600s, Ojibwa communities made their livelihood by fishing along the river and many communities are still living in the Sault area today.
2
St. Joseph Island
This picturesque island is located just east of Sault Ste. Marie and is an ideal spot to explore by bike. Take a break at Big Point Park and enjoy the beautiful sandy beach at this stop over.
3
Bruce Mines
Along the way, participants will stop at Bruce Mines for an overnight visit. This pretty little town offers some great self-guided walking tours, so you can take advantage of your time there and go on a mini adventure.
4
Blind River
Blind River is situated on the North Channel of Lake Huron and is a charming town with the Mississauga River running right through it. There are so many places to enjoy the water, including Fourth Sand Beach where you can also access the Voyageur Hiking Trail.
5
Sudbury
The last stop on your ride is Sudbury. Greater Sudbury is surrounded by lakes and parks, there are so many places to explore. If you get the chance, take an early morning walk or ride along Ramsey Lake and soak in the view.
The ride is currently sold out but maps and itineraries are available, so you can plan your own adventure. Or, mark it in your calendar to sign up for next year’s ride! For more information and details click here.
