ALVAR Cycle TOUR Adventure

Proceeds go to the Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates (not-for-profit organization) to support cycling amenities, programs and development in local communities.

Enjoy majestic views on Manitoulin including glimpses of over 100 sparkling inland lakes while riding along serene and pastoral country roads.

2023 Dates

JUNE

June 12 - 16 | 308km week, 60-80km per day (REGISTRATION CLOSED)

June 19 - 23 | 308km week, 60-80km per day (REGISTRATION CLOSED)

SEPTEMBER

September 4 - 8 | 308km week, 60-80km per day (REGISTRATION CLOSED)

September 11 - 15 | 308km week, 60-80km per day (CALL FOR AVAILABILITY)

September 18 - 22 | 209km week, 36-52km per day

Alvar Cycle Adventure on Manitoulin Island

(308km, 60 –80km per day) or (209km 36-52km per day)

Discover the world’s largest fresh water Island. Take in the majestic views over Georgian Bay, the famous North Channel, the vast expanse of Lake Huron with glimpses of some of the 108 sparkling inland lakes, while riding along the silent, serene pastoral country roads. On Manitoulin, we move at a leisurely pace, locals call it "Island Time”.  Come and see for yourself why Manitoulin is one of the best loved cycle destinations in Ontario and nationwide. Your ever present tour guide tells you the stories letting you emerge deeply into the fascinating marine, geological and agricultural history. We will show you the natural Alvar formations, First Nations art and culture, art galleries, many museums, one-of-a-kind Mom and Pop shops, and locally produced food and drink. 

Your guide is with you in a car every day, all day. He is able to carry your personal items all day so you can ride pannier free. The longer tour includes a visit to the famous Bridal Veil Falls, and a tour to an Alpaca farm located on an original old settlers homestead.

The short tours include a bike and hike to the famous Cup and Saucer.

2023 FERRY DETAILS

JUNE

June 12 - 16 | 308km week

← Board Monday early ferry leaving Tobermory at 8:50am

→ Departing South Baymouth Friday 3:50pm

June 19 - 23 | 308km week

← Board Monday early ferry leaving Tobermory at 8:50am

→ Departing South Baymouth Friday 3:50pm

SEPTEMBER

September 4 - 8 | 308km week

← Board Monday early ferry leaving Tobermory at 8:50am

→ Departing South Baymouth Friday 3:50pm

September 11 - 15 | 308km week

← Board Monday early ferry leaving Tobermory at 8:50am

→ Departing South Baymouth Friday 3:50pm

September 18 - 22 | 209km week

← Board Monday early ferry leaving Tobermory at 8:50am

→ Departing South Baymouth Friday 3:50pm

308 km week (60 - 80km per day)

Day 1, 68 km: Welcome and start of your cycle vacation riding along the safe cycle infrastructure of paved shoulders to lunch on the lake in Manitowaning besides the old ferry and Mill. Visiting High Falls and Ten Mile Point’s spectacular view of Georgian Bay, the views visible all the way into the North Channel and the La Cloche mountains.  Next stop is Sheguaidah’s old town site and fish ladders, then onto Little Current, the only Island town with land access over the century old swing bridge.  

Day 2, 67 km: After a tour of Little Current, we ride along the paved shoulders of Hwy 540 overlooking the vast expanse of the North Channel, followed by a power break at a innovatively built greenhouse. A spectacular view into the famous Cup and Saucer  Manitoulins highest elevation). In M'Chigeeng you will see a small indigenous museum and soon arrive in Mindemoya, your town of rest.    

Day 3, 73 km: A visit to the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, experience an Alpaca farm-tour, see famous Bridal Veil Falls with the sculptures found in town and the splendid view of the North Channel. Rolling along will bring you back to your accommodation near Mindemoya.    

Day 4, 60 km: After a stop at the impressive war memorials, we will hear details about Manitoulin's Alvar formations, visit both the Perivale and Mutchmor Gallery, and overlook the largest sand beach and boardwalk in Providence Bay, Returning back to you accommodation.

Day 5, 40 km: On the final day we will stop at a stream rehabilitation site and return to the Ferry dock.

209 km week (36 - 52km per day)

Day 1, 40 km: Welcome and start of your cycle vacation riding along the safe cycle infrastructure of paved shoulders, visit to the fisheries, lunch break on beautiful  lake Manitou, rolling past Big Lake into Mindemoya.

Day 2, 39 km: Bike and Hike day, starting early biking along the west side of Lake Manitou will bring you to the famous Cup and Saucer. Quick change of shoes, grabbing a bagged lunch and your off to climb part of the Niagara Escarpment, rewarded with the stunning views from the highest elevation on Manitoulin Island. Riding on safe  paved shoulders you will find yourself in M’Chigeeng overlooking West Bay. At the museum, amongst many other items, you will see, exquisite quilt boxes, moccasins, paintings and wonderful Indigenous pottery. You will visit the Pow-Wow ground and  the Ojibwa Cultural Foundation. Wide paved shoulders will bring you back to Mindemoya.

Day 3, 52 km: Cycling along the west side of Lake Mindemoya brings you to one of Manitoulin's Alvar formations, you will visit the Perivale Gallery,  one of Ontario’s best . Lunch break will be at Lake Kagawong, Manitoulin's second largest lake. Past the small town of Spring Bay, through wonderful farming country you will find yourself back in Mindemoya. 

Day 4, 38 km:  After a stop at the impressive war memorials, you will soon be at the largest sand beach in the little hamlet of Providence Bay. The lovely boardwalk with lunch overlooking the vast expanse of Lake Huron are sure to lift your spirit. Cycling along gently rolling farmland will bring you back to Mindemoya.  

Day 5, 40 km: On your last day you will visit a century old hardware store and soon after find yourself at the ferry Terminal. 

or call 705 968 1755 for more information