Chicago to Toronto via Northern Ontario

[WaltM]

I am leaving in two weeks. Plan to cross that border at Sault St. Marie and head to Wawa, ON. Then down 129 and from there I should have another 4 days to get to Toronto. I hear 144 is good from between Timmins and Sudbury. Would like to get to Sturgeon Falls. May go down to Manitoulin Island. Or up to and around Lake Temiskaming, or....


Any advice from the locals as to what roads I need to hit. I mostly stick to pavement.


Thanks,
Walt

 

[verboten1]

129 is a great road. Otherwise, I don't recall much fun up there, but I went through in 2009

 

[limey]

Do you realize how busy Toronto is ? I avoid Toronto whenever I can. You say your crossing at Sault St Marie then heading north to Wawa HWY 17 is nice along lake. Never riden the 129 but have riden 144 the only thing I can say is lots of lakes, trees and mosquitoes. Other than that I do find Ontario boring. Wish I could help you out more. Where in Toronto you headed?

 

[WaltM]

Do you realize how busy Toronto is ? I avoid Toronto whenever I can. You say your crossing at Sault St Marie then heading north to Wawa HWY 17 is nice along lake. Never riden the 129 but have riden 144 the only thing I can say is lots of lakes, trees and mosquitoes. Other than that I do find Ontario boring. Wish I could help you out more. Where in Toronto you headed?

I am speaking at this event. http://events.linuxfoundation.org/events/linuxcon-north-america


Ontario looks like better riding than Illinois.

 

[nico_yyz]

in general, the roads in south western ontario are boring. If you look at a map you'll notice that the entire area is set out as a grid, proving very little twisties.

that being said, northern ontario is a lot better.

some things to consider:
* road 129 is great. paved. so is 144. you should have no issues.
* you're coming into toronto, so you have no choice but to take on the 400 series highways. If you can, time your arrival and departure outside of "rush" hours. Rush hour being a misnomer since rush hour pretty much lasts all day long. the 400 highway (coming in from the north) is insanely busy going north on Fridays, and going south on Sunday afternoon/nights. Since you're coming in for a conference I suspect this wont be an issue for you.
* Manitoulin Island is nice, but small, not sure it provides that much riding opportunities. It does force you to take the ferry which can be nice.

hope it works out. Enjoy Toronto. It's a great, safe city with a lot of food options.

 

[spam16v]

I spent an entire day on the island, went to see the light house, tons of cool places to camp, ferry was a fun morning activity. Would do again.