Mike’s Ride Report – Highway 17 from Wawa to Thunder Bay

This was one of my favourite roads from last year’s trip, so much so that even after a long day of riding, I went out with a GoPro strapped to my head and recorded the sunset while riding back to Marathon. There’s an incredible variety here, with some inland mountain roads, running around the side, cliffs on one side, rivers on the other, and then some spectacular descents where you can see Lake Superior in all it’s glory. Check the video below to get a taste of what I’m talking about.

Neys Provincial Park to Marathon, Ontario from Northern Ontario Motorcycle on Vimeo.

Highway 17 from Wawa to Thunder Bay – Ride Report

  • Rideability: Very high – This is one of those world-beating roads, no doubt about it. Remove everything but the pavement, and suspend it like a ribbon in space with the same curves, elevation changes, and pattern and you’ve got a long roller-coaster stretched out for maximum enjoyment. This isn’t the Spleen-Buster or the Stomach-Heaver – it’s more like the old wooden coasters that have been kept up since the fifties. Good for all sorts of wholesome thrills.
  • Road Quality: Very good – This is the Trans Canada afterall. Not many bumps, potholes, heaves or tar strips and the shoulders are generally just wide enough for a bike. Of course, traffic is so light, most vehicles can easily pass.
  • Scenic Value: Off the chart. This ride can’t be beat – it feels like a science fiction movie it’s so epic.
  • Services: Very good. Lots of gas, food and motels – by Northern Ontario standards. We still recommend making a fuel stops often, especially if you have a small tank. Terrace Bay and Rossport are must stops, and if you’re into adventure, try Eagle Canyon – home of Canada’s Longest Zip Line.


View North Shore of Superior in a larger map

Overall: Make this part of your major summer trip. Ride Lake Superior has the info on the big trip around the lake, and one that has few comparisons in North America for sheer scale. Even if you’re riding from far away, this is a ride you’ll not soon forget and is worth the extra KM’s.

As always, if you want more information about riding in Ontario, check out Routes.OntarioRides.ca or visit the home for Ontario Motorsports – www.GoRideOntario.com for information on all everything to do with motorized fun in Ontario!

Sailing Superior

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Captain Greg and Alexe run up the spinnaker and brighten up the harbour in Thunder Bay, Pie Island in the background.

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