Ontario’s longest secondary highway is also the farthest north you can travel on paved roads in Ontario. While the town of Pickle Lake isn’t much of a tourist attraction, there are plenty of small resorts and camps along the way. The fishing is incredible, and the stars at this longitude are a whole ‘nother thing. Read on for the full report…

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Highway 599 to Pickle Lake – Ride Report

• Rideability: Good – There are enough turns, twists, rises and descents to keep you entertained and awake for the full 300km ride to the top. Through the reserve, there are a couple of unexpectedly sharp turns, so keep your wits about you.
• Road Quality: OK. It’s pavement all the way, but there are a few bumps here and there. Any rider, save the lowest low-rider, should feel comfortable on this road.
• Scenic Value: Good. There’s a few massive lakes, a dry river bed that is occasionally flooded by the dam, and a few rapids. Just off the beaten path are some even nicers lakes, but most of the sideroads are gravel.
• Services: Fair. There is gas every 150km on this road, so don’t pass up an opportunity to fill up. Watch yourself on weekends and after hours. There are lots of small fishing resorts, but book ahead. We stayed at the OZ Lake Motel and we’re pretty pleased with the view, the swimming and the boat rental. There’s also a motel in Savant Lake across from one of the three gas stations on this route (the other two are in Silver Dollar, 60km north of the Trans Canada and one in Pickle Lake itself) but the town isn’t terribly inspiring.

Overall: This is a road pretty much built for bragging rights, but there are enough twists and turns, pleasant unique views and amenities to make it more than just that. I personally recommend doing this route, and spending a night out there. The night sky is clearer than anywhere I’ve stayed in ages, and I hear reports that the Northern Lights are more frequent out there…

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!