northeastern Ontario

While we don't have as many byways to choose from (or at least not as many paved ones) we did manage a couple of noteworthy trips this summer.

1. Timmins - Elk Lake loop ... an excellent day ride from Timmins
From Timmins head south on hwy.144 to the WaterShed Restaurant, turn off onto hwy.560 towards Elk Lake, this is a beautiful windy road travelling past scenic lakes, a bear or two, which also gets excellent fall colour. From Elk Lake, on different trips, we take a variety of short routes to end in New Liskeard, Earlton or Englehart, and return to Timmins along hwy.11. very important note ... the gas station in Elk Lake is closed on Sundays!! so plan your trip accordingly.

2. Matheson - Kirkland Lake loop ... shorter but noteworthy
Taking hwy.101 behind Matheson towards the Quebec border, turn off on hwy. 672 past Esker Lakes Provincial Park (next time we will have to stop in there) to Kirkland Lake. This road brought back memories of the secondary Muskoka roads, excellent hills and corners, a fun ride. After purchasing gas in Matheson, we arrived in Kirkland Lake with plenty to spare.