arrow-blue-right Cycle from beach to beach with a sprinkle of North Shore must-see attractions.

Cycle from Beach to Beach

Embark on a cycling journey from Terrace Bay Beach, located at the Aguasabon River’s mouth on Lake Superior, and marvel at the view from the Terrace Bay Lighthouse lookout. Proceed westward from the lighthouse into Schreiber to discover the unique charm of Schreiber Beach on the North Shore. Retrace your steps to visit the breathtaking Aguasabon Falls and a local craft brewery in Terrace Bay. Finally, return to the beach for some relaxation by the boardwalk or extend your adventure with a brief hike to the red chair lookout. This cycling route features a section of the Trans Canada Trail and the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.

Terrace Bay to Schreiber Beach Tour – Cycling (30)

Route Details

Experience Level:

Riders should possess experience and feel at ease cycling on the paved edges of Highway 17 amidst traffic, including trucks. The breadth of the shoulder on Highway 17 can fluctuate. Extra vigilance is advised on inclines. The on-highway route lacks signage.

The 2.4km ride up from the Terrace Bay beach is a continuous climb with an average grade 3.5% (max. 6.6%). The ride from Terrace Bay to Schreiber is hilly, including a 2.8 km climb (avg 2.1%) and a 280m steep climb (avg 5.4%, max 9.3%). Isbester Dr in Schreiber includes a very steep 1.4km (avg 5.7%, max 12.1%) hill including turns. Use extra caution on this hill and consider dismounting and walking if it can be done safely.

Tips:

Consider splitting the journey over two days with a night’s stay in Schreiber. Be sure to carry extra snacks and water when leaving Terrace Bay. The stretch to Schreiber isn’t extensive, but the route is demanding. Numerous establishments in Northern Ontario are family-run. If you plan to stop at these places, it’s advisable to contact them in advance.

Start Location:

Begin at Terrace Bay Beach (end of Beach Rd., Terrace Bay, ON) or a place of your preference.

Terrace Bay to Schreiber Beach Tour – Cycling (13)

The Ride

Ride Highlights

Reminder

This journey covers ~13km/8mi (each way) on the paved edges of Trans-Canada Highway 17, a provincial highway with a speed limit of 90km/h (56mph) and regular traffic, including trucks. Remember, this rewarding route has several challenging hills.

Ride Start: Terrace Bay Beach – 0 km

Start at this sandy beach on Lake Superior at the Aguasabon River’s mouth, offering ample parking and restrooms. The stunning boardwalk and nearby hiking trails offer plenty to explore and enjoy.

Suggested Stop: Simcoe Plaza – 2.4 km (1.5 miles)

This plaza houses various shops, including restaurants, convenience stores, and coffee shops, making it an ideal spot to stock up on food and drinks before heading to Schreiber. From this point until you reach Schreiber, you’ll be cycling on the paved shoulders of Highway 17.

Suggested Stop: Schreiber16 km (9.9 miles)

Exit the highway at Ontario Street to enter Schreiber. Here, you’ll find Breeze Bakery and Catering for a coffee and snack. More dining options and accommodations are available along the highway corridor, accessible via town side-streets. For a superior picnic at the beach, visit the Golden Rail for a special treat: the Godfather Poutine.

Terrace Bay to Schreiber Beach Tour – Cycling (47)

Ride Continued...

Rest Stop: Schreiber Beach – 18.6 km (11.5 miles)

Experience the magic of Schreiber Beach, where the power and majesty of Lake Superior are framed by towering hills. This is a perfect spot for a swim and a short walk along sections of the Casque Isle Trail. The Superior Picnic table is right on the beach.

Suggested Lunch: Schreiber Pt 2 21.2 km (13 miles)

Prepare for a challenging climb back to Schreiber, where you can grab some takeout or find a restaurant for a sit-down lunch. Local restaurants include Filane’s and the Voy Café for sit-down meals, and the Golden Rail for food-truck style meals. A local grocery store, Costa Grocery Store, is located at the corner of Columbia and Winnipeg.

Highway 17 21.9 (13.6 miles)

As you head east out of Schreiber, you’ll cycle the paved shoulders of Highway 17 again, where you’ll get to cruise as a reward for your earlier climbs. Continue to exercise caution, as you’ll gain a lot of speed on the downhills.

Aguasabon Falls33.4 km (20.7 miles)

Exit the highway at Aguasabon Gorge Rd to visit Aguasabon Falls just outside of Terrace Bay. The falls are a sight you won’t want to miss. Follow the road to its end, and the walkway to a viewing platform with an amazing view of the falls. Vault toilets are available in the parking lot.

Suggested Stop: Lighthouse Lookout and Simcoe Plaza36.3km (22.5 miles)

Back in Terrace Bay, stretch your legs with a walk up to the Terrace Bay lighthouse lookout for a view of Lake Superior. Stop here for a late lunch or to celebrate responsibly with a visit to Slate Island Brewing Co. From here, it’s all downhill in the best way possible, as you cruise the route back to Terrace Bay Beach with glimpses of Lake Superior through the trees.

Terrace Bay Beach and Ride’s End38.7 km (24 miles)

Celebrate your ride with a dip in Lake Superior or a stroll along the boardwalk. Head east from the boardwalk for a short hike to relax at the red chair lookout. If timed right, it’s a perfect spot to take in a Lake Superior sunset.