Starting in Thunder Bay, this route will take you up and around the city, where you can explore its stunning landscape and incredible views. Cruising down the TransCanada highway, you will come up along the beautiful Kaministiquia River and find yourself at the “Niagara Falls of the North” Kakabeka Falls. After that, you will come to Fort William First Nation, where you will explore Mount McKay, riding to the top to take in the unforgettable sight of the city in all its glory. Your last stop ends at the Chippewa Park waterfront with a beautiful view of Lake Superior.
Communities:
This motorcycle tour will bring riders through Fort William First Nation, Thunder Bay, and Kakabeka. Each community offers its very own unique aspects to the ride and different businesses and experiences to explore.
Tips:
While the route takes you through each community it is worth while to travel off the main route and visit other great attractions in the area such as Fort William Historical Park or Prince Arthur’s Landing at the Thunder Bay Waterfront. There are also several restaurants to visit for a quick bite before carrying on.
Start Location:
Begin your ride a top of Mount McKay Scenic Lookout in Fort William First Nation or a place of your preference.
Ride Highlights
Ride Start: Mount McKay Scenic Lookout
Start your Waterfalls and Lookouts ride from a top Mount McKay. This gorgeous lookout is located within Fort William First Nation and overlooks the community below, Thunder Bay, and the Sleeping Giant. There is small fee to enter the lookout which goes towards maintaining the grounds. At the lookout you’ll find interpretation, board walk, and the Fort William Pow Wow Grounds.
Suggested Stop: Chippewa Park
After leaving the lookout you can travel through Fort William First Nation to Chippewa Park. The park is owned and operated by the City of Thunder Bay and offers guests a sandy beach on Lake Superior, a small amusement park, and several interpretive panels. The views of the Sleeping Giant from the beach is something you won’t want to miss.
Point of Interest: Kaministiquia River Swing Bridge
Upon leaving Fort William First Nation you will cross the Kaministiquia River Swing Bridge, known locally as the James Street Swing Bridge, bringing you into the City of Thunder Bay. This bridge was constructed in 1908 and is 530 feet long and 30 feet high.
Point on Interest: Kakabeka Falls
Traveling west of Thunder Bay on the tour you will come to the community of Kakabeka Falls, home to Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. This ride wouldn’t be complete without a stop in at the falls. Park your bikes in the paved parking lot and walk along the board walk to view the falls. Make sure to explore the area as you can walk to the other side of the river to view the falls from a different angle. Kakabeka Falls is over 40 metres high and is the second largest waterfall in all of Ontario.
Turnaround Point:
Traveling west of Kakabeka Falls you will take a left hand turn to bring you onto Sunshine Loop Rd. This road will take you back east, parallel to the highway. Once you get back to the Trans-Canada highway you will travel across onto highway 102 which will bring you back to Thunder Bay.