Hit the open road in Kawarthas Northumberland
River Road. Rice Lake Drive. Buckhorn Road. Every corner of Kawarthas Northumberland has a route prized by motorcyclists for its combination of colourful landscapes and nearby amenities.
Classy Chassis & Cycles (1399 8th Line Smith) is a popular hub for riders. In addition to sales and service, Classy Chassis offers an on-site food truck and regular events. Check their calendar for the regular Ride & Dine meetup, for instance, when you can meet fellow motorcycle enthusiasts and do a summer evening ride to a local restaurant.
Northumberland County has taken the legwork out of planning a trip, with an extensive 177km route designed specifically with motorcyclists in mind. The route is broken into east and west sections, so you can split the trip into manageable sections, or merge them into one epic ride.
Take the east route and your ride will begin in Brighton. From there you’ll follow the shore of Lake Ontario before turning north towards Warkworth. The rolling hills around the town and quaint shops make it both a treat to ride through and a good place to stretch your legs.
The next town along your way is Hastings, a quaint fishing town with plenty of amenities. If you’re hungry McGillicafey’s Pub is a popular choice. You might also chose to carry on through the small village of Trent River to Campbellford, where you can fuel up on Dooher’s Bakery donuts or enjoy a sitdown meal at Capers Tap House.
As you dip back down towards Brighton, you’ll pass through pastoral fields and down treelined roads. We recommend a celebratory dinner at The Whistling Duck before settling down for the night at Presqu’ile Beach Motel.
The west route begins in Campbellcroft and proceeds north towards Bewdley. Rhino’s Roadhouse makes a perfect stop if it’s lunchtime, before continuing on to the Rice Lake Scenic Drive. This stretch along the shore marks one of Northumberland’s most scenic routes—you’ll climb hills to be rewarded with rich greenery on your right and shining views of Rice Lake on your left (important note: the Google Map route linked above doesn’t follow Rice Lake as closely; turn north towards Gore’s Landing in order to add this scenic stretch).
Stop in Cobourg for the night and you’ll have done nearly a complete loop. Dining options abound in this area, and if you’re looking for accommodations the King George Inn offers easy access to downtown, and the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn is also a great choice.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas is beautiful year round, but fall is a particularly appealing time to ride. Of the recommended routes, Highway 507 (aka Buckhorn Road) is perhaps the best known.
Northern Ontario Travel has prepared a route beginning in Toronto, though you can also pick it up in Millbrook or Peterborough. The highlight is Buckhorn Road, a stretch of road that offers a good balance of visibility and engaging twists and turns—not to mention wooly natural landscapes. By following the western edge of Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park you’re guaranteed some pristine forest views.
The road eventually leaves the Peterborough & the Kawarthas region, though it eventually returns along the eastern edge of Kawartha Highlands, passing south through Apsley en route to Havelock. Returning to Peterborough clocks in at 280 km, so be sure to leave yourself time if you embark on the complete circuit.
If you do make it all the way round, you’re bound to be hungry and tired. Dining options in Peterborough are plentiful, as are motorcycle-friendly accommodations where you’ll be able to see your bike out the window (see here for listings). If you head a little further south towards Keene, you’ll almost always see a few cycles parked outside Muddy’s Pit BBQ, a restaurant justifiably famous for their southern-style comfort food.
Note the above-mentioned Classy Chassis is found just north of Peterborough, and Peterborough Cycle Salvage is also a great place to check in if you’re looking for parts or service in the area.
Kawartha Lakes has something a little different to offer—the Burnt River Off-Road Facility features a 13km trail system for fans of dirt biking. As opposed to the often wide-open tracks of other motocross facilities, Burnt River Off-Road offers a wild natural setting while you get your thrills.
If you prefer to stay on paved roads, Trail’s End Lodge is a great base to begin or end from. Beginning in Bobcaygeon, you can chart your own route through Kawartha Lakes to Fenelon Fall to Kirkfield to Coboconk and back. Kirkfield Road in particular will provide you with an isolated but well-maintained ride through fields and country.
As a Trent-Severn Trail Town, Coboconk offers plenty of food choices for hungry riders—the Pattie House Smoking BBQ is an ever-popular choice.
Bobcaygeon also makes a good starting point for the route following the park limits of Kawartha Highlands mentioned above.
There’s always more to see and do—browse the itineraries below for more daytrip and overnight suggestions around Kawarthas Northumberland.
Explore the TSW FROM PETERBOROUGH A luxurious houseboat is the perfect way to experience the iconic Trent-Severn Waterway Between The Canadian Canoe Museum and the newly established base for premium houseboat company Le Boat, it’s clear Peterborough is a major draw for anyone looking to get on the water. Head north or south along the Trent-Severn
Houseboat the TSW Explore the historic Trent-Severn Waterway from the comfort of your houseboat with this five-day itinerary There’s something magical about a houseboat. With everything you need on board, you’re free to follow your curiosity and take your time on a water-based vacation. What’s more, the scenic corridors that open into beautiful lakes and
Bobcaygeon to Lakefield by boat Spend two relaxing days travelling from the “Hub of the Kawarthas” to scenic, welcoming Lakefield Bobcaygeon is a special place—somehow it manages to feel alive and bustling yet tucked away and green at the same time. As a cottage country hub, it makes a natural starting point for a voyage