Generally speaking, roads that wind, twist, and meander along shorelines are what motorcycle dreams are made of. A huge thank you to those original road surveyors who determined the path of least resistance was along the water’s edge.
Hwy 17 between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa
Fortunately, Lake Superior is one gigantic shoreline (2726 miles/4387 km to be exact), where riders can give a nod to those that carved out 1450 miles/2333 km of sweet riding bliss.
Here is a list of 10 roads (in no particular order) that you must experience when riding around the Big Lake.
H58 Grand Marais to Munising
Ride Stats
Length: 50 miles/80 kilometres
Highlights: Quality of the pavement, Lack of traffic, Scenic overlooks in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Some riders have dubbed this newly surfaced section of asphalt the “Tail of the Dragon of the North”. Also known as the ‘Hurricane Highway’.
Highway 17 (Wawa – Sault Ste. Marie)
Ride Stats
Length: 140 miles/225 kilometres
Highlights: This stretch of road has been dubbed “One of the most scenic drives in Canada” by several media outlets. It delivers majestic views of the lake, rock cuts, and big sweeping curves.
Highway 17 (Nipigon – Marathon)
Ride Stats
Length: 113 miles/181 kilometres
Highlights: Big rock cuts, massive views of Lake Superior, Neys Provincial Park, true iconic Canadian wilderness.
M 26-M41 Calumet to Copper Harbour Loop
Ride Stats
Length: 78 miles/125 kilometres
Highlights: Spectacular shoreline views, scenic Copper & Eagle Harbour, and a very twisty route that you will want to turn around and do again and again.
South Boundary Road (Porcupine Mountains State Park)
Ride Stats
Length: 43 miles/69 kilometres
Highlights: This narrow super twisty road is unique because there is no development, no power lines, just mile after mile of good asphalt through a canopy of trees.
The Bridges (Duluth, Minnesota – Superior, Wisconsin)
Ride Stats
Length: 16 miles/25 kilometres
Highlights: Scenic viewpoints, ships, trains, industry, Anchor Bar, Canal Park, Aerial Lift Bridge in Canal Park, and Amsoil World Headquarters. If you are looking for a really great experience this is best ridden at night.
US 61 (Duluth, Minnesota to Pigeon River, Ontario)
Ride Stats
Length: 152 miles/244 kilometres
Highlights: Scenic Lake Superior overlooks, a tunnel, numerous State Parks, Split Rock Lighthouse, and the ‘World’s Best Donuts’ in Grand Marais.
Mt McKay Lookout Drive (Thunder Bay)
Ride Stats
Length: 3 miles/5 kilometres
Highlights: Incredible look out over Thunder Bay and Lake Superior. The road up is steep, a fun adventure, and safe for all bike types.
587 Sleeping Giant Provincial Park (Pass Lake to Silver Islet)
Ride Stats
Length: 24 miles/38 kilometres
Highlights: A super fun tight and twisty low traffic road that ends in the historic town of Silver Islet. Watch for deer along the roadsides.
Highway 129 (Thesalon – Chapleau – Wawa)
Ride Stats
Length: 230 miles/370 kilometres
Highlights: Part of the larger Grand Algoma Tour this stretch of road snakes its way through the Mississagi valley. Tight, tight twisties, great river views, makes you want to ride it over and over.
Ride Lake Superior 