Explore Off the Beaten Path
Multi Day Road Trip for Explorers, Hikers and Cyclists
Written in collaboration with Culinary Tourism Alliance for the Great Taste of Ontario Road Trip
The rugged outback of the highlands offers plenty of space for adrenaline seekers to play. Rock cliffs, cycling trails, canoe routes and more will leave travelers looking for food to fuel their bodies to keep up with the adventures awaiting. Whether it’s a quick bite to eat or a satisfying organically grown dish for connoisseurs, there’s a little bit of everything to fuel your Adrenaline in Almaguin.
The unbridled territory of the Almaguin region offers an abundance of heart-pounding and physical endurance for thrill seekers to check off some passport stops. Take some time away from the daily grind to push it to the max by booking a package with Missing Link Adventure Tours. This is a great opportunity to stay in southern Almaguin and experience cycling at new heights. Santosha Farm provides amazing, home-grown meals to keep your body going, this one-of-a-kind adventure retreat is well worth booking in advance! With customizable packages, theme tours, and accommodations for non-cyclist guests, Missing Link Adventure Tours has plenty of options to offer your group getaway. Enjoy Almaguin’s breweries, arts, and picturesque qualities while staying with Missing Link.
After gathering some information about the area from Almaguin’s local business owners, try a tour of your own! Hike Loxton Beaver Trail, between South River and Ballentyne you’ll find an 8.5 Km hiking loop that will give your bike a break. Be sure to swing by Broken Paddle Patio for drinks on their licensed patio. Broken Paddle Patio is a great place to enjoy delicious dishes with a view but be sure to reserve a spot for meals well in advance! Check out the online bookings for rentals, guides and services with Voyageur Quest Outfitting & Algonquin Wilderness Centre. Camping spots can alternatively be reserved at Mikisew Provincial Park. There are other great stops on the way to Loxton Beaver Trail in the town of South River for anyone without a pre-booked plan. Here, you’ll find Sherri's Diner for take-out and the South River Chip Stand where you can try your hand in the card deck to see if you’re a lucky winner! If you’re looking for a well-rounded meal, The Wagon Wheel and Echoes Restaurant in Powassan also offer a taste of Almaguin’s local cuisine for take-out.
If a pre-booked adventure is a preferred alternative option to a self-guided exploration, you can check-in for a retreat at Northern Edge Algonquin, and let the professionals do the planning. Northern Edge is a perfect get-away to unplug with a group of friends or family, or even on your own at a pre-scheduled retreat where you can hike, bike, paddle and relax while lodging in Algonquin Park and nourishing the body with globally far-flung tastes using provincially produced foods!
After your stay, or on your way to the Northern Edge, take a trip over to Eagle Lake Golf and try their pub menu after a round of golf!
Only a quick drive from Eagle Lake, Swift Outdoor Centre in South River offers Canoe, Kayak and SUP rentals for pre-booked pick-up. Try the Portage River Run featured on Discovery Routes. This entry level scenic 4-day trip will take you through some white water and portaging around shallow sections and beaver dams. Be sure to stock up on meals for camping at South River Freshmart or Sundridge Foodland.
A drive on the Pevensey road between Sundridge and Burk’s Falls will take you through the communities of Pevensey and Hartfell where you can explore Kent’s Mill road after filling up at Bernard’s Bistro on the Lake in Sundridge, or Curb Your Appetite in Burk’s Falls. See if you can find the private path to a look-out off the side of the road offering a breath-taking view from the top of a cliff. You can ask at nearby Hubberts Maple for directions.
Take a self-guided cycle down Ontario’s Ghost Road (Commanda to Magnetawan) on Old Nipissing Road. End the route with a rest at Lion’s Park in Magnetawan beside the roaring falls while indulging in a meal from Magnetawan Grill and Grocery or Algonquin Fine Foods.
Whether you are here to road-trip, hike, bike, or paddle, there is an adventure waiting for you!