The best cycling routes around Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie offers a diverse range of terrain for touring cyclists. You'll find well-maintained paved roads, dedicated multi-use trails like the John Rowswell Hub Trail, and a growing network of gravel paths. The broader Algoma region features rolling hills and the rugged Canadian Shield, providing varied elevation changes. Routes like the Searchmont Highway offer hilly rides, while areas like Sylvan Valley provide scenic hills with less traffic. For a gentler experience, the Hub Trail is mostly flat.

Yes, Sault Ste. Marie has several easy and family-friendly options. The Fort Creek loop from Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is an easy 24.5 km route. Another great option is the Across the lock gates – St. Mary's Island loop from Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, which is 17.2 km and also rated easy. The John Rowswell Hub Trail, a 25 km multi-use trail, is particularly beginner-friendly with separate lanes and extended shoulders, connecting many points of interest within the city.

Many routes offer scenic views and access to local landmarks. The John Rowswell Hub Trail connects to the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site and the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. You can also enjoy expansive views of Lake Superior and the St. Marys River, especially along routes extending to Gros Cap and Pointe des Chenes. The Hiawatha Highlands, while known for mountain biking, offers tranquil forests and wetlands that can be appreciated from nearby touring routes.

The best time for touring cycling in Sault Ste. Marie is typically from late spring through early autumn. During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers warm temperatures, while spring and fall provide cooler rides and beautiful foliage. Winter cycling is possible for experienced riders, but many trails may be snow-covered.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Fort Creek loop from Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre (24.5 km) and the Fort Creek loop from Greyhound station (33 km). The John Rowswell Hub Trail is also a 25 km loop around the city, perfect for exploring without retracing your steps.

Parking is generally available at various access points for the cycling routes. For routes starting from the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, you can typically find parking there. Other routes might have designated parking areas near trailheads or in public lots within the city. For instance, the Fort Creek loop from Greyhound station suggests starting near the Greyhound station, where parking options may be available.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from waterfront views along the St. Marys River to the tranquil forests of areas like Fort Creek. The accessibility of trails like the John Rowswell Hub Trail, which connects many city attractions, is also frequently highlighted as a major benefit for exploring the city by bike.

While the touring cycling routes themselves may not directly pass by major waterfalls, the broader Hiawatha Highlands area, located north of downtown, is known for its cascading waterfalls within its extensive trail network. Some touring routes might offer views of the natural landscape that feeds these features, but for direct waterfall access, you might need to explore specific hiking or mountain biking trails within the Highlands.

Yes, for those seeking more challenge, routes like the Crystal Falls – Thayer Reservoir loop from Thayer Reservoir (22.2 km) and the Fort Creek loop from Greyhound station (33 km) are rated as moderate difficulty, offering more distance and elevation. Beyond the listed routes, road cycling options like the Searchmont Highway (a 100km round trip) or longer tours to Bruce Mines, Sylvan Valley, and Echo Bay provide varied terrain and distances up to 130 km for experienced cyclists.

While specific public transport connections directly to all trailheads might vary, the city's public transit system can help you get closer to some starting points. For example, the Fort Creek loop from Greyhound station is accessible from a central transport hub. The John Rowswell Hub Trail is designed to be easily accessible from various points within the city, making it convenient to reach by public transport or by cycling from your accommodation.

Yes, the region is gaining popularity for gravel cycling. Routes like Maki Road to Red Rock offer climbs out of the city before descending to Lake Superior on mixed surfaces. The Old Goulais Bay Road routes provide a test of fitness and skill with steep sections and potential loose rocks. Echo Bay, located east of Sault Ste. Marie, also serves as a starting point for many gravel routes with finer gravel and gentler terrain.