There are roads that stimulate the imagination of motorcyclists, and many have heard of the famous Tail of the Dragon, a 318-curve stretch of Highway 129 on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina in the United States. But did you know that Ontario also has a Route 129 renowned for its 200 km of twists and turns?
Fully paved since 1983, it’s the southern part of the route that offers the most curves. Winding its way through the wilderness of the Mississagi Valley, this road evokes a veritable dance floor, where you’ll enjoy waltzing in symbiosis with your motorcycle.
Route description
The 225 km route from Chapleau to Thessalon is 225 km long. Allow two days to complete it, bearing in mind that it is aimed at experienced motorcyclists. Chapleau is about 1050 km from Montreal and 1300 km from Quebec City.
Start this itinerary in Chapleau, where you will have spent the night. The small, simple and clean Chapleau Motel is the perfect place to stay. Make sure you book in advance, as accommodation is limited in this remote region. Chapleau is located at the northern end of Route 129 (1) , so hop on your motorcycle and head south. After 25 km, you’ll see a sign on your right indicating the Continental Divide, with the region’s rivers flowing towards the Arctic on one side and the Atlantic on the other. Pause to capture the moment in a photo (beware: moose are often present here). You’ll then cross the Wenebegon Provincial Park and pass a number of packages before arriving at the Wenebegon River, some 75 km further on. Around km 100, the road becomes particularly winding, as it follows the course of the river and enters Aubrey Falls Provincial Park.
Look out for the brown and yellow Aubrey Falls sign. Thirteen kilometers further on, stop off at Blackcreek Outfitters to stock up on provisions or fuel, or even sleep in one of its little cabins. In addition to food and fuel, they sell camping supplies, souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Head south again. The terrain is quite mountainous, so the ribbon of asphalt here is like a rollercoaster! You’ll soon reach the Mississagi River, which you’ll follow at close quarters in a succession of pleasant curves. The track hugs the banks of the river and carries you through the boreal forest. Smell the fir trees!
You’ll soon come to an obligatory stop: the Tunnel Lake Trading Post and Motel, where you’ll see two metal dragon sculptures and a sign announcing “Tail of the Dragon, Highway 129” on the main building.
You can refuel and stock up on provisions here, and pick up a souvenir of your time on the magnificent Highway 129. Before reaching Thessalon, take a right turn onto Little Rapids Road (2) to reach the Heritage Park Museum and the Little Rapids General Store, a pleasant little detour that will transport you back to the 19th century. Back on Route 129, it’s about 5 km to Thessalon.
Good to know
Make sure you bring food, refreshments, insect repellent and petrol before setting off on this route. You’ll find two gas stations between Chapleau and Thessalon, but they may not always be open.
There’s also the Greater Algoma Tour.
Want more? Plan an extra two or three days to tackle the Grand Algoma Tour, a splendid circuit. Many scenic viewpoints and fun stops await you along the way, plus numerous beaches and waterfalls, interesting museums and, above all, the pleasure of riding a motorcycle. This is undoubtedly the best motorcycle tour in Ontario!
Address book
Blackcreek Outfitters
- 9538F route 129, Thessalon
- 705-841-2555
- www.blackcreekoutfitterstore.ca
Tunnel Lake Trading Post and Motel
- 6274 route 129, Thessalon
- 705-841-2508
- https://tunnellake.ca
Little Rapids General Store
- 59 Little Rapids Rd., Thessalon
- 705-842-3717
Little Rapids General Store
- Chapleau Motel, 44 Lansdowne St. Chapleau
- 705-864-1647
- https://thechapleaumotel.ca
Aubrey Falls Provincial Park
- Route 129 85 km north of Thessalon
- 705-865-2021
- www.ontarioparks.ca/park/aubreyfalls
Heritage Park Museum
- 2 Little Rapids Rd., Thessalon,
- 705-842-2722, www.facebook.com/
- Thessalon Township Heritage Association
