June Ontario trip

[Hymes Inc.]

Taking a trip to Ontario Canada in 3 weeks and was wondering if anyone would know the condition of a couple of roads I plan to travel? Highways 622 and 502. Never been to Canada so I decided to go wander around for a day or 2 just to say I have. Any information on traveling in Canada would be helpful also. Thanks.

[Yukonica]

Don't waste your time in Ontario. Scoot on up to Yukon.  Way less people/traffic.
A four lane road in Yukon means traffic going in opposite directions for the two centre lanes with room enough on each side for the deer to get a run at crossing. Other parts of the world call it a ditch. Here, the ATV riders take exception.

[JayDee24ca]

Leave your guns behind. Not allowed in Canada.
JD

[geoff in almonte]

Ontario is a big place.  A more specific area would be appreciated.

G

[JayDee24ca]

Actually, l googled the highways you referred to, and that is a spectacular area. Extremely light traffic and great looking pavement. That part of Ontario is wonderful, well away from urbanites and cities. Some fabulous scenery. You can't go wrong travelling the Canadian Shield. The overall vacation and riding experience in NW Ontario will certainly rival any other areas in Canada (including the Yukon) for beauty. I wish I was going with you.
 I haven't been in that particular area in many years, but if you look in street-view in Google maps, it shows very good riding surface database is a few years old though). Bring a portable fishing rod for some very nice fishing, but don't forget to get a visitors fishing permit.
I would suggest you carry a bit of Cdn cash, as you may find places that don't take CC or debit. If you are camping, don't be afraid to commando camp along the road. Carry a fair bit of bug dope for when you stop to take pictures. Maybe pick up some bear spray if you are camping, but make sure you don't try to take it across the border, either way, as it is prohibited to cross the border, despite being legal in both. Other than that, enjoy your ride and welcome to Canada.
JD

[nick949]

Taking a trip to Ontario Canada in 3 weeks and was wondering if anyone would know the condition of a couple of roads I plan to travel? Highways 622 and 502. Never been to Canada so I decided to go wander around for a day or 2 just to say I have. Any information on traveling in Canada would be helpful also. Thanks.

Hello Hymes Inc. (boy, that feels a weird way to address someone)

   That's at the other end of the province from me and I haven't ridden those roads although I know the region reasonably well from past canoe trips etc.  First, Google Streetview is your friend.  You can get a good idea of the overall road and riding conditions. There may be a few residual frost heaves, so keep you speed sane, but other than that the riding should be fine.  Watch out for deer and moose, especially if you are riding at dawn or dusk.

I would pay careful attention to the entry requirements for entering Canada - such as : http://canada.usembassy.gov/traveling_to_canada/entering-canada.html. Our border guards are every bit as humourless as yours.
For fishing, you will need a fishing licence - even for a single day: http://www.ontario.ca/travel-and-recreation/fishing-licence-non-residents-canada

Bear spray? Forget it.  Unless you smear yourself in fish guts and eat bacon inside your tent, you have more chance of getting struck by lightning.  If you camp, cook well away from your tent, wash fully, and store all food well away from your tent.  If you see a bear, you'll be lucky, not unfortunate. 

Distances can be long, so fill up whenever you get the chance. I always carry a bit of extra in a plastic jug just to be on the safe side. 

Make sure your insurance covers travel in Canada.  Make sure your health coverage covers Canada.

If you get stopped by the police, be calm and polite. They are business-like, but usually reasonably decent. However, excessive speeding is not tolerated.

Most tourists from the States understand this, but a surprising number just don't get it. Canada is a sovereign nation, not some undeclared US state or protectorate.  US laws don't apply.  Respect this, and you will get along just fine.

Ride safely. Have fun - and wave at everyone!  ;-T

Nick

[rss29]

As others have said, carry Canadian cash. US credit cards without the embedded chip won't work at most Canadian pumps and might be flat out refused by some merchants. That's a really remote area you're heading to so don't pass up any fuel stations. I wouldn't count on having cell service, so don't rely on a smartphone for navigation. Pack lots of bug spray. Then double it.

It's a gorgeous area. Have fun.

[rbm]

Have you seen this annotated map of motorcycle roads in Southern Ontario?

[nick949]

Have you seen this annotated map of motorcycle roads in Southern Ontario?

But where he's interested in is NW Ontario, near Dryden.

Nick

[Hymes Inc.]

Wow guys! Thanks for all the information. I would love to camp the whole trip but my brother that is coming with didn't sound thrilled with the idea so hotels for us. Planned on carrying some Cnd cash. Don't have to worry about speeding, I plan on taking my time and soaking in the scenery. Always polite and respectful, especially with authorities. Not fond of running out of gas so I will be filling up every chance I can, have a 4.7 gallon capacity with my home made tank. I will try to take pictures and maybe some video, I'm terrible about remembering to take pictures when I go on motorcycle trips, to busy checking things out and enjoying myself. This part of Ontario was chosen for the trip just because it is straight North and the closest for me to get to. Thanks again for the information.

[rodekyll]

All I can add is bring an extra gallon of gas.  and plenty of film for the brownie. 

[G-zulu]

Though I haven't been on it, fellow riders tell me 502 is good pavement. I also plan on riding that area in early June..