Lake Superior Expansion

Cycling the Canadian shores of Lake Superior is considered a “bucket list” experience by many avid cyclists. The rugged terrain and dramatic views of the largest freshwater lakes in the world won’t be found anywhere else. In the past, a lack of cycling infrastructure along the Canadian shore of Lake Superior has limited this cycling experience to only those experienced or determined enough to make the trip. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s ongoing commitment to create a province-wide cycling network as part of its CycleON strategy, however, is changing this dynamic. The resulting infrastructure improvements and cycling network growth throughout Ontario and along the Trans-Canada Highway 17 corridor on Lake Superior are creating new possibilities. With cycling infrastructure enhancements and implementation scheduled along the Highway 17 corridor, the unique experience of “cycling Lake Superior” will become more attainable, creating opportunity to develop a world-class cycling experience.

750 km continuous route from Manitouwadge, Ontario to Duluth, Minnesota creating a bi-national cycle tourism experience is possible by 2027

This study is the first of three phases exploring the feasibility of an expansion of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and Trans Canada Trail along the north shore of Lake Superior. The expansion would be a fully signed and connected recreational cycling route integrating linkages to destination cycling experiences, local waterfronts and existing hiking trails. It would provide a terrestrial complement to the Trans Canada Trail’s existing Lake Superior Water Trail, and provide a cycling experience to compliment the Voyageur Hiking Trail. The study is generously supported by Superior Country, Algoma Country, Destination Northern Ontario, Trans Canada Trail and Waterfront Regeneration Trust.

Resources

Lake Superior Expansion Feasibility Study including Appendix A: Study Resources

Appendix B – Thunder Bay Waterfront Trail Long Term Plan Draft Route

Appendix C – Lake Superior Map Storyboard

Appendix D: GWTA 2019 Overview and Participant Survey

Appendix E – Lake Superior Expansion Intro Presentations