Desbarats (Townships of Johnson & Tarbutt)

Quiet, scenic and pastoral, with gently rolling hills and long tracts of farmland, The Townships of Johnson, and Tarbutt offer an ideal ride for the casual cyclist with an adventurous spirit. Both Townships are anchored in the hamlet of Desbarats, the hub of a lively agricultural community where you’ll find equipment, a local produce market, variety store, community centre arena, LCBO, and a nearby public dock, making for an ideal stop on the Trail. The weekly, seasonal Farmers’ Market is a great stop for those who love to eat local, and is supported by thriving Mennonite and Amish communities.

Those staying for the day can stretch their legs on walking trails and scenic lookouts at the nearby Kensington Conservancy wildlife preserve, while those staying for longer can enjoy respite at a nearby lodge for fishing or hunting, or connect to nearby St. Joseph Island for the day.

Download Printable Map

Profiles-Townships-of-Johnson-and-Tarbutt

Trail Attributes

Distance: 17km

Includes:
Paved rural roads
Approximately 4km of unpaved (gravel) rural road

Local Maps and Connections Staging Areas Amenities and Transit Helpful Links

Links to Local Maps

The Central Algoma Freshwater Coalition, an organization devoted to the protection, improvement and restoration of watersheds in the Central Algoma Region, has produced an excellent downloadable map with suggested cycling, hiking and cross country skiing experiences.

Sylvan Circle Tour – A drive-focused experience that can be followed via much of the local Great Lakes Waterfront Trail connecting Bruce Mines to Echo Bay and looping back through the scenic Sylvan Valley.

Connections

Trans-Canada Trail – The Trans Canada Trail network stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, forming the largest trail network in the world. The Lake Huron North Channel section of the Trail is designated as Trans Canada Trail.