LOCATION: DALRYMPLE
ROUTE DISTANCE: 75KM
COMPLETION TIME: 3-4H
This is a route that’s not too far away from the big cities, yet the experience makes you feel like you’re a long way from home. Alvar plains surround this nature-inspired route filled with a massive assortment of birds, some of which, like the loggerhead shrike, can only be found in this part of Ontario. If you’re into nature, especially birds, this all-roads ride might be the one for you.
Where it all Starts Dalrymple Ontario
Your journey begins in Dalrymple, a cottage hamlet, with a nice little community centre that appears ideal to park you car. I parked here for about 5-6h without issue, and could not find any signs with restrictions. This makes a great starting point; however, there are a couple of other nearby options such as the Carden Alvar Provincial Park lot. One of the benefits of the Community centre lot is access to a public washroom – it’s a little crude but it’s a nice added bonus.
Alvar Road:
As you pedal away from Dalrymple, Alvar Road welcomes you with a sudden change in terrain. The landscape transforms from cottage lake views to a mix of trees, rocks, and marsh. Be prepared for lots of ponding on the road after heavy rains and keep an eye out for spots where you can hike, but remember, bikes might not be allowed on these trails. Also be away that a large portion of land on Alvar road is still private property, only enter where it is allowed.
VICTORIA ROAD:
Exiting Alvar Road you will now be on Victoria Road. This road was established in the 1850s/60s and is one of Ontarios early colonization roads. It was created to push people further north. The government offered people free land if they could establish a home and generate money off the land (lumber or farming). Sadly the land in this part of the province was poorly suited for farming crops, the soil being very thin with solid rock only inches below. Many people failed and the population in this area quickly decreased before it got established. In terms of riding your bike on this road, although paved, there isn't much shoulder to ride on, so caution is advised, especially in the summer when traffic could pick up.
Black Bear Road:
The original route for this ride will take you on Black Bear road; however, at the time of this outing, it was completely flooded out. Depending on the conditions you may need to bypass this road, -- ride further south on Victoria—to McNamee Road instead and use that as an alternate.
Entering Kirkfield:
Before you enter Kirkfield you will pass one of the Trent Canal water locks, it’s worth stopping here to check it out, it’s a pretty impressive feat of engineering. The town of Kirkfield is a few kilometers away and it provides a good rest stop. In the town there is a couple of places to eat such as ‘Becky-Jo’s Vovo Fired Dough’ – also serves coffee. There is also a convienience store if you need a few snacks or water. When you exit Kirkfield you will be riding on Portage Road which is another historic Ontario road. It is named for the portage route that many first nations people used to go from Lake Simcoe to Balsam Lake.
Rockview Road:
Shortly exiting Kirkfield you will head south on Rockview Road. It offers a long stretch of gravel, flanked by Alvar on either side. Despite being mostly flat, what can drain you along this stretch and the few roads that follow is the high winds made even more challenging by the open alvar fields.
Centennial Park:
Making your way over to Centennial Park Road then taking it north transitions you from gravel to paved for a short period. Enjoy the water crossing around Canal Lake, which offers more opportunities to see some impressive birds – large swans and even several osprey nests. However, be cautious as the road is narrow and could be busy, especially in the summer when cottagers are in the area.
Kirkfield Road to Wylie Road:
Once you get on to kirkfield road things get a little busier. It’s paved but lacks a hard shoulder like many of these more northern roads. Thankfully it’s only a short distance to Wylie Road which will put you back in the Alvar Park.
Wylie Road:
Wylie is a long stretch of dirt road, that will push you north for about 10 kilometers. Afer heavy rains the road presents lots of pooling. Otherwise it is a mostly dirt and sand mix with little elevation change. It also offers hiking opportunities like Alvar Road to the north. This area is a bit more remote, you many see bears and moose on this section, ride with caution. Once you get to Alvar Road you will return back along the road you started, the community centre is about 5 kilometers from this point.
CHALLENGES
As you embark on this adventure, keep in mind that there are many no trespassing areas, so ensure you're on public land. In the summer, bugs could be bothersome, and be cautious of bears in the area. Overall, while not overly technical, the dirt roads can be tiresome and draining.
BUGS & BEARS: At the time of this ride (late april, single digit temperatures) there were no bugs to speak of at all. But due to the large number of marsh land and pooling water it could be bad in the later spring and summer months. If you're bothered by biting insects consider this route in early spring or fall. Also be aware there was 'tick' signs noted on some of the hiking trails. And finally it is common to see black bears along many of the dirt sections.
TRAFFIC: Because this area is a popular cottaging spot, it will be busy during the summer months. The paved roads will become a challege with no hard shoulder to speak of. The roads are mostly flat however so there is at least a good chance motorists will see you. Ride with lights.
REMOTE: Alvar and Wylie road are both long stretches that will see little traffic. Both are about 10KM long. If anything goes wrong along these stretches it can be either A. a long walk out to a major road, or B. a long while before someone passes by in a vehicle (or on bike).
The starting point of this ride is located at Dalrymple Community Centre (258 Lake Dalrymple Rd, Sebright, ON L0K 1W0). It is approximately 150km North-East of Toronto. And only 25-30km from Orillia.
Parking: You can park at the Community Centre or one of the Alvar Parking lots.
Public Transit: None.
Wylie, Alvar and Black Bear road can experience heavy ponding after rains. Sections could be washed out, plan for alternatives.
The paved sections can be busy during summer months with little shoulder protection.
Bugs will be bad during late spring and summer.
Rider Skill Level: Intermediate
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Terms of Use: Like all routes on Explore on Bike, if you decide to bike this route, do so at your own risk. Check current local weather, conditions, and closures before starting. Respect all land use rules, carry proper equipment, and follow the leave-no-trace principles This information is a planning resource, so do your own research. Despite careful preparation, we can't guarantee 100% accuracy or assume liability for injuries, property damage, or other issues that may occur while cycling this route.