Attention All Bikers ...
The Bikers’ Reunion began in New Liskeard in 1999. Their goal was to raise money to help fight cancer and to promote motorcycling. Since 2004, it has been an annual event, taking place on the last weekend in June. Last year, it welcomed more than 6,000 riders and approximately 25,000 visitors from across Canada. The participants gather at the New Liskeard Fall Fair grounds on the beautiful shores of Lake Temiskaming. Attractions for riders and visitors of all ages include concerts, food courts, children’s rides and kiosks from local businesses.The high point of the weekend is undoubtedly the Freedom Ride. This tribute to cancer patients starts at the Fair Grounds and ends at the Temiskaming Hospital. Last year, the motorcycle parade extended over 10 kilometres. To date, the Bikers’ Reunion has raised more than a million dollars to help fight cancer. Unfortunately, The Biker's Reunion had its final freedom ride in 2016.
Ride for Dad
Organized by the Prostate Foundation, Ride for Dad is held on the last weekend in June in several cities across Canada. In the Nipissing region, this event takes place a week before the Bikers’ Reunion in New Liskeard. Motorcyclists will enjoy a fun-filled weekend that includes lunch, a poker run, prizes, and much more -- all while helping raise money to fight prostate cancer in the community!Motorcycling Lake Temiskaming Tour
In 2013, the Lake Temiskaming Tour was the second largest motorcycling tour in Ontario. This world-class circuit crosses the highways and hilly roads of Northeastern Ontario and Quebec. It is open throughout the biking season and can be accessed anywhere along the circuit. Starting from North Bay, here are a few places along the route that are worth mentioning:
Downtown North Bay is one of the most beautiful urban areas in Northern Ontario. Visitors can move from the waterfront to the downtown area through a tunnel connected to the old train station. The North Bay waterfront, with its unique design, is a good starting point for the circuit. Before beginning your ride, take a long walk along the Lake Nipissing sidewalk and stretch your legs while admiring the scenery. Choose among the variety of food options along the walk, from snack bars to a full restaurant in a moored ship. You can also take a cruise on the Chief Commanda. The whole family will enjoy the miniature train and a ride on the restored carousel.
Travel a little farther north and take Highway 11-B to Cobalt, the site of Ontario’s first silver boom, which began over 100 years ago. Recent renovations to the Cobalt Railway Station have restored this historic building to its original beauty. Inside, an interpretative centre acquaints visitors with the area’s exciting history; Cobalt produced more valuable minerals than the famous Klondike gold rush! The Cobalt Mining Museum boasts one of the world’s largest displays of silver ore as well as thousands of historical photographs. Watch a play in the restored Classic Theatre. Take a walk along the self-guided Heritage Silver Trail in town, or drive along the 17-kilometre historical loop to see the remains of the mining boom. Cobalt’s rich history is also displayed in two parks, which are landscaped with mining and milling equipment. The underground mine tour offered by the Cobalt Mining Museum is another must.
Before continuing around Lake Temiskaming, explore the gold mining towns of Matachewan, Kirkland Lake, and Elk Lake. Elk Lake Eco Centre, a beautiful resort area on the shores of the Montreal River, has wonderful restaurants and a fascinating ecological program. If you continue on Highway 65 to Matachewan, and then on Highway 66 to Kenogami, watch out for moose at dusk. The spiral chips at the Kenogami Bridge Inn on the edge of Lake Kenogami are another must.
Highway 66 continues to the Québec border, where it becomes Highway 101 South. Take Highway 391 to Angliers for a beautiful panoramic view of the Lac des Quinze and visit the Gédéon Lumber Camp in the forest. This historic camp provides a glimpse into the loggers’ lives, with its interpretive panels and reconstructed buildings from the 1930’s.
Here is a list of venues, restaurants and accommodations that cater to motorcyclists.