Old Nipissing Ghost Road

The Old Nipissing Road is the quintessential ghost trail, once home to many settlements of hopeful pioneers, but now is guarded by their abandoned log cabins, cemeteries, homesteads, and weathered barns.

À DÉCOUVRIR

Indigenous History

The area was originally home to the Huron, Ojibway and Algonquin people. The vast area was shared as a communal hunting and fishing ground. Joined by language and culture, the indigenous tribes lived in familial groups for thousands of years before the area was first visited by European settlers.

Pioneer History

After the signing of the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, the Nipissing Colonial Road was built to give lumber companies access to the area’s vast tracts of timber-rich forest and to lure pioneers North with the prospect of free land. For years to come, stagecoaches bumped along the road between Rosseau and the prospering Village of Nipissing. By the turn of the century however, with the white pine forests exhausted and settlers disillusioned with the farming potential and harsh northern climate, the Old Nipissing Road fell into disrepair. The final blow was in 1886 when the Northern Extensions Railway originally planned between Gravenhurst and Callander re-routed away from the Nipissing Road. The condition of the old road today is a humbling reminder of how colonial mindsets failed where indigenous wisdom had persevered for eons. More information on the history of the road and a locally published historical guide book is available at http://nipissingroad.ca/. The old road’s history is commemorated in plaques telling tales of the classic Canadian struggle of survival in a land that could be as cruel as it is beautiful.

Commanda Heritage Centre

The Commanda General Store was built in 1885 during the boom years of settlement to serve as a supply centre for the pioneer lumbermen and farmers of the region. The building has been lovingly restored by local volunteers and acts as a hub in the community of Commanda. Check their Facebook page to see what’s happening from summer treats and ice cream, local artisan crafts, live music and café.

Magnetawan Historical Museum

With a riverside park and public beach, walking trails and museum, this is great spot to stop for a break and learn a little. The hand operated dam and locks are located on the Magnetawan River in the Village of Magnetawan. Built by the Ontario Government in 1883, the first lock system with stone-filled timber cribwork and was subsequently replaced in 1911 with the concrete structure seen today. The lock raised or lowered steamships through the early twentieth century opening passage as far as Ahmic Harbour.

Old Orange Hall

At the intersection of Nipissing Road and Ahmic Lake Road, just South of the ghost town of Spence, is the old Orange Hall which opened on Sept. 24, 1872 and remains standing to this day. It is one of the few remaining buildings in Spence that served its early settlers.

À EXPLORER

Trans Canada Trail

Long faded from its 19^th century bustling, glory, the Old Nipissing Road transformed into a playground for adventure-seekers longing for an escape to the wilderness. In the early 1990’s, a local group of trail enthusiasts, the Forgotten Trails Association teamed up with Discovery Routes to have the Old Nipissing Road designated as part of the Trans Canada Trail. It became one of the very first sections in Ontario to become part of what is now the world’s longest recreation trail.

Forgotten Trails

The Forgotten Trails Association creates, maintains and promotes safe and ecologically sustainable trails of natural or historical significance in the South River area. The four-season backcountry trails are managed by volunteers for the purpose of non-motorized recreational trail activities. For a change of pace, stroll along any of these hidden gems: Moose Mountain, Tower Trail, and Old Muskoka Trail.

Screaming Heads

The Screaming Heads is an outdoor art installation like no other. Located on the private property of retired art teacher Peter Camani, it is well worth a slight detour on the Southern Loop, of a few kms east on Midlothian Road.

Public Beach

South Loop Public Beach – heading North from Sprucedale, there is a boat launch and public swimming option at the North end of Big Doe Lake. From Stisted Road, 2km after Richardson Road, turn right onto James Camp Road and then Gilmore Lane.

EVENEMENTS

Missing Link Adventure Tours & Santosha Farms

Missing Link Adventure Tours (MLAT) just 6km North of Sprucedale along the Southern Loop is a Farm-stay retreat centre with packages and service tailored for cyclists. Guests at Missing Link Adventure Tours can enjoy a full meal plan with seasonal farm-stand produce from Santosha Farm and custom ride planning and itineraries. With in-depth knowledge of the Old Nipissing Road, a cycle tour with MLAT is an engaging experience.

Ghost Gravel Event

A chance sighting of an Old Nipissing Road historic plaque at the Commanda Museum by an avid Toronto cyclist and history buff began a three year journey of exploratory rides and research and, finally in 2021 the first Ghost Gravel event. Returning in 2022, with 150km and 100km route options, the Ghost Gravel is positioning itself as Ontario’s next must-ride supported gravel cycling event.

RAVITAILLEMENT A EMPORTER

Just off the Old Nipissing Road is Eagle Lake Narrows, a food and fuel stop on Eagle Lake with a public beach and washrooms. The locally famous, Cornball Store on the Nipissing Road is a must stop for ice cream, or homemade baked goods (gluten free options available) with water filling and washrooms available during business hours. Venturing on the North/ Algonquin Loop takes riders to an access to Algonquin Park and the Broken Paddle Patio at Voyageur Quest. Magnetawan and South River both have quick stops for grab and go snacks as well. On the South loop you can find the DragonFly Collective (Seasonal) – first opening in 2021, the DragonFly Collective provides a weekend schedule for sandwiches, coffee and drinks. Sprucedale has limited options for stopping, however Kirk’s Gas typically has a decent supply of mid-ride food. The Sprucedale Hotel – the legendary Sprucedale Hotel and Tavern is under new management and renovation. It is expected to be available as a food service stop in the future (stay tuned!)

HEBERGEMENT

For the bikepacking purist, there are a few camping options near the Old Nipissing Road: Mikisew Provincial Park; private, off-grid Cedar Grove Wilderness Campground; new to the air bnb roster Ironwood Heritage Crafts; and, farmstay Santosha Farms are a few. Crown land flanks sections along the upper reaches of the Old Nipissing Road as well as the Eastern section of the North/Algonquin Loop. If Crown land camping is your plan, check the Crown Land Policy Atlas and be absolutely sure you are not on private property.

Otherwise, there is a grand selection of traditional accommodations of the roofed variety including motels, inns, resorts, cottages and B&B’s. Whether you are interested in staying in luxury, enjoying the quaintness of small-town living, or roughing it in the great outdoors, Almaguin Highlands has all options available.