Day 46 - Wawa, Ont. to Montreal River Habour, Ont.

June 28, 2026 

Start Time: 6:30 am 

Stop Time: 1:30 pm 

KM Travelled:  108.1 km 

Elevation: +1,170/ -1,236 m 

Special Stuff: Early mornings, Memories, Water and electrolytes, Kindness to strangers

I like to start my bike rides early in the mornings – that way I have less traffic to deal with on the narrow highways (it usually picks up around 8:30 am) and I finish the ride before it gets too hot. Not all bikers take the same approach – Brian tells me that the past two mornings some of the bikers started out around 9:00 am. They must be more tolerant of traffic and heat than me. 

The mornings are such a tranquil time. Just like early morning coffee and reflection time, I love early morning riding. 

I get a narrow highway shoulder the whole day. This particular section of the highway looks like it has not had spring maintenance as there is sand built-up on the shoulder most of the way. I have not experienced this since Manning Park (where they probably hadn't done spring maintenance yet because they still had snow).

There are beautiful views of Lake Superior – the lake is so massive – it feels like an ocean. 

The distance to Sault Ste. Marie is the new mileage indicator. An updated mileage sign to Sault Ste. Marie is posted every 20 km.  

I stop for a little break at Katherine Cove, Lake Superior Provincial Park and see families and friends enjoying time together by the lake. My friend grew up in Ontario and talks about how she smells her childhood when she’s around Ontario lakes. I try to smell for something distinct, but I can’t detect it. Smell is one of our most powerful senses – and I believe it ties in with our sense of wellness as humans. I have lots of time to think, so I imagine what memories my friend associates with the smell of Ontario lakes: laughter, joking around, ripples shining on the water, birds chirping, loons calling, fishing, campfires...I'm sure that just barely scrapes the surface of it. 

I pass the 1100 km marker on a steep downhill slope. I notice it at the last moment and decide that getting a snapshot of it is worth slamming on the brakes (carefully of course) and putting it in reverse. 

I see my first wind turbines in Ontario. 

This stretch of highway has some REALLY steep hills in the direct sunlight. One hill at the tail end of the ride is particularly steep – I have the will power, strength and endurance to get to the top, but I need to stop because there is so much sweat dripping into my eyes that they are stinging and I can’t see anymore. I wipe my face and brow off, and clear the hill a short time later. 

Today there was no place to stop and buy water. The ride gets so hot I need to open my ‘last resort’ water bottle #5. I honestly can’t remember when I last filled water bottle #5. I have taken the advice I received back in Regina to stay well hydrated and to have electrolytes in every other water bottle (with more on board – just in case). I have been prone to migraine headaches (heat is often a trigger) that can take me out of commission for a few days – BUT – I have not had a migraine this whole trip. I’m thinking that maybe the water and electrolytes have something to do with this – an interesting discovery. 

At the campground in Montreal River Harbour, the campground manager says the stay is 'on-the-house'. She tells of how she supports people who are biking and walking with things like accommodation, food and water. She provides bagged lunches and water for people who need it when they head off down the road. Her kindness is such an amazing thing – makes me want to donate to HER cause!