St Joseph Island 200 2026

## Route Logistics - **Total Distance:** ~201 km - **Format:** Out-and-back with a clockwise loop around St. Joseph's Island - **Terrain:** Rolling countryside with rhythmic rolls; the island interior features the challenging "P Line" hills. - **Surface:** Predominantly paved with high-quality rural road surfaces. This 200km brevet is sanctioned by Les Randonneurs Mondiaux and can be used as a pre-qualification event for Paris-Brest-Paris 2027. ## About the ride Starting from the historic hub of **Sault Ste. Marie**, this route invites randonneurs to discover why St. Joseph Island is often considered a cycling "Nirvana." After an initial southward trek from the city, you’ll cross the bridge to find a landscape defined by rolling hills, maple forests, and some of the most serene coastal riding in Northern Ontario. ### Sights Along the Way: * **Richard's Landing:** This beautiful waterfront community serves as an early control point. Whether you stop at **The Wharf Ice-cream** for a treat or the **Island Market** for supplies, it’s a perfect spot to soak in the village charm. * **Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site:** Located at the southernmost tip of the island, riders will pass near the ruins of this 1812-era British fort. The site offers a "time capsule" experience with stunning, unobstructed views across the water toward the United States. * **Hilton Beach:** Known for having one of the most picturesque marinas in Ontario, this village offers a perfect seaside atmosphere as you navigate the island's eastern shore. * **Black Bear Cafe:** Your inbound control point in the island's interior. It’s a local favorite and the ideal place to refuel with coffee before the final push back to the mainland. With low traffic, fresh lake breezes, and the lush canopy of maple trees that provide 18% of Ontario’s syrup, this 200km journey is a highlight of the Randonneur calendar.