The Circuit and the Scenic Route: A Perfect Partnership

For the true car Motorsports-Inspired Road Trips, the thrill doesn’t end when the checkered flag waves. It continues on the open road. Ontario is home to world-class racetracks that have hosted motorsport legends, from the legendary Canadian Tire Motorsport Park to the heart-pounding Toronto Motorsports Park. But the surrounding areas are more than just a place to watch a race; they are a playground of epic driving roads, charming towns, and unique car-themed attractions.

This blog post is a love letter to the perfect pairing of Motorsports-Inspired Road Trips and road tripping. We’ve crafted three unforgettable, motorsports-inspired road trip itineraries that will satisfy your need for speed on the track and your desire for an exhilarating, scenic drive. Each route is a celebration of the automotive culture in Ontario, blending high-octane action with breathtaking landscapes.

The Grand Prix Loop: Motorsports-Inspired Road Trips & The Kawarthas

This route is for the purist who loves Motorsports-Inspired Road Trips, a technical track, and a challenging backroad. This road trip centers around the iconic Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP), a legendary circuit that has hosted Formula 1 and Can-Am.

Part 1: The Main Event – Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

Your journey begins at the home of speed in Canada. CTMP is located in Bowmanville, just an hour’s drive east of Toronto. Before you hit the road, plan your trip around one of the track’s major events, such as the NASCAR Canada Series or the IMSA Weather Tech Sports Car Championship.

On the Track: Even if you aren’t a Motorsports-Inspired Road Trips racer, you can still experience the Grand Prix circuit. Many clubs and organizations, such as CASC-OR, offer open lapping days where you can drive your own car on the track in a safe, controlled environment. The Ron Fellows Driving Experience also offers a chance to drive performance GM vehicles with expert instruction.

Motorsport History: Take a walk through the Motorsports-Inspired Road Trips and pit lane. The place is steeped in history, and you can almost feel the presence of racing legends like Gilles Villeneuve and Mario Andretti who once battled here.

The Scenic Drive – The Kawarthas & The Greenbelt

After the high-speed thrills of the track, it’s time to hit the open road. Head north from CTMP towards the Kawartha Lakes region, a hidden gem of winding backroads and pristine scenery.

The Route: From CTMP, head north on local roads, connecting with Motorsports-Inspired Road Trips and then navigating towards the charming town of Orono. From there, venture north on more rural roads, making your way towards Peterborough. The roads in this area, like County Road 38 and County Road 28, are a driver’s delight. They wind through rolling farmland and dense forests with gentle elevation changes and sweeping corners.

Points of Interest:

The Canadian Automotive Museum (Oshawa): On your way home, make a detour to Oshawa, Motorsports-Inspired Road Trips “Motor City.” The Canadian Automotive Museum is a must-visit, with a fascinating collection of rare Canadian-built cars and a deep dive into the country’s automotive heritage.

Balsam Lake Provincial Park: A perfect spot to stretch your legs, go for a short hike, or simply enjoy a picnic by the water after a day of driving.

The Performance and Pinot Route

This road trip is for the Motorsports-Inspired Road Trips who appreciates power, precision, and the finer things in life. It combines the raw excitement of drag racing and circuit driving with the beautiful, winding roads of the Niagara Escarpment and the exquisite tastes of the region’s world-renowned wineries.

The Thrill – Toronto Motorsports Park

Located in Cayuga, just a short drive from Hamilton, Toronto Motorsports Park (TMP) offers a different kind of motorsport experience.

Drag Racing: The drag strip at TMP is an iconic piece of Motorsports-Inspired Road Trips. You can attend a major event, or better yet, participate in one of their “Test and Tune” nights, where you can legally drag race your own car down the quarter-mile.

Circuit Lapping: TMP also has a challenging 3 km road course. Like CTMP, they offer open lapping days and driving schools where you can learn to push your car to its limits in a safe, controlled environment.

The Drive – The Niagara Escarpment and Wine Route

From the high-octane action of the drag strip, head east toward the Niagara region, where the terrain changes dramatically and the roads become a symphony of curves and elevation.

The Route: Take the scenic route along Motorsports-Inspired Road Trips, which winds its way along the Niagara Escarpment. The road has a series of fun S-curves and elevation changes that are perfect for a spirited drive. Connect to smaller, local roads like Regional Road 81 or County Road 40 to get a more intimate feel for the region. The drive will take you through stunning vineyards and past charming fruit stands.

Points of Interest:

Niagara Parkway: Sir Winston Churchill called it “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world,” and it’s easy to see why. This picturesque route runs along the Niagara River from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie, with stunning views of the gorge, beautiful gardens, and charming historical sites.

The Twenty Valley: For the true enthusiast, explore the backroads of the Twenty Valley. This area has some of the most beautiful and dynamic driving roads in the region, with twists and turns that cut through the landscape, perfect for a performance Motorsports-Inspired Road Trips.

Wine and Dine: After the drive, park the car and enjoy some of the world-class wineries in the area. Many, like Inniskillin or Peller Estates, offer beautiful restaurants and tours.

The Cottage Country Rally: Calabogie Motorsports Park & The Haliburton Highlands

This route is for the rally enthusiast at heart—the one who loves a remote, challenging drive and the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield. This journey centers around Motorsports-Inspired Road Trips Motorsports Park, Canada’s longest and most challenging road course.

The Rally Prep – Calabogie Motorsports Park

Located near the town of Calabogie, west of Ottawa, this is a mecca for Canadian road racers.

The Track: The 5 km course at Calabogie Motorsports Park is renowned for its technical layout, 20 turns, and significant elevation changes. It’s a true test of a driver’s skill. The track offers a variety of public lapping days and driving schools throughout the season.

High-Performance Driving: A high-performance driving event Motorsports-Inspired Road Trips is a great way to push your skills and your car on a safe, world-class circuit.

The Rally – The Haliburton Highlands and Algonquin Park

After your time on the track, it’s time to head into the wilderness. The roads in this area, particularly in the Haliburton Highlands, are some of the best-kept secrets for driving enthusiasts.

The Route: From Motorsports-Inspired Road Trips, take the scenic route northwest towards the Haliburton Highlands. The area is a labyrinth of winding roads that cut through rocky outcrops, dense forests, and past pristine lakes. Roads like Highway 118, County Road 117, and County Road 35 are a rally driver’s dream, with constant elevation changes and a series of blind crests and tight corners.

Points of Interest:

The Haliburton Highlands Museum: A beautiful detour to learn about the history of the region.

Algonquin Provincial Park: The most famous park in the province offers a stunning drive along Highway 60. While it’s not a performance route, the sheer beauty of the landscape and the chance to spot wildlife make it an essential part of the trip.

Bancroft & The Madawaska Valley: Explore the remote gravel and dirt roads in this area if you have a vehicle equipped for off-roading. Always check local regulations and private property rules before venturing off paved roads.