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Drives Ontario Muskoka, Algonquin and Northern Ontario

Highway 129: Thessalon to Aubrey Falls

Highway 129 · Thessalon → Aubrey Falls

Leisurely65 mi1 hr 30 min3,800 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,400 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 129 runs north from Thessalon on Highway 17 into the Mississagi River country, and this drive follows it for 65 miles to Aubrey Falls. Riders call the southern half Ontario's Tail of the Dragon. Northern Ontario Travel says the best riding is in the first half, with big sweepers leading into a river valley where the road zigzags between the river and a rock face.

There is very little traffic. The pavement is good, with some bumpy stretches, and there's no shoulder at the south end. Past Aubrey Falls the road straightens toward Chapleau.

Along the way

  1. Thessalon (Highway 17)
  2. Aubrey Falls
Elevation
3,800 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,400 ft
ThessalonAubrey Falls
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
ThessalonAubrey Falls
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Fill up on Highway 17 before turning north: Thessalon has no gas.
  • Fuel is at Tunnel Lake Trading Post, about 35 km north of Highway 17, and at Aubrey Falls, near km 95.
  • Watch for sand on the road in early season, and for the missing shoulder at the south end.
  • Highway 556, which meets 129 near the halfway point, is gravel for about 80 km.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Ontario 511.

Questions about this drive

How twisty is Highway 129?

It's among the twistiest roads in Ontario. The best curves are in the first half, with sweepers leading into a river valley where the turns tighten.

Where can you get gas on Highway 129?

Thessalon has none. Tunnel Lake Trading Post is about 35 km north of Highway 17, and there's fuel at Aubrey Falls near km 95.

How long is Highway 129 from Thessalon to Aubrey Falls?

It's 64.7 miles and takes about 1 hr 30 min.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 129: Thessalon to Aubrey Falls, from Thessalon to Aubrey Falls