Ontario Road Trip: A 7-day Itinerary Through Algoma and Lake Superior
Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means we will earn a commission on the products or services you purchase using the links. There is no additional cost to you, and the earnings help keep this website running.
A Big Drive To A Big Lake
Embark on an unforgettable Ontario road trip through the rugged beauty of Algoma and the breathtaking shores of Lake Superior. This six-day itinerary is filled with scenic vistas, outdoor adventures, and cultural stops, making it the perfect road trip for explorers and nature lovers alike.
Day 1: Escape the City & Head North
Your Ontario road trip begins as you leave Toronto, heading north towards Algoma Mills, a picturesque stop along the Lake Huron North Channel.
Highlights:
Lake Lauzon Resort: Unwind at this lakeside retreat, which offers a range of accommodations, from cozy bunkies to floating houseboats. A lakeside deck provides the perfect spot for your morning coffee as you take in the serene views.
The Pire Sports Bar: A popular eatery in Blind River with a spectacular sunset view.
On day one, we leave the bustling streets of Toronto behind as our journey north begins. According to Google, today's destination, Algoma Mills, is five and a half hours away.
Lake Lauzon Resort, situated along the shore of its namesake lake, offers a tranquil setting for our first night on the road. The resort provides various accommodation options, ranging from bunkies to cottages and a houseboat moored at the dock. We settled into our cozy room in the main building. The sliding glass door presents a view of the lake and leads to a deck, which is an ideal spot to enjoy coffee and tea in the morning as the sun breaks through the mist.
For dinner, we head to nearby Blind River, where there are a variety of dining options, from sit-down to fast food.
Day 2: Chasing Waterfalls & Coastal Vistas
The journey continues along Highway 17, passing through charming towns and breathtaking landscapes.
Stops Along the Way:
Maple Acres, Blind River: Grab fresh, mouth-watering fritters for the road.
Iron Bridge Historical Museum: Learn about the local history and heritage of the region.
The Copper Bean Cafe, Bruce Mines: Enjoy a delicious lunch and a warm cup of coffee.
Chippewa Falls: A quick hike to stretch your legs and take in a beautiful waterfall.
Lake Superior Provincial Park Visitor Centre: Stop by for a park permit and visit Pebble Beach.
Old Woman Bay: One of the most iconic vistas of the Lake Superior shoreline.
Nokomis Hiking Trail: A rewarding climb offering panoramic views above Old Woman Bay.
Naturally Superior Adventures: Spend the night in a peaceful glamping dome right on the beach.
Day two begins with a quick stop at Maple Acres in Blind River to purchase fresh, mouth-watering fritters for the road.
In Iron Bridge, we stroll through the Iron Bridge Historical Museum, where we can learn about the local history and immerse ourselves in the tales of the past.
In Bruce Mines, we have lunch at the Cooper Bean Cafe and enjoy our second round of coffee and tea.
Needing to cover some distance, we add a few hundred kilometres to the odometer before taking a short hike along the beautiful Chippewa Falls to stretch our legs.
Next on the itinerary is a visit to the Lake Superior Provincial Park Visitors Center. We purchased a park permit and walked down to Pebble Beach to dip a finger in Lake Superior. Yep, it's cold.
If one stop on this itinerary deserves the stroke of a highlighter, it is Old Woman Bay. Located at the western end of Lake Superior Provincial Park, the spectacular setting of water, sand, and towering rock cliffs makes Old Woman Bay one of the iconic vistas of the north shore.
Before we can set up on the beach for some R&R, we have one more "to do" on our day plan.
Across the highways, the Nokomis Hiking Trail meanders through the forest before climbing high above the beach; what a view!
Hike done, we set up on the beach, book in hand.
Finally, we reached our last destination for the day, Naturally Superior Adventures, where we found peaceful accommodation in a glamping dome on the beach and enjoyed the serenity of our surroundings.
Day 3: Paddleboarding, Beach & the Iconic Wawa Goose
Spend the day exploring Wawa and its surrounding beauty.
Activities:
Paddleboarding on Lake Superior: Experience the thrill of gliding across the crystal-clear waters.
Sandy Beach: A stunning spot perfect for relaxation and scenic photography.
Scenic High Falls: Marvel at the rushing waters of this spectacular waterfall.
Wawa Goose Monument: A must-visit landmark celebrating the town’s heritage.
Evening by the Campfire: Enjoy a peaceful night under the stars by the shores of Lake Superior.
We were thrilled to try paddleboarding for the first time. What a fantastic experience as we glided through the crystal-clear waters. We explored the area and visited Sandy Beach, which is absolutely stunning. We were captivated by the rushing water wall of Scenic High Falls and spent some time with the famous Wawa Goose.
Back at our Glamping Dome, we enjoy an evening by the campfire and watch as the day drifts to night over Lake Superior.
Day 4: Roadside Wonders & Hidden Treasures
Heading east along the Trans-Canada Highway, you'll revisit some must-see sights and discover new ones.
Stops Along the Way:
Old Woman Bay: Another opportunity to soak in its breathtaking beauty.
Katherine Cove & Agawa Lookout: Scenic stops offering unforgettable views.
Agawa Pictographs: A short hike to ancient Indigenous rock paintings.
Agawa Crafts & Canadian Carver: Unique gifts and local crafts.
The Voyageur’s Lodge & Cookhouse: Famous for its delectable apple fritters.
Sault Ste. Marie Street Murals: Explore the city's vibrant artistic side.
Soo Locks & Whitefish Island: Watch boats navigate the locks and enjoy a scenic hike along the St. Marys River.
Mill Steakhouse: A well-deserved dinner featuring delicious local cuisine.
Fairfield Inn, Sault Ste. Marie: A comfortable place to rest for the night.
The trip home begins. Driving east along Trans Canada Highway 17, the road drops away, and we are presented with perhaps the most spectacular view of the trip: Old Women's Bay. It's so good.
Rolling through Lake Superior Provincial Park, we stop at Katherine Cove, Agawa Lookout and hike to the Agawa Pictographs.
We spent some time shopping at Agawa Crafts and the Canadian Carver and then stopped by The Voyageur's Lodge and Cookhouse for one of their famous apple fritters.
Known for its vibrant street murals showcasing the city's artistic spirit, we search for murals in Sault Ste. Marie before heading to the Canal District, where we watch boats navigate the Soo Locks, hike White Fish Island to the edge of the St. Marys River and enjoy a delicious late lunch/early dinner at Mill Steakhouse.
Home for the night is at Fairfield Inn, Sault Ste. Marie.
Day 5: Epic Lookouts & Remote Backroads
Heading back towards Algoma Mills, the day's route is filled with unique roadside attractions and scenic lookouts.
Stops Along the Way:
Echo Bay Giant Loonie: A tribute to the artist who designed Canada’s iconic one-dollar coin.
Bruce Mines Marina: Visit the "Moments of Algoma" panel featuring Tom Thomson’s painting.
Cummings Lake Lookout Trail: A short but rewarding hike to a stunning viewpoint.
Deer Trail Touring Loop: A remote and scenic drive along the Little White River.
Fire Tower Lookout, Elliot Lake: Offering one of the best panoramic views in the region.
Serpent River Park & Kennebec Falls: A perfect spot for a relaxing nature walk.
Blue Heron Resort: A charming retreat for a two-night stay.
We get an early start on what's promising to be an exciting day.
The first stop is Echo Bay and the Giant Loonie. The monument is located along Highway 17B in the Village of Echo Bay, a short detour from Highway 17. It was constructed in 1992 and is dedicated to Mr. Robert R. Carmichael, the artist responsible for creating the Loon Dollar design and a Township resident.
Next in Bruce Mines - we stop at the marina and the Moments of Algoma Panel, where Tom Thomson painted the town's waterfront.
We take a slight detour along Highway 129 to Cummings Lake Lookout Trail, also known as Rock Candy Mountain Trail, which offers a fun hike to the day's grand vista number one.
We follow the Deer Trail Touring Loop counter-clockwise, enjoying the remote drive along the Little White River. The day's grand vista number two is courtesy of the Fire Tower Lookout in Elliot Lake.
Back on Highway 17, we stop at the Serpent River Park rest area and walk to the edge of Kennebec Falls.
Hungry from a day on the road, we grab a pizza from North Channel Pizza before dropping our bags for a two-night stay at Blue Heron Resort.
Day 6: Fishing & Sunset Views
The final day of your Ontario road trip offers a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Days Highlights:
Relax at the Cottage: Enjoy a laid-back morning with a good book and a coffee.
Fishing with Angling Algoma: A guided experience on the waters of the North Channel.
Cottage life is truly a good life. While Stacey enjoys her take-it-anywhere hobby of reading a good book with a glass of wine, I set out on a mission to catch dinner alongside local guide Adam Valee from Angling Algoma. The challenging conditions on the water tested Adam's skills, but I'm happy to report that we reeled in some fish and had a great time.
Our last evening on the road concludes with the warm rays of a setting sun over the Lake Huron North Channel.
Day 7: A Perfect End to a Fantastic Trip
Stops Along the Way:
Big Nickel: Giant replica of a Canadian coin.
French River Provincial Park Visitor Centre: Learn about the region's Indigenous and European history.
French River Gorge Walk: Cross the bridge and enjoy the breathtaking river scenery.
Hungry Bear Restaurant: This is a great place to stop for lunch.
We go south, stop for a selfie with the Big Nickle in Sudbury and lunch at Hungry Bear Restaurant. The final stop is the French River Provincial Park Visitor Centre. The centre showcases the fascinating history of the First Nations and the French and English cultures that have inhabited, laboured, and journeyed through these waters for centuries. Additionally, visitors can explore the river gorge by walking across the bridge outside.
This seven-day Ontario road trip through Algoma and Lake Superior combines outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal itinerary for those seeking an unforgettable journey.
Have you explored Ontario’s Algoma region?
Share your road trip experiences in the comments below!
