Rv Onatrio: Ultimate 8-Day RV Adventure in Algoma
Discover Northern Ontario: Scenic Drives, Rugged Landscapes, and Northern Hospitality
Touring Ontario’s Algoma region is one of Ontario’s most breathtaking RV road trips, taking you along the rugged shores of Lake Superior and through the wild landscapes of Algoma Country. This 8-day itinerary includes must-see landmarks, RV-friendly campgrounds, and plenty of adventures along the way.
Duration: 8 Days, 7 Nights
Distance: 1422 km loop
Region: Algoma Country
Best Time to Go: May–October
Highlights: Lake Superior coastline, Agawa Canyon, Wawa Goose, White River, Mississagi Valley, St. Joseph Island and more!
Day 1: Sault Ste. Marie – Gateway to the North
Route: Arrive in Sault Ste. Marie and set up camp (10 km)
Things to Do:
Soo Locks & Canal District – Watch massive freighters and tour boats pass through the historic locks. The Canal District has been restored and rebuilt as one of Northern Ontario’s premier dining, entertainment and tourist attractions destinations.
Bushplane Heritage Centre – A must-visit for aviation and wilderness enthusiasts. This world-class museum connects people of all ages to Canada’s rich bush plane and forest protection heritage.
Bike or walk the Hub Trail – A scenic multi-use trail that winds along the waterfront and through the city.
Mountain Bike the Hiawatha Highlands - Explore 50 kilometres of world-class mountain biker trails.
Agawa Canyon - Embark on the 10-hour Agawa Canyon Tour Train for a breathtaking travel experience in Northern Ontario.
Canal District is a historic area of Sault Ste. Marie which was transformed and reimagined into a premier dining, entertainment, and attractions destination.
The Canal is a great spot for boat-watching, picnics and a variety of other activities.
Whether you’re a seasoned aviation enthusiast or a curious newcomer, prepare to be inspired by the stories of skyborne adventurers who have shaped history.
Where to Stay:
KOA Holiday Sault Ste. Marie – Full hookups, Wi-Fi, pool, and pet-friendly.
Glenview’s Campground – trailer sites can accommodate all types and sizes of recreational vehicles, offering full hookups or just water and electricity (30 amps).
RV Tips:
Stock up on groceries before heading north.
Fill up on fuel before leaving the city.
Agawa Bay Scenic Lookout is 52 miles (84 km) south of Wawa and offers an unobstructed view of Lake Superior and Montreal Island.
At Batchawana Bay Provincial Park you can park your RV at the edge of the beach.
Since 1963, the Wawa Goose has welcomed visitors worldwide to the town of Wawa.
Day 2: Sault Ste. Marie to Wawa – The Ultimate Scenic Drive
Route: 230 km along Highway 17 (Lake Superior’s coastline)
Stops Along the Way:
Batchawana Bay Provincial Park – An excellent spot for a lakeside picnic.
Agawa Bay & Lake Superior Provincial Park – Hike the many trails and explore the shoreline.
Old Woman Bay – A stunning lookout with a sandy beach.
Wawa Goose Monument – A must-stop photo op!
Voyageurs’ Lodge & Cookhouse - A popular spot to refuel and try the famous apple fritter.
Agawa Crafts & the Canadian Carver - home décor, wood carvings, whittling, and sculptures of some of Canada’s most recognized artisans. Agawa Crafts specializes in native Canadian crafts, such as furs, moccasins, pottery, jewellery, and much more.
Where to Stay:
Wawa RV Resort & Campground – Full-service sites, showers, and Wi-Fi.
RV Tips:
There are no major gas stations between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa; you can fuel up in Batchawana Bay or Pancake Bay.
Watch for wildlife (moose and bears) along Highway 17.
Hearst is a gateway to experiencing Northern Ontario’s amazing outdoors.
In Hornepayne the three Black bears are a symbol of the community and an ode to the plentiful bear population in this part of Ontario.
Did you know that Winnie The Pooh was a black bear originally from Northern town of White River, Ontario?
Day 3: Wawa to Hearst – Northern Wilderness & Adventure
Route: 325 km along Highway 17, Highway 631, Highway 11
Stops Along the Way:
Scenic High Falls - Easily accessible via a short drive down a gravel road.
White River – Home of Winnie the Pooh – Visit the statue and town museum.
Three Bears Statues - In Hornepayne, the Three Bears statue is an ode to the plentiful bear population in Ontario.
Distillerie Rheault Distillery - a small, artisan distillery in Northern Ontario, home to the award-winning "Loon Vodka."
Moose and Wolves statues - Hearst is known as the Moose Capital of Canada. The life-size sculpture of a moose fighting off wolves is a perfect photo stop.
Where to Stay:
Veilleux Camping & Marina – Full hookups, laundry, and friendly service.
Fushimi Lake Provincial Park – A quieter spot with electric sites.
RV Tips:
Limited gas stations after White River—top up with fuel before leaving White River.
Fushimi Lake Provincial Park, enjoy clear northern lakes surrounded by lush Boreal Forest, an ideal camping experience for everyone!
Cameron's Beach Campground is located on beautiful Big Nellie Lake.
Day 4: Hearst to Iroquois Falls – Small-Town Hospitality
Route: 250 km via Highway 11
Stops Along the Way:
Fushimi Lake Provincial Park – Morning paddle or hike before heading out
Heritage Sawmill Marketplace in Hearst – Learn about the region’s forestry history
Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park – Beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails
Iroquois Falls Dam & Lookout – A great photo stop before heading to camp
Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat - the largest and only facility in the world dedicated purely to caring for polar bears.
Where to Stay:
Cameron’s Beach Campground – A relaxing lakeside retreat with spacious sites
RV Tips:
Stock up on groceries in Hearst before heading south.
Enjoy a quiet evening by the water at Cameron’s Beach.
Engine 5433 located in Chapleau since 1964, one of only 48 of the preserved 3257 Canadian Pacific Railway steam engines, perhaps more than anything else, symbolizes the community's railway heritage.
Timmins Museum National Exhibition Centre - A small museum with a nice collection of artifacts, definitely worth a stop.
Meet the team at Dream Acres Alpacas. This was one of our favourite stops on this tour.
Day 5: Iroquois Falls to Chapleau – Remote Beauty & Wildlife
Route: 272 km via Highway 11, Highway 655, Highway 101
Things to Do:
Chapleau Crown Game Preserve – The world’s largest wildlife preserve
Timmins Museum National Exhibition Centre – Peaceful hike with scenic river views
Chapleau Heritage Museum – Learn about the area’s railway history
Dream Acres Alpacas - A small alpaca farm offering farm tours and alpaca walks.
Where to Stay:
Flame Lake Lodge – Affordable lakeside camping
RV Tips:
Carry extra food and supplies—services are sparse between Smooth Rock Falls and Chapleau
The beautifully rugged landscape along Highway 129.
Aubrey Falls, take a short hike and discover this true hidden gem.
Cummings Lake Lookout Trail offers an easy hike with a stunning view.
Day 6: Chapleau to Thessalon – The Wilds of Highway 129
Route: 224 km along Highway 129
Stops Along the Way:
Aubrey Falls – Spectacular waterfall with a short hiking trail
Cummings Lake Lookout Trail – A breathtaking panoramic view
Heritage Park Museum - Explore and see what life would have been like in the region over 100 years ago.
Little Rapids General Store - Established in 1890, the store offers a little bit of everything from livestock feed to over 30 different flavours of cheese and the best ice cream cones in Ontario.
Where to Stay:
Lakeside Park Campground – Scenic lakeside camping
RV Tips:
Highway 129 is remote with minimal services—fuel up in Chapleau
As you are about to cross the bridge to St. Joseph Island, you will find one of the most perfect roadside rest stops.
Day 7: Thessalon to St. Joseph Island – Small Town Charm
Route: 55 km via Highway 17 & 548
Things to Do:
Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site – Explore an 18th-century British fort
St. Joseph Island Coffee Roasters – Grab a fresh cup of locally roasted coffee
Hilton Beach & Marina – Relax and stroll along the waterfront
Where to Stay:
Fred’s Trailer Park – Small, quiet, and close to the marina - tel:705-246-2572
Whiskey Bay Resort – Beautiful RV sites near the water
RV Tips:
Stock up on fresh local produce at island farm markets
The bridge to St. Joseph Island.
The one-dollar Canadian coin (commonly called a "loonie") was designed by local artist Robert Ralph Carmichael, as was this giant roadside version.
Eight days and 1400 kilometres, it ends where it started in Sault Ste. Marie.
Day 8: St. Joseph Island to Sault Ste. Marie – Final Leg
Route: 66 km back to Sault Ste. Marie
Final Day Highlights:
Echo Bay’s Loon Dollar Monument – A tribute to the iconic Canadian coin
The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre (if you missed it on Day 1)
Mill Market – An excellent spot for local food, crafts, and souvenirs
Northern Ontario Brewing - crafting the taste Northern beer drinkers know and love.
Outspoken Brewing - Locally owned craft brewery. Serving in-house-made craft beer, cocktails and wine.
Fishing Ste Marry River - legendary for its annual runs of Steelhead and Atlantic Salmon.
RV Tips:
Consider booking an extra night in Sault Ste. Marie to explore more
Moments like this will leave memories for a lifetime.
Packing & Preparation Tips for Grand Algoma Drive
✔ Must-Have Gear: Extra fuel, insect repellent, rain gear, and bear spray
✔ RV-Friendly Apps: Download iOverlander and Park4Night for campsite info
✔ Best Time to Visit: Late summer and early fall offer mild weather and stunning fall foliage
Plan Your Grand Algoma RV Adventure!
This 8-day itinerary perfectly blends scenic beauty, small-town charm, and adventure while ensuring RV-friendly campgrounds and essential stops. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or road trip enthusiast, the Grand Algoma Drive is an unforgettable experience.
Ready to hit the road? Let us know in the comments which stop you’re most excited for!
