If you want to discover the best of North Ontario, get ready for an amazing Northern Ontario road trip with the family. This trip will take you through some of Ontario’s most scenic drives.
We drove across Canada twice so far. The first time, we cruised through Northern Ontario, as many suggested that it wasn’t called Ontario (or L-ong-tario) for no reason. But on our second, we decided to give Ontario and its lakes a chance. And we were amazingly surprised by the beauty of the region.
Our 10-day Ontario road trip itinerary is your ticket to an amazing outdoor adventure. You’ll explore the shores of Lake Huron and Lake Superior, two of the Great Lakes. You’ll venture into North Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, and Thunder Bay and discover many different hidden gems in between.
Get ready to explore the wild beauty and hidden gems of Northern Ontario.
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Northern Ontario road trip recap
This road trip from North Bay to Thunder Bay is a family adventure through Northern Ontario’s stunning landscapes and historic sites. Here is a quick recap of your 10-day Ontario road trip itinerary.
💡 Insider TIP: You’ll drive over 2,000 kilometers on this road trip. Make sure you have some road trip activities planned for the kids for a smooth ride.
▶️ You might like our Road Trip Activity Book for Kids. It’s more than 70+ pages filled with activities for family road trip drives. 🚘
- Day 1: Explore North Bay’s Lee Park and enjoy rides at the Heritage Railway & Carousel Company.
- Day 2: Visit Sudbury’s Big Nickel and Dynamic Earth, then relax at Bruce Mines Marina.
- Day 3: Take the Algoma Canyon Tour Train for breathtaking views of forests and waterfalls.
- Day 4: Cruise through the Soo Locks on the Miss Marie Lock Tour Boat and unwind at Bellevue Park.
- Day 5: Drive from Sault Ste. Marie to Marathon, stopping at the Trans-Canada Highway Halfway Point.
- Day 6: From Marathon to Nipigon, visit Terrace Bay Lighthouse and explore Rainbow Falls Provincial Park.
- Day 7: Head from Nipigon to Thunder Bay, stopping at Ouimet Canyon and the Amethyst Mine Panorama.
- Day 8: Enjoy a pancake breakfast in Thunder Bay, visit Mount McKay, and spend the evening at Prince Arthur’s Landing.
- Days 9-10: Head back home, with a possible stop at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park.
You’ll start this Northern Ontario road trip in North Bay and end it in Thunder Bay, before returning home.
Note for a Toronto to Thunder Bay Road Trip
If you’re starting your road trip from Toronto, you have a few alternative options:
- Drive to North Bay. It will add 361 km to the road trip
- Drive to Sudbury. This would mean skipping North Bay and officially starting in Sudbury, but driving through Barrie, Parry Sound and the French River Provincial Park
- Drive through the Bruce Peninsula, with stops in Sauble Beach, Tobermory and taking the ferry to Manitoulin Island. You would drive back on the Trans-Canada highway in Espanola.
You can look at the different options for a Toronto to Thunder Bay road trip on the map below:
Day 1: Exploring North Bay
Spend a full day exploring North Bay.
Lee Park
Start at Lee Park. It’s a family-friendly park with playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking paths. It’s a great place for kids to burn off some energy. You can also see the Gateway to North sign at Lee Park. It’s a fun family photo opportunity to kick off this Northern Ontario road trip.
Heritage Railway & Carousel Company
When you’re ready, head to the Heritage Railway & Carousel Company. The kids will love the old-fashioned carousel and mini-train ride right by North Bay’s Waterfront.
💡 Insider TIP: They only accept cash, so plan accordingly.
Shabogesic Beach
Then, spend the rest of the day at Shabogesic Beach (which used to be named Marathon Beach). The sandy beach is perfect for building sandcastles, and the shallow water is great for younger kids. Kids will love playing in the water and sand for hours.
Get a good night’s sleep; the next day will be a long (but fun) driving day.
🛏️ Where to stay in North Bay?
Homewood Suites By Hilton North Bay
Day 2: North Bay to Sault Ste. Marie
🚗 Driving distance: 442 km (miles)
⭐ Main stops: Sudbury, Elliot Lake, Bruce Mines
Sudbury
Make your first stop in Sudbury. It’s 127 km away from North Bay. You’ll want to head to the Big Nickel. It’s a giant replica of a Canadian nickel. It’s a fun and educational stop to learn about the region’s mining history.
If time allows, I recommend visiting the museum Dynamic Earth.
Dynamic Earth is a hands-on science center. It’s one of the best Northern Ontario attractions. Kids will interactively learn about science and mining. There’s also a seven-story underground mine to discover. You can end your visit in the outdoor section with a playground.
Elliot Lake
Then, drive to the Elliot Lake rest area. It’s about 160 km from Sudbury.
It’s a great place to have a picnic and walk around a bit. You’ll find lots of deer statues. Kids will love it. I also took the kids’ kids out so they could ride it a bit and burn off some energy.
You can go to Elliot Lake or enjoy the rest area like we did
Bruce Mines
Drive from Elliot Lake to Bruce Mines. It’s about 107 km.
You can visit the Bruce Mines Marina for some relaxation. It’s a peaceful spot with great views. And there is a small kids’ playground.
Then, grab a coffee at the Copper Bean in Bruce Mines. They offer a variety of baked goods that the whole family will enjoy. It’s a perfect stop before hitting the road again.
If time allows (and if it’s open), you can visit the Bruce Mines Museum. Sadly, The museum was closed when we drove, so we couldn’t see it.
It was the first copper mine in Canada. They offer tours where you can see what it was like to mine on the shores of Lake Huron. And why not walk down the actual mine? A short 1 km walk trail, with 4 other sub-trails in a former railway spur, that used to operate in the Bruce Mines.
Sault Ste. Marie
You’re almost in Sault Ste. Marie. Only 70 km more to go.
You can check in at your hotel or campground and enjoy a relaxing evening. We stayed at the Sault Ste. Marie KOA Holiday and it was perfect.
🛏️ Where to stay in Sault Ste Marie?
Sault Ste. Marie KOA Holiday (for camping) or The Water Tower Inn (for hotel)
Day 3: A Day Trip to Algoma Canyon
Start your day early with a trip on the Algoma Canyon Tour Train. The train departs from the Algoma depot in downtown Sault Ste. Marie at 8:00 a.m. Make sure to arrive by 7:30 for boarding.
This scenic train ride takes you through the breathtaking Algoma Canyon, offering stunning views of forests, rivers, and cliffs. The train is equipped with large windows, perfect for sightseeing.
It takes 4 hours to reach the Algoma Canyon Park. It can be a little long for kids, so prepare with lots of snacks and games.
Once the train arrives at the Algoma Canyon, you’ll have 90 minutes to explore. Walking trails suit families, and you can enjoy a packed lunch in nature. I recommend eating lunch on the train before it stops to have the full 90 minutes to see both waterfalls.
Then, you’ll have another 4-hour train ride to return to Sault Ste-Marie by 6:00 p.m.
Day 4: Exploring more of Sault Ste. Marie
Start your day with a boat ride on the Miss Marie Lock Tour Boat.
Miss Marie Lock Tour Boat
This tour will take you through the Soo Locks, offering a unique perspective of the city and the St. Mary’s River. It’s a 2-hour boat ride through Canada and the USA locks.
The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, making it comfortable for families. They also sell snacks and drinks.
Then, grab lunch and have a picnic at Bellevue Park. Spend some relaxing time at Bellevue Park. The park offers various playgrounds. It’s a great place for kids to run around and for parents to unwind.
Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
Then, head to the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. This museum offers interactive exhibits on bush planes and forest fire fighting, both educational and fun for kids.
You can also visit the Entomica Insectarium. It’s located inside the Canadian Bushplane Center. You can learn about the fascinating world of insects. It’s a hit with curious kids who can even hold some insects!
End your day with a visit to Elliot’s Ice Cream. Choose from a variety of flavors to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Day 5: Sault Ste. Marie to Marathon
🚗 Driving distance: 411 km (miles)
⭐ Main stops: Chippewa Falls, Wawa, White River
It’s another long driving day for families, filled with fun stops. Leave Sault Ste. Marie, early in the morning, and drive to the Trans-Canada Highway Halfway Point.
Trans-Canada Highway Halfway Point & Chippewa Falls
The Trans-Canada Highway Halfway Point is a great spot for a family photo to commemorate your journey. The Trans Canada Highway stretches for 7,821 kilometers (4860 miles) and is the longest national road in the world. The halfway point of the highway is right there.
Once you’re there, don’t miss the Chippewa Falls. The falls are easily accessible and offer a beautiful natural setting for a picnic lunch.
Batchawana Bay and Pancake Bay Provincial Park and Lake Superior Provincial Park
Then, you’ll drive through Batchawana Bay and Pancake Bay Provincial Park and Lake Superior Provincial Park where you can stop a little. You’ll find a few hiking trails and beach access.
Pancake Bay has one of the finest beaches in North America, with crystal clear water. It stretches for more than 3 km.
Wawa
You’ll then arrive in Wawa. Stop at the Wawa Goose. The Wawa Goose is the famous icon of Wawa. You can’t visit Wawa without a picture or two of the Wawa Goose.
White River
From Wawa, you’ll drive 93 km to White River. You’ll find a small park with a kids’ playground and the Winnipe the Pooh statue. You can learn about the town’s connection to the famous bear and take adorable family photos.
The town of White River in Ontario has a special connection to Winnie the Pooh, the character created by A.A. Milne. The story begins with a bear cub purchased in White River by Lieutenant Harry Colebourn, a Canadian soldier and veterinarian, during World War I. Colebourn was on his way to report for duty and bought the bear for $20 from a trapper. He named the bear “Winnie” after his hometown of Winnipeg.
Marathon
You now have 96 more kilometers to drive for the day before arriving at Marathon. Depending on what time it is, spend some time at Pebble Beach. The beach is known for its unique, smooth stones and offers a serene, relaxing setting.
🛏️ Where to stay in Marathon?
Travelodge by Wyndham Marathon (hotel) or Penn Lake Park And Campground (camping)
Day 6: Marathon to Nipigon
Wake up slowly in Marathon and make your way to Terrace Bay.
Terrace Bay
It’s only 54 kilometers away. There, you’ll want to head to the Terrace Bay Lighthouse, it’s not as impressive as the Fisgard Lighthouse in Victoria, BC, or the many lighthouses near Halifax, NS, but it’s still a fun little stop.
Plus, when it’s not cloudy, the lighthouse offers panoramic views of Lake Superior and is a great spot for family photos.
Agusabon Falls
When you are ready, you can drive to Agusabon Falls. It’s a super quick drive from Terrace Bay. There, you’ll find the beautiful waterfalls and gorge.
The 100 ft. waterfall cascades produce hydroelectric power for Terrace Bay and the pulp mill. There is a boardwalk, washrooms, picnic table and RV parking.
From Aguasabon Falls, it’s possible to follow the trail down to Terrace Bay Beach, a 3.8 km hike round-way.
Rainbow Falls Provincial Park
Hop back in the car and drive for about 130 kilometers to Rainbow Falls Provincial Park. This provincial park is home to the beautiful Rainbow Falls, surrounded by several family-friendly trails.
It’s a great place for a morning hike, where you can immerse yourself in nature and the sounds of cascading water.
💡 Insider TIP: If your kids are interested, I highly recommend asking for the Ontario Parks’ activity booklet. It’s a fun way to get the kids entertained during the hike.
The Rainbow Falls Trail is a moderate 2.2 km return hike. A series of stairs and platforms follow the falls with a bridge over the cascades.
Make sure to turn around after the bridge over the cascades. The trail continues to a longer one.
Nipigon
In the late afternoon, drive 65 kilometers to Nipigon. First, stop at the Kama Lookout.
The lookout provides awe-inspiring views of Lake Superior and the surrounding landscape. Then, let the kids have fun at the Paddle-to-the-Sea Park
Inspired by the children’s book “Paddle-to-the-Sea,” this park has interactive displays that kids will adore. It’s a fun and educational way to conclude your day’s adventure.
🛏️ Where to stay in Nipigon?
Nipigon Marina Camping
Day 7: Nipigon to Thunder Bay
🚗 Driving distance: 121 km (miles)
⭐ Main stops: Ouimet Canyon, Sleeping Giant
Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park
Your first stop will be at Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park. It’s about 45 minutes from Nipignon.
Ouimet Canyon is a large gorge. The canyon is 100 meters deep, 150 meters wide, and 2,000 meters long. It’s protected as part of Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park, which covers an area of 7.77 square kilometers.
You can walk on the short 1-km loop trail when you get to the park parking lot. It’s a walkway. It’s a mix of boardwalks and nature trails that lead to viewing platforms overlooking the canyon.
There is one section of the trail that is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Then, you can enjoy the platform’s breathtaking canyon views before returning to the car.
Amethyst Mine Panorama
Then, you’ll want to visit Amethyst Mine Panorama. You’ll get to dig up your own amethyst stone for a souvenir or a perfect travel gift. The process can be messy and muddy, so make sure the kids have the appropriate clothing, nothing too fancy ;).
Note: You’ll drive on a dirt road for 5 kilometers with a big steep hill.
There is an entrance fee of $10.00 per person (free for kids under 5 years old) to access the site and have a small guided tour of the mine. Then, you can search for the perfect amethyst gems to bring back home. It’s cost $5.00 per pound.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Then, drive to the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. It’s a bit out of the way. You can easily add a 30-minute drive each way. So, depending on your family, you might want to:
- Skip Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
- Stay camping overnight in the park to enjoy it
- Drive back as a day trip from Thunder Bay
- Explore a little section of the park only.
When we visited, we opted for last option and simply hiked the Joe Creek Nature Trail. It’s just off Highway 58, and it’s a 1.4 km, mostly flat trail where you’ll see a series of little cascades.
Terry Fox Memorial
When you are ready, drive to the Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout. The monument was dedicated on June 26, 1982, to commemorate the cancer research activist Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope.
You’ll find a visitor center where they can guide you with all the fun things to do in Thunder Bay. You’ll also find a beautiful panoramic view of Thunder Bay and its surroundings, including the Sleeping Giant.
🛏️ Where to stay in Thunder Bay:
Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay (hotel) or Thunder Bay KOA Holiday (camping)
Day 8: Explore Thunder Bay
Start your day in Thunder Bay with a pancake breakfast at Niva’s Restaurant. Thunder Bay is known for its Finnish heritage, so pancakes must be eaten while in the city 😉
Mount McKay
Next, make your way to Mount McKay Scenic Lookout. The views from the top are breathtaking, offering panoramic sights of Thunder Bay, the Sleeping Giant, and beyond.
You can park in the parking lot, explore the viewpoints and maybe even climb Mount McKay. It’s a 1.8-km out-and-back hiking trail rated moderate. We haven’t done the trail, but the views are supposed to be beautiful.
💡 Note that there is a small entrance fee.
Fort William Historic Park
Then, step back in time at Fort William Historical Park.
This living museum is a reconstruction of the 1816 Fort William fur trade post. You’ll find numerous buildings to explore. And there are lots of costumed interpreters to meet. It’s an educational and fun experience for the whole family.
We visited Fort William Historic Park twice. We stopped on both our cross-Canada road trips and it’s our favorite thing to do in Northern Ontario. It’s also one of our favorite living museums, along with the Acadian Historic Village in the Acadienne Peninsula in New Brunswick.
I would recommend planning to spend most of the day there. So pack a lunch and some snacks.
Prince Arthur’s Landing
Prince Arthur’s Landing
End your day at Prince Arthur’s Landing, Thunder Bay’s vibrant waterfront. Enjoy the marina views, let the kids play in the splash park, and maybe even catch a sunset. It’s a beautiful way to wrap up your day in Thunder Bay, filled with good food, great views, and memorable moments.
Don’t forget to grab dinner at Bright restaurant for some delicious local cuisine.
Day 9-10: Time to drive back home
It’s time to drive back home. I would recommend visiting the Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park before heading back east.
On your way back to North Bay (or Toronto), you can stop at a few places you might not have had time to stop.
Or, you could also add a few extra days and drive through the USA side, stopping at Grand Marais, Duluth, and Marquette.
Important information to plan your road trip
Most of the drive in Northern Ontario is on a one-lane route with a speed limit of 90 km/h. It’s possible to drive a little faster in some places, but it can happen to drive long stretches caught behind a slow-moving truck.
Also, there are some areas with limited cell service and gas stations. So I recommend never driving with less than half a tank of gas… just to be safe.
How much time do I need for a Northern Ontario road trip?
This road trip is more than 2,000 kilometers (round trip), so you’ll want to plan for at least 10 days. In this itinerary above, you’ll take your time to Thunder Bay (8 days) and go faster on the way back home (2 days).
But you can always change it to see half on the way to Thunder Bay and half on the back.
What to expect when driving along the Trans-Canada highway in Ontario
Ontario is the most populated province in Canada, with almost 40% of the Canadian population. However, you may not believe it while driving along the Trans-Canada highway on a Northern Ontario road trip. 😉 Most people live in Southern Ontario, and the Trans-Canada Highway passes mostly through Northern Ontario.
After driving more than 2,000 km in Ontario, you realize that Ontario is a big province. In fact, it’s the second-largest one after Quebec. It’s long, long and long. But you’ll discover beautiful places and enjoy nature: many provincial parks and tons of lakes and forests. It’s perfect for nature lovers, campers, and fishers.
After Ottawa, most of the drive in Ontario is on a one-lane route with a speed limit of 90 km/h. It’s possible to drive a little faster in some places, but it can happen to drive long stretches caught behind a slow-moving truck.
The drive along the Great Lakes (Lake Huron and Lake Superior) is amazing, but after a couple of hundred kilometers, the scenery may not be enough to keep the little ones (or the adults) entertained.
Your Family Road Trip Packing List 🚗
- Road Trip Toys and Games: Pack puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, transformer sets, figurines, and road trip activity books.
- Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are essential for road trips as they keep belongings compact and organized in small spaces. Buy different colored cubes for each family member so you can easily identify each other’s belongings.
- First Aid Kit: The Adventure Medical Kit is also a great one to have. It’s perfect for road trips, camping and hiking.
- Quick-Drying Towels: They are compact and dry fast. We have a set for swimming/water fun and shower time. Decathlon has different options for microfibre towels, from tiny hand towels to XL shower towels.
- Portable Power Station: Ensures you have power for mobile phones and other devices. Bluetti has some great options, like the AC2A portable station.
- Picnic Blanket: You’ll have more freedom to eat on the go. We have the Decathlon Picnic Blanket that we bring everywhere.
- Cleaning wipes: Cleaning wipes help you stay clean and fresh while camping and are useful when staying off-grid. Choose sustainable, biodegradable wipes.
Final Thoughts: North Ontario road trip
From the stunning vistas of Lake Superior to the vibrant energy of Thunder Bay, every kilometer of this road trip through Northern Ontario is packed with breathtaking views, rich history, and unforgettable experiences.
This road trip in Northern Ontario is one of the best scenic drives in Ontario. It offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and education.
I hope you’ll enjoy this road trip as much as we did!
