Are you searching for the best things to do in Northern Ontario? We drove all across Northern Ontario a few times on our cross-Canada road trips and decided to take our time in the area and fully explore.
Ontario is the perfect place for nature-loving families (even more so if you like camping). Driving along Lake Superior is one of Ontario’s best road trips, filled with hidden gems.
Ontario is also the land of waterfalls, with more than 400 named waterfalls across its territory. There are many cascades and waterfalls to hike to (or even canyon), which never disappoint..
In this article, I’m giving ideas for fun things to do with the family in Northern Ontario (mostly along the trans-Canadian highway).
Also, if you’re driving through Northern Ontario during a road trip across Canada, please don’t skip through the area and directly head west. You’d be missing a lot of cool stops.
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Places to visit in Northern Ontario along the Trans-Canadian highway
There are many things to do in Northern Ontario, but we’ll share the best places to stop on the Trans-Canada highway in Northern Ontario, mostly in :
- Near North
- Lake Superior North Shore
- Northwestern Ontario
17+ Things to do in Northern Ontario
1. Take family photos under the Gateway of the North sign
Lee Park is a great place to spend a sunny day. It has many grass areas, a kids’ playground, a water fountain, and toilets. There are also lots of weekend activities.
But you can also find the “Gateway to the North” sign at Lee Park. North Bay is the first main town in Northern Ontario, and it’s called the “Gateway to the North.” It’s the perfect first stop on a road trip in Northern Ontario.
It’s a great place for a family photo shoot to kick off your visit to North Ontario
2. Relax on by Lake Nipissing at Shabogesic Beach
Shabogesic Beach (or Marathon Beach) is a nice beach with a free parking lot. It’s perfect for an afternoon swim or to relax by Lake Nipissing. The beach has toilets, water fountains, and changing rooms.
There is also a great playground for the kids and some shaded areas. My boys had so much fun in the water. Plus, it’s not too cold.
👀 Looking for more things to do in North Bay? You might want to try:
Heritage Railway & Carousel Company
Duchenesay Falls
Chief Commanda II Boat Cruise
3. Find the world’s largest coin at Dynamic Earth in Sudbury
Sudbury is home to the Canadian nickel giant replica. The town used to be a mining town. It was the first copper mining company founded in late 1800. There is also a great science center. It’s one of the biggest cities in Northern Ontario.
Dynamic Earth is a hands-on science center and one of children’s favourite Northern Ontario attractions It’s all about science and mining experiences. It’s also the home of Sudbury’s iconic Big Nickel, a replica of the 1951 Canadian nickel.
There’s also a seven-story underground mine to discover.
👀 Looking for more things to do in Sudbury? You might want to try:
Northern Ontario Railroad Museum & Heritage Centre
A.Y. Jackson Lookout
4. Discover Canada’s first copper mine at Simpson Mine Shaft in Bruce Mines
Founded in 1846, the Simpson Mine is the heart of Bruce Mines. During the tour, you’ll see what it was like to mine on the shores of Lake Huron.
And why not walk down the actual mine? There is a short 1 km walk trail, with 4 other sub-trails in a former railway spur that used to operate in the Bruce Mines.
Note that the mine is only open from Tuesday to Saturday.
After the visit to the mine, you can walk around the Bruce Mines marina.
5. Enter a real airplane cockpit at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Center in Sault Ste. Marie is dedicated to preserving the history of bush flying and forest protection in Canada.
Walking around the museum, you can see several airplanes and even enter a real airplane cockpit. Plus, they have a dedicated Children’s Flight Center.
They also offer flight simulations. You can choose from 3 different 4-minute flight simulations, highlighting the aspect of northern Ontario.
But, when you find the Entomica Insectarium inside the Bushplane Museum, your kids will mostly want to see the bugs and reptiles. This place is small but very cool because kids can touch some insects. They’ll enjoy this part of your visit.
6. Board the Agawa Canyon Tour Train for an amazing train ride across the region
The Agawa Canyon Tour Train is one epic thing to do in Northern Ontario.
It’s a one-day trail excursion along 114 miles in the wilderness of the Algoma region. During the train ride, you’ll pass through trestles, lakes, rivers, and granite rock.
There is also a 90-minute stop in the Awaga Canyon Wilderness Park. There, you can walk to different waterfalls and viewpoints.
It’s a long day trip (you’ll be on the train for 8 hours), but it’s a pretty cool experience, and it’s worth it.
7. Discover the locks on the Miss Marie Lock boat
When visiting Sault Ste Marie, the Miss Marie Lock boat is a fun activity for families. It’s educational and a lot of fun.
During this 2 hours boat tour, you’ll learn all about the lock system between Canada and the USA. You’ll even make it to Michigan in the USA.
My boys loved watching the boat pass through the locks. It was probably one of the highlights of our visit to Sault Ste. Marie.
👀 Looking for more things to do in Sault Ste. Marie? Read our detailed article here.
8. Celebrate being halfway through the Trans-Canada highway at Chippewa Falls
The Chippewa Falls is 25 ft tall and can be seen from the highway. A roadside park is right next to the falls.
To admire the beautiful waterfalls, you can:
- walk on the trails to follow the river and the waterfalls or
- walk on the pedestrian bridge along the highway to see the waterfalls.
If you have time, do both.
You can also see the halfway point of the Trans-Canada Highway plaque at Chippewa Falls. It’s located in the parking lot, so you can’t miss it.
9. Take a photo of the iconic statue of Winnie the Pooh
The town of White River in Ontario has a special connection to Winnie the Pooh, the character created by A.A. Milne. During World War I, Lieutenant Harry Colebourn, a Canadian soldier and veterinarian, purchased a bear cub in White River and named it after the city of Winnipeg, where he lived.
The Winnie the Pooh Statue is located downtown White River, near the train station. There is a nice little park with a statue and a kids’ playground.
10. Enjoy the view from the top of Terrace Bay Lighthouse
Situated in the center of Simcoe Plaza, the Terrace Bay Lighthouse replicates the lighthouse in the Slate Islands Provincial Park on the middle of Lake Superior.
During the summer, you can climb on top of the lighthouse and observe the beautiful view of Lake Superior. If the sky is clear, it’s possible to stop a Woodland Caribou residing on Slate Islands.
Note that when we visited, it was cloudy, and sadly, we didn’t see anything.
11. Enjoy the flow of water at the Aguasabon Falls
The Aguasabon Falls and Gorge are located just outside Terrace Bay. The 100-foot 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.
But you can simply enjoy the views from the viewing boardwalk.
12. Chase waterfalls at Rainbow Falls Provincial Park
The Rainbow Falls Trail in Rainbow Falls Provincial Park is a moderate 2.2 km out-and-back hiking trail. There are a few stairs and platforms (so it’s not stroller or wheelchair accessible). The trail follows the waterfalls with a bridge over the cascades.
It’s a beautiful nature trail suitable for toddlers.
When you visit with children, ask for the Discovery booklet at the entrance of this Ontario Park.
👀 Looking for more Places to Visit in Northern Ontario along Lake Superior? You might want to try:
Harmony Beach
Batchawana Bay
Pancake Bay Provincial Park
Wawa Goose
The Coldest Spot” sign in White River
Pebble Beach in Marathon
13. Amethyst Mine Panorama
A fun family activity in Thunder Bay is to visit the Amethyst Mine Panorama. You can dig up your own amethyst stone for a souvenir or a perfect travel gift. The process can be messy and muddy, so appropriate clothing is needed.
Before or after the digging, take a guided walking tour of the mine or follow the interpretative panels for a self-guided tour.
14. Follow a French Voyageur through time at Fort William Historical Park.
You can take part in the guided tour of Fort William Historical Park for a step back during the fur trade period. It’s one of our favorite things to do in Thunder Bay.
Fort William was the headquarters of the fur trader company, the North West Company, in the 19th century. It’s now a living museum where you can learn how French voyageurs lived on the Fort by trading fur and European goods.
You’ll find many historic buildings and costumed interprets. I recommend you stay for a few hours (if not all day). There is so much to see.
15. Pay tribute to Terry Fox at the Terry Fox Memorial Lookout
The Terry Fox Memorial Lookout is located approximately where Terry Fox was forced to end his run after 5,342 km on the Marathon of Hope. The Memorial overlooks the bay and the city.
It’s a nice stop on the way to Thunder Bay.
First, the views are incredible. You’ll see the bay, Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant. Then, it’s also a great place to teach your kids about Terry Fox and its importance in Canada.
👀 Looking for more things to do in Thunder Bay? Read our detailed article here.
16. Find Husky the Muskie in Kenora
Husky the Muskie is a 40-foot-tall sculpture that is the informal mascot of Kenora. The sculpture is located in McLeod Park. It’s a nice place to walk around, enjoy the lake views and of course mee Husky the Muskie.
It offers a great view of downtown Kenora.
There is a parking lot nearby.
17. Jump on the water at Norman Park
Normand Park is the place to be in Kenora. It features a beach, playground, museum, and… a floating inflatable park.
You can easily spend an entire day enjoying Norman Park. There is a great sandy beach, a kids’ playground, an enormous splash pad and an old train caboose, all in the same place.
You may also see a few deer wandering around. And why not take part in an obstacle course on Hoopla Island, a floating inflatable park?
F.A.Q Places to Visit in Northern Ontario
What are the most beautiful places in Northern Ontario?
There are many beautiful places in Northern Ontario, but the best ones would be:
- the Lake Superior shore
- Thunder Bay
- Manitoulin Island, near Sault Ste-Marie
Is Ottawa in Northern Ontario?
No. Ottawa is not in Northern Ontario. It’s in the Eastern region of Ontario.
Is Toronto Northern Ontario?
No. Toronto is not in Northern Ontario. It’s in Southern Ontario.
What cities are in Northern Ontario?
Northern Ontario has nine cities and many little towns. The main cities are: Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, Timmins, Kenora, Elliot Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Dryden.
Things to do in Northern Ontario: Our Final Thoughts
The trans-Canadian highway is the perfect drive for a road trip in Ontario but can be lengthy as it’s almost 2000 km one-way.
There are many places to discover, from waterfalls like Kakabeka Falls to historic sites like Fort William. Make sure you take your time to enjoy the North of Ontario.
Related articles: More things to do in Ontario
- The ULTIMATE Northern Ontario Road Trip for Outdoor Lovers
- 14 Things to Do in Ottawa With Kids
- 9 Best Road Trips From Toronto: Less than 500 km
- BEST 18 Things to Do in Thunder Bay With Kids
- Toronto to Halifax Road Trip: All You Need to Know
- Things to Do in Ottawa With Kids: Your 7-Day Itinerary
- 17 Exciting Things to Do in Northern Ontario with the Family
- Agawa Canyon Train Reviews: A Guide to Visiting with Kids
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.