Your First Algoma Country Adventure

Visiting Northern Ontario for the first time? Here’s a list of scenic stops, attractions and activities to help you make the most of your epic road trip from Southern Ontario. 

Algoma Country is one of my favourite regions in Ontario for several reasons. Lake Superior is my favourite of the Great Lakes, with the city of Sault Ste. Marie is the gateway to this stunning body of water. The Soo is also the last major city stop before driving into Lake Superior Provincial Park, my favourite Ontario Parks. And as a paddling and outdoor enthusiast, there’s no shortage of activities to dive into (not to mention the cozy accommodations to stay at!) 

When I see ‘Yours to Discover’ on the Ontario license plates, I simply think of Algoma Country because of how large this region is and all the attractions I have yet to visit!

And with Algoma Country being as big as it is and as far away as it is from Toronto – a 6-hour drive to Spanish, the most southern township in Algoma Country and to Hearst, the most northern town, it can feel overwhelming with what to check out when planning the first trip to this large part of Northern Ontario.  

With how much I gush fondly about this region and how frequently I’m asked about places to check out here, I created this list to be a starting point for those new to Algoma Country. The list also provides a loose route to travel and features several places I have vivid memories of from visits years ago.  

If you’re already familiar with Algoma, I included some activity and itinerary ideas to spark new experiences for places you might have visited. 

While this is not a comprehensive list, this Choose Your Own Algoma Country Adventure Checklist highlights some of the towns and places along the way when heading north from Toronto/Southeastern Ontario or west from Sudbury/Northeastern Ontario. TIP – Before making the long but scenic drive, always make sure your vehicle is in its best condition and fill up your gas tank whenever possible (gas stations can be very spread out and may not be open late or at all on Sundays 😊).

Before getting into Algoma Country, one of my favourite places to stay that’s part of the Northeastern Ontario Region is Chutes Provincial Park, in Massey, Ontario, where you can camp next to a waterfall! Even if you don’t camp here, I highly recommend stopping to check out this small but unique Ontario Parks location.

Spanish

Located along Lake Huron, Spanish is the southernmost township and gateway into Algoma Country along Hwy 17.

👀🥾The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail passes through the town, taking visitors along the Four Seasons Waterfront Complex & Municipal Marina. 

👀🥾Stretch your legs and walk the Shoreline Discovery Trail, which gives a beautiful panoramic view of overlooking the Spanish River Delta, Sagamok Anishnawbek, Whalesback Channel, and the Town of Spanish from atop the rocky bluffs next to the marina.

After passing through here, you can either head north along Hwy 108 towards Elliot Lake or head west along Highway 17 towards Blind River. Here’s what you can check out depending on where you go: 

Elliot Lake

👀Head up to the top of Elliot Lake Fire Tower for a scenic view of the town.

🥾 🛶 Continuing driving 30 minutes north to Mississagi Provincial Park and hike the scenic Helenbar Lookout Trail, a 7 km loop or paddle Semiwite Lake (canoe rentals available in the summer). For those super adventurous, check out Helenbar Lake (accessible on foot or by paddling with a short portage on route), where a World War II fighter jet was abandoned in the lake! 

🍽️🏡 Dine on the outdoor patio at Laurentian Lodge (maybe even stay the night!) and take in a relaxing view of Flake Lake. 

Blind River

🍽️ Enjoy lunch or dinner with a view from the waterfront patio at The Pier Sports Bar.

🏡 🛶 Book a night or two in a waterfront cottage at Granary Lake Retreat, just 20 minutes outside Blind River. When staying here, enjoy a scenic paddle to the unsuspecting but towering cliffs on the other side of the lake! In the summer months, you can even go rock climbing here! 

If you keep heading west along Hwy 17, you’ll find yourself at Thessalon. From here, you can go north along Hwy 129 to explore more of Thessalon or continue west towards Bruce Mines. You pick!

Thessalon

🥾The Rock Candy Mountain Trail (aka Cummings Lake Lookout) is a moderately technical short hike (1.5km/0.9 mi) just 25 minutes from ‘downtown’ Thessalon. The perfect short but scenic drive if staying in Thessalon, along the north shore of Lake Huron. 

🏡🛶 Looking for a more remote place to stay in the area? Check out Northern Skies Resort, a fourth-generation family-owned resort with various on-site accommodations available all year round. When staying here, you can paddle and explore Chub Lake and discover old remnants of communities from years past. 

🥾 When travelling along Highway 129, visiting Aubrey Falls Provincial Park is a must! Located between Chapleau (to the north) and Thessalon, this lesser-talked-about Ontario Parks spot has a stunning waterfall with over seven waterfall chutes and a scenic suspension bridge! 

Read more about Aubrey Falls Provincial Park and Hwy 129 – https://www.algomacountry.com/aubrey-falls-provincial-park-perfect-day-trip/ 

📍From Aubrey Falls Provincial Park, you can head north towards Chapleau or west along Hwy 556 towards Ranger Lake, where you’ll find Ranger Lake Resort, a quiet, backcountry wilderness resort with waterfront log cabins where you can enjoy sunrise and sunset paddles, then unwind in a wood-burning outdoor sauna. When visiting Ranger Lake Resort, I would recommend heading in from the east, as the road was quite bumpy along Hwy 556 from the west when I visited in 2024. 

📍If you don’t have time to detour north of Thessalon, travelling along Highway 17 towards Bruce Mines is the more popular route most visitors take through Algoma Country. Pick up a mid-day coffee, tea or beverage with your reusable tumbler at the cute and quirky Copper Bean Roasters in Bruce Mines and continue west. 

Looking for a scenic spot to pull over, stretch your legs, or spend the day? Visit:

St. Joseph Island

👀 Pull off at the picnic area on Bamford Island before crossing the Bernt Gilbertson Bridge into St. Joseph’s Island. 

🍽️ Enjoy a bakery treat or brunch at the Black Bear Café.

🛶 Dip your toes into the water at Women’s Institute Park. And for more experienced paddlers looking for a paddling workout, you can explore some interesting landmarks in St. Joseph’s Channel. 

📍When you’re back along Hwy 17, make sure to stop by the Loon Dollar Monument in Echo Bay! There will be another giant bird-related attraction to visit further along the route…

📍If you’re looking for a place to camp or stay the night in cute, tiny cabins along the water, check out Ojibway Park, an Indigenous-owned resort in Garden River First Nation (GRFN). 

The next stop on this Choose Your Algoma Adventure road trip is: 

Sault Ste. Marie

Considered to be Ontario’s premier outdoor adventure town, Sault Ste. Marie (SSM) offers mini urban adventures within the city and lives up to its reputation as the gateway for adventure. Here are a few recommendations: 

👀🥾 Visit the historic and culturally sacred Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site (SSMCNHS) and spend some time on the trails at Whitefish Island.

Read more about the SSM Canal Historic Site – https://northernontario.travel/sault-ste-marie/guide-sault-ste-marie-canal-national-historic-site 

🍽️ One of my favourite restaurants in The Soo is Peace.

Combine paddling with good food in SSM! Check out more recommendations on where to feast after your adventures. https://northernontario.travel/algoma-country/sup-sip-and-snack-and-around-soo 

🗣 Connect with Thrive Tours, an Indigenous eco-cultural tour company based out of Sault Ste. Marie, who weaves adventure with traditional knowledge, or on a retro backcountry camping experience with Forest The Canoe.

Learn more about Thrive Tours and how they are not your average adventure guides! https://saulttourism.com/travelogues/not-your-average-paddling-adventure-with-thrive-tours/ 

Here are 7 Reasons to Add Thrive Tours to Your Northern Ontario Bucket List Adventure https://northernontario.travel/sault-ste-marie/thrive-tours-sault-ste-marie  

And now, for the stretch of Hwy 17 considered as one of the most scenic drives in Canada, from SSM to Wawa. Here are some of my favourite stops: 

🏕️🛶 Batchawana Bay Provincial Park

🍽️🏡 The Voyageur’s Lodge and Cookhouse

👀Alona Bay Scenic Lookout

🏕️ Agawa Bay Campground, Lake Superior Provincial Park

👀Agawa Bay Scenic Lookout

Agawa Rock Pictographs, Lake Superior Provincial Park (do check the Ontario Parks website to see if this sacred site is open, as it is sometimes closed for private Indigenous ceremonies). 

Sand River Falls, Lake Superior Provincial Park – one of the great spots right off the highway for a picnic.

Katherine’s Cove Picnic Area, Lake Superior Provincial Park 

Nokomis Trail, Lake Superior Provincial Park

Old Woman Bay, Lake Superior Provincial Park

Wawa

🏡🏕️ Sign up for a paddling lesson or adventure with Naturally Superior Adventures & Rock Island Lodge. Located along the shores of Lake Superior and at the mouth of the Michipicoten River, don’t pass up the opportunity to stay here, even if you’re not a paddler!  

👀 Make sure to stop at Scenic High Falls, located just behind Algoma Highlands Wild Blueberry Farm and Winery (which you should also stop at!) 

👀 Check out the Wawa Goose (don’t forget to also visit the original Wawa Goose just down the street). And if you’re all about our nation’s famous bird, stay at the Wawa Motor Inn, as there’s also a giant goose on top of the building! 

👀🥾 Stroll along the William MacDonald Beachfront Walk and take in the stunning sunrise. 

📍 Head north towards White River or east along Highway 101 towards Chapleau and visit Potholes Provincial Park along the way. Many Southeastern Ontario visitors typically turn back at Wawa and head south to return home along Highway 17, as it means a lovely encore drive through the scenic corridor to see Lake Superior again.

📍 If you do venture up to White River:

👀 There’s a famous bear you have to visit.

✈️ If you want to take your adventure to new heights, visit White River Air to hop on a float plane and unlock a fly-in adventure!

🚆 Stop by the historic White River Train Station (if you’re a Winnie the Pooh fan, this is a significant stop!) Plan your next train-in adventure aboard the Budd Car, the Sudbury–White River train operated by Via Rail that not only serves the interior communities between Sudbury and White River, but you’ll often find people on a train-in adventure (for example, instead of taking a float plane, you can opt for Via Rail’s Budd Car Service to visit Mar Mac Lodge located on Esnagi Lake as a nice alternative).

Read about 5 Unique Paddling Experiences in Algoma – https://www.algomacountry.com/5-unique-paddling-experiences-in-algoma/ 

Even though the Algoma Country region is a vast, expansive area, don’t be intimidated to take the opportunity to go for a nice, long scenic drive! With most of Algoma’s cities and towns spread out along the TransCanada Highway 17, it is very easy for visitors to stop and explore or skip and come back to it on the return trip along the way. 

No matter which town or city you stop in, you’ll find something cool, charming, and a way to connect to the great Canadian outdoors, as Algoma Country is that real four seasons of adventure in one of Ontario’s most genuinely all-about-nature regions.

In a province that reminds us that it’s ‘Yours To Discover’ whenever we’re on the road, where will you stop and visit in Algoma Country?