Northern Ontario is a road trip paradise. From endless lakes and rugged wilderness to charming small towns and cultural landmarks, this region offers some of the best road trips in Canada. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking remote landscapes or a traveler in search of cozy roadside stops, there’s a route for every style of explorer. The vast size of Northern Ontario means there’s always something new to discover on your journey—making it one of the most rewarding destinations for travelers behind the wheel.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top Ontario road trips across Northern Ontario, complete with route highlights, must-visit stops, and insider tips to make your drive memorable.
Why Northern Ontario Is Perfect for Road Trips
When you travel in Northern Ontario, you’re entering a land of pristine natural beauty, rich history, and hidden gems. Unlike the bustling cities in Southern Ontario, this region is characterized by open roads, fewer crowds, and an authentic Canadian wilderness experience.
Key reasons Northern Ontario should top your road trip bucket list:
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Scenic Routes: Endless forests, sparkling lakes, and rugged Canadian Shield landscapes.
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Outdoor Activities: Hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing are accessible along the way.
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Cultural Attractions: Indigenous communities, mining history, and art galleries provide cultural depth.
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Variety of Routes: From lakeside drives to wilderness highways, there’s a trip for everyone.
Top Road Trip Routes Across Northern Ontario
1. Lake Superior Circle Tour
This iconic drive is one of the best road trips in Canada, stretching over 2,000 kilometers around the world’s largest freshwater lake. The Canadian portion takes you through Thunder Bay, Terrace Bay, and Sault Ste. Marie.
Highlights:
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Stop at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park for breathtaking hikes and lake views.
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Visit Kakabeka Falls, often called the “Niagara of the North.”
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Explore the charming town of Wawa, famous for its giant Canada Goose statue.
This drive offers stunning cliffside vistas and is a photographer’s dream, making it a top choice for scenic drives in Ontario.
2. Highway 11 from North Bay to Thunder Bay
For an authentic Ontario road trip experience, Highway 11 offers a mix of small towns and untouched wilderness. This route is especially popular among travelers seeking to immerse themselves in Northern Ontario’s remote beauty.
Highlights:
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Explore Temagami’s old-growth pine forests and fire towers.
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Stop in Cochrane, home to the Polar Bear Habitat.
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Discover Hearst, a bilingual community with a vibrant Francophone culture.
The drive is long but rewarding, with plenty of opportunities to camp or stay in cozy motels along the way.
3. Highway 17: Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie
If you’re looking for scenic drives in Ontario, this stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway delivers. The route hugs Lake Huron’s North Shore and offers spectacular views of Georgian Bay and the rugged Canadian Shield.
Highlights:
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Stop in Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world.
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Explore Sudbury’s Science North and Dynamic Earth attractions.
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Hike in Lake Superior Provincial Park for breathtaking coastal scenery.
This shorter route is ideal for travelers who want a mix of nature and culture.
4. Temiskaming Loop
Perfect for those who want a shorter but equally beautiful journey, the Temiskaming Loop is a 450-kilometer route that crosses into Quebec before looping back into Ontario.
Highlights:
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Stop at Cobalt, a historic mining town with a fascinating museum.
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Visit Haileybury for lakeside views and the Little Claybelt Homesteaders Museum.
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Experience bilingual culture as you cross the provincial border.
This route combines rich history with lakeside beauty, making it an underrated Ontario road trip option.
5. James Bay Road Adventure
For those seeking a true off-the-grid adventure, head north on the James Bay Road. This route takes you into remote northern communities and showcases Canada’s untouched wilderness.
Highlights:
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Experience the Indigenous Cree communities of the region.
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See Northern Ontario’s boreal forests and wildlife, including moose and black bears.
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Enjoy fishing, camping, and starry skies with no light pollution.
This is one of the most remote road trips in Ontario, so plan carefully, carry supplies, and embrace the adventure.
6. The Moose River Basin Tour
For travelers based around Timmins, this route offers easy access to several natural and cultural attractions.
Highlights:
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Explore Kettle Lakes Provincial Park, just a short drive from Timmins.
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Visit Kapuskasing for its French-Canadian heritage and art displays.
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Stop in Moosonee, accessible by train, for a taste of Northern Ontario’s remote wilderness.
This route is ideal for those wanting to travel in Northern Ontario while staying relatively close to urban hubs.
Tips for Planning Your Northern Ontario Road Trip
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Prepare for Long Distances: Northern Ontario is vast, and services like gas stations and restaurants can be sparse in remote areas. Plan your fuel stops.
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Book Accommodations Early: In peak summer months, campgrounds and motels fill quickly.
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Pack for All Weather: Conditions can change quickly, especially near large bodies of water like Lake Superior.
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Embrace Nature: Take time for hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping to fully experience the region.
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Respect Local Communities: Northern Ontario is home to many Indigenous communities—visit with respect and support local businesses.
Why Northern Ontario Road Trips Are Unique
Unlike shorter urban drives in Southern Ontario, Ontario road trips through the north are about the journey as much as the destination. Roads wind through ancient rock formations, cross endless boreal forests, and pass by thousands of lakes. You’ll find yourself stopping often to admire roadside waterfalls, pristine beaches, and historic landmarks.
Northern Ontario is also perfect for slow travel. Routes like Highway 17 along Lake Superior are filled with scenic lookouts where you can park, stretch your legs, and take in the view. For many travelers, this region offers a chance to disconnect from busy schedules and reconnect with nature.
Best Time to Travel Northern Ontario
The summer months (June through August) are ideal for warm weather, camping, and swimming. September and early October bring vibrant fall foliage, making this an incredible time for scenic drives in Ontario. Winter road trips are possible too, especially for those interested in skiing, snowmobiling, or experiencing Northern Ontario’s snow-covered landscapes.
A Road Trip for Every Traveler
Whether you’re looking for a week-long wilderness escape or a weekend getaway, Northern Ontario has something to offer. Here’s a quick summary of road trips based on travel style:
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For Adventure Seekers: James Bay Road or Moose River Basin Tour.
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For Scenic Beauty: Lake Superior Circle Tour or Highway 17.
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For Culture & History: Temiskaming Loop or Sudbury-Sault Ste. Marie’s route.
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For Family Trips: Highway 11 corridor with stops at wildlife attractions and museums.
With its mix of culture, nature, and wide-open roads, this region offers some of the best road trips in Canada.
Conclusion
Northern Ontario’s road trip routes are a gateway to breathtaking scenery, fascinating culture, and endless adventure. Whether you choose to follow the shores of Lake Superior, explore historic mining towns, or venture north toward James Bay, you’ll experience a side of Canada that few places can match. Pack your bags, fuel up the car, and get ready for a journey that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation of Ontario’s beauty.
FAQ’s
Q1. What are the best road trips in Northern Ontario?
A: Popular routes include the Lake Superior Circle Tour, Highway 17 from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie and the Temiskaming Loop offer stunning scenery and unique cultural experiences.
Q2. Are there scenic routes near Timmins or Sudbury?
A: Yes! Timmins offers access to Kettle Lakes Provincial Park and the Moose River Basin route, while Sudbury connects to scenic Highway 17 and Manitoulin Island.
Q3. How long does it take to drive across Northern Ontario?
A: Driving from North Bay to Thunder Bay via Highway 11 takes about 13–15 hours, while exploring smaller towns and scenic stops can extend your journey to several days.
