Best Places to Visit in Northern Ontario: A First-Hand Guide
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We moved to Canada from India in 2019 and Northern Ontario was one of the first big road trips we tackled. Every kilometre of it surprised us, and we have been recommending it to fellow Toronto-based explorers ever since.
If you’re planning a trip to North Ontario, buckle up for an adventure that takes you far from the bustling city of Toronto. North Ontario is a vast region filled with natural wonders, scenic landscapes, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. To make the most of your journey, it’s essential to have a detailed plan in place. Luckily, we’ve curated a comprehensive itinerary from our trip to North Ontario, which you can download at the end of this blog. Whether you are searching for the best places to visit in northern ontario or chasing northern ontario attractions and road trip ideas, this guide covers everything you need.
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Bathtub Island: A Natural Oasis
One of the must-visit spots in North Ontario is Bathtub Island, a natural wonder that lives up to its name. Located about 9 hours northwest of Toronto, Bathtub Island offers a unique experience of lounging in a natural basin that’s shallow enough for maximum relaxation. The surrounding water may be chilly, but the sun works its magic, warming up the water in the hollow for a true bathtub experience. With Caribbean-colored waters and pristine white sandy beaches, Bathtub Island on Lake Superior is a paradise for summer days.
What Makes Bathtub Island So Special
When we first waded into the natural hollow at Bathtub Island, we genuinely could not believe we were in Ontario. The shallow basin traps heat from the sun, so the water stays noticeably warmer than the surrounding Lake Superior, which sits at bone-chilling temperatures even in July. It felt like someone had carved a hot tub into the rock face of one of Canada’s most dramatic shorelines.
The drive to get there is part of the experience. We took the Trans-Canada Highway through Wawa and then followed the Lake Superior coastline, stopping at every pullout because the views are simply that good. If you are planning things to do in northern ontario on a summer road trip, Bathtub Island should sit near the top of your list.
We arrived early on a weekday and had the basin almost entirely to ourselves for the first hour. Our tip: bring water shoes because the rocky approach from the beach can be slippery, and pack a picnic since there are no food vendors nearby.
Address: Bathtub Island, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada
Hours: Accessible during park open season (generally mid-May to mid-October); confirm seasonal dates with Ontario Parks before visiting
Admission: Included with Lake Superior Provincial Park day-use fee
Parking: Roadside parking along Highway 17 near the trailhead
Confirm current trail access and parking conditions before visiting at ontarioparks.com
If you enjoy Ontario’s natural shorelines, our guide to things to do on Pelee Island is worth reading before your next trip.
Magpie Falls: A Magnificent Cascade
Next on our North Ontario itinerary is Magpie Scenic High Falls in Wawa, part of Ontario’s Algoma Country. This picturesque waterfall is also known as High Falls, Scenic High Falls, or High Falls of the Magpie River. Standing at 75 feet tall and 124 feet wide, Magpie Falls is a breathtaking sight worth the visit. A short walk from the parking area leads to the main lookout, offering picnic spots and stunning views of the falls from different angles.
Experiencing Magpie Falls Up Close
The roar of Magpie Falls greets you well before the lookout comes into view. We visited in late June and the water volume after spring runoff was extraordinary. The mist from the falls drifts over the viewing platform on windy days, so a light jacket is worth packing even in summer.
Wawa itself is a charming stopover town and one of the underrated northern ontario attractions that many road trippers pass through too quickly. We recommend spending at least a lunch stop here and walking down to the giant Canada Goose statue, which has become an iconic photo spot on the Trans-Canada.
We found the parking area easy to navigate and the path to the main viewpoint was accessible for most fitness levels. The whole stop, including the walk and photos, took us about 45 minutes.
Address: Magpie Scenic High Falls, Wawa, Ontario, Canada (off Highway 17)
Hours: Open year-round; best accessed May through October
Admission: Free
Parking: Free parking area off Highway 17 near the falls trailhead
Confirm trail conditions before visiting, particularly after heavy rainfall
For more waterfall and outdoor stops across the province, see our fall road trips in Ontario guide for ideas closer to the GTA.
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Old Woman Bay, Lake Superior: Nature’s Masterpiece
At the northern tip of Lake Superior Provincial Park lies Old Woman Bay, a captivating natural wonder. Whether you’re driving from Sault Ste. Marie or Wawa, Old Woman Bay captivates visitors with its beauty. Accessible parking and proximity to the shoreline make it an ideal spot for a day of exploration along the shores of Lake Superior.
Our Time at Old Woman Bay
Old Woman Bay stopped us in our tracks. We had seen photos before the trip but nothing prepares you for the scale of the cliffs rising directly out of the water. The beach itself is pebbly and the lake temperature is cold even in summer, but the scenery makes it one of the most photographed spots on the entire Lake Superior coastline.
We spent about an hour here, walking the shoreline and watching the light change on the rock face. If the weather cooperates, this is one of those northern ontario attractions where you will burn through your camera roll faster than anywhere else on the route.
We arrived mid-morning and found the parking lot about half full. Arriving early or later in the afternoon helps you avoid the busiest period. The lookout area is stroller-accessible, which is useful if you are travelling with young children.
Address: Old Woman Bay, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Highway 17, Ontario, Canada
Hours: Open during Lake Superior Provincial Park operating season; confirm with Ontario Parks
Admission: Included with Lake Superior Provincial Park day-use fee
Parking: Designated parking lot directly off Highway 17
Confirm seasonal road and park access before visiting at ontarioparks.com
If you enjoy road trips through Ontario with the family, check out our picks for things to do with family in Toronto and the GTA for pre-trip or post-trip stops.
Best Time to Visit Northern Ontario
Spring (May to early June): Spring brings the waterfalls to their most powerful state as snowmelt swells the rivers. We find this is a great time to visit Magpie Falls in particular. The parks reopen from mid-May and crowds are minimal, though some backcountry trails may still be muddy.
Summer (July and August): Summer is peak season and the best time to experience Bathtub Island and Old Woman Bay. Water temperatures on Lake Superior are at their highest (though still cold by most standards) and all park facilities are fully operational. Expect larger crowds on weekends and at peak viewpoints.
Fall (September to October): Fall is our personal favourite time to drive the northern ontario road trip route. The colours along Highway 17 through Algoma Country are extraordinary, with red maples and golden birches lining the lakeside cliffs. Crowds drop sharply after Labour Day and the light for photography is exceptional.
Winter (November to April): Winter is for experienced travellers only. Highway 17 can be treacherous and most park facilities are closed. That said, snowshoeing and ice fishing are popular in winter-accessible areas around Wawa and Sault Ste. Marie for those who come prepared.
Places to Visit in Northern Ontario by Area
- Lake Superior Provincial Park (Wawa to Sault Ste. Marie): This stretch of Highway 17 is the heart of our northern ontario road trip. It contains Bathtub Island, Old Woman Bay, and countless pullouts with jaw-dropping lake views. We recommend allowing two to three days minimum to do it justice.
- Wawa and Algoma Country: Wawa is the gateway to Magpie Falls and a natural stopover on the Trans-Canada. The town is small but has essential amenities including gas, groceries, and accommodation. Algoma Country as a wider region includes some of the most dramatic scenery in the province.
- Sault Ste. Marie: Sault Ste. Marie is the largest city along the northern ontario road trip route and a great base for multi-day explorers. The Agawa Canyon Tour Train departs from here and is one of the most scenic rail journeys in Canada, particularly in fall.
- Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario: Thunder Bay anchors the western end of Northern Ontario and is home to Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, one of the most dramatic landscapes in the province. It is roughly 14 hours from Toronto by car and best combined with a longer road trip itinerary.
- North Bay and Northeastern Ontario: North Bay sits at the southern edge of Northern Ontario and is a practical first stop on a route heading further north. It offers a mix of lakeside beaches, hiking trails, and family-friendly northern ontario attractions without the full distance commitment of the Lake Superior route.
Free and No-Reservation Northern Ontario Attractions
Several of the best things to do in northern ontario cost nothing at all or require no advance booking. Magpie Falls is one of the standout free stops: there is no admission charge and no reservation system, just a short walk from the roadside parking area to one of the most impressive waterfalls in Ontario.
Old Woman Bay and Bathtub Island are both within Lake Superior Provincial Park, which charges a day-use fee rather than requiring a reservation for general access. You pay at the park gate on arrival. We have never had trouble getting in on a weekday, though summer weekends can see higher gate traffic.
The roadside lookouts along Highway 17 through Algoma Country are entirely free and require no parking permits. We stopped at five or six of these on our drive and some of them rivalled the named attractions for sheer visual impact. The key is to slow down and not treat the drive as a commute.
Tips for Visiting Northern Ontario with Kids or Toddlers
Northern Ontario is genuinely family-friendly if you plan the drive sensibly. The single biggest factor is breaking the journey into manageable segments. We recommend no more than three to four hours of driving between stops, which works naturally given the spacing of the main northern ontario attractions along Highway 17.
Old Woman Bay has a flat pebbled beach that toddlers love to explore. The water is cold but the beach itself is safe for paddling at the very edge. Magpie Falls has a short, mostly flat path to the main viewpoint that is manageable for children who can walk independently.
Pack more snacks than you think you need. Service stations are sparse between towns and there are long stretches of Highway 17 with no commercial stops. For overnight stays, Wawa and Sault Ste. Marie both have family-friendly hotel options. If you are planning a multi-day trip with kids, our things to do with family in Toronto and the GTA guide has useful tips for building out the rest of your Ontario itinerary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern Ontario worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. Northern Ontario offers some of the most spectacular and accessible wilderness in Canada. The combination of Lake Superior’s coastline, major waterfalls, and old-growth forest makes it genuinely unlike anything in Southern Ontario. We think it is one of the most underrated road trip destinations in the country for Canadians and international visitors alike.
Where to travel in Northern Ontario?
The Lake Superior coastline between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa is the most rewarding stretch for first-time visitors. Key stops include Lake Superior Provincial Park (for Bathtub Island and Old Woman Bay), Magpie Falls in Wawa, and the Agawa Canyon area. Thunder Bay and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park are worth adding if you have more than four days.
What to do in Northern Ontario?
The main northern ontario attractions are outdoor focused: swimming and hiking in Lake Superior Provincial Park, waterfall viewpoints like Magpie Falls, scenic drives along Highway 17, and wildlife watching throughout the region. Sault Ste. Marie offers the Agawa Canyon Tour Train for a more structured experience. In winter, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing are popular.
What is the prettiest place in Ontario?
This is subjective, but Old Woman Bay in Lake Superior Provincial Park consistently makes top lists for its combination of dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and remote feel. Killarney Provincial Park, accessible from the south shore of Georgian Bay, is another strong contender known for its white quartzite ridges and crystal-clear lakes.
How long does a Northern Ontario road trip take?
A focused northern ontario road trip covering the Lake Superior corridor from Toronto takes a minimum of four days if you drive in both directions. We recommend five to seven days to allow time at the main stops without feeling rushed. If you are adding Thunder Bay, budget at least a week for the full loop.
Download Your Detailed Itinerary
To help you navigate and plan your trip to North Ontario, we’ve created a detailed itinerary with information on where to make stops, how to plan your journey, and the best routes back to Toronto. Download the itinerary below to unlock the secrets of North Ontario and embark on a memorable adventure in Canada’s stunning wilderness.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of North Ontario and create unforgettable memories along the way. Happy exploring! Whether it is your first time or your fifth, the places to visit in northern ontario always find a way to surprise you.
We have done the planning so you do not have to. Browse our tried and tested Canada travel itineraries and start your adventure.
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Related Links
- For a truly magical stay in the region, explore these enchanting places to stay in Muskoka.
- Before heading north, take a detour to Durham Region for some exciting activities.
- Planning an Ontario road trip with fall foliage? Read our fall road trips Ontario guide for the best countryside day trips from Toronto.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep bringing you great travel content. All recommendations are based on our personal experience.
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