The top scenic drive in Ontario skirts Lake Superior from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay. The Lake Superior scenic drive in northwestern Ontario provides access to some of the area’s most stunning natural wonders. This was my first visit to the area, and I was struck by its immense beauty.
This picturesque route passes along Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area and third largest by volume. The lake provides 10 percent of the world’s freshwater supply by surface. The deepest spot in Lake Superior is 406 metres (1,322 feet). The entire distance around the shoreline is 2,939 kilometres (1,826 miles).
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Lake Superior Scenic Drive
Explore the vast wilderness of forests, lakes, rivers, valleys, canyons and waterfalls along the Lake Superior scenic drive.
If you visit this area from May through August, remember to wear a bug hat or bring along another bug deterrent.
Distance: 705 kilometres
Duration: 8 1/2 hours driving, without stops
The shores of Lake Superior as viewed from one of the most scenic drives in Canada. This beach is outside the Visitor Centre in Lake Superior Provincial Park. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Top things to do along the Lake Superior Route
Don’t miss experiencing these places along Ontario’s scenic Lake Superior route.
Sault Ste. Marie
Start in Sault Ste. Marie and discover its beautiful waterfront and why the famous Canadian landscape painters, the Group of Seven, were enchanted with the area. Learn about the rich history of First Nations and exploring voyageurs.
- Visit Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, which once was the longest locks in the world.
- Enjoy the stroll along the St. Marys River Boardwalk.
- Ride the rails of the Agawa Canyon Tour Train through Northern Ontario’s pristine wilderness in the Algoma region. It is one of Canada’s most scenic train trips. Book now for the fall 2025 season, as this popular tour sells out fast.
- Tour the Heritage Discovery Centre and two of the oldest stone buildings northwest of Toronto.
- See an impressive collection of about 24 bush planes at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.
Read more about the top things to do in Sault Ste. Marie.
Explore the best things to do in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Algoma Region
The Algoma region is noted for its incredible explosion of vivid fall colours in the last few weeks of September and the first two weeks of October.
This breathtaking scenery inspired the famed Canadian Group of Seven artists, to develop their own unique Canadian style of painting not found anywhere else in the world. See a photo gallery of the spectacular scenery of the area.
There are plenty of spots to canoe following historic routes once navigated by voyageurs. Learn more about the life of a voyageur.
Be sure to watch out for wild moose on the road at dusk and dawn.
The top scenic drive in Ontario provides access to the stunning fall colours of Algoma. Photo Credit: Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership
Batchwana Bay
Enjoy three miles of white sandy beach and the warm water of Batchwana Bay on Lake Superior.
Stop at the Voyageurs Lodge and Cookhouse across from Batchwana Bay for some of their world-famous fritters or try their hearty portions of the fish fry special. If you see Frank O’Connor, the friendly lodge owner, he is happy to share stories of the voyageurs.
Beautiful Batchwana Bay on Lake Superior. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Frank O’Connor, owner of the Voyageurs Lodge. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Chippewa Falls
Picnic at Chippewa Falls, located at the halfway mark of the Trans-Canada Highway’s 7,821-km-long highway.
Chippewa Falls is located on one of the top scenic drives in Ontario. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Lake Superior Provincial Park
Explore the rugged wilderness of Lake Superior Provincial Park. Discover lakes, rivers, beaches and more. See 35 red ochre Agawa Rock pictographs if you don’t mind navigating the rocky shoreline to reach them.
This pictograph site is one of the few that are easily accessible in Ontario. The route is closed from mid-September to mid-May and when the lake is rough.
Stop at the park’s Visitor Centre to learn more about the history and culture of the area.
Agawa Rock Pictographs Lake Superior Provincial Park.
Agawa Rock Pictographs Lake Superior Provincial Park.
Pukaskwa National Park
Experience the raw wilderness of Pukaskwa National Park. The park has numerous hiking trails, including the challenging 60-km Coastal Hiking Trail, which is part of the Trans Canada Trail.
If you are ambitious, take the 18-km day hike to the White River Suspension Bridge. The bridge sways 23-metres above Chigamiwinigum Falls.
In the summer, learn about the culture of the Anishinaabe (Ojibway) First Nations.
Pukashwa National Park bridge on Pukaskwa Coastal Hiking Trail on one of Ontario’s most scenic routes near Thunder Bay. Photo: Darren McCristie, Ontario Tourism
Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area
The Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area provides incredible views of the lake that will soon be the largest protected fresh water lake in the world.
In the spring, during migration, the shores of Black Bay are a favourite spot for birdwatchers to see thousands of birds from hundreds of species as they make their way north.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
There are more than 100 kms of trails to choose from in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
There are all types of trails available from easy, short hikes to more difficult and challenging ones.
See the area’s rugged shoreline from the Thunder Bay Lookout Road or hike the long, difficult Top of the Giant Trail to take in spectacular views from the top of one of Ontario’s highest cliffs. This 22 km trail is an 8-10 hour adventure.
View from Sleeping Giant Provincial Park near Thunder Bay on one of the most scenic road trips around Lake Superior in Ontario. Photo: Darren McChristie, Ontario Tourism
Thunder Bay
- Visit Fort William Historical Park the world’s largest fur trading post. Relive the history of the North West Company and fur trading. The park sits on 250 acres and has 57 structures to tour.
- Explore Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. The 40-metre falls are the second highest in Ontario. Take advantage of the easy to reach platforms to view the falls.
- Find out more about the top things to do in Thunder Bay, from Ontario writer Stephanie Mayo.
Kakabeka Falls is the second highest falls in Ontario and can be found on one of the most scenic routes in Canada. Photo: Joey Panetta, Tourism Ontario
If you have a favourite scenic drive, please comment below or list any others that should not be missed. We’re always on the lookout for breathtaking routes that highlight the beauty of nature. Whether you’re winding through mountain passes or cruising along coastal highways, every destination offers something unique. Scenic drives in Canada, such as the Cabot Trail or Icefields Parkway, are must-see routes that genuinely showcase the splendor of the country’s diverse landscapes.
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About the Author:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
We just returned home from our road trip to Minnesota’s North Shore along Lake Superior. It was a beautiful trip! We also ventured from Grand Portage State Park into Ontario for a few hours. Kakabecca Falls was an impressive sight, but we got caught up in Friday afternoon rush hour in Thunder Bay and didn’t have time to see much. We are definitely interested in doing the complete Lake Superior Grand Circle!
Thanks for commenting. Good tip to know about avoiding rush hour in Thunder Bay.