Hear about a road trip across the North Shore of Lake Superior as the Amateur Traveler talks to David Adler about an area that he fell in love with through a summer camp.
Why should you drive this road trip?
David says, “I think what makes it really unique is that it’s a place that no one really knows about. I think it stands as one of the most beautiful spots in the world that I’ve ever seen. The nature there is really untouched. You’ll be driving and there’ll be signs that say no gas for 150 kilometers. It’s very remote.”
David recommended road trip itinerary along the North Shore of Lake Superior (as described in the podcast transcript) begins in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and ends in Thunder Bay, following Highway 17, part of the Lake Superior Circle Tour.
Here’s the detailed route he outlines:
Overview
- Route: Sault Ste. Marie → Wawa → Marathon → Thunder Bay
- Highway: Ontario Highway 17 (Trans-Canada Highway)
- Distance: ~700 km (435 mi)
- Duration: 5–7 days recommended
- Best season: Summer (May – September)
Sault Ste. Marie
- Visit the Soo Locks (boat tour of ships moving between Lake Superior and Lake Huron).
- Explore historic canal sites and the city’s fur-trading past.
- Stock up on supplies, groceries, and gear—this is the last large town before Thunder Bay.
- Try poutine or Cornish-style pasties, reflecting French-Canadian and British influences.
- Note the mix of Ojibwe and French heritage.
Batchawana Bay & Pancake Bay Provincial Parks
- Easy access beaches and viewpoints along Highway 17.
- Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Trail (~6 km): views of the section of Lake Superior where the ship sank.
- Ideal for a short scenic stop before entering wilder areas.
Lake Superior Provincial Park (2–3 days)
Visitor Centre: Start here for cultural exhibits on the Ojibwe and local geology.
Highlights:
- Orphan Lake Loop Trail (≈ 4 mi / 6 km): forest, river, lake, and beach loop.
- Old Woman Bay: dramatic cliffs; short Nokomis Trail to a panoramic viewpoint.
- Coastal Trail: rugged 65 km backcountry route (5–7 days full length); day-hike sections at Katherine Cove, Robertson Cove, and Sinclair Cove.
- Agawa Rock Pictographs: ancient Ojibwe rock art (now treated as a sacred site, not promoted for visits).
- Canoe Routes: Mijinemungshing Lake and Gamitagama Lake–Old Woman Lake multi-day circuits.
Wawa & Vicinity
- Wawa (“goose” in Ojibwe) – photo stop at the giant goose statue.
- Stay at Northern Lights Motel & Chalets; enjoy Indian food cooked by the owners.
- See quirky roadside art by Spike Mills (the Gitchee Goomee sculptures).
- Eat Krazy Fries food truck (great poutine).
- Visit Young’s General Store – classic ice-cream, pickles, and local souvenirs.
Nearby:
- Magpie Scenic High Falls and Silver Falls (easy access).
- Naturally Superior Adventures and Rock Island Lodge at Michipicoten Bay – canoe/kayak trips, Voyager canoes, and B&B lodging on the lake.
Inland Lakes & Obatanga Provincial Park Area
- Scenic forest drive between Wawa and White River, dotted with countless small lakes.
- Good for canoeing or fishing, but extremely remote (no gas for ~150 km).
White River
- Birthplace of Winnie-the-Pooh (learn the 1914 origin story).
- Stop at Winnie-the-Pooh Park and the statue.
Pukaskwa National Park (near Marathon)
- Canada’s only national park on Lake Superior’s shore.
- Base at Hattie Cove for camping or short hikes.
- White River Suspension Bridge Trail: dramatic crossing ≈ 23 m above a gorge.
- Rugged backcountry routes for experienced hikers.
Between Marathon and Thunder Bay
- Neys Provincial Park: WWII German POW camp history and beach access.
- Terrace Bay: climb the lighthouse replica overlooking Lake Superior.
- Aguasabon Falls and Gorge: hydro-controlled canyon; stunning when water is released.
Thunder Bay Region (2–3 days)
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
- Hike to Top of the Giant (view over Lake Superior).
- See Sea Lion Rock Arch formation.
- Silver Islet historic mining hamlet and general store.
Canyons & Bridges
- Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park: 150 m-deep gorge with boardwalk viewpoints.
- Eagle Canyon Adventures: home to Canada’s longest foot suspension bridge (≈ 600 ft / 183 m).
Thunder Bay City & Area
- Fort William Historical Park: 1810s fur-trade re-creation site.
- Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park: 131-ft (40 m) waterfall nicknamed “Niagara of the North.”
- Terry Fox National Historic Monument and Lookout: memorial to the Marathon of Hope runner.
- Enjoy breweries, restaurants, and a revitalized downtown arts scene.
Optional Extensions
- Continue west to Duluth, Minnesota, visiting Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls, and other North Shore stops (see Amateur Traveler Episode 936).
- Continue east/south through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (see Episode 484).
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Show Notes
David Adler – YouTube
Lake Superior
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Travel to Michigan;s Upper Peninsula, Mackinac Island – Episode 484
Travel to Duluth, Minnesota – Episode 936
Soo Locks
Ojibwe
Lake Superior Circle Tour
Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Trail Hike
Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Trail
Lake Superior Provincial Park
Orphan Lake Loop Hiking Trail
Nokomis Trail
Backpacker’s guide to the Coastal Trail in Lake Superior Provincial Park
Katherine Cove – Lake Superior Circle Tour
Sinclair Cove
Agawa Rock Pictographs
Mijinemungshing Lake
Gamitagama Lake to Old Woman Lake Canoe Route
Canoe Trips in Lake Superior Provincial Park
Wawa, Ontario
Wawa Northern Lights Motel and Chalets
Spike Mills (artist)
Krazy Fries, Wawa
Young’s General Store
Magpie Scenic High Falls
Middle Silver Falls
Michipicoten Island
Naturally Superior Adventures
Obatanga Provincial Park
Rock Island Lodge
White River
Winnie-the-Pooh
Pukaskwa National Park
Neys Provincial Park
Terrace Bay
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Lake Superior Circle Tour Map
Hike Sea Lion Trail at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park
Eagle Canyon Adventures: Canada’s Longest Suspension Bridge and Zipline
Silver Islet
Shipwrecks of Lake Superior: 7 Famous Ships Lost in the Waters of the Lake
Gargantua Harbour and Warp Bay in Lake Superior Provincial Park
Fort William Historical Park
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
Terry Fox National Historic Monument Lookout
Community
Amateur Traveler Trips
