Highway 17 Coastal Trip to Thunder Bay Ontario- Lake Superior
Highway 17 stands as Ontario’s longest highway, stretching an impressive 1,964.0 km (1,220.4 mi) across the province’s diverse landscapes . Undoubtedly one of Canada’s greatest drives, this scenic route earned its reputation for good reason — rated an exceptional 4.8 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor and ranked #1,794 of 7,697 things to do in Ontario .
This canadian highway offers more than just transportation; it’s the sole link connecting eastern and western regions of the country . As we discovered while exploring ontario 17, the journey between Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay specifically has earned legendary status. In fact, the National Post named riding a motorcycle across the North Shore of Lake Superior one of the “100 things to do in Canada before you die” . The longest highway in canada reveals breathtaking views and exciting adventures at every turn , with countless lookout spots showcasing the magnificent landscapes along this iconic stretch of the trans canada highway.
From hidden beaches to majestic waterfalls, Highway 17 harbors countless treasures scattered along Lake Superior’s North shore . Whether you’re planning a 10-11 day adventure covering the full route or focusing on specific sections, this guide will reveal both famous landmarks and secret spots that make this journey unforgettable.
Planning Your Highway 17 Road Trip
Planning a journey along Ontario 17 requires careful consideration of several factors to make the most of your adventure along Lake Superior’s stunning coastline.
Best time to travel the Trans Canada Highway
The canadian highway showcases different personalities throughout the year. Late May to early June offers the least crowds and best hotel rates with pleasant temperatures. Mid-June kicks off festival season with attractions operating at full capacity through summer. For nature enthusiasts, late September through mid-October delivers spectacular fall colors. Additionally, each season presents unique experiences – spring brings cascading waterfalls, summer provides ideal weather for hiking and beaches, and winter demands preparation for snow and ice [2].
How long to spend on the route
Lake Superior’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. Locals joke it can change in the blink of an eye. Pack for all possibilities including shorts, t-shirts, long pants, fleeces, raincoat, warm hat, gloves, and water shoes for rocky beaches. Furthermore, don’t forget essentials like portable snacks, water, a first aid kit, and navigation tools since cell coverage can be sporadic in remote areas [2].
Understanding the Trans Canada Highway speed limit
As of July 2024, Ontario raised speed limits on several sections of provincial highways to 110 km/h, covering 860 kilometers (36%) of Ontario’s highway network. Nevertheless, speed limits vary considerably along the trans canada highway. Through national parks, the limit restricts to 90 km/h. Be aware that stunt driving penalties apply at 40 km/h over posted limits . Moreover, always watch for changing limits in towns, which can drop as low as 50 km/h.
Must-See Stops Between Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay
The spectacular stretch of the canadian highway between Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay showcases some of Ontario’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
Pancake Bay and Agawa Bay
Just 80 km north of Sault Ste. Marie, Pancake Bay Provincial Park boasts more than 3 km of Caribbean-blue water and beautiful sand beaches. This gem features 325 campsites, including 160 with electricity. The 7 km Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Trail offers panoramic views of Lake Superior from where the famous ship sank [7]. Further north, Agawa Bay in Lake Superior Provincial Park houses the sacred Agawa Rock Pictographs, where Anishinaabe have left centuries-old paintings on granite cliff faces.
Wawa Goose and White Lake
Continuing along ontario 17, you’ll spot the iconic Wawa Goose statue—an 8.5-meter-tall mascot that’s one of North America’s most photographed landmarks . The name “Wawa” means “wild goose” in Ojibway, explaining this charming town’s symbol. About 30 minutes from White River is White Lake Provincial Park, a paradise for anglers seeking Walleye and Northern Pike in its 6,500-hectare lake.
Neys Park and Terrace Bay
Neys Provincial Park, one of the longest highway in canada’s hidden treasures, features a 1.2-mile sandy beach along Ashburton Bay [10]. The park has a fascinating history as “POW Camp 100” during WWII, housing German soldiers and Japanese-Canadians. Nearby Terrace Bay offers a stunning beach pavilion, where Parks Canada’s Lava to Lake kayaking tour begins, exploring billion-year-old volcanic rock formations.
Sleeping Giant and Thunder Bay
Located 40 minutes south of the trans canada highway on Pass Lake Road, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park got its name from Indigenous legend. With over 100 km of incredible hiking trails [11], the park’s main campground offers 200 sites at Marie Louise Lake. The famous Top of the Giant hike provides breathtaking views from Ontario’s tallest cliffs. Back in Thunder Bay, you can explore Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, featuring Ontario’s second-highest waterfall and venture over to Eagle Canyon Adventures to walk across one of the longest suspension bridges in Canada it is 600 feet long and 150 feet above the canyon floor.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions
Beyond the popular attractions, hidden gems await adventurous travelers along the route of ontario 17.
Hurkett Cove Nature Reserve
First and foremost, Hurkett Cove Conservation Area stands as a birdwatcher’s paradise just off the highway outside Nipigon. Dubbed the “Pelee of the North,” this remarkable spot has hosted over 180 different bird species [13]. The conservation area offers opportunities to spot Blue Jays, Short-eared Owls, and majestic Bald Eagles. A pavilion with picnic tables provides a perfect resting spot after exploring the easy 2 km trail that winds through forest and along Lake Superior’s Black Bay [15]. Notably, a $5 parking fee applies, supporting the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority’s maintenance efforts [16].
Amethyst Mine near Thunder Bay*
Just 60 km east of Thunder Bay sits Amethyst Mine Panorama, an active working mine where visitors can dig for their own semi-precious gems. Open seasonally from June 1st to October 1st, this family-run operation offers both guided and self-guided tours. Essentially, visitors receive a brief but informative geology lesson before heading to the spacious digging area. The on-site Welcome Center features handmade amethyst jewelry and souvenirs that make perfect keepsakes from your journey along the canadian highway. This is a great place to stop in and mine for awhile and when you need a rest at the back of their place you can have a rest with tons beautiful hummingbirds that are attracted to the mine.
Carden Cove’s hidden beach
Carden Cove Beach near Marathon requires extra effort to find but rewards persistent travelers. This secluded spot features unique smooth rock formations and soft sand perfect for building sandcastles. The 3 km well-maintained gravel road leads to a parking area with toilets and picnic tables. Above all, the clear waters make it ideal for swimming, though prepare for Lake Superior’s characteristically cold temperature regardless of season.
Rossport’s scenic picnic area
The Rossport rest area along the longest highway in canada offers a circular lot suitable for trailers and an unobstructed view of Lake Superior’s azure waters [19]. Apart from stunning vistas, visitors can access the Rossport Coastal Trail – a manageable 1.5 km path connecting to the charming village of Rossport [19]. The area features clean, well-maintained facilities and numerous nooks among the characteristic rounded shore rocks perfect for wave-watching or relaxing [19].
Tips for a Smooth Drive on Canada’s Longest Highway
Navigating the twists and turns of highway 17 requires preparation and awareness to fully enjoy this remarkable journey along Lake Superior’s shores.
Fuel and food stops along Ontario 17
Gas stations appear sporadically along this stretch of the canadian highway, making fuel planning crucial. The longest gap between service stations spans approximately 100 km between Wawa and White River, so I always keep my tank at least half full. Key refueling points include Sault Ste. Marie, Wawa, Marathon, Nipigon, and Thunder Bay. For meals, locally-owned establishments offer authentic experiences – try Finnish pancakes in Hoito Restaurant (Thunder Bay) or fresh whitefish sandwiches at North Shore Scenic Drive Café (Rossport).
Where to find clean restrooms
Ontario’s provincial parks along the route maintain well-kept facilities accessible with a day-use permit. Alternatively, most gas stations provide basic restrooms, although cleanliness varies. The visitor centers in Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay offer modern facilities worth utilizing before heading into more remote areas. Throughout my journey, I’ve found that ONroute service centers, although fewer on ontario 17 compared to southern routes, provide consistently clean options.
Driving an RV or motorcycle on the route
RV drivers should note that the longest highway in canada features numerous pullouts designed for larger vehicles. Yet, certain sections present challenging curves and elevation changes. Overnight RV parking is available at designated provincial parks requiring advance reservations. For motorcyclists, the route ranks among North America’s finest rides, but demands proper gear given the rapidly changing weather conditions. Consider scheduling breaks every 1-2 hours at scenic lookouts to combat fatigue.
Safety tips for remote stretches
The trans canada highway speed limit varies between 90-100 km/h, with reduced limits in towns and construction zones. Cell service proves unreliable outside major communities, so I recommend downloading offline maps beforehand. Wildlife crossings occur frequently, particularly at dawn and dusk – watch for moose and deer warning signs. During winter months (October-April), snow squalls develop suddenly near Superior, requiring winter tires and emergency supplies. Year-round, maintain a safety kit including water, non-perishable food, blankets, and a flashlight for this magnificent yet occasionally isolated route. We traveled in the daytime and ended just before dusk.
Conclusion
Highway 17 truly stands as one of Canada’s most spectacular driving experiences. If you are going to make a lot of park stops you may want to buy a weeks pass so you don’t have to keep purchasing them as you go, not all parks will have a place to purchase them. Throughout this majestic journey from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay, travelers discover natural wonders that showcase Ontario’s breathtaking northern beauty. This route offers something for everyone – from family-friendly beaches at Pancake Bay to challenging hikes at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
During my trips along Lake Superior’s shoreline, I’ve found that allowing enough time makes all the difference. Rather than rushing through the 8-hour drive, spending at least 2-3 nights enables genuine appreciation of hidden gems like Carden Cove’s secluded beach or the fascinating Amethyst Mine. Additionally, planning for fuel stops and variable weather conditions ensures a stress-free adventure.
The stories gathered along this route become treasured memories – watching sunset from Rossport’s scenic picnic area, spotting wildlife at Hurkett Cove, or standing beneath the iconic Wawa Goose. Undoubtedly, Highway 17 delivers experiences that connect travelers with both nature and local culture.
What are you waiting for?! This legendary stretch of the Trans Canada Highway beckons with its rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and charming communities – all waiting to be explored at your own pace.
Whether you choose to travel during summer’s warm embrace or autumn’s spectacular color show, Highway 17 rewards those who take time to venture beyond the pavement. This remarkable journey along Lake Superior’s northern shore remains not just a route between destinations but an unforgettable adventure in itself.
Key Takeaways
Highway 17 offers one of Canada’s most spectacular road trip experiences, stretching 1,964 km with the Lake Superior section earning legendary status among travelers worldwide.
• Plan 2-3 nights minimum between Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay to properly experience hidden gems like Carden Cove Beach and Amethyst Mine.
• Travel May-June for fewer crowds or September-October for stunning fall colors, but pack for all weather conditions as Lake Superior’s climate changes rapidly.
• Fuel up every 100 km especially between Wawa and White River, and maintain half-full tanks due to sparse gas stations along remote stretches.
• Discover secret spots beyond popular attractions: Hurkett Cove for birdwatching, Rossport’s coastal trail, and Neys Provincial Park’s historic WWII camp site.
• Drive safely on varying speed limits (90-110 km/h) while watching for wildlife crossings, especially moose and deer at dawn and dusk.
This iconic Trans Canada Highway section transforms a simple drive into an unforgettable adventure through Ontario’s pristine wilderness, ancient rock formations, and charming lakeside communities that showcase the true spirit of northern Canada.
FAQs
Q1. What is the best time to plan a road trip on Highway 17 along Lake Superior? The best time depends on your preferences. Late May to early June offers fewer crowds and good hotel rates. Summer (mid-June to August) is ideal for festivals and attractions. For fall colors, plan your trip from late September to mid-October.
Q2. How long should I spend on the Highway 17 route from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay? While the drive can be completed in about 8 hours, it’s recommended to spend at least 2-3 nights to fully appreciate the scenery. For a more comprehensive experience, consider allocating 4-5 days for a quick tour or up to 2 weeks for full immersion.
Q3. What are some must-see stops along Highway 17 between Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay? Some key stops include Pancake Bay Provincial Park, the Wawa Goose statue, Neys Provincial Park, and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Each offers unique attractions, from beautiful beaches to hiking trails and historical sites.
Q4. Are there any hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path attractions along Highway 17? Yes, there are several lesser-known spots worth exploring. These include Hurkett Cove Nature Reserve for birdwatching, Amethyst Mine near Thunder Bay for gem hunting, Carden Cove’s hidden beach, and Rossport’s scenic picnic area with access to a coastal trail.
Q5. What safety tips should I keep in mind when driving on Highway 17? Keep your gas tank at least half full as service stations can be sparse. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. Cell service can be unreliable in remote areas, so download offline maps. In winter, snow