Ultimate Northern Ontario Road Trip Ideas for 2025

Have the best Northern Ontario road trip in 7 days (or 14 with my optional add ons) to discover everything the province has to offer!

While most itineraries include large cities and focus on Western Ontario, like Thunder Bay, this road trip is all about the small towns, natural wonders, and unique attractions in the middle of the province’s northern area.

You’ll stop in to see the largest nickel in the world, dine on freshly caught fish, and howl with the wolves (on certain summer nights).

After packing up my bags to hit the road for a week in an RV, I tested this route to develop the perfect balance of natural activities and city experiences.

You won’t want to miss out on an adventure where you can unplug, get away from work, and enjoy the most beautiful sunrises over the little northern lakes.

Find out how you can recreate this ultimate Northern Ontario road trip with my ideas and day trip add ons!

Northern Ontario Road Trip Map

Driving Northern Ontario Tips

• Most highways are 100 km/hr; however, some are only 80km/hr. You’ll need to watch your speed or risk a very expensive ticket.
• In Canada, it’s pretty common to drive 10 km/hr over the speed limit without worry.
• Cops tend to hang out around bridges and on-ramps. Be especially considerate about your speed in these areas.
• Most of the route will take you on paved highways. Some areas have gravel roads, especially through small towns. Drive slowly to prevent damage to your vehicle.
• The cheapest gas we found was in Manitoulin Island on the unceded territory of the Indigenous People.
• Trucks and RVs must drive in the slow lane (aka. the right-most lane) unless they are passing another vehicle.
• Unlike on a Quebec road trip, you can turn right on red lights unless otherwise stated.
• There is signal for cell service so you can use your GPS or Google Maps for the entire route without worry.
• There’s no radio station that consistently serves this route. Plan some amazing travel podcasts or a playlist to keep you going.
• Watch out for deer and moose. Highways have warning signs of areas they frequent. In an accident with one of these animals, you and your car will lose every time.
• Do not text or drink and drive. Remember to take stops when you’re tired.
• It’s polite when driving in Ontario to thank drivers who let you merge in. Put up your hand as a gesture of thanks in the back window or out the side window of your vehicle.
• There are no low bridges that would prevent a Class C RV from driving this route. If you are driving a larger RV, you’ll need to avoid some of the 14.4m bridges in Sudbury and North Bay.
• In Algonquin Park, you are likely to see people pulling over to the side of the road for seemingly no reason. It’s usually to stop and spot a moose!

Northern Ontario Road Trip Stops & Destinations

Algonquin Park

Algonquin Park is an essential stop on any Ontario road trip, especially one through the North.

The provincial park is one of the most popular places to visit in Ontario. It’s great for hiking, animal spotting, fishing, camping, canoeing, and bird watching. You can even howl at wolves if you visit on a Thursday evening in July and August!

I love the peacefulness of Algonquin Park. You feel like you’re worlds away from the busyness of Ottawa or Toronto.

 Visit in autumn to see the spectacular fall foliage change – it’s an annual scenic drive from Toronto. In Spring, check out the beaver dams on the rivers and try to spot some baby deer. In summer, book a portage canoe experience to traverse the trails along the river routes. You can even enjoy some hikes in the winter on foot or with snowshoes.

Best Thing to Do: Hike one of the many trails. My favourite is the Centennial Ridges Trail.

Camping Option: Algonquin Park is best experienced by spending the night camping at one of the many campsites. You’ll need to book ahead to get a space, especially in the busy summer months. I recommend the Pog Lake or Lake of Two Rivers campsites. They have room for RV hook ups, car camping, and tent camping.

North Bay

I didn’t have high hopes for North Bay, to be honest.

But once we arrived, I was convinced.

The small town in Northern Ontario has all of the charm of Huntsville with the added bonus of its proximity to a myriad of small lakes.

You won’t find much driving in the actual town. Stop in for your essentials and then head to the surrounding areas, where you can enjoy stunning hiking trails through the Canadian shield and relaxing fishing on the small lakes.

Bring your own rod and reel to catch some of Canada’s famous lake trout to make a delicious meal on the fire at night.

It’s the perfect place to relax on a road trip. I loved curling up in the RV while my friend lit a fire, reading a book as the sun began to set over the lake.

Best Thing to Do: Canoe along Lake Nipissing and watch the sunrise on a clear morning.

Where to Stay: Glenrock Campgrounds offers a stunning view of a small lake and has some of the best staff I’ve ever met. The owners are incredibly friendly and lent us an adapter and sewage connector for free when our rental was missing them. They offer RV camp spots and tent camping.

I recommend renting an RV to explore Algonquin Park

Manitoulin Island

I spent the most time in Manitoulin Island on my Northern Ontario road trip. It was easily my favourite destination, with so much to do that I felt like I could have spent weeks enjoying the peaceful community.

Manitoulin Island is a freshwater island in Northern Ontario, just southwest of Sudbury. The community is made up of fishermen, miners, and the native Indigenous peoples. You’ll also find plenty of cottagers and roadtrippers passing through in the summer months.

As the only formally recognized unceded territory in Ontario, visiting Manitoulin Island offers unique cultural experiences that can’t be missed.

Check out the Great Spirit Circle Trail to learn how to make traditional drums, find out more about the Indigenous people native to Northern Ontario, hike the most beautiful trail on the island, and benefit the locals with your tourism.

Hikers will love the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail and Cup and Saucer Trail. Their vistas offer the best views of the forests below and the large Lake Huron that surrounds them.

If you enjoy the water, rent a canoe and explore the lake. But be careful of the strong current!

Or take a sailing tour along the North Channel.

Don’t forget to look up at night! Manitoulin Island is working to become a Dark Night Sky Reserve. That means they are limiting their light pollution to allow an unfiltered view of the stars.

They aren’t quite there yet, but you won’t notice when you’re staring in awe at the crystal clear constellations over Lake Huron in the evening.

Get yourself a friend who can make a fire (like I did!) and sit outside beside the flames as you map the skies.

Best Thing to Do: Hike the Cup and Saucer Trail and swim beneath a waterfall at Bridal Veil Falls.

Where to Stay: Stay at Batman’s Cottages and Campground. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin to enjoy your time or want to rough it at a very comfortable campground, this is the spot for you. We actually extended our stay because we loved it so much. With canoe rentals, free WIFI, and great forested lots, we were content to stay on our RV road trip forever!

Looking to rent an RV? I recommend this company!

Tobermory

Our initial plan had been to go from Manitoulin to Tobermory. After an issue with the ferry (pro tip: book a month ahead!), we ended up cancelling this part of our trip.

It became very obvious after a few days that we were doing more driving than exploring the locations we were in. So we decided to use our time to see more of Manitoulin.

Had we had a few more days, we would have added on Tobermory.

So, if you’re doing a 10 or 14 day Northern Ontario road trip itinerary plan, you should definitely add on Tobermory!

Tobermory is home to the Bruce Peninsula, my favourite provincial park area.

Not only will you find a stunning blue grotto that makes you feel like you’re in Mexico, but it also ends the Bruce Trail hike that spans over 400km from Toronto. It’s said to be the most beautiful part of the hike.

Stop by the Flowerpot Rocks, for the closest thing to Hopewell Rocks we have in Ontario.

Be sure to take a tour on the water to spot the sunken ships that lie perfectly preserved beneath the lake. Scuba divers and snorkelers can get up close to the wrecks for an even better view.

Be sure to stop into the town of Tobermory to experience delicious local treats, including fish and chips (with a gluten free option!).

Best Thing to Do: Swim in the Blue Grotto.

Additional Destinations to Stop on a Northern Ontario Road Trip

Whether you’re extending your Northern Ontario road trip itinerary, or looking for some fun stops during your drive, these ideas will give you extra inspiration.

Sudbury

You’ll pass through Sudbury driving from North Bay to Manitoulin Island.

This Northern Ontario town isn’t small by northern standards – it’s actually the biggest city on this itinerary. But it has a small town feel if you’ve come from Toronto.

Sudbury is best known for their nickel mining.

It’s not terribly exciting to visit a quarry, so Sudbury came up with a better way to advertise themselves: with the world’s biggest nickel!

We stopped by the Big Nickel on our drive because I was dying to see it. It lived up to the hype!

You can also visit the museum attached to learn about their nickel mining processes.

Muskoka

Add on a stop in Muskoka if you’re doing your Northern Ontario road trip in the summer or autumn. It’s a perfect addition to a 14 day Northern Ontario road trip.

Muskoka is one of the most stunning areas in Ontario. Technically Muskoka is a small region, but it’s come to refer to the entirety of the Lake Joseph, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Muskoka areas. It’s full of small towns with cute shops, delicious restaurants, and stunning views.

Stop in to see fall foliage. Strap on some water skis or hop in a canoe to traverse the large lake systems. Check out the hiking trails that run through the towering forests full of greenery or fall foliage.

Take the Muskoka ferry in Gravenhurst for a classic Canada Bucket List experience.

Huntsville

When you’re driving through Algonquin Park to Sudbury, you’ll pass through Huntsville. This small town in Northern Ontario is a wonderful road trip stop.

It’s a great place to gas up, get some groceries for the road, and explore the plethora of small shops.

I love visiting Huntsville because it always bookends my Algonquin Park road trips.

You’ll love the opportunity to see civilization again after some time in the forests of the provincial park. Stay at one of the cute lodges for a night or check out the local hiking trails.

Parry Sound

Parry Sound is technically part of the area that is referred to as “Muskoka”, but it’s actually its own town.

My dad and sister have a cottage nearby, so I’ve spent a lot of time in Parry Sound. It’s one of the few areas to go shopping, grab some food, and spend far too long following my architect sister through hardware stores as she gets stuff for sites.

When you visit, be sure to get lunch on the water at one of the many restaurants.

If you have some time, check out the seaplane tours of the lake. It’s one of the best ways to see fall foliage in the autumn and to experience the summer beauty of the lakes.

Northern Ontario Road Trip Itinerary

Where to Start and Finish Your Northern Ontario Road Trip

You can technically start this road trip wherever you want.

I started it from Ottawa/Montreal. I’m currently based in Ottawa, but the RV rental company was in Montreal, so we had to backtrack out East before we could continue onto our Northern Ontario road trip.

Where you start may affect the exact route you use, as your trip to Algonquin Park could take longer.

Toronto

If you start your Northern Ontario road trip from Toronto, you’re looking at a long drive to reach Algonquin Park. I recommend breaking up the drive by spending Day 1 in Muskoka, then continuing north to Algonquin Park through Huntsville.

Ottawa

Start your road trip through the small towns of Northern Ontario in Ottawa for a great getaway.

You won’t need to amend the 7 day itinerary I’ve suggested below. Driving to Algonquin Park should take about 4 to 4.5 hours, so plan accordingly for when you leave.

Montreal

Montreal adds an hour and a half to the Ottawa drive to Algonquin Park.

We left around 4pm and didn’t get to our campsite until nearly midnight thanks to a stop for food for the RV and the need to gas up once.

You’ll want to leave before noon to ensure you don’t get stuck in the dark like we did.

7 Day Option

Day 1 – Leave for Algonquin Park

Day 2 – Free Day in Algonquin Park

Day 3 – Drive to North Bay

Day 4 – Drive to Manitoulin, passing through Sudbury

Day 5 – Free Day in Manitoulin Island

Day 6 – Drive to Algonquin Park

Day 7 – Drive Home

Total Driving Time: 17 hours and 15 minutes

Total Driving Distance: 1,515 km

14 Day Option

Day 1 – Leave for Algonquin Park

Day 2 – Free Day in Algonquin Park

Day 3 – Drive to North Bay

Day 4 – Drive to Manitoulin, passing through Sudbury

Day 5 – Free Day in Manitoulin Island

Day 6 – Free Day in Manitoulin Island

Day 7 – Free Day in Manitoulin

Day 8 – Take the Ferry to Tobermory

Day 9 – Free Day in Tobermory

Day 10 – Free Day in Tobermory

Day 11 – Free Day in Tobermory

Day 12 – Drive to Algonquin Park

Day 13 – Free Day in Algonquin Park

Day 14 – Drive Home

Total Driving Time: 19 hours and 30 minutes

Total Driving Distance: 1,524 km

What to Budget for a 7 Day Road Trip

My friend and I went on this road trip together. Our budget was $4,000 CAD. However, we actually came in under budget in the end.

To help you figure out how much to budget for your own Northern Ontario road trip, I’ll break down our expenses and show you exactly how much we spent. You can then decide where you can cut costs or where you need to increase the budget.

Remember: these expenses are for two people. That means the meals and groceries can be halved if you’re one person. However, RV rentals and campsites charge per lot, not per person.

It’s a tricky solo supplement to avoid if you’re on your own.

*Note: I have rounded all prices up to the nearest $10*

Our expenses:

• RV rental = $1,750
• Accommodations = $510
• Eating Out (x4 meals and x5 coffee stops) = $300
• Groceries and Supplies = $390
• Gas = $590

Total = $3,540 CAD

Looking to rent an RV? I recommend this company!

Best Tours in Northern Ontario

• Tour of Algonquin Park from Toronto
• Tour of Tobermory and Bruce Peninsula from Toronto
• Private Photographer in Muskoka
• Moose and Beaver Safari in Algonquin Park
• White Water Rafting in Algonquin Park
• Algonquin Park Day Canoe Trip

Renting a Car

To have an epic Northern Ontario road trip, you’ll need to rent a car. Many of these locations aren’t accessible by public transport or trains.

You’ll have more freedom by renting a car to explore more hiking trails and attractions in Ontario.

I recommend using Discover Cars to quickly compare rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Rent an RV

If, like me, you’d rather experience a Northern Ontario road trip in the comforts of home, you should rent an RV.

I rented a 25 foot RV from Montreal. It came with all of the features I needed, like a back up camera, room for two beds, a generator, and easy to use appliances. It even included a 1 hour lesson on how to use the RV before my friend and I hit the road.

With RVs available across North America, you’re sure to find one in your hometown so you can experience more amazing road trips. You’ll find the most popular types of RVs waiting for you.

Looking to rent an RV? I recommend this company!

Travel Insurance

No one wants things to go wrong on their road trip, but sometimes accidents happen.

When things don’t go to plan, have Safety Wing on your side. You don’t need the added stress of dealing with medical bills, lost luggage, or delayed flights when things are going awry. You need a travel insurance provider you can trust to get you through the stress and be accessible 24/7.

Whether you need short-term, long-term or budget-friendly coverage, Safety Wing has your back.

I’ve always been able to rely on them when I’m sick abroad, have had flight cancellations, or had something lost/stolen (these things do happen!).

👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with Safety Wing travel insurance.

FAQs About Northern Ontario Road Trips

Tips for Planning Your Road Trip

• Plan Ahead – In the summer months it can get VERY busy at accommodation locations. You may even have trouble finding an RV to rent. Book at least 1 month ahead to ensure you have somewhere to stay each night and have a sense of where to go. If you are planning to take the ferry to Tobermory, book at least 2 months in advance. Be prepared to need to move your dates, especially if you have an RV over 30 ft.
• Be Flexible – The most important thing you need to remember is to be flexible. Things will change. Weather can suck, you could get sick, or a booking may fall through. We didn’t book the ferry early enough and had to redo the second half of our trip to figure out how to get home. After 30 seconds of panic, I took a breath and came up with a ton of solutions. We actually ended up enjoying our slower trip better.
• Don’t Overbook Yourself – I learned from trying to see a new area each night that it’s just too much. You don’t want to spend your whole road trip in the car! Instead plan some time at each location. Go slow and don’t overbook yourself. One of the travel planning tips I always give is to only have one major activity each day.
• Clean Up After Yourself – Leave nothing but footsteps. That means picking up all of your waste as you travel. It’s a good idea to carry garbage bags in your car or RV so you can sort your waste as you go. Most campsites will have a variety of bins for you to recycle and throw away trash.
• It’s Ok Not to Have Wifi – This route has cell service for 90% of the way. There are some moments in Algonquin Park where you’ll lose signal, but that’s mostly on hikes. However, it is not a WIFI-focused trip. We only had WIFI for two nights when we happened to camp next to the main building. If you desperately need WIFI, you’ll want to consider other accommodation options or getting a WIFI hotspot.

Northern Ontario Road Trip Accessories

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