Road trips are by no means limited to summer, and getting on the road in spring typically means fewer fellow travellers. Why not make Northern Ontario your destination? The region is defined by nature-driven escapes, woven together by charming small towns and roadside attractions.

There are two major routes through Northern Ontario: Highway 11 and Highway 17. Both have plenty to offer. If you follow Highway 17 north of Sault Ste. Marie, for instance, you’ll be greeted with expansive and stunning views along Lake Superior. On the other hand, Highway 11 covers more ground and has more populated stops. Read on to decide which route is right for you — by planning your road trip now, you’ll enjoy it all without the summer humidity and crowds

If you have time, split your trip between both highways.

Highway 11: A route through history

In the south, Highway 11 starts at Crown Hill just outside of Barrie, Ont., with a section of roadway known as Gasoline Alley. This stretch of gas stations, car dealerships and other businesses soon gives way to rolling hills and cottages, winding north and then west 1,785 km to Rainy River, just south of Lake of the Woods. In between, you’ll find small towns, beautiful parks and historic sites that together paint a picture of Ontario’s heritage. Here are just a few of the highlights to explore as you head north.

Gravenhurst: Gateway to Muskoka

About 70 km north of Barrie along Highway 11 is the town of Gravenhurst, known as the Gateway to Muskoka. Here, you’re fully immersed in one of Ontario’s premier cottage-country regions. Visit Muskoka Steamships for a stroll on the boardwalk or to take a historic cruise. Another 15 minutes north on Highway 11 is Bracebridge, which is known as the Town of Waterfalls. This includes High Falls, a powerful, thundering cascade set within a scenic park. It’s been called the Niagara of the North. For those seeking a quieter experience, a pleasant hiking trail leads to the more tucked-away Little High Falls — an ideal destination for a picnic.

North Bay: Gateway to the North

​​​The drive north from Bracebridge is a trip through the Precambrian Shield, which features views of massive rock cuts and exposed granite draped with moss and ferns. Approximately 180 km to the north, you’ll discover North Bay, which, as noted on its colourful civic arch, is the Gateway to Northern Ontario. It’s located on the shores of Lake Nipissing, known for its fantastic fishing, cruising and sunsets. Take in the excellent North Bay Museum and Dionne Quints Museum, and shop the North Bay Farmers Market — it has more than a hundred local vendors.

Visit Cobalt, named Ontario's Most Historic Town

Approximately 150 km north of North Bay is the town of Cobalt, once the site of a silver mining camp. It’s history you can explore at the Cobalt Mining Museum and at more than a dozen spots along the town’s Heritage Silver Trail, including the Colonial Minesite, the Nipissing 96 Minesite, the Right of Way Mine and the Nipissing Hill Lookout.

See the polar bears of Cochrane

About 245 km beyond Cobalt is Cochrane, where Highway 11 shifts from north-south to east-west. While in town, visit the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat, the only non-profit polar bear sanctuary in the world. You’ll see the rescued polar bears up close. Book ahead for a behind-the-scenes tour led by animal care staff. Next door, the Cochrane Classic Vintage Riders Snowmobile Museum honours one of Northern Ontario’s classic winter modes of transportation.

Take in provincial parks, where rugged wilderness and Lake Superior scenery await

As you travel northbound on Highway 11, explore Northern Ontario’s amazing nature through its provincial parks. Each one highlights a unique and fascinating geological or historical feature.

• Finlayson Point Provincial Park: A popular entry point to Lake Temagami, one of Northern Ontario’s premier canoeing and kayaking destinations.  
• Marten River Provincial Park: Here you’ll find a replica logging camp, which brings this important part of Ontario’s history to life.  
• Fushimi Lake Provincial Park: It’s one of the province’s northernmost provincial parks reachable by road. It’s renowned for its walleye, yellow perch and northern pike fishing.  
• René Brunelle Provincial Park: Home to four sand beaches on Remi Lake. 
• Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park: Hike to breathtaking rapids and waterfalls along the Englehart River.  
• Esker Lakes Provincial Park: A family-oriented park with many small lakes that are great for canoeing and fishing.  
• Kettle Lakes Provincial Park: Explore 22 deep spring-fed lakes formed by glaciers. 

Highway 17: A scenic drive around Ontario’s inland sea

At 1,850 km, Highway 17 is the longest provincial highway — and the best place to start is just outside Sault Ste. Marie. The roadway itself is smooth, with nary a pothole in sight and very little traffic. The route spans the width of Ontario from Arnprior to the Manitoba border, but serious road-trippers gravitate to the most scenic western portion.

From Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay, the highway traces the shores of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. The views you’ll enjoy on this drive rival famous ocean routes — it’s almost hard to believe you’re in Ontario. The small towns along this highway are dotted with quaint independent hotels and B & Bs. The route is also home to many famous roadside attractions, such as the Wawa Goose, the Winnie-the-Pooh tribute in White River and the Terry Fox Memorial just outside Thunder Bay.

Explore the hidden gem of Schreiber Beach

The rocky shores of Schreiber Beach are covered in coloured pebbles, and the beach is well-maintained. There are plenty of picnic tables, so you can stop for lunch as you explore the paths of the Casque Isles Hiking Trail, checking out cool rock formations.

Stop in at the village of Rossport

Home to approximately 75 residents, Rossport is a seaside hamlet that offers world-class paddling and island landscapes. The Rossport archipelago, the largest group of islands on Lake Superior, and Battle Island Lighthouse, which has been standing since 1875, are popular among paddlers.

Visit the township of Terrace Bay

This charming community is home to Terrace Bay Lighthouse. Built in 2011, it’s a 50-foot replica of the lighthouse in Slate Islands Provincial Park. Visitors can climb it for a spectacular view of Lake Superior.

Cast a line in Nipigon, known for world-class fishing

The township of Nipigon attracts fishers looking to catch brook trout — the world’s largest one was caught there in 1915. And Nipigon’s 12-m-tall observation tower is also a notable stop for its 360-degree view of the area.

Discover the diverse scenery of provincial parks

Around Lake Superior, outdoor adventures abound. From Northern Ontario’s only national park to natural pursuits on and off the water, here are just a few spots you won’t want to miss.

• Lake Superior Provincial Park: Hike to view the historic Agawa Bay Pictographs, created by the region’s Anishinaabe people, and walk the sandy beach at Old Woman Bay. 
• Aguasabon Falls and Gorge Lookout: Make a quick detour off Highway 17 to take in this stunning view. 
• Casques Isles Trail: This challenging 53-km trail traces Lake Superior’s shoreline from Terrace Bay to Rossport. 
• Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area: Join Parks Canada staff at Terrace Bay Beach for a beginner-friendly kayaking tour called A Paddle Through Time. You’ll see remnants of volcanic activity, a meteor strike, the ice age and more in less than two hours. 
• Pukaskwa National Park: Enjoy secluded paddling at Hattie Cove and Horseshoe Bay. Try shorter hikes or a full-day trek to the White River Suspension Bridge at Chigamiwinigum Falls. 

Use your CAA Membership benefits to make the most of your spring road trip

As you plan your spring getaway, take advantage of your membership benefits to save money and make your trip planning easier. Use your CAA discounts at restaurants, including Harvey’s and Swiss Chalet and accommodations such as Hilton and Marriott. Fill up at Shell to get your CAA fuel discount — save 3 cents per litre at participating Shell locations (conditions apply) to make the most of your Northern Ontario adventure.