Where Are the Rest Stops in Northern Ontario? A Guide to Major Highways

A key to any good road trip is knowing where to stop when you need a break—or a washroom! Here is a list of stops along the key travel routes in Northern Ontario. Some are seasonal, so be sure to check operating hours before you go.

Know of a rest stop that we missed? Please email additions or corrections to info@northernontario.travel.

Rest Stops in Sunset Country: Highway 17 and Highway 71 Breaks

Whether you’re headed on an epic fishing vacation in Lake of the Woods or stopping for a scenic break at Nestor Falls, here’s where you can take a break on the road in Sunset Country.

Highway 17 Rest Stops Between Thunder Bay, Dryden, Vermilion Bay, and Kenora

Central/Eastern Standard Time Zone Rest Stop, Hwy 17, Thunder Bay

A basic stop for when you need the washrooms or a rest. But, signs announcing you are crossing 90 longitude west and entering the Central/Eastern Standard time zone make for a fun photo op!

Dryden Tourist Information Centre, 284 Government St, Dryden

Find washrooms, information, recommendations, and take a photo with Max, the 18-foot Moose.

Dixie Lake Rest Area, Hwy 17 Kenora/Vermilion Bay

Located on the south side of Highway 17, this is a traveller favourite with a lake view, picnic tables, and toilets.

Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre, 931 Lakeview Dr, Kenora

Stock up on information, use the washrooms or picnic area, and peruse the Science North displays and the largest Outboard Motor collection in North America!

Highway 71 Rest Stops Near Sioux Narrows and Nestor Falls

Sioux Narrows Tourist Information Centre, Hwy 71, Sioux Narrows

Located inside the Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre, this spot has washrooms, a picnic area, playground, Wi-Fi, and charging stations—plus learn about the art of sportfishing while you’re there!

Nestor Falls Tourist Information Centre, 1180 Hwy 71, Nestor Falls

Stop in for the washrooms and a rest at the picnic tables. If you want to stretch your legs, the trail head for the Boreal Trail is off the parking lot—and there’s also a tennis court!

Nestor Falls Waterfall & Picnic Area, Hwy 71, Nestor Falls

Don’t miss the Nestor Falls waterfall right off Highway 71. A scenic place to have a picnic and use the restroom.

Rest Stops Along Lake Superior and the Trans-Canada Highway in Superior Country

Headed on the Lake Superior Circle Tour? The rest stops in Superior Country include lakeside views, a museum on a train, and monuments of Canadian icons.

Highway 17 Rest Stops Between Marathon, Terrace Bay, Nipigon, and Thunder Bay

Manitouwadge Welcome Sign, On Hwy 17 at Hwy 614, Thunder Bay

Where Highways 17 and 614 meet, you can grab a stellar Instagram photo at the Manitouwadge town sign (complete with large-scale snowmobiles and quads you can pose on) and take a washroom break.

Gchi-Waaswaaganing, ON-17 & Old Heron Bay Rd, Marathon

A local First Nation has transformed the old Marathon Tourist Information Centre into a highway stop with more than just washrooms—you’ll find Indigenous souvenirs, tourist information, snacks and more.

Terrace Bay Tourist Information Centre, 1008 Hwy 17, Terrace Bay

Take a washroom break and collect information about local sights. It’s near some key sites like Terrace Bay Lighthouse, Terrace Bay Beach, and Aquasabon Falls and Gorge. Bonus:  if you’re doing the Lake Superior Circle Tour, you can also collect a stamp here.

Schreiber Discovery Centre and Railway Museum, 308 Walker Lake Rd, Schreiber

Yes, there is a restroom, but if you are a train fan and/or just need to stretch your legs for a bit, it’s a great spot to take a break and learn about the railway history of Schreiber. (Entry is free/by donation.)

Rossport Rest Area, Trans-Canada Hwy, Rossport

The scenic stop right off the highway is perfect if you need a moment of calm. You can walk a portion of the Rossport Coastal Trail or Casque Isle Hiking Trail, cool your feet in the lake, or just soak up the beautiful lakeside views.

Red Rock Interpretive Centre, 7 Park Rd, Red Rock

Located at the Red Rock Marina, it’s a great spot for a stroll on the boardwalk on the shores of Lake Superior. The interpretive centre has washrooms and some kid-friendly educational activities like a virtual submarine ride and “fishing” for local species on an interactive smartboard.

Nipigon Bridge View Lookout Tower, Railway St, Nipigon

Washrooms, great views of Lake Superior, and culture all factor into this rest stop. Get some exercise climbing the 65 steps to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of Lake Helen, the Nipigon River Bridge and the Marina. There’s also a monument to artist Norval Morrisseau, a member of the Indigenous Group of Seven.

Terry Fox Monument and Tourist Information Centre, 1000 Hwy 11/17, Thunder Bay

One of the most popular tourist information centres on Superior’s north shore, this is a great stop for a picnic, washroom break, and to borrow free Wi-Fi. There’s a Terry Fox monument, a memorial for Aboriginal veterans, and a garden. The lookout offers views of the city of Thunder Bay, Lake Superior, and the iconic Sleeping Giant. It’s a spot to collect a Lake Superior Tour stamp.

Highway 11 Rest Stops Between Hearst and Nipigon

Longlac Tourist Information Centre, 129 Indian Rd, Longlac

A spot to collect information, use the washrooms or Wi-Fi, or have a picnic.

Beardmore Snowman, Hwy 11, Beardmore

Standing 35-feet tall, look for this famous snowman along Highway 11—with accessories that change through the seasons. It’s a great place for a photo break and a smile.

Algoma Country Rest Stops: Scenic Breaks Along Highway 17 and Lake Superior

These rest stops include some photo ops—like the famous Wawa Goose—and some nostalgic general stores and trading posts.

Highway 17 Rest Stops From Bruce Mines to Sault Ste. Marie, Wawa, and White River

Bruce Mines Pavilion, 9181 Hwy 17, Bruce Mines

Directly on the Trans-Canada Highway and the shores of Lake Huron, this is an ideal place to stop for a picnic and get some fresh air.

Bernt Gilbertson Bridge, Hwy 17 at Hwy 548, Bridge Rd, Tarbutt

Have a picturesque picnic on the tiny Bamford Island at the north end of the Bernt Gilbertson Bridge heading to St. Joseph Island. Find it where Hwy 17 and 548 meet. There are basic toilets during tourist season.

Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, 1 Canal Dr, Sault Ste. Marie

A great spot to take a picnic if you enjoy boat-watching. There’s a visitor’s centre where you can take a self-guided tour and learn about the history of what was at one time the world’s longest lock.

Chippewa Falls Rest Area, Hwy 17, Batchawana Bay

See one of the areas where Group of Seven painter A.Y. Jackson got inspiration in the 1950’s. The Chippewa Falls waterfall is considered the halfway point on the Trans-Canada Highway, and it’s a refreshing spot to take a break, with basic washrooms beside the parking lot.

Agawa Crafts and the Canadian Carver, 12502 Hwy 17, Batchawana Bay

Take a break browsing items by a variety of Canadian artisans, including woodworkers and Indigenous crafters. The Carver Café serves up brews with locally roasted beans, as well as treats to fuel your travels.

Wawa's Tourist Information Centre, 26 Mission Rd, Wawa

Find a clean washroom, free Wi-Fi, and the famous Wawa Goose statue at Wawa’s tourist information centre just off the highway. You can also use the lounge to charge up your phone, get some local tips and tricks, and shop for souvenirs from local artists.

Young’s General Store, 105 Mission Rd, Wawa

“Think museum, sporting goods store, chocolatier, and local artisan. Now mix them together, throw in a goose, sprinkle some Canadiana on top—and you've got Young's,” is how this family-friendly rest stop describes itself. The stop offers food (including ice cream, pickles and summer sausage), washrooms, gas, and grey water dumping.

Dr. Rose’s Beach Park, 17 Water St, Wawa

On the south shore of Wawa Lake, Dr. Rose’s Beach Park is a small family-friendly spot with lake access, a playground, picnic spots and washrooms.

Winnie the Pooh Park, Hwy 17, White River

Located next to the town’s tourist information centre, this park is a dedication to the White River bear who inspired A.A. Milne’s famous Winnie the Pooh books. A spot for a picnic, climb on the play structure, and take pictures.

Rest Stops in The Seven – Northeastern Ontario: Highway 11, Highway 17, Highway 101, and Manitoulin Island

Whether you’re driving to Cochrane for a trip on the iconic Polar Bear Express, heading to Sudbury to visit Science North and Dynamic Earth, or wanting to spend time reconnecting with nature, here are some roadside spots to take a break in The Seven.

Where to Stop Along Highway 11 From North Bay to Hearst

Mattawa Travel Information Centre, 401 Pine St, Mattawa

Take a break at one of the picnic tables, stock up on information, or fuel up at one of the nearby gas stations.

Pimisi Rest Stop/Picnic Area, Hwy 17, Calvin

A picnic spot on a quiet lake with basic toilet facilities off the Trans-Canada Highway. One Google reviewer called it “One of the most beautiful roadside rest stops in Ontario.”

Black Forest Park and Trail, 5390 Trans-Canada Hwy, North Bay

Google reviewers say this 1-1.5-kilometre trail is a good spot for a short, recreational stroll.

Gramp’s Place General Store, 4825 ON-11, Temagami

Stretch your legs and grab fishing supplies, souvenirs, and gas.

Temagami Information Centre, 6715 ON-11, Temagami

Located in the old train station right off the highway, this stop has accessible washrooms, maps and tourist information, and unique souvenirs.

Latchford Information Centre, 10 Main St., Hwy 11, Latchford

Enjoy a quiet picnic along the Montreal River, let the kids blow off some steam at the playground down at the beach, stock up on maps and information, or use the facilities.

Swan Lake Rest Area, Hwy 11, Woollings Spur

Small spot off the lake on Hwy 11 with picnic tables and washrooms.

Niven's Meridian Park, Glackmeyer Concession Road 1, Cochrane

This roadside stop is basic with washrooms and a spot to sit outside, but of interest is a plaque marking the 49th parallel north of the Equator at the 81st meridian west. It represents Alexander Niven, the surveyor who set the framework for the township surveys in Northeastern Ontario.

Moonbeam Tourism Kiosk and Flying Saucer, 66 Leonard Ave, Moonbeam

Don’t miss the photo op with the giant flying saucer outside the Moonbeam Tourism Kiosk. While you’re there, use the Wi-Fi, get local information, and stock up on some alien-themed gifts.

Riverside Park, McPherson Ave, Kapuskasing

If you have hyped up kids who need to expend some energy, Riverside Park has a large play structure, splash pad and washrooms, and is ideal for a longer stop.

Kapuskasing Welcome Centre & Museum, 25 Millview Rd, Kapuskasing

Located in the old train station, stop for the washrooms, tourist information, souvenirs and EV chargers. Stay for the Ron Morel Memorial Museum located inside a train! A picnic area nearby has tables and outdoor charcoal barbecues.

Gilles-Gagnon Welcome Centre, 523 Highway 11 East, Hearst

Stop in for information, souvenirs, or a picnic while the kids run around on the playground.

Highway 101 Rest Stops Near Timmins, Foleyet, and Chapleau

Timmins Visitor Welcome Centre, 130 Spruce St S #1, Timmins

Housed in the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre, you can come here to take a short break, find washrooms and information or learn more about the “City with a Heart of Gold”.

Foleyet General Store, 45 Young St, Foleyet

Reviewers have described this as a friendly stop to fuel up on gas, snacks, or other general items.

Chapleau Museum & Tourist Information Centre, 94 Monk St, Chapleau

Located at the Centennial Museum, you can have a stretch, pick up postcards, enjoy a picnic, and use the restrooms.

Highway 17 Rest Stops Between Sudbury and Spanish

Jeremy's Truck Stop, 220 Hwy 17, Nairn Centre

A 24-hour spot with homestyle comfort food, a convenience store, and a gas station.

Spanish Municipal Marina, 8 Trunk Rd, Spanish

A quiet spot with a scenic lookout and sculpture park along the water.

Manitoulin Island Rest Stops Along Highways 6, 540, and 551

Manitoulin Tourist Information Centre, 70 Meredith St E, Little Current

After you cross the swing bridge, pop in for the washrooms, pick up some brochures or souvenirs in the gift shop, or stay for a picnic outside.

High Falls Rest Area, 88 High Falls Rd, Manitowaning

A small area (which may be difficult to access if you have an RV or larger vehicle), but there are restrooms and a view of the falls.

South Baymouth Ferry Terminal, 41 Water St, South Baymouth

Whether you’re taking the Chi-Cheemaun or just need a restroom and some visitor information, the ferry terminal is the place to go!

Central Manitoulin Welcome Centre, 2207 Hwy 551, Mindemoya

Use the restrooms, stock up on brochures, and get information and directions from staff.

Harbour Centre, 40 Water St, Gore Bay

A short drive off the highway, use the washrooms and take a stroll around this waterfront gallery, where you can watch a variety of artists at work – and pick up a special souvenir!

Frequently Asked Questions About Rest Stops in Northern Ontario

Are Northern Ontario rest stops open year-round?

Not always. Some rest stops, visitor centres, picnic areas, and washroom facilities in Northern Ontario are seasonal, especially in smaller communities or along remote highway stretches. Check local hours before you go, particularly if you’re travelling outside summer.

Where can I find washrooms on Highway 17 in Northern Ontario?

Highway 17 has washroom stops at visitor centres, rest areas, parks, museums, marinas, and roadside attractions across Northern Ontario, including areas near Kenora, Thunder Bay, Terrace Bay, Nipigon, Sault Ste. Marie, Wawa, White River, Nairn Centre, and Spanish.

What are the best scenic rest stops in Northern Ontario?

Some of the most scenic rest stops in this guide include Dixie Lake Rest Area near Kenora/Vermilion Bay, Rossport Rest Area on Lake Superior, Nipigon Bridge View Lookout Tower, Chippewa Falls Rest Area near Batchawana Bay, Dr. Rose’s Beach Park in Wawa, and Pimisi Rest Stop/Picnic Area near Calvin.

Before you hit the road, check seasonal hours, pack water and snacks, and plan your next Northern Ontario rest stop before the next stretch of highway.

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