The Deer Trail Route

Take the road less travelled. Old highways and backroads can lead you to adventures that you wouldn't have found any other way. Roads like these are generally low traffic and always lead to magnificent panoramic views of the charming rural countryside. The Deer Trail Touring Route is no different. This 120-km loop takes you into some of the best scenery in Ontario.

It's a winding road with breathtaking views: rugged rock faces and cliffs, old-style bridges, old-growth forests and the open road. In summer, the landscape is lush and green, while in the fall the landscape is vibrant shades of yellow, orange and red. But it's more than just a road through the wilderness. The Deer Trail Route leads to many outdoor activities that everyone can enjoy.

1. The Fire Tower Lookout & Cupola

Located in Elliot Lake, the lookout provides a 360-degree, panoramic view of the city and surrounding area: the North Channel of Lake Huron, Manitoulin Island, and even the United States. The Fire Tower Lookout stands 1,000 feet above sea level.   
Onsite: Telescope, restored Ranger's cabin originally built in the mid-1950s, picnic area, the Cupola Gazebo and playground

2. Hikes and Nature Walks

Nothing beats a hike surrounded by bright fall colours and pure crisp air! There is a wide range of hiking trails on the Deer Trail that lead to spectacular fall colour views and chances for wildlife viewing. Mississagi Provincial Park is home to six trails for beginners, intermediates and hikers who are looking for a challenge. Elliot Lake is home to the Sheriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary and local trails as well. Try the Boom Camp Interpretive Park in Blind River. The Boom Camp trails offer 12 km of trail that lead to really amazing vistas and coastal views.   
Remember to pack: water, snacks, trail maps

3. Geocaching

If you're going to hike, why not geocache too? This is definitely a great way to explore the Deer Trail on foot as it combines hiking and treasure hunting. There are many geocaches hidden in the areas of Elliot Lake, Blind River, Iron Bridge, Spragge and Algoma Mills.  
Don't forget to pack: water, snacks, and some trinkets to add to the caches

4. A Fall Day at the Beach

Just because the water is a bit chilly for a swim, doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the beach. Fall is a beautiful time of year for a walk or picnic on a sandy beach. Pack a lunch, fill the thermos with hot chocolate, grab a snuggle blanket and you're off. Beaches on the Deer Trail include Spruce Beach or Spine Beach (Elliot Lake), Lauzon Beach (Algoma Mills), and Fourth Sands Beach (Blind River), Little Basswood Beach Park (Sowerby), Beharriell Park (Mississagi Delta Provincial Nature Reserve - take Dean Lake Bridge) Don't feel like making lunch? There are restaurants, coffee shops, food trucks and grocery stores along the route where you can purchase take-out or pick-up fixings to make your own lunch.  
Facilities: washrooms/change rooms, picnic areas

5. Events, Artisan Tours, Fall Festivals, and Fairs

There are fall festivals and events, and artisan tours that take place in the month of September and into October.

• Arts on the Trail
• Iron Bridge Fall Fair
• ATV Poker Run - Elliot Lake
• Witches Dance - Blind River

Communities Located On The Deer Trail Touring Route

• Huron Shores (Iron Bridge, Little Rapids, Sowerby, Dayton, Dean Lake)
• Blind River
• Township of the North Shore (Algoma Mills, Spragge, Serpent River)
• Elliot Lake

Leg Stretch Stops

• Tally Ho Park (Iron Bridge)
• Miners' Memorial Park (Elliot Lake)

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