Hikes, Hidden Gems and Small-Town Charm: A Road Trip along Lake Huron’s North Shore

You’ll never forget a road trip along Lake Huron’s North Shore. This stunning area of Northern Ontario is packed with cool outdoor hiking trails, beautiful beaches, rugged coastlines, small town charm, and is surrounded by untouched natural beauty. Branching out from the main Trans-Canada Highway are small hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Head off the beaten path, pull off the highway, and explore the road less taken on a North Shore road trip through Algoma Country.

Sudbury to Spanish, Ontario

Spanish, Ontario

Start your road trip from the big nickel, also known as Sudbury, and chase the sun west along the Trans-Canada Highway towards Spanish, Ontario. When you arrive in this quaint small town, home to a modest 700 residents, grab a bite at Lucky Snack Bar or North Channel Pizza, or head straight for the world-class Spanish Municipal Marina and Waterfront Complex located right at the water’s edge.

If you brought your own boat, you’re in for a treat, as the fully serviced marina provides excellent access to the Whalesback and North Channels with countless islands to explore, and great anchoring spots for fishing, relaxing, or taking a break on the water. Protected from the prevailing winds, this area is reputed to be one of the best sailing areas in the world, and you’ll often see sails being hoisted high, as mariners head out to catch a breeze on Lake Huron.

For those looking to explore the area on foot, head up to the red and white gazebo sitting high atop the hill at the Spanish Marina. After a quick climb to the top, stop for some panoramic pics, then meander down the Spanish Discovery Trail, a beautiful 2.5 km in-and-back trail rolling through a combination of forest and rugged Canadian shield. Be sure to stop at the lookouts along the way to spot sailboats shifting from port to starboard through the maze of secluded uninhabited islands, or watch the sky turn scarlet during a famous Georgian Bay sunset.

If you’re looking to make Spanish your home base for the night, there are a couple of accommodations in town. Tuck in for the night at the Spanish River Inn, or head to the Spanish River Resort and Campground for waterside camping, cabins and RV sites, as well as excellent fishing for walleye, pike, muskie and smallmouth bass.

Spanish to Blind River, Ontario

Serpent River Trading Post, Serpent River

On your 35-minute drive from Spanish to Blind River, get ready to pull over for some cool roadside attractions along the way. Known as one of the best trading posts in the area, the Serpent River Trading Post is definitely worth pulling off the Trans-Canada. Shop for beautiful Indigenous arts and crafts, including birch bark baskets, dainty dreamcatchers, handmade jewelry, stunning art prints and a great selection of moccasins. It’s also a great place to load up on road trip essentials like fudge, beef jerky, ice cream, locally caught pickerel and chips (seasonally), and of course, fuel for your wheels.

Kennebec Falls, Serpent River

Hit the road, but don’t get comfortable, as you’ll soon be stopping at Kennebec Falls, only 10 minutes down the road. Pull into the Serpent River Park picnic area, then head out on foot northeast—or listen to the sound of rushing water, to a secluded trail under the highway that runs parallel to Kennebec Falls. While a modest set of falls, you’ll often have the spot to yourself, making it the perfect place for a picnic or a short break from the tarmac.

Lake Lauzon Beach, Township of North Shore

With a beautiful sandy bottom, picturesque picnic area, playground and boat launch, Lake Lauzon Beach is the perfect spot for a quick stretch or an afternoon of relaxing lakeside. Surrounded by classic Canadian shield, Lake Lauzon is an inland lake with calm waters and is rarely crowded. Dip your toes in the crystal-clear waters, change into a swimsuit and go for a swim, launch the canoe for a quick paddle around the lake, and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife along the way.

Blind River, Ontario

With Indigenous roots at its core, logging history in its past, and outdoor adventure at its heart, Blind River is a spot you’ll want to park for a day or two. Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, from dense boreal forest and lush marshland to natural sand beaches and rocky coastlines, Blind River is a mecca for nature lovers.

Boom Camp Trails

A must-do on any trip to Blind River is a hike or bike at the Boom Camp Trails. Created and maintained by the city of Blind River and the Mississauga First Nation, the Boom Camp/ Zi’Zahging Ziibii has a rich and interesting history. Once used by the People of the Mississauga River as a spring and summer gathering place, the Boom Camp also played an important role during the logging boom of the early 1900s, being the last stop for logs being boomed down the Mississagi River to what became the largest White Pine mill east of the Rockies.

Hike with history under your heels on one of four amazing trails (12km in total) over unique ecological zones from wetlands to coastal headlands. Pass over beautiful boardwalks, discover secluded beaches, and watch for wildlife such as porcupines, rabbits, beavers and woodpeckers enjoying the trails along the way. 

Timber Village Museum and Art Gallery

The beautiful waterfront location of the Blind River Marina is where you’ll find the Timber Village Museum, a space to learn and appreciate the rich Indigenous history of the area. Explore intricately woven baskets, beautiful quill work, archeological artifacts and historical photographs from the First Nations People of the region.

Just next door to the Timber Village Museum, you’ll want to take a peek at the Timber Village Museum Art Gallery, bursting with creative and unique art pieces from local artists. Pick up a maple and walnut charcuterie board, beautiful paintings depicting the dynamic landscape of the region, or a special piece by artist Conrad Bobiwash, one of the most innovative contemporary Indigenous artists in North America.

If you’ve caught the shopping bug, head one door over to the Wave Gift Shop to peruse cool and fun items from local artisans. From bath salts and beeswax candles from D’s Farm, to curvy ceramics and locally made jams, you won’t leave empty-handed. There are also some cool cozy hoodies and Blind River-themed souvenirs to take with you on the road.   

Beaches and Sand Traps

Directly within the bird’s foot delta, the long white sandy Boom Camp Beach is nothing short of spectacular. Lay down your towel on a secluded section of sand and soak up the summer sun, go for a dip in the refreshing waters of Lake Huron, or go beach combing through piles of mature driftwood.

Sellers Park and Beach is another great choice for a picnic or an afternoon on the sand. An easy drive from the Blind River Marina, this small sandy beach is equipped with restrooms, changerooms, and even a free cell phone charging station if you’re running out of juice. 

If you’re dying to drive without the car, head to the 18-hole Huron Pines Golf Course in the heart of Blind River. Get in nine holes before lunch, or spend an afternoon on the greens of this friendly course designed for golfers of all skill levels. No room for your clubs in the trunk? Not to worry. Clubs can be rented onsite, as well as power carts for those looking to take it easy on the fairways.

Sleep and Supper

When you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll have no trouble finding a tasty spot for a bite in town. Chow down on a juicy steak with parmesan frites on the wonderful waterside patio at The Pier Sports Bar, get hometown cooking at 17 Restaurant, or grab a cheesy pie at JR’s Pizza. There are also classic quick bites like Subway and Tim Hortons for those on a budget or looking for a meal for the road.

Blind River has several types of accommodations to choose from when you’re looking to pack it in for the day. Choose from classic motels, a comfy B&B, as well as campgrounds located a short drive outside of town.

Blind River to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Thessalon, Ontario

Get ready for a stretch of highway packed with cool roadside stops on your way from Blind River to Sault Ste. Marie. When you reach the beautiful small town of Thessalon, located on the shores of Lake Huron at the mouth of the Thessalon River, head due south to the trailhead of one of the newest and best undiscovered trail systems in the region, the Thessalon Coastal Trail.

Lace up your hiking shoes, spritz on some bug spray, and pick from a combination of easy to moderate trail options, totalling over 8km. The trail system also has accessible options over hard-packed gravel for those looking to bike, roll or stroll, and a scenic accessible lookout complete with red Muskoka chairs mid-trail. The highlight of the trail is an epic 300 m floating boardwalk stretching over pristine marshland. Watch and listen as wildlife flutters, swims and scurries around you, then hike over the rugged Canadian Shield to the North Channel Lookout for stunning coastal views over the rolling waters of Lake Huron.

Bruce Mines, Ontario

Home to Canada’s first copper mine, Bruce Mines is rich in history and an important town in the region. Head down to the peaceful waterfront marina and take a walk down the quay as boaters zip in and out of the slips, and don’t miss the Moments of Algoma Group of Seven panel depicting the exact spot where Tom Thompson painted “View Over a Lake, Shore with Houses “over a century ago.

Locals love it, coffee lovers need it; the Copper Bean Café in Bruce Mines is a spot you won’t want to miss. Located directly on the Trans-Canada Highway, this quirky and eccentric café serves up everything a coffee lover or hungry road tripper craves. Choose from delicious panini sandwiches, all-day breakfast wraps, hearty homemade soups, and complete your meal with a specialty coffee, refreshing spritzer or flavoured lemonade. Enjoy your meal on a copper-coloured table decorated with pennies, or grab a seat in the sun on their secluded outdoor patio bursting with lush florals.

Antique lovers and treasure hunters will want to stroll down the main street in Bruce Mines to Copper Town Treasures or the Old Bank Antique Market. Peruse shelves of fun antique items, and even pick up some local maple syrup or jams made from local Mennonite farmers whose buggies you may see trotting down the street.

Echo Bay, Ontario

As you enter the final stretch of your Lake Huron North Shore Road trip, there is one final detour you need to take. Turn off Highway 17 onto the backroads of 17B, and cruise into the Village of Echo Bay. With less than 100 residents, this tiny village is home to one of the biggest loonies you’ll ever see. Constructed in 1992, the Loon Dollar Monument was dedicated to Mr. Robert R. Carmichael, a resident of Echo Bay, and the artist responsible for the design of our famous Loonie.

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