Northern Ontario Family Travel Guide: Multigenerational Trips, Accessible Adventures & Easy Outdoor Fun

You don't need to hike for miles to find an amazing view or relax on a sandy beach. The best family memories are made when everyone is having a great time! This guide was written to help you plan a vacation that includes lookouts, tasty food, incredible views, and outdoor recreation that everyone can enjoy. There is no limit to the types of outdoor adventures you can enjoy in these regions. We hope these suggestions pique your interest to learn more about vacationing in Northern Ontario!

Sunset Country: Classic Cottage Country for All Ages

This region is what we would call classic Canadian cottage country, surrounded by thousands of pristine lakes and the vast boreal forest. Lake of the Woods, with its 14,000 islands and other waterbodies like Rainy Lake and the Wabigoon River, are appealing to families with sheltered bays and drive-to access. Many family resorts in Sunset Country offer fishing for trophy species, swimming and beach days, and opportunities to paddle around.

Houseboat Rentals on Lake of the Woods

Literally, a home that moves! A houseboat is a unique way to explore the lake, as it’s the home base which can be used as transportation. Everyone will stay on the same level with minimal stairs, and onboard kitchen facilities will allow you to cook what you want, when you want, to make your own schedule. We love this because you can motor to beaches with shallow shores safe for swimming and splashing in the water.

Easy-Access Trails at Rushing River Provincial Park

This provincial park has some gentle, well-maintained nature trails and is located near Kenora. Rushing River Provincial Park caters to families with 191 campsites and barrier-free (accessible) campsites, and trailer rentals. The park is situated on Dogtooth Lake and features four sandy beaches, which are perfect for families with young children, among other water activities like kayak and water bike rentals. If you're interested in learning more about the natural and cultural heritage of the area, there are interpretive programs during the summer months.

Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre

A great place to learn about the Lake of the Woods area! Explore the Science North exhibits or learn about the natural world through the Northern Nature Traders program. Visitors can bring in nature items (like rocks or pinecones) and trade them for points to swap for other items in the Traders' collection. Experience Lake Life: see the largest collection of antique outboard motors in North America and other temporary exhibits.

A Classic Sunset Country Fish Fry

No visit to Sunset Country is complete without a taste of shore lunch. It's great for families, as it's a casual, communal dining option: fresh, crispy fish, golden fries, and classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and fresh lemon. There is nothing more satisfying than a fresh fish fry at a lodge or community centre. If you're staying at a lodge or resort, they will likely offer a fish dinner or a weekly communal fish fry. You can also check out the Canada Day Fish Fry at the Vermillion Bay Lions Club (July 1). If you're looking to cook a fish fry yourself, click here to try this recipe.

Superior Country: Big Lake Views and Accessible Hikes

Granite cliffs plunge into the world's largest freshwater lake, carved out rugged shorelines and hidden pebble beaches, with spectacular canyons like Ouimet. Numerous provincial and national parks, like Pukaskwa, offer challenging coastal trails and kayaking adventures for those seeking true wilderness in Superior Country.

Stay in an oTENTik at Pukaskwa National Park

What's an oTENTik? It's like a cross between a tent and a rustic cabin, and a great way for families or friends to enjoy camping together at the national park. And yes! Pukaskwa National Park has one accessible oTENTik at the Hattie Cove Campground. It's located near comfort stations (which have washrooms and showers) with ramps and barrier-free facilities. The Boardwalk Beach Trail is a wheelchair-friendly trail leading to lovely Horseshoe Bay, and you can easily take in the Group of Seven interpretive panel located at the beach. Check out the Visitor Centre for free WiFi, souvenirs, and summer interpretive programs. Recommended: the accessible oTENTik must be reserved in advance through the Parks Canada reservation system.

Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park Lookout

This is a provincial park with a spectacular view of Ontario’s “Niagara of the North”. It features barrier-free walkways and comfort stations; in particular, the Boardwalk Trail, which leads to the lookout, is wheelchair accessible, easy to navigate, and linear. In the summer, enjoy the park’s Discovery Program, where you learn about the flora and fauna, among other topics.

Drive-To Views at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park: Thunder Bay Lookout

Located in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, this drive-to lookout provides an incredible view of the Sleeping Giant without the tough hike. Perfect for older visitors and young children. The Sleeping Giant is a natural rock formation that resembles a giant lying on its back. Another trail to note is the Plantain Lane Nature Trail, which is a nature trail, barrier-free and a shorter trail. It follows a section of the old, abandoned Silver Islet Road to a bridge over the Sibley Creek. Visitors can enjoy the small treasures of the park: a cascading waterfall, the boreal forest, and watch for birds and other small animals

The Persian Man: A Thunder Bay Original Treat

An absolute must when visiting Superior Country. One of the tastiest treats you will ever eat! This rich, decadent soft cinnamon bun is topped with a sweet, pink, fruity icing. Persians were invented in the 1940s by Art Bennett, the founder of Bennett's Bakery (The Persian Man). Enjoy your Persian with a fresh cup of coffee. 

Algoma Country: Iconic Landscapes and Easy Roadside Stops

Home to the iconic Group of Seven landscapes, Algoma Country offers some of Ontario's best scenery. It's a great destination for families, with many ways to explore and experience it. This region has a lot of history, and some iconic drive-to photo ops like the famous Wawa Goose Monument.

Family-Friendly Cottage Resorts in Algoma

Staying by the lakeside at a cottage brings up such nostalgic memories; relive those carefree times and make new memories with your family and friends. Many cottage resorts in the region have self-catering kitchens, which means you can enjoy the flexibility of mealtimes and maybe schedule a nap or two. If you’re looking for accessible options, click here for a list.

Chippewa Falls: A Roadside Waterfall Stop

The halfway point of the Trans-Canada Highway, Chippewa Falls, is a roadside attraction waterfall. Just north of Sault Ste. Marie, and just before Batchawana Bay, this waterfall is extremely easy to get to. From the parking lot, take the path to the viewing bridge. You will get a front-facing view of the waterfall and the river below. There are also comfort stations on-site and picnic tables for a rest.

Lake Superior Coastal Drive: One of Canada’s Best Scenic Routes

Sault Ste. Marie to Wawa is one of Canada’s Top Ten Drives! This is an incredible drive following Lake Superior, where you’ll see rugged Canadian Shield rock, a beautiful forest made up of maple and pine, sandy beaches and 3 provincial parks. Some recommended stops are Alona Bay, Agawa Bay, Old Woman Bay, Katherine Cove and Sand River Falls.  In the summer months, Mobi-mats have been installed at Old Woman Bay and Pancake Bay Provincial Park, which offer all-terrain wheelchairs to reach the water's edge.

Apple Fritters at Voyageur’s Lodge

If you love donuts, this is a must-stop! The Voyageur’s Lodge has been frying up the tastiest apple fritters on the shores of Lake Superior for decades. The best way to eat them? Order a freshly brewed coffee to go, check both ways before you cross Highway 17 and indulge at a picnic table on the shores of Lake Superior at Batchawana Bay!

Northeastern Ontario: Wilderness Meets Urban Comfort

Northeastern Ontario is like a bridge between rugged beauty and the modern comforts of urban life. This region is ideal for those who want to experience the wilderness and are still close to amenities found in larger communities.

Manitoulin Island Loop via the MS Chi-Cheemaun

The MS Chi-Cheemaun Ferry (fully accessible with viewing decks) is a visitor favourite! From Tobermory on the mainland, this nearly 2-hour ferry ride glides through the waters of Georgian Bay to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island. The island has many fun, easy stops that families will love, like Bridal Veil Falls (accessible path to the top), fish and chips stops, Providence Bay Boardwalk or the beach (offering Mobi-mats), the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation at M'Chigeeng or the Old Mill Heritage Centre. We also recommend a sweet treat from Finnia Chocolate & Cacao or Manitoulin Chocolate Works.

Lakeside Resorts with Easy Water Access

There are many lakeside resorts in Northeastern Ontario. We recommend looking for bungalow-style cottages with no stairs, close to the shoreline with easy access to a sandy beach. Look for resorts located on sheltered lakes, offering calm waters and sometimes shallow areas that are excellent for swimming. 

The Bell Park Boardwalk in Sudbury

Also known as the Jim Gordon Boardwalk, is approximately 2 km and connects to city landmarks like Science North. As part of the Bell Park network, the nature sections of the walk give you the chance to bird watch and enjoy the rugged rock formations that Sudbury is known for. In the summer, try the inflatable waterpark in Ramsey Lake, and in the winter, try the 1.5 km skating path that runs parallel to the boardwalk, complete with heated changing shacks. The boardwalk is fully accessible for rolling (wheelchairs, strollers or inline skates) and there are accessible washrooms and a "Mobi-chair" for water access at the beach. The boardwalk is also pet-friendly.

Poutines and Craft Brews in Northeastern Ontario

Many breweries in the region offer casual dining with open, comfortable layouts, simple appetizers, and unique takes on local cuisine (like Poutine!) that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Try: Stack Brewing (Sudbury) for their Nickel City Light Lager paired with their Steak Poutine, Cecil's Brewhouse & Kitchen (North Bay) for a Temagami Amber Ale alongside a Gourmet Poutine using squeaky Quebec cheese curds.

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