Travelling Ontario’s Highway 17 (aka the Trans-Canada Highway) along the North Shore of Lake Huron means long stretches of solitary road, big lake views, and the occasional stop at one of those local gems you can only find up north. The Serpent River Trading Post is one of those special places. Part essential road trip spot, part cultural space, it offers fuel, food, art, and a window into the local Anishinaabe community (whose territory you are travelling through). For anyone exploring Northern Ontario, road-tripping between Blind River and Espanola, or heading deeper into Algoma Country, this is a must-do.
The Serpent River Trading Post Gas & Convenience is a community-owned destination that’s been serving both travellers and residents for more than 25 years. Known for its unique log cabin-style architecture and distinctive green roof, the sprawling complex includes a seasonal gift shop and art gallery in addition to a gas station, convenience store, ice cream stand, and picnic area. Inside the trading post, visitors will find a huge assortment of Indigenous artwork and souvenirs aplenty. Just be sure to plan your trip accordingly: The trading post and gallery is open seasonally from May through October from 9 am to 5 pm.
The Gas & Convenience Store, located right next door, is open year-round–which is great news for travellers because the gas prices are fantastic. Hours are 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week all year except Christmas Day. There’s lots of parking available for cars, trailers, and RVs, and the picnic area provides space for visitors to relax and enjoy a bite to eat (either before or after shopping).
Guests can also visit the Memories of Genaabjing Museum, known as Mkwendawinan Genaabjing, and speak with staff who can share information about local history, culture, and the surrounding area.
Located inside the trading post, the Serpent River art gallery showcases Indigenous artwork, with a focus on local Anishinaabe artists. The pieces on display reflect a range of styles and mediums and often draw inspiration from Northern Ontario landscapes, cultural teachings, and contemporary Indigenous life.
The gallery space is informal and welcoming, designed for everyday visitors. It encourages curiosity and conversation, so be sure to wander, enjoy, and ask questions if you have any—the staff are happy to help and share knowledge. It also hosts creative workshops throughout the summer months, where you can learn to make your own dreamcatchers, beaded earrings, or medicine bags.
The sprawling gift shop at Serpent River Trading Post features a huge range of Indigenous-made items. Visitors can shop for moccasins, jewellery, paintings, and other original artwork by Indigenous artists, along with pottery, coats, crafts, mittens, toques, books, and souvenirs. Edible treats like homemade fudge and locally made blueberry BBQ sauce round out the offerings. Inventory may change throughout the season and reflects the artists and makers whose work is available at the time of your visit.
In addition to cultural and creative offerings, the Serpent River Trading Post provides essential road-trip services. The on-site gas station allows travellers to refuel, while the convenience store offers snacks, coffee, drinks, tobacco products, and basic supplies. It’s an easy place to stop for the basics, with the option to take a few minutes and look around (which is definitely worth it!).
Travellers passing through in late summer may find their trip coincides with one of the community’s largest annual events. The Serpent River First Nation hosts the Genaabaajing Traditional Pow Wow, an annual cultural gathering held on the weekend following the August Civic Holiday long weekend. This event takes place on Serpent River First Nation land near Cutler, Ontario, just off Highway 17, and brings dancers and drummers from across the province and beyond together for ceremonies, performances and community celebration. A typical schedule includes a Grand Entry at noon on each day of the pow wow.
Details and updates for the pow wow are shared by Serpent River First Nation through its official cultural program pages and community channels. Guests are welcome, and first-time visitors can check out this powwow etiquette guide to learn more about how to be a respectful observer.
The trading post is operated by Serpent River First Nation, an Anishinaabe community located along the North Shore of Lake Huron. The Nation is part of the Robinson-Huron Treaty area and has longstanding cultural, spiritual, and economic ties to the land and waters of the region.
Community-owned businesses like the trading post play an important role in local economic development while creating opportunities to share Anishinaabe culture on the community’s own terms. For visitors, stopping here is a way to experience Indigenous-led tourism and commerce while learning more about the region—beyond the beautiful scenery.
The Serpent River Trading Post sits directly on Highway 17, making it an easy stop for anyone driving the Trans-Canada Highway through Northern Ontario. It is located between Blind River and Espanola, with clear access from the highway and parking available on site.
Whether you are heading east toward Sudbury or west toward Sault Ste. Marie, there is no detour required. It fits naturally into long-distance road trips, motorcycle tours, and scenic drives along Lake Huron’s North Channel.
The Serpent River Trading Post is more than a place to fill up your tank. It is a reminder that travel through Northern Ontario is a joyful journey with lots of opportunity to explore, not just about getting from point A to B. Stop in, pick up some local souvenirs, and enjoy the friendly Serpent River experience.
