History in the North

The Wawa North Tour takes riders through the interior of Algoma—past waterfalls, pristine forests and down winding roads. Rich with Ontario's history, from mining and logging, to the Trans-Canada Railroad, to World War I and the origins of a certain bear named Winnie the Pooh, the road from Wawa to Hearst is a step back in time.

By Mike Jacobs Mike is passionate about sharing his love for the North with the rest of the world.

April 12, 2023

Wawa - The Wild Goose

Your tour starts deep in Ontario's Algoma Country, in the Township of Wawa, Ojibwe for "wild goose." Its rich mining heritage is revisited on a 30-minute walking tour near the north end of Broadway, that leads past Lake Wawa to Anderson Lake. There is a viewing platform for local wild birds just outside of downtown, or check out the Young's General Store for a unique northern experience and a top up before heading out.

Paddle Away

If you'd like to get off the iron horse for a day or two, consider one of the guided river trips from Naturally Superior Adventures. Recently named one of the ten best canoe and kayak outfitters in the world by National Geographic their tours offer a change from the scenery of the road. If you're looking for a quick side trip the Michipicoten Day Trip is quick, cheap and will absolutely take your breath away. About eight kilometres off Highway 17 from Wawa, the last two kilometres of the road to Rock Island Lodge are hard-packed gravel. There is plenty of parking and given the remoteness of the location, security is never an issue. Training is available to those new to sea kayaking. If you don't believe us, check out this live view of Lake Superior at the mouth of the Michipicoten River.

Home of Winnie the Pooh

The town of White River is home to Winnie the Pooh, the actual bear cub the A.A. Milne based his popular stories on. There is a Winnie the Pooh statue in town, as well as the White River Heritage Museum that explores Winnie's origins. White River was the stopover point for troops heading east in World War I where trains refueled before finishing their journey. The original Winnie was bought for $20 from a fur trader by a Canadian infantryman from Winnipeg, hence her name. Before he was shipped to the front in France, he donated the bear to the London Zoo.

End of the Line

The tour finishes in the Town of Hearst, once a divisional point on the historic Trans-Canada Railroad. The town features a beautiful walking trail along the Mattawishkwia River that runs through town. The Calypso Trail is located at Lake Kennedy, 25 kilometres west of Hearst. The Fushimi and Nagagamisis provincial parks each have their hiking trail and The Hearst Cross-Country Ski Club also offers excellent hiking paths during the summer. When you're ready to hit the road again, Highway 11 west will take you to Thunder Bay or east to New Liskeard and North Bay. Check out the Algoma North Tour for your next northern adventure.

View Wawa North Tour in a larger map.

If you'd like a map mailed directly to you, contact the Algoma Country office at 1-800-263-2546.

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About Mike Jacobs

Mike is an avid Northern traveller, having spent years traversing its backroads, and visiting its remote lodges and fun cities by car, RV, motorcycle, and boat. There's always something new to discover in the North and Mike never shies away from the next great adventure. Mike is the chairman of the board for the Tourism Technology Company.