The Fit RV’s Northern Ontario Road Trip: A 10-Day Lake Superior & Northwestern Itinerary for U.S.Travelers

America’s favorite fitness-forward RV duo, James & Stef Adinaro of The Fit RV, are rolling through Northern Ontario—and their 10-day route is basically a greatest-hits album of big lakes, easy camping, and small-town charm. If you’re craving clear water, uncrowded parks, and stress-free miles, let this be your sign to point your rig north.

Meet The Fit RV: Your Active Guides to Northern Ontario

Physio-trainer Stef and tech-tinkerer James have built a loyal following by blending practical RV know-how with a healthy, get-outside ethos. Their content helps travellers move more, eat better, and RV smarter, without skimping on fun. They offer rideable bike routes, quick strength sessions, gear tips, and campsite hacks—perfect for a Northern Ontario adventure loaded with biking, hiking, paddling, and lake time.

Welcome to Northern Ontario: It's Closer Than You Think

For American travelers, getting to Northern Ontario couldn’t be simpler: just a quick border crossing and you’re on scenic Highway 17. The Fit RV’s itinerary (below) shows exactly how easy and rewarding it is to make the leap north, so you can follow along and plan your own fit northern RV adventure. 

The Route: Border & Route Basics for U.S. RVers

Getting into Northern Ontario is simple. Cross at Emerson, MB via I-29 and Highway 75, then follow the Trans-Canada east into Ontario. From there, the route links Sunset Country, Superior Country, and Algoma in this tour of lakeside towns, boreal backroads, and RV-friendly campgrounds.

Days 1–3: Kenora, Sioux Narrows & Atikokan—RV Camping, Hiking & Fishing

Your first stop is Kenora, where Anicinabe Park and Campground puts you right on Lake of the Woods. A cruise aboard the MS Kenora gives you a front-row view of the smooth rock shores and island-dotted horizon.

From there, head south to Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, dotted with trails and waterfront stops—perfect for a hike or a paddle. Stay at Tomahawk Resort before turning east toward Atikokan, where Brown’s Clearwater West Lodge offers fishing trips for trophy lake trout and some of the darkest starry skies in Ontario.

Days 4–6: Thunder Bay, Nipigon, Rainbow Falls & Marathon—Biking, Beaches & Superior Shorelines

Thunder Bay makes a natural hub for outdoor adventure. Ride the trails at Trowbridge Forest, then spend the evening at Chippewa Park with its vintage carousel and long sandy beach.

Continuing east, climb Nipigon’s Bridgeview Lookout Tower. Cycle from the tower to Paddle to the Sea Park along the Red Rock Heritage Ride. Next is Rainbow Falls Provincial Park, where Whitesand Lake Campground is waiting to help you relax for the night.

In Terrace Bay, Parks Canada guides can lead you on paddling experiences right on Superior. Cap off this leg with a night at Marathon’s Penn Lake Campground—where a quick bike loop to Pebble Beach and a forested hike on the Penn Lake Park Trail make for perfect evening activities at this overnight stop.

Days 7–8: Wawa & Pancake Bay—Hiking, Lookouts & Lake Superior Provincial Park

Highway 17 between Marathon and Wawa is packed with scenic stops. Snap a photo with Winnie-the-Pooh in White River, then pause at Scenic High Falls and Sandy Beach before reaching Wawa for lunch at the Wawa Goose Bar & Grill. Here, hike the Nokomis Trail above Old Woman Bay—one of Superior’s most dramatic lookouts. Then head back to your overnight accommodations at Wawa RV Resort and Campground, where you can grab the bikes for an evening ride to Dr. Rose's Beach and the Wawa Goose.

Golden sand, turquoise water, Group of Seven history at Katherine Cove and the Agawa Bay Scenic Lookout all await the next morning. Hike Awausee Trail, visit the Lake Superior Provincial Park Centre, and see the stunning Alona Bay Lookout. Head to Chippewa Falls Rest Stop, then to McCauleys Havilland Bay for dinner. The Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout at sunset makes this stretch unforgettable. Finally, you can relax and rest easy at Pancake Bay Provincial Park Campground.

Day 9: Sault Ste. Marie—Cycling, History & Downtown Eats

The Soo, a true active outdoors city,  is your grand finale. Start the morning with a ride on the Hub Trail at Fort Creek before switching gears to fat biking across Whitefish Island at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal (rent your fatbikes there). After a hearty lunch at the Blockhouse Pub, cycle through the Canal District to the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, where aviation history and Entomica’s live insect exhibits make for a fascinating stop. From there, enjoy a scenic ride to Bellevue Park, then wind down with a tour of the historic Canal District. Finish the day with dinner at Peace Restaurant and an overnight stay at Glenview Cottages and Campground, resting up for the trip home.

Day 10: Return Home

After breakfast, make your way south across the border at Sault Ste. Marie. With Superior still fresh in your rearview mirror, you’ll already be planning your return to Northern Ontario.

Campsites & Nightly Stops: RV-Friendly Stays Across Northern Ontario

This route strings together some of the best campgrounds in the province. Highlights include:

• Kenora’s Anicinabe Park—lakeside sites and easy access to town.
• Tomahawk Resort, Sioux Narrows—family-friendly camping in beautiful boreal country.
• Brown’s Clearwater West Lodge, Atikokan—classic fishing lodge atmosphere with RV hookups.
• Chippewa Park, Thunder Bay—vintage charm and Superior views.
• Rainbow Falls Provincial Park, Nipigon—waterfalls and hiking trails at your doorstep.
• Penn Lake Park and Campground, Marathon—bike trails, hiking loops, and quiet nights.
• Wawa RV Resort—full-service stop in the heart of Algoma.
• Pancake Bay Provincial Park—one of Superior’s most beautiful beaches.
• Glenview Cottages, Sault Ste. Marie—a convenient and comfortable border-town base.

Why U.S. RVers Will Love This Route

• Border made simple: Enter Canada at Emerson, MB via I-29/Hwy 75, then head east on the Trans-Canada into Ontario. Bring passports, proof of insurance, and you’re set.
• Campgrounds for every style: Ranging from private RV resorts with hookups to quiet provincial parks, plus roomy sites and easy access to trails.
• Bucket-list scenery, fewer crowds: Island-dotted Lake of the Woods, Lake Superior’s cliffs and beaches, and boreal forest by the mile.
• Built-in active options: Signed bike routes, approachable hikes, guided paddling, fishing trips, and refreshing swims—often right from camp.

Plan & Go: Quick Northern RV Tips for Americans

• Parks & permits: Book Ontario Parks sites online ahead of time, especially for summer weekends. Municipal campgrounds and private resorts are reliable back-ups. U.S. visitors need an Ontario fishing licence, and it’s always a good idea to check local fire restrictions before lighting a campfire.
• Road & rig: Fuel up in larger towns, watch for metric speed signs, and keep an eye out for moose and deer, especially at dawn and dusk. Cell coverage can be patchy in remote areas—download offline maps before you go.
• What to pack: Superior makes its own weather, so bring layers and a rain shell. Add bug spray, your bike and helmet, light hiking shoes, and a camp chair for evenings around the fire—or watching for the northern lights.

Ready to Roll? Plan Your Northern Ontario RV Adventure

This 10-day trip makes it easy to trade interstate noise for loon calls and crowded beaches for quiet, Superior beach sunsets. You’ll follow the Trans-Canada east through Sunset Country, Superior Country, and Algoma—three regions that showcase the very best of Northern Ontario.

Bring your bikes, pack your hiking shoes, and get ready to tell your friends you “did Ontario” in style.

See you on the North Shore.

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