Stop The RV - Destination Sault Ste. Marie

By: Martin Lortz

When exploring Ontario, I found that few experiences offer the freedom, flexibility, and comfort that RV travel provides. With your home on wheels, every journey becomes an adventure, offering the unparalleled ability to wake up in a new destination each day while still enjoying the comforts of home. Whether it's the open road, the ability to connect with nature, or the chance to immerse yourself in local cultures at your own pace, RV travel is the ultimate way to discover the world on your terms.

Take Highway 17, aka the Trans Canada Highway, from southern Ontario to Sault Ste. Marie. While Sault Ste. Marie might be the destination; these ten stop-worthy locations will make this trip an adventure.

French River Provincial Park Visitors Center

Take in French River's diverse natural and cultural legacy at the Provincial Park Visitor Center. Uncover the rich history and observe the captivating wildlife within the stunning park. Hike along scenic trails and walk across the bridge, stretching the breathtaking gorge.

The Big Nickle Sudbury

In Sudbury, Ontario, stop to marvel at the iconic Big Nickel, a larger-than-life representation of the nickel that has played a pivotal role in the city's mining history. While there, visit the Dynamic Earth Science Center for an interactive underground experience. Discover the captivating world beneath your feet as you learn about the geological forces that have shaped the region and the innovative mining techniques employed throughout history.

Chutes Provincial Park

Located just minutes from Highway 17, also known as the Trans-Canada Highway, in the community of Massey, Chutes Provincial Park is best known for its spectacular waterfalls. Follow the Twin Bridges Trail upstream along the Aux Sables River and discover the Seven Sisters, a series of rapids, cascades, and waterfalls. There is more to the park than rushing water: enjoy time on the beach and a swim in one of the best swimming holes. Then there is the option of booking a campsite and staying for a while.

Spanish Municipal Marina

Experience the grandeur of the North Channel at the Spanish Municipal Marina. Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron, it is well-known among boaters and anglers as a gateway to world-class sailing and fishing opportunities. For those on a road trip, the attraction is the red-roofed gazebo perched high on a rocky bluff, offering a 360° vista of the Spanish River Delta, Sagamok Anishnawbek, Whalesback Channel, and the Town of Spanish. If you need to stretch your legs more, continue behind the gazebo and discover more stunning views along the 2.5 km Shoreline Discovery Trail.

Serpent River Park and Kennebec Falls

Not all rest areas along Highway 17 are the same. The Serpent River rest stop is considered by many to be more than just a place to take a break during a long drive. Just a few meters from the highway, you'll find yourself surrounded by old pine trees and the sound of rushing water, giving you an authentic taste of northern Ontario. Follow the sound of the rapids and the path under the highway to experience the impressive Kennebec Falls. For a more peaceful waterside experience, walk past the bathrooms at the back of the rest area.

Lake Lauzon Beach

Lake Lauzon is a real head-turner. It's hard to miss this beautiful lake as it runs alongside the highway. It is also a perfect place to stop for some R&R. There is a lovely public beach and rest area at the eastern end of the lake, just off Highway 17. The area offers playground equipment, washroom facilities, picnic tables, BBQ pits, and parking, making it perfect for a quick stop while on the road. The beach is a popular swimming spot, and Lake Lauzon is well known for boating and fishing, including the elusive Muskie.

Blind River

With the most picturesque main street along the North Channel, Blind River is a must-stop. Stroll the many shops along Woodward Ave, and grab a coffee at The Well coffee shop and some fresh, mouth-watering fritters at Maple Acres. At the Blind River Marina, check out the Timber Village Museum and the art gallery. There is a lovely beach at Sellers Park and hiking trails at the Boom Camp Trailhead.

Lakeside Beach, Thessalon

If you're looking for sun, sand, and a refreshing dip in the Lake Huron North Channel, Lakeside Beach in Thessalon is the place to be. This spacious sandy beach is perfect for enjoying water sports such as kayaking or paddle boarding and swimming in the clear blue waters of Lake Huron. The park has recently added amenities such as changing rooms, washrooms, showers, free Wi-Fi, and a children's playground. In addition, garbage bins, picnic tables, and a nearby gazebo are available for use. The beach is also the front yard of the Lakeside Park Campground, a perfect spot for an extended stay.

Bruce Mines Marina

At Bruce Mines Marina, stop at the Group of Seven interpretive installations overlooking the St. Joseph Channel. As the story goes, in 1912, Tom Thomson and fellow artist William Broadhead took a two-month canoe trip down the Mississagi River. Unfortunately, the trip ended with a tipped canoe stranding Thomson and Broadhead, and it appears that Thomson painted the town's waterfront during that time. If you are lucky enough to view the setting under the brooding sky, you will find that the scene still matches the painting precisely over 100 years later.

Loon Dollar Monument

Who can resist taking a selfie with a large chunk of change? Even though the Loon Dollar Monument is only a replica made of fibreglass, it's still quite large and worth a photo. You can spot this monument along Highway 17B in the Village of Echo Bay, just a short detour from Highway 17. This structure was built in 1992 as a tribute to Mr. Robert R. Carmichael, the artist behind the Loon Dollar design and a resident of the Township. In a world where deadlines and routines often dictate time, RV travel stands out as a liberating alternative that invites you to embrace the journey rather than just the destination. When you set off on your next Ontario road trip, sure, set the destination, but let your RV make it an adventure.