10 Incredible Stops on a Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie Road Trip
Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie Road Trip
Northern Ontario really is a gorgeous place to see. Between interesting roadside attractions, incredible Provincial Parks, beautiful vistas, and a sprinkling of diverse cities and towns, what better way to see it than to take a drive! We have put together a guide on the best stops to make on a Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie road trip, to help you start exploring Northern Ontario!
How to Get to Sudbury
Sudbury is located just 4 hours (400 km) northwest of Toronto. If you are driving, hop on Highway 400 northbound. You would then take the Trans Canada Highway (ON-69 N) directly to Greater Sudbury.
If you are coming from a distance, you could take a domestic flight to the Greater Sudbury Airport and rent a car. Via Rail also offers service from Toronto to Sudbury, as does Ontario Northland Buses.
Once you arrive in Sudbury, you should have no trouble renting a car for your Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie road trip. But before you leave, make sure you spend a little time exploring some of the cool attractions and natural areas in and around Sudbury.
10 Incredible Stops on a Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie Road Trip
Once you have spent a little time enjoying all that Greater Sudbury has to offer, it’s time to hit the road! And the drive could not be easier! Just hop on the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 17) and it will take you right to your destination.
The distance from Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie (known as ‘The Soo’ by locals) is approximately 307 km, and would only take you 3 hours and 24 minutes if you were driving it straight.
But of course, straight driving really defeats the purpose of a road trip! There are some really scenic and interesting points right along the Trans-Canada Highway, as well as a few that are slightly off the beaten path.
We have put together a list of the 10 best places to stop on a Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie road trip. They are listed in the order that you would come across them, however, it would be just as awesome if you happen to be doing the trip in reverse order starting in the Soo.
1. Side Trip to Onaping Falls
Our first stop along our Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie road trip was to go hiking at Onaping Falls. Okay, so we are starting off the road trip with a detour, but it was definitely worth the short drive
Located just 30 minutes west of Sudbury near the town of Dowling, this gorgeous waterfall was an incredible side trip to take. To get there, just take Regional Road 35 to Highway 144 as you leave Sudbury.
Onaping (or High Falls) is where the Onaping River drops over 55 meters over a sheer cliff to the riverbed below. The best views of the waterfall, however, are from the A.Y. Jackson Lookout which is only an easy one-kilometre hike from the visitor center.
The day we visited Onaping Falls, the skies were quite smoky from the forest fires happening further north. The views were still incredible, but we decided to keep the strenuous hiking to a minimum.
There are three different trails in the area to hike on. We decided to head to the bridge that spans the river for the best views of the falls.
You can then cross the bridge and continue your hike for another two kilometres. The trail makes its way through dense forests but is a little more challenging with steep and uneven portions along the way.
Stop at the visitor center to pick up a trail guide, learn about the geology of the area, or make use of the shaded picnic tables. You will find ample parking and restrooms at the visitors center as well.
Fun Fact: Onaping Falls was immortalized on canvas by the Group of Seven’s A.Y. Jackson, hence the name of the lookout.
- Distance from Sudbury: 37 km
- Distance from Sault Ste Marie: 325 km
2. Espanola
The next stop on our Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie road trip was a short break in Espanola. Located at the junction of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 6, this was more of a comfort stop for us.
Here, you will find a gas station, Tim Horton’s and a Wendy’s. Don’t forget to stop by the Northwest Trading Company next door! This gift shop is filled with an eclectic assortment of souvenirs, treats, clothing and locally crafted items.
- Distance from Sudbury: 73 km
- Distance from Sault Ste Marie: 241 km
3. Side Trip to Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island is a detour on this road trip that we really recommend. Of course, you may want to spend a couple of days here, just to get the most out of your visit.
Manitoulin Island is located on Lake Huron and is approximately a 1.5 hours drive south of Sudbury. Access to the island is via the Little Current Swing Bridge located in the north-eastern part of the island. This is the only land crossing onto Manitoulin.
Fun Fact: Aside from being the largest island in a freshwater lake in the world, Manitoulin is also home to the largest lake within an island within a lake in the world. And if that is not confusing enough, it is also the largest island within a lake, within an island within a lake in the world!
Manitoulin is not only beautiful, but the island is also rich in history. With a carefully preserved indigenous culture, Manitoulin Island provides plenty of opportunities to learn and participate in First Nations experiences such as canoe trips, guided hikes, or special performances.
If you are looking to spend some time hiking, we would recommend the Cup and Saucer Trail. This iconic hike takes you through lush forests with rewards of jaw-dropping views.
Head to Providence Bay for some time at the beach, or to Bridal Veil Falls for a swim under the falls. Cruise around the island to photograph the many Lighthouses, dine at some of the awesome little restaurants, or enjoy a starry night in a Dark Sky Preserve.
- Distance from Sudbury: 123 km
- Distance from Sault Ste Marie: 290 km
4. Go for a Hike in Chutes Provincial Park
Located in Massey, Ontario, Chutes Provincial Park is an awesome place to stop and stretch your legs on your Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie road trip. Only one kilometre off the highway, it’s a pretty convenient place for a pit stop!
The incredible Aux Sable River rushes straight through the park, creating a gorgeous waterfall, as well as providing a ton of recreational opportunities. From hiking and photography to fishing along the banks, camping, or enjoying a refreshing dip at the park’s wonderful beach area, there are many reasons to stop at Chutes Provincial Park.
- Distance from Sudbury: 96.6 km
- Distance from Sault Ste Marie: 213 km
5. Spanish
Located right on Lake Huron on the Whaleseback and North Channel, Spanish is an incredible area to explore. Known for its natural beauty, Spanish is also considered the perfect place for outdoor adventure.
Spanish is known for its incredible sailing opportunities, as well as being perfect for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. It is also home to several hiking trails and some phenomenal ATV trails.
So if you are looking for a truly memorable experience, you will definitely want to look into planning a tour with Mukwa Adventures. This Indigenous-owned company offers a variety of guided ATV tours that will take you all across Northern Ontario.
Not only does Mukwa Adventures provide half, full, and multi-day tours, but they also provide all the safety gear, equipment and training you’ll need to hit the trails. This would definitely be a unique stop on your Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie road trip!
- Distance from Sudbury: 117 km
- Distance from Sault Ste Marie: 191 km
6. Serpent River
Located at the junction of Highway 17 and Highway 108, Serpent River is a great place to get out and stretch your legs. Head into the Serpent River Trading Post to do a little souvenir shopping.
What used to be a small store has now grown into a popular stop along the Trans Canada Highway. Filled with incredible artwork from local Serpent River First Nation Members as well as famous Indigenous artists such as Norval Morrisseau and Richard Bedwash, you are sure to find a treasure or two.
If you enjoy chasing waterfalls, then about 5 minutes before you reach the Serpent River Trading Post, you will find Kennebec Falls. Pull into Serpent River Park, just off the highway, for some gorgeous views of the falls.
- Distance from Sudbury: 135 km
- Distance from Sault Ste Marie: 173 km
7. Side Trip to Elliot Lake
Taking a side trip to Elliot Lake is just a 21-minute detour from Highway 17. Highway 108 will take you straight into town, where you can choose which attractions you would like to see.
We would recommend heading up to the Elliot Lake Fire Tower Lookout. On a clear day, you will have incredible 360- degree views of the city and area, views of the North Channel of Lake Huron, as well as views of the Cup and Saucer Trail all the way on Manitoulin Island!
At the Fire Tower Lookout, you will also find plenty of picnic tables, a covered gazebo, restrooms, hiking trails, as well as a small gift shop that sells packaged snacks and ice cream bars. It was the perfect place for an afternoon picnic – just beware of the bears!
While in town, check out the Miners’ Memorial Park, go for a walk along the water, visit a bird conservatory, visit the Nuclear and Mining Museum, hit the ATV trails or try your hand at some fishing. The options really are endless!
- Distance from Sudbury: 162 km
- Distance from Sault Ste Marie: 200 km
8. Blind River
For a small town, Blind River has quite a few things to do if you are planning to stop here on a Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie road trip. Whether you are looking for a quick stop or a way to spend a few hours, Blind River has just what you need.
Head to the Timber Village Museum where you will find exhibits covering the logging, lumbering, fur trapping, shipping, commercial fishing, rail and other transportation industries. With over 5000 artifacts to look at, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon.
If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, head to the Boom Camp Trails. This incredible park has 12 km of multi-season trails perfect for hiking or biking. The trails include pavilions located on the east and west end of the park, as well as interpretive signs that share the stories of the area.
Other outdoor activities and adventures you can find in and around the community, include fishing for northern pike, walleye, bass and trout, world-class boating, and awesome sandy beaches for swimming.
- Distance from Sudbury: 166 km
- Distance from Sault Ste Marie: 143 km
9. Bruce Mines
The town of Bruce Mines was founded in 1846 as Canada’s first copper mine. The area is known for its rich farmland, gorgeous hardwood forests, and incredible lakes and rivers.
Go for a walk on the waterfront, do a little fishing, or take a tour of the Simpson Mine Shaft. This guided tour will teach you a little about the mining history of the town and surrounding area, while the attached museum has over 7,000 artifacts to peruse.
No stop at Bruce Mines is complete without visiting their free library. This charming, lighthouse-shaped shelf is right off the highway by the water.
A cute roadside attraction, feel free to take a book or leave a book! But definitely be sure to sign their guest book!
- Distance from Sudbury: 239 km
- Distance from Sault Ste Marie: 69.5 km
10. Visit the Loonie in Echo Bay
Our family definitely loves a good quirky roadside attraction. So on our Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie road trip, Echo Bay certainly made the cut!
Echo Bay is located just east of Sault Ste Marie and is home to Canada’s largest Loonie. The enormous Loon Dollar Monument was constructed in 1992 to honour wildlife artist Robert R. Carmichael.
Not only was Carmichael responsible for designing the 1987 Loonie, but he is also a resident of Echo Bay. The Loonie is located just a short distance off the highway, and is the perfect place for a break and to take a photo.
There are even picnic tables located on-site if you want to have a quick bite to eat.
- Distance from Sudbury: 279 km
- Distance from Sault Ste Marie: 25.4 km
Arriving in Sault Ste Marie
And this brings us to Sault Ste Marie. The Trans-Canada Highway will take you right into town before it continues heading on further north.
Sault Ste Marie is located approximately 700 km northwest of Toronto, and 700 km southeast of Thunder Bay. It is the third-largest city in Northern Ontario, behind Sudbury and Thunder Bay.
The name Sault Ste. Marie is derived in part from the old French word sault (or saut) meaning “waterfall” or “rapids.”
The Soo not only boasts beautiful views, but is steeped in Indigenous history and culture. You can find a ton of natural sites to see, museums and galleries to visit, shopping, awesome dining, and exciting places to stay.
Step outside and see the incredible St. Mary’s River that runs through the city, or visit the Provincial Parks in the area for an incredible hiking experience.
Where to Stay in Sault Ste Marie
There are a variety of accommodations available in Sault Ste Marie. You can find hotels and motels in the downtown area, as well as Airbnb rentals in the outskirts of town.
We chose to stay at the Quality Inn and Suites which was located right in the downtown area. This budget friendly hotel was just a short drive from several attractions, and walking distance to several restaurants, cafes, and eateries.
The rooms were well appointed and clean. Breakfast was included, and there was a pool for the kids to burn off some energy.
You can find a complete listing of Sault Ste Marie hotels here.
Where to Eat in Sault Ste Marie
There are many incredible family-friendly places to eat in Sault Ste Marie. Depending on your budget and what you are in the mood for, you are sure to find something that will tempt the pickiest of eaters!
During our stay, we chose the convenience of eating at the restaurant that was attached to our hotel. Johnny’s Chophouse had a great variety, with many kid-friendly items on the menu.
We found the food, ambience and service to be quite good. And after a long day of travelling, it was nice not to have to do any more driving to get to dinner!
Final Thoughts on a Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie Road Trip
A Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie road trip can mark the beginning (or end!) of an epic trek through Northern Ontario. With so many wonderful things to see and do, you can spend a few days, or several weeks, exploring all that this part of Ontario has to offer.
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