It’s often said that it’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey.
But what if it could be about both?
Hear us out: what if the destination was a beautifully serene park in Northern Ontario with fun and iconic roadside attractions along the way? Sounds like the best of both worlds!
If you’re planning a trip to Northern Ontario this year, consider these perfect pairings:
The Big Nickel
Nearby park: Fairbank Provincial Park
You can’t talk roadside attractions in Ontario without mentioning the Big Nickel.
This larger-than-life currency calls Sudbury home and can be found at Dynamic Earth. Originally built in 1964 in recognition of the area’s history of nickel mining, this Sudbury icon is now over 60 years old!
Once you’ve got your picture of the nickel and stopped in at Science North, head to Fairbank Provincial Park.
Continue the geological fun by camping on the edge of the Sudbury basin, which was formed by an ancient meteorite impact 1.8 billion years ago.
The park itself is situated on Fairbank Lake, which offers great swimming, paddling, fishing, and beachy vibes. It’s a great family friendly park with Discovery programming through the summer, and a small selection of stunning waterfront sites.
Head up to Fairbank Provincial Park; we’ll bet you a nickel you won’t regret it!
A water fountain shaped like a Muskie’s head
Nearby park: Sioux Narrows Provincial Park
You can kiss a fish in Newfoundland, but what about drinking from one?
Nestled in Sioux Narrows along Highway 71, road-trippers can stop off at the Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre and take a sip from their Muskie head. While you’re there, stop in and learn about the region’s angling history.
After the town of Sioux Narrows, travel just 5 minutes to Sioux Narrows Provincial Park. Take in the splendour of Lake of the Woods and spend a night under the stars.
The sprawling waters of Lake of the Woods offers plenty of water activities, including paddling, boating, sailing, and swimming. Anglers can try for a Walleye or bass out on the water.
This park is on the quieter side with only 61 sites, including four walk-in waterfront sites.
Don’t forget to explore one of the park’s three short trails, including the Lookout Trail, which leads to a view of Lake of the Woods.
Moonbeam’s UFO
Nearby park: René Brunelle Provincial Park
When escaping to the wilderness doesn’t seem far enough, visit Moonbeam for an out-of-this-world experience!
Along Highway 11, travelers are treated to the town’s UFO statue outside of their tourism office. Thanks to several reports of UFO sightings in the 1960s and 1970s, the town of Moonbeam has built its name on the unexplained. While you’re there, visit the gift shop and buy your very own “Kilo the Martian.”
From UFOs to float planes, René Brunelle Provincial Park has a long history of aviation, serving as a floatplane base for many years in the early 1900s.
While at the park, check out the La Vigilance Trail, which tells the story of a 1922 bush pilot plane crash.
This northern gem offers 105 secluded sites, four great beaches, and plenty of opportunities to explore Remi Lake.
Patricia the Tugboat
Nearby park: Pakwash Provincial Park
Celebrate Northern Ontario’s history of watercraft: stop by to say hi to Patricia the Tugboat on your way to Pakwash!
This distinguished lady was built around 1931 and brought freight from Lac Seul over to Red Lake through Ear Falls. After retirement, she was restored in 1975 and can be found outside the Ear Falls Museum.
Unfortunately you can’t take Patricia up to Pakwash, but there will be plenty of opportunities to get out on the water once you’re there! The park serves as a gateway to many northern canoe routes.
Don’t forget your fishing pole! The park is well known for its Walleye, Northern Pike, and Lake Trout fishing. With two small campgrounds, campers will find secluded and quiet sites to enjoy the serenity of Northern Ontario.
Ms. Claybelt the Cow
Nearby park: Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park
What road trip is complete without seeing a cow through the car window?
Take a moo-ment to stop by Temiskaming Shores and take your photo with an icon, Ms. Claybelt the Cow. Ms. Claybelt stands 12 feet high and sits outside the Little Claybelt Homesteaders Museum where visitors can learn more about the settlement history of the area.
After visiting Ms. Claybelt, why not extend your stay in the area at Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park?
This park is great for those looking for a secluded spot to have an outdoor adventure with a quiet campground.
Waterfall lovers will be right at home as the park has a series of rapids and scenic waterfalls to enjoy along its three trails. Anglers are known to catch Northern Pike, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass and Brook Trout.
Experience the birding opportunities of the Boreal Forest and look out for Black-capped Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and woodpeckers all year round.
Max the Moose
Nearby park: Aaron Provincial Park
Many campers wish to see a moose while on a road trip. Unfortunately, it’s never guaranteed…
…until now.
Head up to Dryden and visit Max the Moose. Coming in at over 18 feet, 2 tons, and 64 years old, he’s quite the head-turner! Max lives just outside the Visitor Information Centre, so be sure to pop in to learn about all that the area has on offer.
Once you’ve said goodbye to Max, drive to nearby Aaron Provincial Park, just off Highway 17. This park is situated on Thunder Lake with two sandy beaches.
Rent a canoe and spend a day paddling Thunder Lake. The lake offers great Northern Pike, Walleye, and Lake Trout fishing, with a conveniently located fish cleaning station near the boat launch.
Hikers can explore the Boreal Forest along the two trails in the park, featuring a lovely soundtrack courtesy of 26 species of warblers.
Spice up your road trip!
Hit up a few of these classic campy attractions while you head up north!
Which attraction is your must-visit?
