Leave North Bay around 8:00 a.m. and follow Highway 11 north before joining Highway 17 west toward Sault Ste. Marie. Allow about 4½ hours of wheel time, closer to 5½ with an RV fuel stop, coffee, and a proper break. Fuel up before the long northern stretches, and use the larger service areas around Temagami or New Liskeard rather than waiting until the tank is low. Highway 17 is scenic but rolling and occasionally narrow, so expect a relaxed pace and arrive in Sault Ste. Marie around lunchtime or early afternoon. In the city, downtown waterfront parking can accommodate some RVs, but check posted limits; if your rig is large, park at your campground and use a taxi or local rideshare for the downtown sights.
Start at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, in the former St. Marys Paper waterfront district. Give it about 1½ hours for the aircraft, firefighting displays, and hands-on exhibits—this is particularly good on a rainy day or after a long drive. It is generally open daily in summer, but confirm 2027 hours before leaving; admission is roughly C$15–25 for adults. From there, drive or walk toward the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, allowing about 10–15 minutes by car or roughly 25 minutes on foot. Spend an hour beside the historic lock and St. Marys River; the grounds are easy to explore, though operating hours and access to indoor areas can vary. The nearby waterfront paths are pleasant for a short breather before dinner.
Have an early dinner at The Breakfast Pig Badass Eatery, a casual downtown favourite known for generous comfort food and breakfast-style plates; budget about C$20–35 per person and check its August hours, as independent restaurants sometimes adjust schedules. Afterward, head to Whitefish Island, reached from downtown via the pedestrian bridge. Set aside about an hour for the easy loop through wetlands, shoreline, and Indigenous cultural landscapes, especially lovely in the softer evening light. Wear shoes that can handle uneven paths and bring insect repellent. Return to your campground afterward rather than driving tired—the first day’s long haul is best finished with a quiet evening and an early night.
After arriving in the Batchawana Bay area, make Batchawana Bay Provincial Park your first stop. Give yourself roughly two hours to enjoy the broad sandy beach without rushing—August mornings are usually the best time for quieter shoreline and easier RV parking. Swimming is pleasant on calm days, but Lake Superior can stay cold and conditions change quickly, so check the water and wind before going in. Bring cash or a card for any day-use fees, plus drinking water and shade; services are limited right on the beach.
For lunch, stop at Voyageurs’ Lodge and Cookhouse, a practical local choice for a hearty meal after the beach. Budget about C$20–40 per person and allow an hour; hours can vary in August, so confirm before leaving the campground. Afterward, drive west along Highway 17 to Chippewa Falls, where a short roadside stop—about 45 minutes including photos—gives you a quick look at the rushing falls without committing to a long hike. Park fully off the highway and keep children and pets well back from slippery rocks.
Continue east toward Old Woman Bay in Lake Superior Provincial Park for the day’s most dramatic scenery. The beach sits beneath steep cliffs and is especially beautiful in late afternoon light; plan around 90 minutes for a walk along the sand, photographs, and a quiet pause by the water. There are basic picnic and comfort facilities, but no dependable food service, so carry snacks. Before returning, check your fuel level—there are long stretches with few services along Highway 17.
Head back to the Batchawana Bay campground with enough daylight to level the RV, connect utilities if available, and secure food from wildlife. Settle in for a lakeside sunset rather than adding another stop; the shoreline is often the best part of the evening. Keep all scented items inside the RV or in the campground’s approved storage, and bring a warm layer—the temperature can drop noticeably after sunset even in August.
After breakfast, drive west on Highway 17 from Batchawana Bay to the Orphan Lake Trail parking area in Lake Superior Provincial Park—roughly 45–60 minutes. Start around 8:00 a.m.; the lot can fill on a pleasant August day, and an early start keeps you ahead of the heat and afternoon mosquitoes. Allow three to four hours for this demanding loop, which moves through boreal forest and wetlands before opening onto rugged Lake Superior shoreline and cliff-top viewpoints. Bring at least two litres of water per person, lunch, bug repellent, and sturdy footwear; footing can be rocky and wet, and cell service is unreliable.
Return to Highway 17 for the short drive to the Agawa Bay scenic lookout, where a 30-minute stop gives you broad views over the blue, often surprisingly changeable lake. Continue to the Lake Superior Provincial Park Visitor Centre nearby for about 45 minutes. Check current trail conditions, browse the natural-history displays, and ask staff about bear activity or any temporary closures; hours are seasonal, so verify them with Ontario Parks before setting out. Afterward, take a gentler late-afternoon walk on the Old Woman River Trail, allowing about 1½ hours for its forest and river scenery—an ideal contrast to the morning’s exposed, strenuous terrain.
For dinner, keep things simple at your campground: sausages, foil-pack vegetables, or fish cooked over the fire are especially satisfying after the hike. If you prefer to eat out, plan on a casual licensed or takeout meal in Wawa, budgeting roughly C$15–35 per person, but check same-day hours because August businesses can close earlier than expected. Stock up on ice, water, and snacks before leaving the park; services are sparse along this stretch, and evening wildlife sightings are common, so drive slowly and never leave food or garbage unsecured at camp.
Start at Agawa Bay Campground with an easy 45-minute shoreline wander before packing up for the morning. The beach is at its most peaceful early, and the campground’s day-use areas make a convenient place to sort breakfast, water, and hiking shoes. Keep your campsite tidy and secured before leaving the RV; ravens and chipmunks are persistent here. Then drive a short distance along Highway 17 to the signed Agawa Rock Pictographs parking area. Allow about 1½ hours, including the walk down to the rock shelf. The paintings are reached over smooth, exposed Canadian Shield near the water, so wear shoes with good grip and check conditions first—high waves or wet rock can make the site unsafe or inaccessible. There is generally no reliable food service at the pictographs, and parking fills quickly in August, so bring water and a packed lunch.
Continue to the Sand River Trail, following the park roads and allowing roughly 15–20 minutes for the drive and parking. Set aside about two hours for this forest walk, which is especially attractive where the trail tracks rapids, quiet pools, and granite outcrops. It is a good place to slow down rather than chase every viewpoint: bring insect repellent, a snack, and enough water, since mobile service is patchy and facilities are limited. After the hike, return to Agawa Bay Campground and spend the late afternoon at Agawa Bay Beach. The shore is pebbly rather than soft sand, so a folding chair or sit pad is useful; Superior’s water remains cold even in August. Watch the waves before swimming, and keep well back from the waterline if weather is changing.
Have an unhurried campground supper at Agawa Bay Campground—something simple on the stove or grill works best after the trail. A small grocery stop should be made before reaching the park, as there are few convenient provisions nearby. Follow campground fire rules, store food securely, and take a short shoreline walk after dinner if the weather is calm. Sunset over Lake Superior can be excellent, but bring a flashlight for the return to the RV and expect cool temperatures once the wind comes off the lake.
From Agawa Bay, leave around 8:00 a.m. and follow Highway 17 north toward Wawa—about two hours in an RV, with fuel and rest-stop time. Highway 17 is remote, so top up before leaving and download maps; cell service can be intermittent. Once in town, park near the waterfront for the Wawa Goose, the famous giant Canada goose beside Wawa Lake. Allow about 30 minutes for photos, then take an unhurried hour along the lake shoreline. This is a good place for coffee and a packed breakfast rather than relying on a full-service café, particularly early in the day.
Drive out to Magpie High Falls, following the signed local access road from Wawa; allow roughly 20–30 minutes each way, depending on the exact viewing-area conditions. The short walk to the lookout leads to a dramatic view of the falls, but keep well back from wet rock and spray. Continue to Scenic High Falls near the Michipicoten River for another hour. The two falls feel different—Magpie High Falls is broad and forceful, while Scenic High Falls is a more intimate forest-and-river stop—so leave some flexibility for road conditions and unhurried viewing. Check signage locally before setting out, as access roads and viewing areas can change seasonally.
Return to town for an early dinner at North of 17 Restaurant, a relaxed local choice for burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, and other Canadian comfort food; budget about C$20–40 per person, and call ahead in August to confirm that evening’s hours. Afterward, settle into the Wawa Motor Inn campground or another nearby RV campground before dark. Aim to arrive by about 7:00 p.m. so you have time to level the RV, fill water if available, and prepare for tomorrow’s long southbound drive. Keep food secured overnight—this is bear country—and check Ontario 511 before bed for Highway 17 conditions.
Leave Wawa around 8:00 a.m. on Highway 17, allowing roughly four hours of RV driving plus a fuel and coffee stop. This is a long but straightforward Lake Huron travel day, so fill up before leaving Wawa and consider a proper break around Blind River or Sault Ste. Marie. By early afternoon, head into Bruce Mines and park the RV near the harbour; spaces can be limited, so avoid blocking waterfront access and confirm any overnight parking restrictions.
Begin at Bruce Mines Marina, where a 45-minute wander takes you past the historic harbour, small boats, and open views across Lake Huron. It is an easy place to stretch your legs after the drive, with benches and shoreline breezes—bring a light layer even in August. From the waterfront, continue into downtown for about an hour at the Bruce Mines Museum, which usually operates seasonally in summer; check its 2027 hours before travelling, as small-town museum schedules can vary. Expect a modest admission fee, generally around C$5–10 per person, and allow extra time for the displays on the region’s copper-mining past.
Drive to Plummer Additional Nature Reserve for a quieter 1½-hour walk through rugged Canadian Shield terrain. Trails can be uneven and lightly marked, so wear sturdy shoes, carry water, and download a map before leaving town; there may be little or no cell service. Return to Bruce Mines or continue toward Thessalon for a casual dinner—check current opening hours in advance, since choices are limited and some kitchens close early. Budget about C$20–35 per person. Finish at your reserved Bruce Mines waterfront campground, settle the RV before dark, and spend the evening by the lake rather than planning another stop; keep food secured, follow fire rules, and expect a peaceful, low-key night.
Leave Bruce Mines around 7:30–8:00 a.m. for Killarney, allowing 3½–4 hours of driving plus a fuel or coffee stop. Follow Highway 17 east, then take Highway 637 toward the park; the final stretch is narrow, winding, and slower than it looks on the map. Once you reach Killarney Provincial Park Visitor Centre, spend about 45 minutes checking trail conditions, fire restrictions, weather, and paddling updates. It’s also the best place to confirm parking and ask whether recent rain has made the rocky sections of The Crack Trail especially slippery.
Set aside four to five hours for The Crack Trail, one of the park’s most rewarding—and strenuous—hikes. The route is roughly 6 km return, but the climb over exposed rock and boulders makes it feel longer; wear proper hiking shoes, carry at least two litres of water per person, and bring food rather than relying on a quick snack stop. At the top, the white-quartzite ridges open onto broad views toward Killarney Provincial Park and Georgian Bay. Start early enough to finish well before dusk, and keep the descent unhurried—loose rock is where tired hikers most often slip. There is no useful shuttle from the visitor centre, so drive to the trail parking area and arrive with the RV unloaded as much as possible; large vehicles can be awkward in busy lots.
After the hike, continue to George Lake Campground to check in, level the RV or set up camp, and give everyone time to cool down by the water. Campsites are generally reserved through Ontario Parks, and August weekends can fill months ahead; keep food secured because this is a backcountry-minded area even at a drive-in campground. For dinner, head into Killarney village for a casual local meal or takeaway—expect roughly C$20–40 per person, with exact opening days and kitchen hours varying by season. Pick up any breakfast supplies before settling in, as evening shopping options are limited and the village is quiet after dark.
Leave Killarney Provincial Park around 8:00 a.m. and follow Highway 637 east before turning south toward Whitefish Falls and Highway 6. Allow roughly two hours in the RV, with extra time for the winding road and a possible fuel or coffee stop. Before setting out, check Ontario 511 for construction and confirm that your RV will fit comfortably at the smaller roadside viewpoints and village parking areas. In Whitefish Falls, spend about an hour exploring the falls and historic village setting; keep the RV in a larger pull-off or designated parking area rather than trying to manoeuvre through narrow residential streets. Bring sturdy shoes—the rocks and viewing areas can be damp.
Continue south to Chutes Provincial Park near Massey, roughly 25–30 minutes from Whitefish Falls. This is a good place for a relaxed two-hour stop: follow the park trails beside the Spanish River rapids, then make your way to the waterfall viewpoints. The terrain is manageable but uneven, so allow more time if you want photographs or a picnic by the river. Day-use admission is generally in the C$15–25 per vehicle range, though 2027 fees and availability should be checked with Ontario Parks; arrive with food and water, as services are limited inside the park.
Drive onward to the Espanola Regional Recreation Complex, where the riverside paths and open green space make an easy final walk after the road day—about an hour is plenty. Parking is more straightforward here than in the smaller waterfall stops, but use the outer areas if your RV is long. For dinner, check current listings for a well-reviewed casual spot in central Espanola; local cafés and family restaurants typically run about C$20–35 per person, and early dinner around 5:30–6:00 p.m. is the safest choice before kitchens get busy. Finish at your reserved Espanola-area RV campground, giving yourself time to level the rig, connect utilities, and restock water before the drive back to North Bay tomorrow.
Leave Espanola around 8:00 a.m. and allow 3½–4 hours of driving to Mattawa, using Highway 17 east and then Highway 11 north. In an RV, plan one proper fuel and coffee stop rather than trying to cover the distance in one stretch; North Bay is the most reliable place to top up before the final approach to Mattawa. Check Ontario 511 that morning for construction, closures, and weather, and keep an eye out for wildlife on the quieter sections of highway.
Arrive at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park in late morning and give yourself about two hours for an easy trail and time beside the Mattawa River. The park’s short walking routes are a good final stretch after the drive, with forest, rocky viewpoints, and broad river scenery rather than a demanding hike. Day-use fees are generally around C$12–20 per vehicle, though 2027 rates may change; bring water, insect repellent, and sturdy shoes. RV parking is easiest earlier in the day, and larger vehicles should use marked spaces rather than turning around on narrow access roads.
From the park, drive into downtown Mattawa for roughly an hour of relaxed local exploring. Spend about an hour around the Mattawa Voyageur Days and heritage area, looking for interpretive displays and voyageurs-era touches that explain the town’s role at the meeting of the Mattawa and Ottawa rivers. Events and exhibits can vary by season, so treat this as a flexible heritage stop rather than assuming a formal program; the town is compact, and most central sights are a short walk apart.
Have a casual lunch downtown before continuing to North Bay. Allow C$15–30 per person for a straightforward café, diner, or takeout meal, and choose somewhere with easy RV parking on the edge of the centre rather than attempting a tight downtown street. Leave Mattawa by mid-afternoon for the final drive south on Highway 11, allowing roughly 45 minutes to North Bay, depending on traffic and your vehicle.
Finish at the North Bay waterfront and the Chief Commanda II area, where you can stretch your legs beside Lake Nipissing after the road day. A relaxed shoreline walk takes about an hour, and the open lake views make this a pleasant closing stop rather than another scheduled attraction. Check the boat’s 2027 sailing calendar in advance if you hope to cruise; departures are seasonal and weather-dependent, while waterfront access itself is free. Parking is generally easier around the marina and waterfront lots than on the busiest central streets—arrive before the evening rush if you are towing or driving a larger RV.
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