The Grand Northern Route

Manitoulin Island | Sault Ste. Marie | Sudbury
Killarney | French River

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Travel along the coast of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron.
Partake in a cultural learning experience on Manitoulin Island.
Visit the city of Sault Ste. Marie, offering packages that tie in the rich history and culture of the city.
Travel back through historic towns along the North Shore of Lake Huron towards Sudbury.
Visit the city of Sudbury, and learn about the city's mining history at Dynamic Earth, an interactive underground museum.

ROUTE

DISTANCE: 1400 km loop

Depart from Toronto on Hwy 410.
Turn onto Hwy 10, follow to Hwy 6.
Take Hwy 6 up the Bruce Peninsula to Tobermory.
Board the MS Chi-Cheemaun Ferry from Tobermory to South Baymouth, Manitoulin Island (2 hr crossing of Georgian Bay).
Continue north on Hwy 6 off the island joining up with Hwy 17 west to Sault Ste. Marie.
Then back tracking on Hwy 17 east to Sudbury.
Back down Hwy 69, turning onto Hwy 400 back to Toronto.

Drive Distances

Toronto to Manitoulin Island
6 h 38 min / 364 km

MS Chi-Cheemaun Ferry crossing:
2 h crossing of Georgian Bay.

Manitoulin Island to Sault Ste. Marie
4 h 10 min / 340 km

Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury
3 h 40 min / 315 km

Sudbury to Toronto
4 h 15 min / 400 km

Points of Interest

MS Chi-Cheemaun

Manitoulin Island

The ferry connects Tobermory on the tip of Bruce Peninsula with South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island, crossing Georgian Bay.

Details

Contact

T: 1-800-265-3163

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Wikwemikong experience

Manitoulin Island

The largest Anishinabek community on Manitoulin Island.

Details

Canada’s only officially recognized “Unceded Territory” through our Unceded Journey historical tour and explore Northern Ontario’s oldest Catholic Church. Visit world renowned art gallery of James Simon Mishibinijima, while he shares the stories behind his pieces. Experience the traditional art of “storytelling” performed by the award winning Debajehmujig Theatre Group. Listen to the heart beat of the drum via our Dewegan Drum & Song presentation. The Unceded Experience will leave you with a greater awareness and understanding of Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island (North America).

Contact

Luke Wassegijig – Tourism Manager
T: 1-705-859-3477

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Great Spirit Circle Trail (CSE)

Manitoulin Island

Browse Indigenous galleries, sample authentic cuisine and learn traditions like beading or spirit rock painting.

Details

A relaxed, historic Resort on the shore of northern Georgian Bay, Killarney Mountain Lodge is where rustic simplicity and quiet luxury meet. You’ll feel at home the moment you enter, with large wood-burning fireplaces, knotted pine decor and welcoming staff setting the scene. Unwind in comfortable rooms, suites and cabins with feather-down duvet covered beds. Linger over tasty, contemporary Canadian cuisine, fine wines and craft beer while enjoying live music and entertainment. Explore Killarney Provincial Park, canoeing and hiking through the sparkling quartzite mountains made famous on the canvasses of the Group of Seven.

Contact

Joanna Panamick
T: 705-377-4404
E: panamick@circletrail.com

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Ojibwe Cultural Foundation

Manitoulin Island

Browse Indigenous galleries, sample authentic cuisine and learn traditions like beading or spirit rock painting.

Details

Contact

E: info@ojibweculture.ca

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Manitoulin Island hotel
& conference centre

Manitoulin Island

Wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated in contemporary rooms with decor reflecting the First Nations traditions.

Details

The contemporary hotel design is combined with natural elements of wood, stone and décor reflecting the First Nations traditions.Traditional rooms, suites and business suites are available. Enjoy casual fine dining with a view of the LaCloche Mountain range and the North Channel on Lake Huron. Both the outdoor patio and indoor dining area provide stunning views of the lake and mountains.

Contact

manitoulinhotel.com

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Perivale gallery

Manitoulin island

Perivale Gallery is the premier art destination of Manitoulin Island, and one of the most prestigious art galleries in all of Northern Ontario.

Details

Contact

T: 705-210-0290
E: info@perivalegallery.com

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Meldrum Bay Inn

Manitoulin Island

On the Northern shores of the Manitoulin Island, and just before the end of Highway 540, sits the Meldrum Bay Inn.

Details

Contact

T: 877-557-1645
E: meldrumbayinn@yahoo.com

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Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site

St. Joseph Island

Once the most westerly fort in Upper Canada, Fort St. Joseph is now a fascinating historic ruin.

Details

An important Canadian archaeological site, the ruins of the limestone building foundations that were once Fort St. Joseph, make a fascinating tour for any history buff. Let a well-informed Parks interpreter/guide explain the significance of the fort’s many buildings and show you the mysterious chimney, an iconic feature of the site whose presence cannot be explained through archaeological investigations. Wander the path to the shore where the wharf was located and follow it to see where long ago civilian homes once stood. Watch the freighters on the St. Marys River, passing the island where the limestone was quarried for the fort and imagine this place as it was two hundred years ago, the most isolated, westerly outpost of British North America.

Open June through September.

Contact

T: 705-246-2664
E: fortstjoseph-info@pc.gc.ca

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Art Gallery of Algoma

Sault Ste. Marie

The Art Gallery of Algoma (AGA) is a public art gallery dedicated to cultivating and advancing the knowledge and appreciation of visual arts in Sault Ste. Marie and district.

Details

The AGA's commitment to excellence is reflected in all aspects of its programming. Approximately 20 exhibitions are mounted each year featuring local, national and international artists.

The AGA also presents exhibitions from its permanent collection of approximately 5,000 artworks. Permanent collection includes art by Canadian artists such as original paintings by the iconic Group of Seven as well as many international artists. The AGA's public engagement and educational programming feature exhibition tours, art classes, lectures, workshops and more.

Programming is offered year round for all age groups. The Gallery Shop features an assortment of truly unique gifts - predominantly local arts and crafts. Visitors can get coffee, tea, soft drinks, ice cream and light snacks in the Gallery Café while enjoying a beautiful view of the St. Mary's river and Sault Michigan.

Contact

T: 705-949-9067

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Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site

Sault Ste. marie

The Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site features two of the oldest stone buildings in Northern Ontario.

Details

Take a step back in time and tour through the two oldest stone buildings in Northern Ontario, the Old Stone House of Fur Trader Charles Oakes Ermatinger, and the Blockhouse of industrialist Francis Hector Clergue. Hear the stories of people who helped to shape Sault Ste. Marie’s history and stake a step back in time to experience life as an early settler in Northern Ontario from the early 1800’s to the 1920’s. Join the War of 1812 in our interactive gallery and uncover over 200 years of local history through our film in the multimedia theatre, while enjoying our National Historic Site and gardens. The Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site is open year round for you to experience OUR local history.

Contact

T: 705-759-5443
E: old.stone.house@cityssm.on.ca

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Agawa Canyon Tour Train (CSE)

Sault Ste. marie

The Agawa Canyon Tour Train is one of the most popular train excursions in North America.

Details

One of the most popular train excursions in North America, and a Canadian Signature Experience. Operating daily from mid-June to mid-October, this one day wilderness excursion will take you 114 miles north through the Algoma wilderness, over towering trestles, alongside pristine northern lakes and rivers, and through the awesome granite rock formations and mixed forests of the Canadian Shield.

Through the windows of your comfortable coach, you will experience the same vistas and panoramas that inspired the Group of Seven to create some of Canada's most notable landscape art. Along the route enjoy the GPS triggered commentary highlighting the rich history of the rail line. Wireless headsets provide the commentary in English, German, French, Korean, Japanese and Mandarin.

A stopover in the Canyon park is highlighted by a climb to the Lookout at the top of the canyon, or a walk to one of three sets of waterfalls.

Contact

T: 855-768-4171
E: agawacanyontours@cn.ca

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Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

Sault Ste. marie

The Canadian bush plane heritage centre is dedicated to preserving the history and telling the story of bush planes and forest fire protection in Canada.

Details

The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is located in the historic waterfront hangar that was once home to the Ontario Provincial Air Service. Explore the Centre at your leisure; we boast over 30 aircraft displays, two theatres, flight simulators, and interactive children's activities! Guided group tours are available on request. We host many large events each year including Ready For Take Off Family Day in February, Bushplane Days in September and Sault Ste. Marie's largest Holiday Gift & Crafts shows in November. Our Gift Shop offers unique aviation memorabilia including crested t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, pins, local maple syrup, toys and books.

Contact

T: 705-945-6242

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Dynamic Earth (OSE)

Sudbury

Dynamic Earth is an immersive, hands-on science centre that features earth science and mining experiences.

Details

Explore the geological story of Planet Earth, including the unique geology and rich mining heritage of Northern Ontario combining both above and underground experiences that allow you to work and play with real mining equipment and technologies!

The Big Nickel is an exact replica of the 1951 Canadian nickel. It was built in 1964 and symbolizes the wealth that Sudbury has contributed to the Canadian economy through nickel production. The base enables the public to walk around the Big Nickel and under it.

Contact

T: 1-800-461-4898
E: contactus@sciencenorth.ca

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Science North

Sudbury

Discover the connection between science and the everyday world at Science North.

Details

Contact

T: 1-800-461-4898
E: contactus@sciencenorth.ca

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Crane's Lochaven
Wilderness Lodge

French River

Crane's Lochaven Wilderness Lodge located on a private island on historic French River.

Details

Crane's Lochaven Wilderness Lodge is an island fishing lodge located on the beautiful, historic, French River in Ontario, Canada.

Part of a private 4 square mile island accessible by boat 6 miles from our landing, Crane's is located just 3 1/2 hours North of Toronto, offering great fishing on the French River for Walleye, Northern Pike, Bass and Musky. Enhance your fishing experience with our optional fishing guides.

Contact

T: 1.866.994.9912
E: lochaven@vianet.ca

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French River Provincial Park

French River

A 65-mile-long stretch of heritage river with gorges, waterfalls, canoe routes & a visitor center.

Details

A river of national historic significance the French River is the first designated Canadian Heritage River
Paddle the route of Indigenous people, French Explorers, fur traders and Voyageurs
A 105 kilometre canoe route of interconnected lakes, gorges and rapids from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay
Georgian Bay coastal kayaking is available through the French River Delta
A variety of experiences ranging from wilderness paddling to motorboating, fishing and private lodges
The award-winning French River Visitor Centre on Highway 69 with its “Voices of the River” exhibit

Contact

T: 1.800.668.2746

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Killarney Provincial Park

Killarney

Iconic landscape of pink granite, white quartzite ridges, sapphire lakes and Jack Pines.

Details

This iconic 645 square kilometre wilderness landscape showcases the wild Georgian Bay Coast of pink granite; the La Cloche Mountains’ white quartzite ridges and over 50 exceptionally clear, sapphire lakes set among Jack Pine hills.
The area has long captivated artists including The Group of Seven’s A.Y. Jackson, Franklin Carmichael and A.J. Casson, so much so, that they persuaded the Ontario government to make it a park.
Extensive backcountry canoeing and sea kayaking experiences.
Outstanding hiking including the 80 km, looped, La Cloche-Silhouette Trail, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
George Lake campground, with access to beaches, trails, and canoeing.
Yurt accommodation available year-round.
Historic Village of Killarney, founded in 1820 as a fur trading post on Georgian Bay, 10 km from park and home of the famous Herbert Fisheries fish and chips.