Lake Superior North Shore Road Trip: A Journey So Good I’m Doing It Again

There are certain hidden gems in the world that feel like they’re just waiting to be discovered. For me, one of these treasures is the Lake Superior North Shore road trip, a breathtaking journey through Ontario, Canada.

Living in Minnesota, I’m surprised that it’s a route I’ve never heard anyone mention. Relatively speaking, it’s not that far from Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and it’s a great travel idea for any nature enthusiast or for anyone who wants to experience the sensation of being alone in remote, peaceful wilderness without having to travel too far out of the Midwest.

The Lake Superior North Shore road trip left such an impression on me that I can’t wait to experience it again.

Growing up, road trips were a big part of my life. In my road-tripping family, we often took long drives across the U.S., but this particular trip, looping around the northern top of Lake Superior, was something entirely new and unforgettable. In this article, I’ll share driving safety tips, why I’m excited to revisit this incredible route, and why the Lake Superior North Shore road trip is a must-add to your road trip bucket list.

Lake Superior North Shore road trip: A Different Kind of Journey

A few summers ago, my family had plans to visit some extended family living outside Toronto, Canada. My dad and brother drove from Colorado to Minnesota to pick me up (already a road trip in itself), and we set out.

Normally, for this drive, we start by heading south from Minneapolis to Des Moines, turning east through Chicago, Indiana, and Detroit before crossing into Ontario. That southern route skirts the Great Lakes, primarily Lake Michigan, and takes about 14 hours from Minneapolis—longer still when starting from Colorado.

But my dad had always dreamed of a northern detour, looping around the top of Lake Superior through Duluth and Thunder Bay. As a Canadian himself, he had never explored western Ontario, but this trip was finally the perfect time to go, and my brother and I naturally joined in. The drive clocked in at about 20 hours of road time, but it was worth every minute.

The landscapes along this route were unlike anything I’d ever seen: untouched forests, glistening expansive bodies of water, and remote backroads that felt like a step back in time. It was a stark contrast to the busier southern route, which uses interstates, is full of traffic in Chicago, and goes through fields and fields of flat farmland and corn.

Alternatively, while going north around Lake Superior is much longer, it offers a refreshing escape from the noise of everyday life and immerses you in the vast, quiet wilderness of Canada.

What Makes This Road Trip So Special

The North Shore of Lake Superior offers a unique beauty that feels almost otherworldly. I’ve traveled internationally and within the United States quite a bit, but this region reminded me most of Norway, with its mix of large bodies of water, rolling hills, and dense forests. It’s a place where you can drive for miles without seeing a soul, surrounded only by nature.

The wilderness here is vast and untouched. The views from the car are breathtaking, with endless opportunities to pull over and soak it all in. This is the kind of road trip where you can disconnect from technology (although sometimes not by choice with spotty cell phone coverage), take a deep breath, and let the serenity of the surroundings wash over you. It’s also the perfect counterpart to the North Shore Scenic Drive in Minnesota, which runs from Duluth through Grand Marais.

Combining these two routes creates an unforgettable journey filled with rugged landscapes and charming towns. Whether you’re a Midwesterner, a Minnesotan, or any traveler looking for a new space of nature to explore, I highly recommend giving this road trip a try.

Looking for Scenic US Road Trips?

Learn more about the North Shore in northern Minnesota along with other road trips you should try!

Plans for My Next Trip

Immediately upon arriving at our destination the first time, I was already planning to take this road trip again, following Highway 17 along the Canadian North Shore of Lake Superior. This time, I plan to slow down and fully immerse myself in the experience. I want to spend days exploring the dense Canadian wilderness, hiking trails, visiting parks, and stopping at lookouts along the way. This time, I will also be sure to bring a kayak!

A major difference for my second go at this road trip is to continue the loop down to Sault Ste. Marie and then head west through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It’s a region I haven’t explored yet, and I’m excited to see what it has to offer. This extended route promises even more stunning views and new adventures.

Town of Wawa Canadian Goose Statue. Wawa is a small town you drive through on highway 17

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

1. Choose Your Season Carefully

The Lake Superior North Shore road trip is definitely a summer-to-early-fall road trip. The two-lane roads in such remote areas can become treacherous during the winter months. Snow and ice, combined with limited services, can make it a challenging journey outside of the warmer seasons.

2. Prepare for Mosquitoes

The summer months bring swarms of mosquitoes that are out for blood—literally. Make sure to pack plenty of bug spray, and be cautious when opening car doors, as they’ll quickly sneak inside and become a nuisance during your drive.

3. Be Cautious of Wildlife

And then, there’s the moose. I hate to say it, but a 1-ton car versus a moose is never a pretty sight. The car often comes out of that competition totaled, with the passengers in the car faring even worse. The area is so remote that moose and other wildlife like deer have free range of the land. Drive slowly and carefully, and use your high beams.

4. Plan Your Fuel Stops

Gas stations are few and far between in this remote region, and many close early. Refill your tank whenever you can, ideally before 6 PM, to avoid the risk of running out of gas in the middle of nowhere. The last thing you want is to be stranded in the woods—with the mosquitoes.

5. Enjoy!

This road trip will pull back the curtain and reveal to you a large part of Canada that most Americans and Canadians rarely know about and even fewer visit.

Why This Road Trip Deserves a Do-Over

The Lake Superior North Shore road trip is one of the most beautiful and unique road trips I’ve taken so far, and I’m so excited to do it again. For one, I want to try more of the trails and parks along Lake Superior. But more importantly, I want to take my time this round, savoring the journey instead of rushing to the destination.

There are also places I didn’t get to explore the first time, like the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Adding this extension to the trip feels like the perfect way to round out the experience, blending Canadian wilderness with Michigan’s rugged beauty.

Conclusion

The Lake Superior North Shore road trip is a trip more people need to experience. It’s a unique road trip that offers unmatched views, solitude, and adventure. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape, a chance to reconnect with nature, or an opportunity to explore remote corners of the world, this journey has it all. Just remember to pack your bug spray, plan your fuel stops, and take it slow. Trust me—this is a trip you’ll want to take again and again.

Have you explored any part of the North Shore of Lake Superior? I’d love to hear about your favorite spots or tips—leave a comment below!