Whether you’re planning a road trip across Canada along Highway 17 or looking at a day trip in the area, I’ve got 5 stops that I think should be an essential part of your trip. The best thing is, these stops are as time-consuming as you want them to be. If you have lots of time to kill, you’ll have no problem spending hours between these stops, and if you’re on the move, you can make these pit stops quick. If you don’t have any plans to take a drive along Lake Superior this summer, I’m hoping I can convince you!

I wrote a post not too long ago about some of my favourite hikes in the area, but these stops today are going to feature some options besides hiking. These stops are going to be listed in geographical order, as you would come upon them coming from the south. If you’re starting north and heading down, read this post backwards? You can if you want, but I’m sure you’ll be okay to keep reading the way you are.

The first stop is Batchawana Bay. As you head north, you’ll approach the parking lot for day parking, where you can also pick up a permit to use the beach, as it is an Ontario Park. I think a 2-hour pass is $4. There is an information centre here, which has been under construction over the winter, so hopefully by the summer the new facility will be ready for tourists. The beach here is vast and goes on for several kilometres, and the water is some of the warmest on this side of the lake. Pack lunch, a bathing suit, and a towel. Have lunch and take a dip to cool off on a hot day!

The next stop is about five minutes up the road from the last one. The Voyager’s Lodge and Cookhouse can hook you up with their full service gas station and a variety of items in their convenience store. They also have a full gift shop with more than just tacky souvenirs. They offer an extensive menu of hot and cold take-out options, perfect for lunch on the go. If you stop here, don’t forget to grab one of their famous apple fritters on the way out!

Next stop is Agawa Crafts and the Canadian Carver. This stop is similar to the last, but here you’ll find three different stores packed with everything from A to Z. They boast a wide collection of Indigenous artwork and crafts, many local to the area. There is another full-serve gas station here to top you off, and a decent convenience store with a selection of camping and outdoor gear in case you’ve forgotten anything. There is also a full cafe at this stop, so you can grab your perfect pick-me-up made with locally roasted coffee beans. They also offer tea and other specialty drinks, as well as hot sandwiches and treats.

I learned that I don’t have a good picture to represent this stop, but visiting the Visitor’s Centre at Agawa Bay is a must-do, especially if you’re into history or are travelling with young kids. There is plenty of room to stretch out and walk around here, as well as nature trails and a long rocky beach on Superior. This stop is ideal for picking up a park day pass and asking for more information on the area. There is another small gift shop here and clean, updated washrooms if that interests you. The centre has a good-sized museum/exhibit that is completely free and contains information on many aspects of the area. From local animals to Indigenous practices to the logging era, you’ll be sure to find something that interests you here. (The featured image at the title of this post is of a sunset on the beach here)

I could probably list ten stops here, but I only have your attention for so long. Some honourable mentions go to the Trading Post in Sault Ste Marie, Agawa Fish and Chips across the highway from Agawa Crafts, and Young’s General Store in Wawa. Anyway, what you’ve read is all I’ve got for today. We got a dumping of almost a foot of snow here yesterday, so I’m patiently awaiting spring with my fingers crossed. As always, thanks for reading, and I hope you come across my page again!