Northern Ontario Explorer

From £3,429 pp

17 nights
Fly Drive
Economy flights
Available April - October

With rolling hills, vast expanses of forest, iconic wildlife and countless lakes, Ontario was seemingly created for outdoor adventures. Take a self-drive from Ottawa, Canada’s historic capital city to Toronto, exploring the lesser visited charms of Northern Ontario along the way. You will drive through boreal forests, past great lakes, including the largest of them all, Lake Superior, and stop in small waterside communities. This is a captivating journey in all-seasons but travel in September and October and you will get the bonus of vibrant fall colours and a journey on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train.

What's Included

International flights from the UK based on economy class
15 nights hotel accommodation
2 nights at Bartlett Lodge in a Log Cabin
2 x breakfast & 2 x dinner at Bartlett Lodge
14 days intermediate car hire with fully inclusive insurance
Agawa Canyon Train Tour (operates seasonally)

Holiday Map

Explore our interactive map to discover your holiday route and key points of interest.

Leaflet © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

Start

Finish

Stops

Point of interest

Your day-to-day plan

Rideau-Canal-and-Canadian-Parliament-in-Ottawa-Ontario.jpg

Day 1-2

Ottawa

On arrival to Ottawa International Airport, transfer independently to your hotel. Explore Ottawa’s most visited attraction; Parliament Hill, which is the seat of Canada’s federal government and then discover the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The canal still operates to this day along its original route and with most of its original structures.

Day 3-4

Algonquin Provincial Park

Pick up your rental car, it’s time for the adventures to begin. Your first destination is Algonquin Provincial Park, a vast area of maple tree covered hills, rocky ridges, and thousands of lakes, where you will stay in a log cabin at Bartlett Lodge. This is the quintessential Canadian experience! Take time to explore Algonquin Provincial Park from the water on a guided canoe trip and hike the Peck Lake Circular Trail. In the evenings enjoy a 4 course dinner before retreating back to your log cabin to relax in the serenity of the Canadian wilderness.

Day 5-6

Killarney

Your next stop in this adventure is the small village of Killarney, stunningly located on the north shore of Lake Huron. Spending 2 nights here gives you a full day to take to the water in nearby Killarney Provincial Park. Here you can paddle through crystal clear waters with views towards La Cloche Mountain range, stopping for a picnic lunch on one of the many deserted bays.

Day 7

Timmins

Today you will travel north on Highway 144 through the boreal forest and past countless lakes. We recommend you pick up a takeaway lunch from Sudbury to enjoy on the sandy beach at Halfway Lake Provincial Park. Make a stop at Onaping’s High Falls and hike along the scenic 1 km riverside trail to a bridge that spans the top of the falls and follow the marked trail beyond the bridge to explore the quiet forests for another 2 km loop. Spend the night in Timmins, a vibrant city celebrated for its abundant mineral resources and scenic location along the Mattagami River.

Day 8-9

Lake Superior Provincial Park

Start early and head west through the forest looking out for the wildlife that calls this remote part of Northern Ontario home. After taking a picture with the famous Wawa Goose (you can’t miss it!), arrive at your lodge on the shores of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world and spend 2 nights here to fully explore its shoreline. Stop at picturesque Katherine Cove and Old Woman Bay to dip a toe into the cool waters and get out on the lake, with guided tours and rentals available at Naturally Superior Adventures in Michipicoten. When the lake is calm, visit the Agawa Rock Pictographs where you’ll discover 35 red ochre images painted on the shear rock face around 400 years ago.

Day 10-11

Sault Ste Marie

Head south along the shores of Lake Superior to Sault Ste Marie, one of the oldest French settlements in North America. Spend 2 nights here so that you have plenty of time to explore the wide variety of attractions on offer, from a cruise on the famous locks of the St Marys River, to the fascinating Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. Included in this itinerary is a journey on the Agawa Canyon Train Tour, which will take you through parts of the Northern Ontario wilderness that can’t be reached by road to Agawa Canyon Park.

Day 12

Manitoulin Island

Travel east, along the shores of Lake Huron and make a stop at Whitefish Falls before arriving on Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island and a must-visit destination for Indigenous culture and outdoor adventures. When on the island you can learn about Indigenous history on a guided canoe tour or hike the popular Cup and Saucer Trail for spectacular views over the island.

Day 13

Tobermory

Ride the Chi-Cheemaun ferry (not included) over to the harbour town of Tobermory, surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Huron. The waters are the final resting place of two dozen shipwrecks, and you can view them from the glass bottom boats that leave the harbour. Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants that fronts onto the quaint Little Tub Harbour.

Day 14-15

Niagara-on-the Lake

Travel down Highway 6, making a stop at the village of Elora, voted as the most beautiful village in Ontario. Stroll the historic centre, with its boutique shops and cafes, and go tubing or kayaking down the Elora Gorge. End the day in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a well-preserved 19th century village. The next morning, join a horse drawn carriage tour down the main street of Old Town and in the afternoon visit the wineries along the Wine Route and sample Ontario’s renowned Icewine, a local speciality at Inniskillin Winery.

Day 16-17

Toronto

Make your way to Niagara Falls and view the iconic falls from Queen Victoria Park or from the Voyage to the Falls boat tour before continuing to Toronto. Explore ‘Old Toronto’ and admire the heritage architecture of St. Lawrence Hall, the Flatiron Building and St. James Cathedral before grabbing food at the St. Lawrence Market. One of the top attractions is the CN Tower, a world-famous icon and iconic feature of Toronto’s skyline. Ascend the tower to enjoy unparalleled, panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario.

Special Offers

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This holiday requires an ESTA for entry to the United States, for full details and to apply please see below:

ESTA information

Please note Parks Canada charge fees at most national parks and historic sites across the country. Parks Canada passes can be purchased as part of your holiday, speak to your sales advisor for more details. Early booking is recommended.

For further information about national parks and historic sites in Canada or to reserve campsites and activities, please visit:

Parks Canada

Responsible Travel

Rocky Mountaineer Holidays

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Northern Ontario Explorer

What's Included

Holiday Map

Your day-to-day plan

Ottawa

Algonquin Provincial Park

Killarney

Timmins

Lake Superior Provincial Park

Sault Ste Marie

Manitoulin Island

Tobermory

Niagara-on-the Lake

Toronto

Fly Home

Special Offers

Save up to £500 per booking

Book by 6th June 2025 and take advantage of our exclusive savings

5GB of FREE data

Stay connected with up to 5GB of FREE data

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Québec Winter Wonderland

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Ontario Adrenalin

A Taste Of Québec & The Magical Fjord

Heritage Trail

Splendid Nature Of Québec

Great Parks Of The East

Nova Scotia Canada's Ocean Playground

Newfoundland & Labrador Explorer

A Taste Of The Maritimes

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