Planning a cross-province adventure? Check out the Ontario Parks Driving Routes.
If an unforgettable road trip is on your bucket list, we’ve got the route for you. Our Georgian Bay – Lake Huron Route is your guide to the world’s longest freshwater beach, breathtaking Georgian Bay sunsets, and the world’s largest freshwater island.
Hike the white quartzite hills painted by the Group of Seven. Paddle the inspiring and rugged granite shoreline of Georgian Bay and take in the windswept pines that make this region famous.
Starting in Toronto and drive north from there, this tour is one you’ll never forget.
Parks you’ll want to explore en route:
There are 14 stops along this route. We hope you’ll visit them all, but if your time is limited, must-see parks along the route are designated with a *.
Stop #1: Awenda Provincial Park *
Driving time: Take Highway 400 north from Toronto to Barrie, then County Road 27 northwest to Awenda. This will take you 2.5 hours.
The park: Explore over 2,900 ha of forested land along the picturesque shores of Georgian Bay. The park’s trails, lakes, shorelines, fens, bogs and campgrounds offer a mix of habitat and wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Bluff Trail is a 13 km circular trail. Views of Georgian Bay from this trail are spectacular, especially during the leaf-free season.
Stop #2: Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
Driving time: Taking side roads southwest, you’ll reach Wasaga Beach in one hour.
The park: Wasaga Beach is not only the longest freshwater beach in the world (with 14 km of sandy shore), but the sunsets there are breathtaking!
Wasaga Beach is a day-use only park, there are no overnight camping facilities.
Stop #3: Craigleith Provincial Park
Driving time: Drive southwest through the town of Wasaga Beach until you reach Highway 26. Then, follow that northwest to Craigleith. This should take about one hour.
The park: Located at the base of Blue Mountain in the tourist friendly town of Collingwood, the park is an ideal hub to enjoy what the local area has to offer. Hike the Bruce Trail, bike the Georgian Trail, or visit the Blue Mountain Village.
You may also want to paddle along the shoreline, fish for Rainbow Trout and salmon, or kick back and watch the sunset.
Stop #4: Inverhuron Provincial Park *
Driving time: By following County Road 40 west and then County Road 21 south, you’ll find Concession Road 2, which will lead you to Inverhuron. This leg of the trip will take 1.5 hours.
The park: Find your slice of paradise at this summer oasis. Paddle the Saugeen River, or explore the Lake Huron shoreline.
Prized for its sandy beach and dunes, this diverse park also includes a wetland and a young hardwood forest. Watch the world-renowned sunset sitting on the beach while you listen to waves crash into the shore.
Stop #5: Sauble Falls Provincial Park
Driving time: Drive north on Highway 21 and County Road 13 to reach Sauble Falls. This drive is about one hour in total.
The park: This historic waterfall used to power a timber mill and generating station. Now flanked by immature forest, the falls are the end of the Rankin River canoe route, ideal for new and experienced paddlers alike.
Anglers will find excellent trout and salmon fishing in areas adjacent to the falls.
Stop #6: Misery Bay Provincial Park *
Driving time: Drive north to the town of Tobermory. From there, you can take a ferry to the town of South Baymouth on Manatoulin Island.
Then, make your way north to Government Road, and follow that east to Highway 551. You’ll follow 542, Union Road, and Highway 540 west until you can turn left on Little Lake Huron Road, which will take you to Misery Bay. This will involve 2.5 hours of driving, plus a two-hour ferry ride.
The park: Located on Manitoulin Island, the park provides access to scenic Lake Huron coastline. Misery Bay offers over 15 km of hiking trails, a boardwalk, and a bird-viewing platform overlooking the wetland.
Misery Bay is a day-use only park; there are no overnight camping facilities. If you’re staying on the Island, or nearby Chutes Provincial Park, Misery Bay is a great way to experience Manitoulin.
Stop #7: Chutes Provincial Park *
Driving time: Follow Highway 540 northeast and Highway 6 north to Highway 17. From there, drive west to Chutes for a total driving time of 2.5 hours.
The park: Named for the log chute that lumberjacks built to bypass the main falls on the Aux Sables River during log drives, this park is centered on a river of waterfalls.
The Twin Bridges Trail begins at the main falls and viewing platform and follows the Aux Sables past a series of falls, cataracts and rapids known as the Seven Sisters.
Stop #8: Fairbank Provincial Park
Driving time: Drive northeast on Highway 17 and Regional Roads 5 and 4 to reach Fairbank. It will take you roughly one hour.
The park: This family-oriented park with waterfront campsites has been a popular outdoor destination in the region for over 50 years.
The crystal-clear water attracts visitors from all over the region for snorkeling and swimming at the sandy beach.
Stop #9: Killarney Provincial Park *
Driving time: Drive south on Regional Road 4 to Highway 17, and then drive east to Sudbury . From Sudbury, drive south on Highway 69 and south on Highway 637 to Killarney. This will take you just under two hours.
The park: This iconic 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 park’s pine, hemlock and maple forests.
Recently recognized by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as the first Dark Sky Preserve in Ontario Parks history, Killarney offers excellent astronomy programming for amateurs and experts.
Stop #10: French River Provincial Park
Driving time: Return east on Highway 637 to Highway 69, then drive south until you reach the French River Visitor Centre after roughly one hour.
The park: Visitors love the award-winning Visitor Centre on Highway 69. A 4 km hiking trail leads from the park’s award-winning, architecturally-stunning visitor centre to a suspension bridge, providing an amazing view of the river below.
If you plan to picnic, take a blanket. There are no picnic tables, just stunning scenery.
Stop #11: Grundy Lake Provincial Park *
Driving time: Grundy Lake is 20 minutes south of French River on Highway 69.
The park: Located just off the Trans-Canada Highway, Grundy Lake is an oft-cited favourite hidden gem of our campers.
Whether you prefer sandy beaches, diverse hiking trails, or paddling through lakes, it’s easy to fall in love here.
Stop #12: Sturgeon Bay
Sturgeon Bay is situated among the 30,000 Islands – just off Trans Canada Highway 69. Campers love Sturgeon Bay for charming campsites, with swimming, boating, canoeing and boat launch all within walking distance.
As an added bonus, this park is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. The park provides direct boating, canoeing or kayaking access to the waters of Georgian Bay.
Sturgeon Bay is a wonderful place to plan a recharge after a busy leg of your trip. It is also a great alternative for booking a stay if Killbear is full.
Stop #13: Killbear Provincial Park
Driving time: Continue driving south on Highway 69, then exit at Highway 559 and drive southwest. You’ll reach Killbear after about 1.5 hours of driving.
The park: Located in the heart of the 30,000 islands, Killbear is an ideal location to explore beautiful Georgian Bay.
While you’re in the park, make sure you check out the Twin Points Trail, which takes hikers through the park’s rocky landscapes and forests to reveal the breathtaking shoreline. This trail has been named as one of Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere’s Amazing Places.
Stop #14: Six Mile Lake Provincial Park
Driving time: Drive northwest on Highway 559 and then south on Highway 400 until you reach Six Mile Lake. This will take about 1.5 hours.
The park: This park is the perfect final destination on your RV road trip! Conveniently located off Hwy 400, Six Mile Lake is known for recreational boating and fishing opportunities.
The park is ideal for paddlers of all ability levels, and canoes are available for rent at the park store.
From Six Mile Lake, Toronto is about a two-hour drive home.
Total driving time: 23.5 hours.
Estimated trip duration (full route): 11 – 22 days
Estimated trip duration (highlights only): 6 – 12 days