Are you planning a cross-province adventure? Review the Driving Routes in Ontario Parks.
If an unforgettable road trip is on your bucket list, we have the route for you. Our Georgian Bay – Lake Huron route is your guide to the world’s longest freshwater beach, stunning Georgian Bay sunsets, and the world’s largest freshwater island.
Hike the white quartzite hills painted by the Group of Seven. Paddle the inspiring, rugged granite shoreline of Georgian Bay and enjoy the windswept pines this region is famous for.
Starting in Toronto and driving north from there, this tour is one you will never forget.
Parks you’ll want to explore along the way:
There are 14 stops along this route. We hope you visit them all, but if you have limited time, the must-see parks along the route are designated with an *.
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 hectares of forested land along the picturesque shores of Georgian Bay. The park’s trails, lakes, shorelines, marshes, marshes and campgrounds offer a mix of habitat and wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Bluff Trail is a 13 km loop trail. The views of Georgian Bay from this trail are spectacular, especially during the leafless season.
Stop #2: Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
Driving time: Taking the secondary roads towards the southwest, you will reach Wasaga Beach in one hour.
The park: Not only is Wasaga Beach the longest freshwater beach in the world (with 14 km of sandy shoreline), but the sunsets there are stunning!
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 direction northwest to Craigleith. This should take approximately one hour.
The park: Located at the base of Blue Mountain in the resort town of Collingwood, the park is an ideal hub for enjoying what the local area has to offer. Hike the Bruce Trail, bike the Georgian Trail, or visit Blue Mountain Village.
You may also want to paddle along the shoreline, fish for rainbow trout and salmon, or relax and watch the sunset.
Stop #4: Inverhurón Provincial Park *
Driving time: Following County Road 40 west and then County Road 21 south, you will find Concession Road 2, which will take you to Inverhuron. This stage of the journey will take 1.5 hours.
The park: Find your piece of paradise in this summer oasis. Paddle the Saugeen River or explore the shoreline of Lake Huron.
This diverse park, prized for its sandy beach and dunes, also includes a wetland and young hardwood forest. Watch the world-famous sunset while sitting on the beach while listening to the waves crash against the shore.
Stop #5: Sauble Falls Provincial Park
Driving time: Drive north on Highway 21 and County Road 13 to reach Sauble Falls. This unit is about one hour total.
The park: This historic waterfall used to power a sawmill and generating station. Now flanked by mature forest, the falls are the end of the Rankin River canoe route, ideal for both new and experienced paddlers.
Anglers will find excellent trout and salmon fishing in the areas adjacent to the falls.
Stop #6: Bahía Miseria 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, head north to Government Road and continue east to Highway 551. You will follow 542, Union Road, and Highway 540 west until you can turn left onto Little Lake Huron Road, which will take you to Misery Bay. This will involve 2.5 hours driving, plus a two hours back on the ferry.
The park: Located on Manitoulin Island, the park provides access to the scenic shoreline of Lake Huron. Misery Bay offers over 15 km of hiking trails, a boardwalk and a bird watching 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 in 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 ramp that loggers built to avoid the main falls of the Aux Sables River during log runs, this park is centered around a river of waterfalls.
The Twin Bridges Trail begins at the main falls and viewing platform and follows Aux Sables passing a series of waterfalls, cascades and rapids known as the Seven Sisters.
Stop #8: Fairbank Provincial Park
Driving time: Drive northeast on Highway 17 and Regional Highways 5 and 4 to reach Fairbank. It will take you approximately one hour.
The park: This family-friendly park with waterfront campgrounds has been a popular outdoor destination in the region for more than 50 years.
The crystal clear water attracts visitors from all over the region to snorkel and swim on the sandy beach.
Stop #9: Killarney Provincial Park *
Driving time: Drive south on Regional Highway 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 right under two hours.
The park: This iconic wilderness landscape showcases the wild pink granite shoreline of Georgian Bay, the white quartzite ridges of the La Cloche Mountains, and more than 50 exceptionally clear sapphire lakes nestled among the park’s pine, hemlock, and maple forests.
Recently recognized by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as the first Dark Sky Reserve in the history of Ontario Parks, Killarney offers excellent astronomical 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 Center after approximately one hour.
The park: Visitors love the award-winning Visitor Center on Highway 69. A 2.5-mile hiking trail leads from the park’s architecturally stunning, award-winning visitor center to a suspension bridge, offering an incredible view of the river.
If you plan to have a picnic, bring 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 one of our campers’ favorite hidden gems.
Whether you prefer sandy beaches, diverse hiking trails, or paddling on lakes, it’s easy to fall in love here.
Stop #12: Sturgeon Bay
Sturgeon Bay is located among the 30,000 islands, just off Trans Canada Highway 69. Campers love Sturgeon Bay for its charming campsites, with swimming, boating, canoeing and watercraft within walking distance.
As an added bonus, this park is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. The park offers direct boat, canoe or kayak access to the waters of Georgian Bay.
Sturgeon Bay is a wonderful place to plan to recharge after a busy leg of your trip. It’s also a great alternative to 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 will reach Killbear after approximately 1.5 hours of driving.
The park: Located in the heart of the 30,000 Islands, Killbear is an ideal location from which to explore the beautiful Georgian Bay.
While in the park, be sure to visit the Twin Points Trail, which takes hikers through the park’s rocky landscapes and forests to reveal the stunning coastline. This trail has been named as one of the amazing places in the Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere.
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 approximately 1.5 hours.
The park: This park is the perfect final destination on your RV road trip! Conveniently located off Highway 400, Six Mile Lake is known for its recreational fishing and boating opportunities.
The park is ideal for paddlers of all levels and canoes can be rented from the park store.
From Six Mile Lake, Toronto is approximately one two hours drive home.
Total driving time: 23.5 hours.
Estimated trip duration (full route): 11 – 22 days
Estimated trip length (highlights only): 6 – 12 days