If there's one thing I've learned from years of exploring Northern Ontario, it's that some of the best adventures involve a good hiking trail, a beautiful waterfall and, of course, a local coffee shop worth pulling over for. And when it comes to finding all three, Algoma Country has SO much to offer!

From incredible Lake Superior lookouts and hidden waterfalls to small-town cafés serving up really good coffee, this is a region I could road-trip through over and over again without getting tired of it. I've spent years adding my favourite Algoma discoveries to Google Maps, so I figured it was time to put them all in one place to help you plan your next adventure.

Waterfalls Worth Stopping For in Algoma Country

There's something about discovering a waterfall in Northern Ontario that never gets old. Some are just a short walk from the highway, while others require a little more effort to reach, but that's all part of the adventure!

Here are six waterfalls worth adding to your Algoma bucket list.

1. Magpie Falls | Wawa

Make the drive to Wawa, and I'd definitely recommend adding Magpie Falls to your list. Located just outside of town, this impressive waterfall is absolutely worth the short detour. Best of all, you don't need to plan an entire hike to enjoy it! A viewing area lets you admire the falls, making it an easy stop to add to your day of exploring.

2. Sand River Falls | Lake Superior Provincial Park

If you love chasing waterfalls, Sand River is one of those places you'll want to add to your list! Located within Lake Superior Provincial Park, the Pinguisibi Trail follows the Sand River past a series of beautiful waterfalls, rapids and peaceful stretches of forest. The best part is that you don't have to hike the entire trail to enjoy the scenery. The first waterfall is located a relatively short distance from the trailhead, making it a great stop while exploring Highway 17. I'd highly recommend giving yourself some extra time to explore farther along the river!

3. Chippewa Falls | Highway 17

You can't road-trip along Highway 17 north of Sault Ste. Marie without making a stop at Chippewa Falls! This beautiful roadside waterfall is one of those places that's SO easy to add to your itinerary, and it has a pretty interesting piece of Canadian history, too. Chippewa Falls is recognized as the historic halfway point of the Trans-Canada Highway, with a monument marking the location. A short walk from the parking area takes you to a viewing bridge overlooking the falls, where you can admire the rushing water and rugged Canadian Shield landscape.

And here's another fun fact: the scenery inspired Group of Seven painter A.Y. Jackson, who captured the landscape in his 1955 painting Streambed, Lake Superior Country.

4. Pancake River Falls | Pancake Bay Provincial Park

Most people know Pancake Bay Provincial Park for its beautiful sandy beach and Lake Superior views, but there's more to explore beyond the shoreline. Pancake River Falls is another waterfall worth adding to your hiking list, accessible along the park's longer trail network beyond the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout. It's a great option if you want to spend more time outdoors and enjoy a mix of forest trails, scenic viewpoints, and waterfalls.

5. Crystal Falls | Sault Ste. Marie

If you're looking for an easier outdoor adventure near Sault Ste. Marie, add Crystal Falls at Hiawatha Highlands to your list. The boardwalk and surrounding forest trails are beautiful, especially in the fall when the leaves are showing off. I'd recommend packing a small picnic and taking time to enjoy the scenery rather than rushing through the trail.

6. Aubrey Falls | Highway 129

Aubrey Falls is one of those places that makes taking the scenic route along Highway 129 SO worth it.

Located in Aubrey Falls Provincial Park, this beautiful waterfall is reached by a short hiking trail that takes you across a footbridge and up to a viewing area overlooking the falls.

I love that you get a little hiking adventure along with the waterfall views, and the scenic drive through this part of Algoma is another reason to add it to your itinerary.

Just keep in mind that water levels can change because of hydroelectric operations in the area.

Hiking Trails to Add to Your Algoma Bucket List

If there's one thing Algoma Country does really well, it's hiking trails with incredible views. Between Lake Superior's rugged shoreline, forest trails leading to hidden lakes and lookouts that make your legs work a little harder, there's no shortage of places to explore.

Here are some of my favourite hikes throughout the region.

1. Nokomis Trail | Lake Superior Provincial Park

I know I’m not supposed to have favourites, but if you want a hike with some of the best Lake Superior views, Nokomis Trail belongs on your list. This approximately 5 km moderate loop takes you through beautiful forest, then rewards you with incredible lookouts over Old Woman Bay and Lake Superior. Some sections are steep, but the views make the effort worthwhile. And if you're visiting during the fall, you'll see a distinct difference in where Great Lakes–St. Lawrence forest and the Boreal forest begin to transition.

3. Awausee Trail | Lake Superior Provincial Park

If you love a GOOD challenging hike with a rewarding lookout, Awausee Trail is one to consider. This approximately 10 km loop climbs high above the Agawa Valley, offering beautiful views of the surrounding forest and rugged landscape. It's definitely a hike you'll want to give yourself plenty of time for (especially with the elevation gain), and plenty of water and snacks. But wow, on a clear and sunny day, the view is tough to beat.

4. Orphan Lake Trail | Lake Superior Provincial Park

One of the things I love about Orphan Lake Trail is how much variety you get on one hike. This approximately 8 km loop takes you through beautiful forest, past scenic lookouts over Lake Superior, down to a pebble beach and alongside the Baldhead River, where you'll discover waterfalls along the route. It's a great option if you're short on time and want to experience a little bit of everything that makes Lake Superior Provincial Park so special.

5. Sand River (Pinguisibi) Trail | Lake Superior Provincial Park

For my friends who love chasing waterfalls, this is a trail you won't want to miss. The approximately 3 km return trail follows the Sand River past a series of waterfalls, rapids and beautiful forest scenery. It's also an ancient travel route used by the Ojibwe, adding an important piece of the area's history to your adventure. And since the first waterfall is located fairly close to the trailhead, you can enjoy part of the trail even if you don't have time to complete the full route.

6. Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Trail | Pancake Bay Provincial Park

The Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Trail takes you through beautiful forest before climbing to a viewpoint overlooking Pancake Bay and Lake Superior. Be warned, there are SO many steps to get out to this lookout. The lookout also shares the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank during a powerful Lake Superior storm in 1975. It's a beautiful hike with an interesting piece of Great Lakes history, and you can extend your adventure along the longer trail network toward Pancake River Falls.

7. Havilland Bay Lookout Trail | Havilland Bay

This trail has grown in popularity, but it is a little tricky to locate! It's another chance to get off the highway, stretch your legs, and enjoy the beautiful forest and Lake Superior scenery that make this stretch of Northern Ontario so memorable. The trailhead is approx. directly across from McCauley’s. Just be careful crossing the highway. The trail itself is gorgeous! You get to see a smaller waterfall before climbing to an incredible view of Havilland Bay.

8. Robertson Cliffs | Sault Ste. Marie

I bet you’ve seen this view all over Instagram. And it is one of my absolute FAVOURITE hikes in Algoma Country: Robertson Cliffs. Located just north of Sault Ste. Marie, this trail takes you through beautiful forest with mature hardwoods such as sugar maple, red oak, and white birch, alongside conifers like eastern white cedar and pine before rewarding you with an incredible lookout overlooking the Algoma Highlands. It's the kind of hike that gets your legs a little shaky and your back a little sweaty, but once you reach those viewpoints, you'll understand why it's worth the climb. If you can experience this trail during peak fall colours, even better!

6. Bruce Mines Historic Mine Trails | Bruce Mines

One of the coolest things about hiking around Bruce Mines is that you're not just exploring the forest. You're also discovering pieces of the town's mining history. The Bruce Mines Historic Mine Trails take you past remnants of old mining operations, historic artifacts and scenic viewpoints. It's a great mix of outdoor adventure and local history, and another reason Bruce Mines deserves a spot on your Algoma itinerary.

7. Rock Lake Lookout Trail | Bruce Mines

This hike is a newbie to me! Safe to say, if there's one under-the-radar hike in Algoma Country that deserves more attention, it's Rock Lake Lookout Trail near Bruce Mines. The hike is on private property, but I’ve been told it's open to the public to enjoy the view. The trail begins along the Voyageur Trail and takes you through beautiful forest before rewarding you with a stunning lookout over Rock Lake and the surrounding landscape. I’ve only hiked in the Fall, but when those fall colours are showing off, the views are even better!

8. Rock Candy Mountain Trail | North of Thessalon

Another little gem! Robin from Northern Skies Resort first showed me this trail a few years back, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Don't let the shorter distance fool you, because Rock Candy Mountain Trail will still give your legs a pretty good workout! Located north of Thessalon along Highway 129, this approximately 3 km return hike takes you uphill through the forest to an incredible panoramic lookout overlooking the surrounding lakes and landscape.

9. Thessalon Coastal Trail | Thessalon

I've hiked the Thessalon Coastal Trail a handful of times, and each visit seems to get a little better than the last. In fact, one of my favourite experiences here was on a foggy fall morning! It's such a beautiful place to explore the Lake Huron shoreline, and a reminder that you don't always need perfect sunshine for a great outdoor adventure.

10. Aubrey Falls Trail | Aubrey Falls Provincial Park

Let me just say, if you’re debating whether to take the drive up to Aubrey Falls, the answer should be yes! Road-tripping along Highway 129 is absolutely recommended on a Fall Algoma road trip. This approximately 2 km return trail leads you across a bridge and up toward a viewing area where you can admire the waterfall and surrounding landscape. It's a relatively short adventure with a beautiful payoff, but highly encourage you to put aside a few hours to explore the area and soak in the beautiful waterfall.

11. Boom Camp Trails | Blind River

If you love exploring forest trails with opportunities to reach secluded beaches, the Boom Camp Trails in Blind River deserve a spot on your list. This extensive trail network offers plenty of opportunities to spend a few hours outdoors, with routes leading through the forest toward the Lake Huron shoreline.

12. Helenbar Lookout | Elliot Lake

Let’s just say an Algoma Road trip is not complete without a stop in Elliot Lake. If you're planning to explore the Elliot Lake area, you'll want to make time for Helenbar Lookout in Mississagi Provincial Park. This approximately 7 km hike takes you through beautiful maple and oak forest, passing the biggest boulder you’ll ever see, before reaching a lookout over Helenbar Lake and the surrounding landscape. And during the fall, the colours are SO worth the effort. It's one of those hikes where you'll want to leave yourself plenty of time for photos!

Skip the Drive-thru, and Support Local Coffee Shops Instead

Because let's be honest, half the fun of a Northern Ontario road trip is finding another really good local coffee shop to add to your Google Maps. After spending so much time exploring Algoma, I've definitely collected a few favourites! From small-town cafés to roadside stops with baked goods worth travelling for, here are eight places I'd recommend adding to your next adventure.

1. Voyageurs' Lodge & Cookhouse | Batchawana Bay

If there's one stop I think everyone needs to make while road-tripping along Highway 17, it's Voyageurs' Lodge & Cookhouse. Located in Batchawana Bay, this roadside favourite is known for its famous apple fritters, which are honestly about the size of your head! Grab a coffee and a fresh fritter, then take time to enjoy the beautiful sandy shoreline of nearby Lake Superior.

2. HOME Bakehouse & Cafe — Sault Ste. Marie

If you're exploring downtown Sault Ste. Marie, HOME Bakehouse & Cafe is a great place to start your morning. Between their delicious coffee, freshly baked treats and sourdough, it's one of those places that's easy to add to your plans before heading out for a day of hiking and exploring.

3. Kasdan Co. | Sault Ste. Marie

If you believe a good donut is an essential road-trip snack, you'll want to stop at Kasdan Co. Known for their small-batch donuts, this is a great spot to grab a coffee and something sweet before hitting the road.

4. Bagel N' Brew Crew — Sault Ste. Marie

If you're anything like me and believe a good bagel is an essential before a day of exploring, add Bagel N' Brew Crew to your list. This local café serves the best bagels, sandwiches and coffee. It's a great stop to fuel up before heading out for a day of hiking and exploring Algoma Country.

5. Coffin Valley Coffee | Leeburn

One of the most interesting coffee stops and roasters I've discovered in Algoma Country! Located in a 100-year-old schoolhouse in the tiny community of Leeburn, Coffin Valley Coffee is worth adding to your map. It's exactly the kind of unexpected local find I love discovering on a Northern Ontario road trip.

6. The Copper Bean Cafe | Bruce Mines

One of my favourites, and I’ve stopped here more times than I can count. I'd recommend grabbing a coffee and one of their delicious sandwiches before or after exploring the nearby trails. It's the perfect little addition to a day spent hiking around Bruce Mines.

7. The Roasted Bean | Thessalon

The sister shop to The Copper Bean, The Roasted Bean is another great local coffee stop to add to your Algoma itinerary. I love stopping in after a morning exploring the Thessalon Coastal Trail.

8. The Beautiful Stranger | Elliot Lake

One of the best cappuccinos I’ve ever had! Before heading out to explore the lakes and trails around Elliot Lake, stop at The Beautiful Stranger. It's a quaint local coffee shop, and damn to they have good espresso. I'd recommend adding it to your morning plans before heading out to hike Helenbar Lookout or explore the surrounding area. And maybe stopping in after to refuel for your day.

Planning Your Next Algoma Country Adventure

One reason I love exploring Algoma Country so much is that there's always something new to discover. One minute you're hiking through a beautiful forest, the next you're admiring a waterfall or finding another local coffee shop to add to your Google Maps. And I think that's what makes road-tripping through this part of Northern Ontario so much fun. You don't have to choose between outdoor adventures, good food and exploring cute small towns. You can have a little bit of everything!

So if you're planning a Northern Ontario adventure, I hope this list gives you a few new places to add to your bucket list.

Happy exploring! 🥾

25+ Stops to Add to Your Next Algoma Country Road Trip: Waterfalls, Hiking Trails & Coffee Shops