Road Tripping Along Ontario's Great Lake Shoreline

The Great Lakes share shorelines with eight U.S. states, as well as the Canadian province of Ontario. Therefore, adventurers in this world-renowned region can take all kinds of engaging road trips. There are the beaches and dunes of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, the forests and copper towns of the Keweenaw Peninsula, the popular yet elegant Niagara region, and there is a lesser-known stretch around Ontario'ss portion of Lake Huron that marries many of these highlights. From Sarnia to Sault Ste. Marie motorists can expect to find long beaches, ancient sand dunes, welcoming small towns, Indigenous settlements, epic national parks, old-growth forests, limestone monoliths, shipwrecks, and, to cap it all off, the largest freshwater island in the world. I've been fortunate to make this Great Lake road trip many times. Here's what I've discovered.

Sarnia

The southern terminus of our Ontario-based Lake Huron tour just so happens to be my hometown. Sarnia, Ontario, is best known as a prominent border crossing with Port Huron, Michigan. Here, the international Blue Water Bridge spans the St. Clair River (just before it reaches the southern tip of Lake Huron). But Sarnia is much more than a transportation hub. It's a place to get food truck fries while watching the boats go by. It's a spot to kick back on Canatara Beach, which has been awarded the province's Blue Flag status for its water quality and safety standards. Sarnia has an inventive (albeit scrappy) downtown worth checking out. And, being the biggest city found along the southern shoreline, it has the supplies and amenities one might need before driving toward the coast's quieter recesses.

Lambton Shores

Just up the road from Sarnia lies the highlight reel, which is Lambton Shores. This municipality encompasses six communities, two conservation areas, and a top-tier provincial park - all spaced out along a 28-kilometer stretch of Lake Huron shoreline or reached via a modest inland detour. Enjoy the 5.5-kilometer (3.4-mile) Ipperwash Beach, explore the signed nature trails in and around Port Franks, indulge in a soft-serve cone or patio pint in the fun-loving summer town of Grand Bend, or go investigate the waterfall boardwalks and fossil beds at the Rock Glen Conservation Area. The area’s crown jewel is Pinery Provincial Park, a must-see destination packed with natural wonders and activities for every visitor.

Pinery Provincial Park

"The Pinery" has it all. Upping the ante with a wild, 10-kilometer (six-mile) beach backed by grassy Ice Age dunes, this provincial park boasts the best sands in the land. Many of the half-million annual visitors come for the day to sunbathe and swim, while plenty of others opt to spend a night or two in one of three campgrounds. The athletically inclined can also take advantage of the on-site paddle craft rentals, the ten unique hiking trails, the 14-kilometer paved biking path, and, come winter, the 38 kilometers of cross-country ski trails. But the Pinery isn't just designed for human flourishing. This 6,260-acre sanctuary protects 800 species of plants (including the largest remaining swatch of Oak Savanna in Ontario and a small collection of Carolinian forest). It is home to 310 species of birds, 50 species of butterflies, 32 mammals (including the odd black bear), and all kinds of reptiles, fish, and amphibians.

Bayfield

After rounding Lake Huron's southern fin, Highway 21 shoots due north, reaching the Village of Bayfield just shy of 30 kilometers beyond Grand Bend. This relaxing community, which is part of the municipality of Bluewater, centers around an idyllic Main Street lined with independent shops and artisanal eateries. Follow it towards the water, and you will find Pioneer Park, with its sweeping views, before reaching the marina, beach, and pier - all of which congregate where Bayfield River meets the Great Lake. If you have time to spend the night, Bayfield boasts a collection of adorable accommodations, from traditional inns to lakeside cottages to classic B&Bs. The subsequent northbound communities of Goderich, Kincardine, Port Elgin, Southampton (and more) carry the torch of timeless charm, but let us now turn our sights to the raw power of the Bruce Peninsula.

Bruce Peninsula

The defiant arm of the Bruce Peninsula stretches far beyond mainland southwestern Ontario, convincingly dividing the waters of Lake Huron and its substantial subsidiary (often considered to be the "sixth Great Lake"): Georgian Bay. This geological wonder also comprises the northern extent of the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve."The Bruce" very much has the look and feel of an island, with fresh turquoise waters almost entirely encapsulating its dramatic, tree-blanketed limestone cliffs. Dryland nature buffs can explore the challenging trails of the Bruce Peninsula National Park (including the prettiest section of the 900-kilometer Bruce Trail). Maritimers can take a glass-bottom boat tour of Fathom Five National Marine Park in order to discover its sunken history and visit its uninhabited islands. Both parties can then meet up in the fishing village of Tobermory, which marks the northern terminus of the Bruce, but not the end of our Lake Huron road trip. Thanks to the seasonal Chi-Cheemaun ferry, motorists can take a two-hour respite before driving onto Manitoulin Island.

Manitoulin Island

Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island on the planet. Its 2,765 square kilometers unveil even more of the famed Niagara Escarpment, even more wildlife (now that we've left the GTA far behind, bears and moose have become common), even more mixed-medium outdoor recreation, and even more friendly communities. If making a complete crossing, each traveler will invariably pass through the towns of South Baymouth and Little Current. Beyond that, Manitoulin Island is very much a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place. Perhaps you will be drawn to the beaches and comparably warm waters of Providence Bay (in the south). Maybe you'd prefer the one-two punch of the Cup and Saucer Trail and Bridal Veil Falls (to the north). Or you may wish to learn more about the history and culture of the Anishinabek (also spelled Anishinaabe or Anishinaabeg) people. There are six First Nation communities spread across the island, constituting approximately 41% of Manitoulin's total population.

Beyond Ontario: Bonus Adventures

Depending on your timeframe and hunger for novel scenery, road-trippers may wish to extend their itinerary well beyond Manitoulin Island. If so, head west along Lake Huron's North Channel shortly after rejoining Ontario's mainland via Highway 6. Tons of tiny towns and often overlooked provincial parks await along the Trans-Canada Highway. The distance from Little Current to Sault Ste. Marie can be traversed in a little over three hours, or it can be thoughtfully unpacked across multiple days. Either way, if the spell of the Great Lakes compels you onwards, drop down into Michigan, where a tantalizing crossroads awaits. The Upper Peninsula's Lake Superior shoreline grants the gift of solitude, while the Lower Peninsula's Lake Michigan shoreline expands upon the earlier beach town and sand dune theme. And in between the two peninsulas, marking the handoff between the waters of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, historic, carless Mackinac Island is an absolute must. Ontario's Lake Huron shoreline sets the stage for an unforgettable road trip. Whether stopping at Sault Ste Marie or venturing further afield, the Great Lakes promises endless adventures.