posted on December 9, 2025
The Ottawa to Thunder Bay drive combines the excitement of venturing off the beaten track with the relaxation of unplugging and immersing yourself in Northern Ontario’s stunning landscapes. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan the route, plus our favourite stops along the way.
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Tips for driving from Ottawa to Thunder Bay
- How are the road conditions between Ottawa and Thunder Bay?
- What is the best time of year to drive from Ottawa to Thunder Bay?
- Are there EV chargers along the way between Ottawa and Thunder Bay?
- Where to stop while driving from Ottawa to Thunder Bay
- Frequently asked questions about the Ottawa to Thunder Bay drive
- Book your rental car in Ottawa with Turo
Tips for driving from Ottawa to Thunder Bay
For the most direct route to Thunder Bay, follow Highway 17 north along the Trans-Canada. The drive is a long-haul, so plan overnight stops along the way to break up the 16-hour journey. It’s a good idea to download maps for stretches through Northern Ontario where cell reception is spotty, and to keep a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle.
How are the road conditions between Ottawa and Thunder Bay?
Highway 17 is a major route that follows the Trans-Canada and is well-maintained year-round. Traffic eases up once you pass Sudbury, but expect curving roads and limited shoulders as you continue through rural Ontario. Keep alert for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.
What is the best time of year to drive from Ottawa to Thunder Bay?
Summer offers the warmest weather and best trail conditions for exploring Lake Superior, although it can get busy near national and provincial parks. September offers fewer crowds and brilliant fall colours. Winter is best avoided due to icy conditions on the long and remote drive.
Are there EV chargers along the way between Ottawa and Thunder Bay?
Fast chargers are plentiful in larger cities like Sudbury and Sault Ste Marie, put plan your route carefully through more remote areas. Some provincial parks offer Level 2 chargers. With a bit of extra planning, the road trip to Thunder Bay can be a great getaway for electric vehicle drivers.
Where to stop while driving from Ottawa to Thunder Bay
The drive from Ottawa to Thunder Bay spans over 1,500 km, offering no shortage of things to explore. It’s a long journey, and these five highlights will keep it interesting and enjoyable every step of the way.
Algonquin Park
Canada’s oldest park is considered one of the best provincial parks in Ontario. Whether you stop for a short walk near the Highway 60 corridor or spend a few days camping, the pristine forests and lake country are bound to amaze you.
- Distance from Ottawa: 275 km (~3 hours)
- Distance to Thunder Bay: 1,300 km (~14 hours)
Why it’s great
Algonquin’s 7,635 square kilometres of forests, lakes, and rivers are a natural paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s one of the best places in Ontario to spot wildlife and magnificent autumn colours.
Practical tips
Book your campsite well in advance if you hope to spend the night at Algonquin Park. If you’re travelling with kids, the visitors centre and logging museum are great spots to entertain the little ones.
How to get there
Follow the Trans-Canada Highway/ON 417 west out of Ottawa, then continue onto Highway 60. An SUV is a great choice for this leg of the drive, offering plenty of space for your passengers and any outdoor gear.
Sault Ste. Marie
With more than half the drive under your belt, Sault Ste. Marie is a great stop to spend the night before continuing up the Lake Superior shore. Take a stroll along the waterfront and grab a bite at a local restaurant before settling into a comfortable bed after a long day on the road.
- Distance from Ottawa: 790 km (~8.5 hours)
- Distance to Thunder Bay: 700 km (~7.5 hours)
Why it’s great
As one of the largest cities on the route, it’s a great place to relax and fuel up. You can learn about local history and culture at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal and Algoma Art Gallery if you have extra time.
Practical tips
Stock up on essentials before embarking on the most remote stretch of the drive along Highway 17. Hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores are easy to find.
How to get there
Use Highway 60 to cut through the Muskoka region, then follow the Trans-Canada along the shores of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron to reach Sault Ste. Marie. Choose a compact rental car for the best fuel efficiency along this leg of the drive, and to navigate city streets and parking more easily.
Lake Superior Provincial Park
The rugged beauty of Lake Superior Provincial Park needs to be seen to be believed. As one of the darkest Dark Sky Preserves in Canada, it’s a fantastic place for camping, stargazing, and even spotting the northern lights.
- Distance from Ottawa: 980 km (~10.5 hours)
- Distance to Thunder Bay: 560 km (~6.5 hours)
Why it’s great
The park is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in Northern Ontario. It’s worth even a quick stop to relax on the beach or take a short hike to the famous Agawa Rock Pictographs.
Practical tips
Start at the visitor centre at Agawa Bay to get your bearings and learn about the park’s history. Cell coverage is limited, so make sure to download offline maps before you go. Snacks, water, and appropriate clothing are essential for the trails.
How to get there
Stay on the Trans-Canada Highway, heading north from Sault Ste. Marie. This leg along Highway 17 is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Ontario, so be sure to savour it. An SUV from Subaru or BMW with all-wheel drive offers confident handling along the Lake Superior shore and inside the park.
White River
Ontario is full of hidden gems, and White River is one of them. Known as the birthplace of the bear that inspired Winnie-the-Pooh, the town is a relaxing stop with a unique claim to fame. Nearby Picnic Lake offers scenic views and picnic tables, perfect for a quick break from the road.
- Distance from Ottawa: 1,100 km (~12 hours)
- Distance to Thunder Bay: 390 km (~4.5 hours)
Why it’s great
It’s an off-the-beaten-track destination for outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking with a unique connection to Winnie-the-Pooh. A must-visit for nature lovers and fans of A. A. Milne’s classic stories.
Practical tips
White River is known for its cold climate, so dress appropriately for outdoor activities, especially if you visit in the winter. The Winnie-the-Pooh statue is conveniently located beside the Trans-Canada.
How to get there
Continue along Highway 17 until you reach White River, turning left onto Elgin Street to access the town. The route is smooth and winding and there are EV charging points in town, making this leg perfect for an electric vehicle. Models from Tesla or Chevrolet make the trip quiet, efficient, and relaxing.
Thunder Bay
Surrounded by pure wilderness, the city of Thunder Bay greets you at the end of this epic journey. Must-visit landmarks include the iconic Terry Fox monument and Fort William First Nation, where you can immerse yourself in Indigenous culture and history.
- Distance from Ottawa: 1,500 km (~16 hours)
Why it’s great
Thunder Bay offers all the amenities of a major city with easy access to the outdoors. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and Kakabeka Falls are scenic detours just a short drive from town.
Practical tips
Bring layers, bug spray, and enough water if you’re hitting the hiking trails around the city. Downtown is walkable, and free on-street parking is available in certain areas.
How to get there
Stay on the Trans-Canada, following Lake Superior’s shoreline until you reach Thunder Bay. For more Ontario park adventures, Pukaskwa and Sleeping Giant are convenient stops along the way. A vehicle with all-wheel drive is a great option for this winding, rural final leg.
Frequently asked questions about the Ottawa to Thunder Bay road trip
Where is Thunder Bay?
Thunder Bay is located in northwestern Ontario on the north shore of Lake Superior. It’s the largest city in the region, sitting about 1,400 km northwest of Toronto and just 300 km east of the Manitoba border.
If you’re travelling by air, Thunder Bay International Airport is well-connected to other cities in Ontario, the Prairies, and Western Canada. You can book your Ottawa or Thunder Bay airport car rental with Turo and have it delivered so you’re ready to go from the moment you leave arrivals!
Where to stop between Thunder Bay and Ottawa?
Exploring Lake Superior’s shoreline is a must-do on any drive from Ottawa to Thunder Bay. Lake Superior Provincial Park and Pukaskwa National Park are wild and beautiful places that will take your breath away.
Nearer to Thunder Bay, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is a highlight. Towns like Sault Ste Marie and Wawa are ideal locations to base yourself as you discover the area.
What cities fly direct to Thunder Bay?
You can fly direct to Thunder Bay from many major cities in Canada including Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver.
Flying can be a great option if you prefer to travel directly to Thunder Bay, but travelling by car allows you the flexibility to explore the small towns and natural landmarks that make Northern Ontario so special.
Is Thunder Bay worth seeing?
Definitely — especially if you love getting out into nature. Thunder Bay is known as one of Ontario’s great outdoor cities, surrounded by scenic views, hiking trails, and beautiful forests.
Book your rental car in Ottawa with Turo
Skip the rental counter and start your road trip with the perfect car for your itinerary. With Turo, you can book the exact car you need and have it delivered right to Ottawa International Airport, your hotel, or your driveway. Whether you need a rugged SUV, a spacious minivan, or something sleek and sporty, Turo has options to make the journey to Thunder Bay your own!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this adventure into a reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just love to travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
