by Turo
posted on August 14, 2025
The Toronto to Thunder Bay drive takes you through some of the wildest, most beautiful landscapes in Ontario. This road trip guide covers everything you need to plan an amazing Northern Ontario road trip, including tips for driving and a few can’t-miss stops. Time to pack your bags and get ready to explore this beautiful province!
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Tips for driving from Toronto to Thunder Bay
- How are the road conditions between Toronto and Thunder Bay?
- What is the best time of year to drive from Toronto to Thunder Bay?
- Are there EV chargers along the way between Toronto and Thunder Bay?
- Where to stop while driving from Toronto to Thunder Bay
- Frequently asked questions about the Toronto to Thunder Bay drive
- Book your rental car in Toronto with Turo
Tips for driving from Toronto to Thunder Bay
The most direct route follows Highway 17 north along the Trans-Canada. It’s a full-day, 15 to 16-hour drive, so plan for overnight breaks or take turns behind the wheel. Download maps ahead of time and carry a roadside kit just in case.
How are the road conditions between Toronto and Thunder Bay?
Highway 17 is kept in good condition. Traffic thins out past Sudbury, but expect two-lane highways with sharp curves and limited shoulders. Moose and deer are common at dawn and dusk, so be sure to drive carefully and stay alert.
What is the best time of year to drive from Toronto to Thunder Bay?
Summer will give you the warmest weather and the best views of Lake Superior, though it can get busy near provincial parks. September is quieter and packed with stunning fall colours. Avoid late winter unless you’re used to long drives in icy conditions.
Are there EV chargers along the way between Toronto and Thunder Bay?
There are, but plan your route carefully. Fast chargers are available in bigger cities, and some provincial parks also have Level 2 chargers. If you map out your stops, this road trip is great for eco-friendly electric vehicles.
Where to stop while driving from Toronto to Thunder Bay
Driving from Toronto to Thunder Bay covers over 1,300 km. This Northern Ontario road trip takes time, but there’s no shortage of can’t-miss places to stop on the way to stretch your legs, see something new, and reset before heading on.
Sault Ste. Marie
Sault Ste. Marie sits near the halfway point and makes a great first overnight or long pit stop. Stretch your legs by the waterfront or grab a bite downtown before continuing north along Highway 17.
- Distance from Toronto: 700 km (~7.5 hours)
- Distance to Thunder Bay: 700 km (~7.5 hours)
Why it’s great
It’s the largest city on the route, where you can gas up and find some great food options or spend the night to split up the trip.
Practical tips
Try to time your stop here for early evening. Hotels and grocery stores are easy to find, so it’s a great spot to stock up before heading into the more remote stretch of the drive.
How to get there
Take Highway 400 north from Toronto to Highway 69, which becomes Highway 17. Starting from the airport? Book a Toronto airport car rental with Turo so you can hit the road as soon as you land. If this is a family road trip with the kids, a minivan from Chrysler or Nissan will give you lots of space for the first leg of your trip.
Lake Superior Provincial Park
Rugged cliffs and quiet beaches – Lake Superior Provincial Park is one of the most scenic stretches of the entire drive. Stop for a hike, a photo break, or a refreshing dip in the lake.
- Distance from Toronto: 840 km (~9 hours)
- Distance to Thunder Bay: 560 km (~6.5 hours)
Why it’s great
It’s wild and beautiful. You can stop just off the highway and see a lot, including the famous Agawa Rock Pictographs, but it feels like you’ve gone way off the map.
Practical tips
The visitor centre at Agawa Bay is a smart place to start. Trails range from quick loops to full-day hikes. Cell coverage is limited, so download maps ahead of time and bring snacks, layers, and water.
How to get there
Stay on the Trans-Canada Highway north from Sault Ste. Marie. For this stretch of the drive and venturing into the park, an SUV from Subaru or BMW with all-wheel drive will handle the curves and changes in elevation like a dream.
Pukaskwa National Park
Remote and rugged, stop at Pukaskwa for backcountry trails, suspension bridges, and stretches of untouched shoreline. It’s one of the best national parks in Ontario, and the perfect place to experience the Northern Ontario wilderness.
- Distance from Toronto: 1,030 km (~11 hours)
- Distance to Thunder Bay: 370 km (~4 hours)
Why it’s great
It’s one of the quietest parks on Lake Superior. Take some time to explore the great outdoors at your own pace without the crowds you might encounter at other parks.
Practical tips
Pack food and gear before you go. Cell service is limited, and there are long gaps between towns. The visitor centre has maps, parking, and backcountry info, but not much else.
How to get there
From Highway 17, turn south onto Highway 627 just past Marathon. The access road is narrow and can be rough in places, so pickup trucks from brands like Ford or Toyota can come in handy. A Jeep is another smart choice for your visit to the park, with higher clearance and plenty of storage space.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Set on the Sibley Peninsula, Sleeping Giant is packed with lookout points, coastal trails, and quiet places to go camping. It’s a great last stop before rolling into Thunder Bay.
- Distance from Toronto: 1,340 km (~14.5 hours)
- Distance to Thunder Bay: 80 km (~1 hour)
Why it’s great
The hike to the Top of the Giant has one of the best views in the province – full stop.
Practical tips
You’ll be pretty close to Thunder Bay, so this is an easy stop to fit in. Bring layers, bug spray, and enough water for the longer hikes.
How to get there
Take Highway 17 east of Thunder Bay, then follow Highway 587 south onto the peninsula. With plenty of nearby chargers and a smooth, winding drive, this route is perfect for an electric vehicle. Models from Tesla or Chevrolet make the trip clean, quiet, and efficient.
Kakabeka Falls
Just west of Thunder Bay, Kakabeka Falls is one of Ontario’s most accessible natural wonders. The boardwalk gives you a close-up view of the second-highest waterfall in the province.
- Distance from Toronto: 1,390 km (~15.5 hours)
- Distance to Thunder Bay: 30 km (~30 minutes)
Why it’s great
The falls are powerful, easy to reach, and always worth a quick stop, especially if the weather’s good.
Practical tips
Parking near the lookout can get tight, especially in summer. Arrive early or on weekdays for more space and less foot traffic.
How to get there
From Highway 17, follow signs to Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. On a sunny summer day, this stretch of highway begs for something fun to drive. Renting a sports car, convertible, or classic car makes this short road trip something special.
Frequently asked questions about the Toronto to Thunder Bay road trip
Where is Thunder Bay?
Thunder Bay is in northwestern Ontario on the north shore of Lake Superior. It’s the largest city in the region, sitting roughly 1,400 km northwest of Toronto and about 300 km east of the Manitoba border.
If you’re flying in, Thunder Bay International Airport connects to cities across Ontario and the Prairies. You can book a Toronto or Thunder Bay airport car rental with Turo and have it delivered so you’re ready to go as soon as you land!
How long is the drive from Toronto to Thunder Bay?
It’s about 1,400 km, which takes roughly 15 to 16 hours without long stops. Most travellers break it up over two or three days to make time for parks, roadside sights, and rest.
Can you drive from Toronto to Thunder Bay in one day?
You can, but it’s a long day. Expect 15+ hours behind the wheel. If you’re planning to enjoy the drive, it’s smarter to stop overnight and plan for something longer than a weekend getaway from Toronto.
Where should I stop between Toronto and Thunder Bay?
Some of the best places to stop between Toronto and Thunder Bay include Sault Ste. Marie, Lake Superior Provincial Park, and Sleeping Giant. These spots offer great hiking, views of Lake Superior, and a real break from the road.
Is Thunder Bay worth visiting?
Totally – especially if you love nature, quiet trails, and wide-open views. The city itself has a growing food scene, and it’s surrounded by hiking trails, waterfalls, and some of Ontario’s most beautiful forests.
Book your rental car in Toronto with Turo
Skip the rental counter and start your road trip the way you want to. With Turo, you can book the exact car you need and have it delivered right to Toronto Pearson, your hotel, or your driveway. Choose something spacious, rugged, or just fun to drive, and make the drive 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.
