Day 1 – Skunk can’t stop us
Our start was delayed when our husky had an encounter with a skunk early in the morning. She got a full hit of the skunk’s spray right in the face, reminiscent of a similar incident last year when a skunk sprayed both her and our other dog. We quickly took care of our poor pup and, still excited for our trip, set off on our journey.
With a playlist of nostalgic 80s music playing, we cruised through Sault Ste. Marie, taking in the vast landscapes of hills, lakes, rivers, and the diverse flora of birch, pine, and maple. The sight of the sky and the glittering sun rays on Lake Superior tempted us to make several stops, but we stayed true to our plan.
We drove until 9 pm and spent the night in Schreiber, realizing that we had already made about 1120km.
Day 2 – Passing Through Ontario
The cold, quiet morning greeted us as we woke at 6:00 am. Our biological clocks hadn’t yet adjusted to vacation mode, so we found ourselves among the few campers awake this early. Not wanting to disturb anyone, we decided to set off.
We headed to Lofquist Lake, a journey that took about an hour. The lake was small and clean, with a sandy beach, picnic tables, playgrounds, and changing rooms, making it a perfect spot for a brief stop. Despite its size, the water was warm enough for a comfortable swim, yet still refreshing. We had a small breakfast there with sausages, German bread and cream cheese and then continued on our journey.
The view on the Trans Canada Highway was breathtaking. We travelled beside and above rocks, hills, rivers and lakes. We tried to take our time and enjoy the view, but the hot sun, heavy truck traffic, and winding, hilly roads made it a bit challenging. As the long drive wore on, it began to take a toll on us, and the journey started to feel monotonous. We decided to take a small break to rest and recharge. We pulled over onto some crown land, but before we could get some sleep, we were attacked by a swarm of bugs. Despite the inconvenience, we managed to take a quick power nap and then headed straight to the nearest Tim Hortons to shake off the sleepiness and get back on the road.
Early in the morning
Our dog smells rotten
She met a skunk
Our trip is delayed
We adapt and overcome
For we don’t let anything come
Between us and the open road
When we are set to enjoy
The beautiful lands
The memories of our 2014 road trip along the Trans-Canada Highway in Ontario are still fresh in our minds. That journey took us from Toronto to the breathtaking landscapes of Vancouver Island and British Columbia, with a return route through the U.S. This time, we’re retracing our steps through Ontario, eager to once again experience the scenic beauty between Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay.
Back then, our journey was marked by unforgettable stops. We camped under the stars at Lake Superior Provincial Park on our first night, soaking in the tranquility of the vast lake and the whispering winds through the trees. By the third day, we had reached Winnipeg, after camping at the majestic Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. Each of these stops offered a glimpse into the wild heart of Ontario, leaving us with cherished memories of the road less traveled.
As we embark on this new adventure, our focus is on reaching the Yukon as swiftly as possible. While the allure of spending another night under the starlit skies of Lake Superior is tempting—listening to the secret languages of the wild and marveling at the billions of stars above—we have our sights set on the distant North. Our goal is to cover as many miles as we can each day, pushing forward with the promise of new horizons.
This time, we’ll likely camp somewhere between Lake Superior and Kakabeka Falls, balancing our nostalgia with the excitement of the journey ahead. We plan to keep this page updated with our progress, sharing our experiences as they unfold.
Please click on the image below to enlarge our planned route through Ontario and follow along as we set off on this epic road trip.
Go to Manitoba for the next part
Such a very long trip but so excited for you to have this time to explore.