Georgian Bay Road Trip Itinerary
The Georgian Bay Road Trip is an incredible journey through the towns of Owen Sound, Meldrum Bay, and Sudbury. This 1809 km route is best driven over the course of 7 days, and the best time of the year to do it is during the warmer months. With moderate budget, you can experience some of the most beautiful sights Ontario has to offer.
Starting in Toronto, you will pass through Owen Sound – a city known for its unique architecture and breathtaking waterfront trail. From there, you will make your way to Meldrum Bay, a small community on Manitoulin Island, where you can take a break to explore the historic town and the breathtaking views of the bay. Finally, you will make your way to Sudbury, a city known for its vibrant culture, outdoor activities, and the Big Nickel – a large replica of a Canadian nickel.
This road trip is suitable for all drivers, and provides a very high level of experience and memories. Be aware that seasonal road closures due to weather conditions may occur along the route. However, overall the road conditions are good. If you’re looking for an unforgettable journey, the Georgian Bay Road Trip is the perfect choice.
7
number of days
1,809 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Toronto
Distance 1,137 km
Driving time 15.0 h
Pace: fast
341.0 kWh
Airports
YYZ
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Toronto, the capital of Ontario in Canada, is a great starting point to begin the Georgian Bay Road Trip. Toronto is one of the most populous cities in Canada and is home to a variety of interesting sights. The CN Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, offering panoramic views of the entire city. Visitors can also explore the Historic Distillery District, a 19th-century industrial complex that is now home to an array of restaurants, shops, and art galleries. The Royal Ontario Museum is a great option for those who want to explore the city's cultural history, and there are many other attractions to choose from.
For those traveling to Toronto by air, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the closest international airport. Many car rental companies are available at the airport, making it easy to start the Georgian Bay Road Trip from Toronto.
Toronto is a great city to explore and the perfect starting point for the Georgian Bay Road Trip. With its many attractions, from the CN Tower to the Historic Distillery District, visitors can experience the city and all it has to offer. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the closest international airport for those traveling by air, and car rental companies are available for those who want to start the journey by car.
1
Toronto
- Owen Sound
Distance 206 km
Driving time 2.8 h
Pace: fast
61.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for a great road trip? Start in Toronto, Canada and travel 206 km to the beautiful city of Owen Sound. Driving time is less than 3 hours, so you can take your time and enjoy the sights along the way.
As you drive, keep your eyes open for historical sites and other interesting attractions. Visit the stunning High Park, the largest public park in Toronto. Then, take a break at the Kelso Conservation Area, where you can enjoy the lake and the trails.
When you arrive in Owen Sound, check out the Tom Thompson Art Gallery, the Marine and Rail Museum and the Harrison Park. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants and other attractions to explore.
Make sure to take your time and enjoy the journey! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.
Owen Sound - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Owen Sound
- Tobermory
Distance 146 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: fast
43.8 kWh
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Welcome to the Owen Sound - Tobermory road trip stage! Get ready to embark on a 146 km journey, which will take you less than 3 hours to complete. Along the way, you will be treated to some of the most beautiful landscapes and some of the most scenic roads in the region.
Start your journey in Owen Sound, where you can explore the city's vibrant culture and history. The city is home to a number of interesting attractions, such as the Owen Sound Marine and Rail Museum, the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, and the Grey Roots Museum and Archives.
As you make your way to Tobermory, you will be surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Bruce Peninsula. Make sure to take a few stops along the way to take in the picturesque views. Tobermory is known for its gorgeous harbour, crystal clear waters, and the famous Flowerpot Island.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Tobermory - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Tobermory
- Tobermory
- Meldrum Bay
Distance 148 km
Driving time 2.5 h
Pace: modest
38.4 kWh
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Welcome to the scenic road trip from Tobermory to Meldrum Bay! Start your journey in Tobermory, a picturesque town on the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, and enjoy the 148km drive that will take you fewer than 3 hours. Along the way, you will experience a ferry crossing, and some sections of the route may be closed seasonally. Make sure to keep your eyes open for the beautiful views of the Georgian Bay and the Bruce Peninsula National Park. Don't forget to visit the Flowerpot Island, a unique island with two flowerpot-shaped rocks, and the Grotto, an incredible cave with a shallow bay and crystal-clear waters. Meldrum Bay is the last stop of this stage, and it is known for its fishing and bird watching opportunities. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Meldrum Bay - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Meldrum Bay
- Birch Island
Distance 152 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: fast
45.7 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Meldrum Bay to Birch Island! This 152 km drive takes you through some of Canada's most stunning landscapes, and is sure to be a highlight of your holiday. Along the way, be sure to stop off at the breathtakingly beautiful Killarney Provincial Park and the world-famous Killarney Mountain Lodge. You'll also want to take a detour to the picturesque town of Manitowaning, where you can visit the local shops and restaurants. As you make your way to Birch Island, you'll pass through the small towns of Little Current and Gore Bay, both of which offer great opportunities for sightseeing and shopping. Some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, so be sure to check in advance. With so much to see and do along the way, this is one road trip you won't want to miss! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage.
Birch Island - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Pikist
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5
Birch Island
- Sudbury
Distance 102 km
Driving time 1.2 h
Pace: fast
30.6 kWh
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip? Start your journey in Birch Island, Canada. Here, you can explore the beautiful landscapes, enjoy the fresh air, and take a dip in the crystal clear waters.
Continue your journey to Sudbury, a 102 km drive that will take you less than two hours. As you drive, you can take in the breathtaking views of the Canadian wilderness.
In Birch Island, make sure to visit the historical sites and the nature trails. You can also take a boat tour around the island and explore its hidden gems.
In Sudbury, you can visit the Science North, an interactive science museum, or the Dynamic Earth, an interactive earth sciences center. You can also take a stroll along the waterfront boardwalk and enjoy the spectacular views of the city.
This is just one of the stages of an amazing tour. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, you can check the "Itinerary" of this stage.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Sudbury - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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6
Sudbury
- Parry Sound
Distance 162 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: fast
48.6 kWh
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip? Starting in Sudbury, Canada and ending in Parry Sound, this 162 km drive will take you less than 2 hours. You'll be amazed by the scenic views along the way, so be sure to keep your eyes open!
In Sudbury, you'll find Science North, a science museum and planetarium. It's an exciting place to explore and learn about the natural world. And don't forget to check out the Big Nickel, a giant replica of a 1951 Canadian nickel.
In Parry Sound, take a tour of the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame and Museum. Here, you'll learn about the life and career of the hockey legend, Bobby Orr. You can also take a stroll along the waterfront, and admire the beautiful Georgian Bay.
Before you head out on the road, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage, which includes more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.
So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an amazing road trip experience!
Parry Sound - Canada - North America - Road Trip - Town of Parry Sound
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7
Parry Sound
- Toronto
Distance 221 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: fast
66.2 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Parry Sound to Toronto! This 221 km stretch of road with its beautiful scenery and historical sites will take you fewer than 3 hours to complete.
Start your journey in Parry Sound, a bustling harbour town, and take in the sights of the Georgian Bay. Don’t forget to visit the Museum on Tower Hill, where you can learn about the local history of the area.
As you drive along Highway 400, be sure to take in the stunning views of the Muskoka region. Stop for a photo opportunity at the lookout points and take in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding lakes and forests.
Continue your journey to Barrie, a city rich in history and culture. Here, you can explore the Barrie Waterfront, which has a beautiful park and beach.
Finally, make your way to Toronto, the largest city in Canada. Visit the famous CN Tower and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the city.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Toronto
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The vibrant city of Toronto offers a great ending to the Georgian Bay Road Trip. Located in the Golden Horseshoe region of Ontario, Toronto is a bustling city with plenty to explore. With a diverse culture, great food, and lively nightlife, there's something for everyone.
For those arriving by car, Toronto is easily accessible from highways 401 and 400. Stop by the iconic CN Tower, a 553-meter-high observation deck offering spectacular views of the city. Spend a day at the Royal Ontario Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts and art from around the world.
Take a walk through the Distillery District, a unique area filled with galleries, cafes, and boutiques. Make sure to check out the St. Lawrence Market, a bustling marketplace with fresh produce, artisanal food, and unique souvenirs. The city has plenty of green spaces too, such as High Park, the largest public park in Toronto.
For those arriving by air, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the closest international airport. No matter how you arrive, be sure to end your Georgian Bay Road Trip with a visit to Toronto.
Georgian Bay Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Toronto
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End:
Toronto
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Distance:
1,809 km
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Stay:
7 days
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Getting there:
Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the Georgian Bay Road Trip for a captivating adventure through Ontario's picturesque landscapes, spanning 1809 km across 7 days. Starting from the cosmopolitan city of Toronto, the route takes you through the charming town of Owen Sound, across the world's largest freshwater island, Manitoulin Island, to the historic Meldrum Bay, and culminates in Sudbury—a hub of science and nature. This journey showcases the diverse splendor and cultural heritage of the region.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Owen Sound: Admire its beautiful waterfalls, including Inglis Falls and Harrison Park, alongside the town's distinctive architecture and a bustling waterfront trail.
- Meldrum Bay: Experience the serene ambiance of this small community, where the historic Meldrum Bay Inn offers a glimpse into the past, complemented by tranquil bay views.
- Sudbury: Discover a city that's reinvented itself as a center of science and education, with attractions like Science North, the dynamic Bell Park, and the iconic Big Nickel at Dynamic Earth—an homage to the city's mining heritage.
Best Time to Go:
The most favorable period for this Road Trip is from late spring to early fall (mid-May to mid-October), when you can enjoy mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and a full array of tourist facilities.
Potential Risks:
While the Georgian Bay Road Trip is generally safe, travelers should be aware of wildlife on rural Roads, particularly at dawn and dusk, and prepare for occasional Road closures due to weather, especially in winter months.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Chi-Cheemaun Ferry offers a unique experience crossing from Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island, connecting two segments of the Road Trip with stunning views of Lake Huron.
- Manitoulin Island is rich with Indigenous culture and is home to several First Nations communities who offer cultural experiences, including pow-wows in the summer months.
- Sudbury is known for its 330 lakes within the city limits—more than any other municipality in Canada—making it an angler's and kayaker's paradise.
A good choice for:
The Georgian Bay Road Trip is a quintessential Canadian odyssey, perfect for those seeking a blend of natural wonders, cultural insights, and recreational activities. With each turn of the Road offering something new and exciting, this journey promises to enrich your travel portfolio with unforgettable memories.
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