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This lasso-shaped route takes four days, with three nights in a motel. There is a lot of driving, but the route leads to the best accessible waterfalls in Algoma!
Many of the members of our Facebook Group make their first long waterfall road trip to the Wawa area. The falls are big and easily accessed. And the drive along Lake Superior is one of the most scenic in Ontario.
All all of the best falls are accessible by good roads. A few others require a gravel road, but in only one instance is the road a little rough.
The lasso shape of this trip is designed to get you to Aubrey Falls. This is one of the biggest waterfalls in Ontario. This requires a rather remote drive along Hwy 129. There are a couple of small waterfalls, but a long stretch of nothing!
You may be tempted to skip Hwy 129 and return along Hwy 17 to enjoy the Lake Superior shore a second time. Nothing wrong with this. But do realize that it will be difficult to fit in Aubrey Falls on that day, or on Day 4. It's out of the way, which is what makes the Hwy 129 "lasso" a strategic route.
As always, don't be tempted to drive at night. The moose population in Algoma is high. Hitting a 1000 lb moose at 96 km/h will END your trip.
You could be injured, lost, or die visiting waterfalls. You are responsible for your safety. Learn your Risks and Responsibilities.
You don't have permission to use this website unless you click and agree with the Full DisclaimerDay 1 of the trip includes a long drive with few waterfalls. There just aren't many good falls along the Hwy 400/69 corridor. Instead, I recommend that resign yourself to "getting north". This maximizes your time for Day 2.
Fortuantely, the long drive is classic Canadian Shield. Recent rock cuts near Sudbury carve deep into the swirling mass of metamorphic rock. The drive past the outskirts of Sudbury is something totally different too.
Day 1 skips past The Chutes and Seven Sisters Rapids. This is a premium waterfall stop that requires an admission and deserves a longer visit. I recommend saving this for the return home; spending enough time here on Day 1 could make for a late arrival at your motel.
If possible, try to make it to Sault Ste. Marie on Day 1. This takes 7 hours, but will give you more time to explore on Day 2. You could stop early on Day 1 at Blind River or Thessalon. You'd just need an early start the next day to make up for the hour it takes to get to Sault Ste Marie.
There aren't as many falls along the Hwy 400 corridor. One exception is White's Falls. While not a trip highlight, its still a solid stop to start the waterfall joy.
NOTE: There has been construction at the Whites Falls Dam in 2024. This closed access to the falls, and I don't know if it will be open again when you read this. Check ahead. Learn more...
Secord Falls is more of a "strong rapids". There is no distinct falls. But the whitewater froths and foams through some unique bedrock.
This isn't a highlight waterfall either, but with so few waterfalls along this stretch, it's worth a visit. Learn more...
This hidden gem requires a short detour and rougher drive along the last 1 km on a one-lane gravel road. Small cars should use caution and watch for washouts (I saw a VW Golf make it to the site).
But what a falls! Shh! A true hidden gem. There is limited parking and no site facilities whatsoever. Learn more...
This spot is right along the highway; there is no excuse not to stop! It includes a parking lot and easy walkway under the bride to the falls.
The waterfall isn't very big, but it's a well-known pit stop with easy access. Learn more...
Another roadside stop that has been popular with cross-country travellers for years. The falls is very low, but wide. Many would consider this just a rapids, but the spot is still a scenic and worthy pit stop. Learn more...
A 'cute' stop, no more than 5 minutes north of Hwy 17. The cascade is only a few metres high. An old stone building beside the falls adds to the charm.
A second cascade is located just upstream, immediately downstream of the low dam. Learn more...
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