Northern Ontario is an ideal destination for all types of outdoor activities throughout the year: hiking, kayaking, snowmobiling, fishing (to name a few). And just as there are many ways to explore this scenic region, there are also many ways to get here. What’s the best way to get to Northern Ontario? That all depends on where you’re coming from. Whether driving in from just across the border in Michigan or Minnesota, taking in the scenery via a leisurely train ride from Toronto, or flying in from a more far-flung destination, there are plenty of options for arriving to Northern Ontario in style.
Here we offer a complete list of the airlines, border crossings, trains, and ferries that will get you to Northern Ontario.
Arriving to Northern Ontario by Car, Truck, Motorcycle, or RV
Whether it's a road trip in the family car, camping adventure in an RV, or motorcycling tour, driving is one of the most satisfying ways to experience Northern Ontario’s stunning offerings. And there are several routes from Southern Ontario as well as border crossings between the U.S. and Ontario that make it easy for travelers to arrive from Minnesota, Michigan, Toronto, or Trois-Rivières.
For American travelers, these are the border crossings between the U.S. and Northern Ontario, all of which operate year-round, 24 hours a day.
From Minnesota
Baudette. At the end of the MN 72 freeway, crossing over the Baudette–Rainy River International Bridge will direct travelers to the city of Rainy River, and onto Highway 11, the second-longest highway in Ontario.
International Falls. About 60 miles east of Baudette, this crossing at the Fort Frances–International Falls International Bridge will take drivers from the US 53 freeway onto Highway 71 in the waterfront town of Fort Frances. From there, you can continue north on 71 to the cities of Chapple and Kenora and beyond.
Grand Portage. This border crossing on MN 61 at Pigeon River Bridge, a few miles east of Wauswaugoning Bay will bring travelers to the city of Pigeon River and onto Highway 61. Keep heading north and you’ll pass through Cloud Bay, Neebing, and on to Thunder Bay.
From Michigan
Sault Ste. Marie. The I-75 will bring you to the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge and then to the charming city of Sault Ste. Marie itself, where you’ll want to be sure to stop for a meal, some shopping, or to take in some of its cultural offerings. From there you can head north for a drive along Lake Superior or east toward Sudbury.
