An Algoma Country Staycation

Algoma Country is one of those reasons!

What Ontario's Algoma Country has to offer is wide-open spaces, fresh air, beautiful lakes, lush green wilderness, and more wildlife than people. The region offers the opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with nature, with family and friends and yourself to create memorable vacations.

Adventures are endless here so to help guide you to what you might like to see, do or stay, the Algoma Country Staff put together a list of vacation ideas that are the most sought after from guests who return year after year to enjoy our region of Ontario.

The Ultimate Fishing Vacation

Photo Credit: James Smedley

Fishing is one of the top reasons to choose a vacation in Algoma -- the region has welcomed anglers for generations. Literally, for decades, anglers and their families visit Algoma for awesome trophy-sized fishing and warm Northern hospitality. It’s a region where you can take your pick of Ontario’s favourite species: northern pike, walleye, and small- and largemouth bass. It's a favourite place for fly fishers looking for rivers with big salmon and brook trout -- even muskie! It’s a place where friends have gathered for years to enjoy a fresh shore lunch together.

Photo Credit: James Smedley

You can take your pick of fish species, and you can take your pick of a fishing trip. Algoma is home to drive-in, fly-in and train-in fishing trips. You even have your pick of vacation packages to where you can set your own schedule and be your own housekeeper or enjoy the benefits of a full-service experience with meals cooked for you and your bed made for you.

Pick the Algoma fishing vacation for you

Not sure if you want to fish? Wilderness lodges also offer a variety of activities like paddling, hiking, bird watching, swimming, campfires, star gazing and looking for the Northern Lights.

Experience Outdoor Stays

Photo Credit: James Smedley

There are many reasons to travel to our region specifically if you are looking for a new outdoor adventure. Paddling in a canoe, hiking or biking on one of the many trails in the region. Algoma Country is home to some of the most diverse terrain in Ontario from rugged rocky Canadian shield, boreal forests, rolling farmland and in fall, some of the best and most vibrant colours in the province. Being located in the heart of the North has its advantages with close proximity to two Great Lakes (Superior and Huron) and many inland lakes, rivers and streams.

Photo Credit: James Smedley

Guided paddling and hiking trips are available if you’re new to exploring the area and want to learn more about the history, flora and fauna, geology and cultural aspects of the region.

There is an outdoor adventure for everyone and a place to stay to suit every taste and budget. A stay at a hotel, motel or bed and breakfast offers the comforts and amenities of home, welcoming you back after a day in the outdoors. Cottage resorts offer the luxury of setting your own pace with everything you need from accommodation to preparing your own meals, close to nature.

Photo Credit: James Smedley

If you enjoy camping by tent, trailer or RV, there are many campground options available with amenities and outdoor activities you’re looking to enjoy.

Find a place to stay that’s perfect for you

Nature at Your Doorstep

Photo Credit: Martin Lortz

The region's cities & towns are the gateways to everything! Learn more about the history and culture of the region at galleries, museums, historic sites and attractions that tell unique stories. Being close to nature means you have access to hiking and walking trails, canoe and kayak routes, scenic lookouts, cycling routes, waterfalls, fishing and then all your favourite amenities at the end of a busy day.

Support local businesses with a visit to shops for great gifts, souvenirs or just to treat yourself. And speaking of treating yourself, book yourself some me-time at a local salon or spa.

Restaurants and eateries pride themselves on menus ready for dine-in, outdoor patio and take-away. The Algoma region is home to 2 microbreweries in Sault Ste. Marie and home to the award-winning Loon Vodka distilled in Hearst.

Check the Algoma Country Events Calendar or ask during your stay what there is to see and do.

Explore our cities & towns

The Great Ontario Road Trip

Photo Credit: Martin Lortz

As you plan your summer or fall vacation keep in mind that the Algoma region is home to natural wonders like waterfalls, beaches and scenic lookouts, roadside attractions, and lots of things to see and do during your stay. Stops are perfect to reconnect with the wilderness and as you head north the traffic thins out as you make your way to the northern communities.

Photo Credit: James Smedley

Whether on a road trip travelling as a group, family or solo, there’s something for everyone to experience as you travel along Trans Canada Hwy 17 along Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Get off the beaten track to explore Hwys 129, 101, 631, 519, 108, 556, 11, or 548 (to St. Joseph Island). There are a number of communities that offer overnight accommodations, food and drink as you make your way across the region.

Find the region’s touring routes here

Photo Credit: James Smedley

The Group of Seven Touring Route is also a cultural route that takes you to some of the places painted by or would have inspired this Canadian art collective. Interpretive panels along the route explore interesting facts about the artists and their time here, the area and how their style of painting triggered the first major Canadian art movement.

Photo Credit: James Smedley

Need help planning a trip to Ontario’s Algoma Country? Reach out to office staff by phone at 1-800-263-2546 or email us at info@algomacountry.com

We’re happy to help you and answer any questions you may have, or send you a free travel guide.

About Algoma Staff Writer

Algoma Country is a spectacular 4-season vacation destination for outdoor and urban adventures. The region borders Lake Superior and Lake Huron and is rich in old-growth forests, and countless waterways.

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