Solo Road trip with lots of Camping and hiking
I had so much fun on my drive across the country! From the rocky lake shores of Ontario to the vast grasslands of Manitoba and Saskatchewan to the mountains in Alberta, Canada is so beautiful! I have provided a breakdown based on my three week trip. How long I drove each day, where I slept, things I did during the day and how much I hiked. I hope that it can help with planning your next adventure!
I also included whether I had cell service at the places I camped or not, I was with Rogers. I frequently did not have service and it is a good idea to travel with backup communication and to let someone know your trip plan with regular check-ins. I used a Garmin In-reach mini, it worked well just was a bit slow at times, and needs that clear view of the sky.
Day 1 – Southern Ontario to Six Mile Lake Provincial Park
Drive Time: 3 hours (from Niagara) – length variable depending on where you are starting
Where to Sleep: Six Mile Lake Provincial Park
Reservations needed?: Possibly – I did not make reservations but during peak summer season, especially on weekends you may want to reserve a site in advance
During the Day: The adventure begins! Spend the day driving, and get groceries. If you have time go for a late afternoon/evening hike at Six Mile Lake. The trails are all easy and good for wildlife viewing, keep an eye out for Beavers on the Marsh Trail!
Hiking Distance: 3.3 km (Living Edge/David Milne/Marsh Trails)
Cell service: Yes
Day 2: Georgian Bay Islands Day Trip and Camping at Killarney Provincial Park
Drive Time: Six Mile Lake to Georgian Bay Islands – 20 minutes, Georgian Bay Islands to Killarney – 2 hrs 40 minutes
Where to Sleep: Killarney Provincial Park (or Georgian Bay Islands – but read my post about camping on the island if you are considering that option)
Reservations needed?: Yes! Killarney Provincial park books up fast! I was lucky and snagged my site when someone else cancelled so you can try for that if you didn’t book early enough but its hit or miss. For Georgian Bay Islands a boat ride and campsite will need to be booked.
During the Day: In the morning drive down to the boat launch and board the DayTripper to Georgian Bay Islands. Spend the morning exploring and hiking on the island. In the afternoon after your boat ride back drive to Killarney Provincial park and settle into camp.
Hiking Distance: 10.92 km (Lookout/Huron/Georgian Trail Loop)
Cell service: Yes
Day 3: Explore Killarney Provincial Park
Drive Time: Minimal (just the time to drive to trailheads or beaches)
Where to Sleep: Killarney Provincial Park
Reservations needed?: Yes (see above)
During the Day: In the morning hike the Cranberry Bog Trail (4-4.5 km). This trail begins within walking distance of the George Lake campground. It is a loop leading you through the forest by a couple of lakes and marshy areas and is great for birdwatching! Make lunch and in the afternoon drive to the trailhead for the Chikanishing Trail (3.5 km). Another loop trail with great views of the Georgian Bay and the Canadian Shield. There were somehow no bugs on this trail!
Hiking Distance: ~8 km (Cranberry Bog Trail, Chikanishing Trail)
Cell service: Spotty
Day 4: Killarney to Chutes Provincial Park
Drive Time: 2 hours
Where to Sleep: Chutes Provincial Park
Reservations needed?: Yes, in the summer sites do fill up so booking in advance is a good idea. I stayed at a site that was right across from the stairs down to the waterfall. It was very quiet around the campground (June 25) but during the busier season I think the foot traffic passing this site would have been disruptive.
During the Day: This is a good day to stock up on groceries and gas, which can be done in Sudbury. Once you get to Chutes provincial park set up camp and then head down to the viewing platform to check out the waterfall. I used today as a rest day because it was pretty smokey from wildfires and I had been to chutes before but there is a trail that you can hike if you feel up to it! There is the Twin Bridge Trail which is 6 km long and takes ~2 hours.
Hiking Distance: Minimal to the waterfall/rest day
Cell service: Spotty but mostly yes
Day 5: Chutes Provincial Park to Lake Superior Provincial Park
Drive Time: 3 hours 45 minutes (to Agawa Bay, other areas in Lake Superior will be different, its a big park!)
Where to Sleep: Agawa Bay Campground in Lake Superior Provincial Park
Reservations needed?: Yes. There are multiple campgrounds within the park but the park is quite large so pay attention when booking and book a campground closest to where you want to hike. Agawa Bay and Rabbit Blanket both have some lakefront sites which are very nice!
During the Day: There are great pit stops along your route today! First stop is the Giant Loonie Monument. There is also a short boardwalk there to stretch your legs. Just around the corner is Holy Cows Ice Cream. They had so many flavours and it was delicious! Next stop is Chippewa Falls. The waterfall is a short walk from the parking area and would be a good spot to eat a picnic lunch. If you didn’t get groceries in Sudbury a stop in Sault Ste. Marie is a good idea.
Hiking Distance: Minimal.
Cell service: Yes
Day 6: Sand River Trail and Drive to Pukaskwa
Drive Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (note: if your GPS tries to take you off highway 647 as you are getting to Pukaskwa don’t listen to it. It took me on gravel roads for no reason when the highway was open!)
Where to Sleep: Pukaskwa National Park, Hattie Cove campground
Reservations needed?: No, Hattie cove is available on a first-come first serve basis only. On check in register for the number of nights you want or re-register in the morning before 11 am. You can book an oTenTik in advance but they have a two night minimum in the summer.
During the Day: Before leaving the Agawa Bay are go for a hike! I hiked the Sand River trail (7 km) which leads you along the Sand river past a series of waterfalls and rapids. It is an out and back trail, not a loop. Another option is to hike to the Agawa Bay Pictographs which I haven’t done but have been constantly recommended to do! Head to Pukaskwa and set up camp. In the evening walk from your campground down to the beach and hike the Southern Headland Trail.
Hiking Distance: 7 km (Sand River Trail)
Cell service: No – no service on the Sand River trail and no service at Pukaskwa. There is wifi at the Pukaskwa entrance and visitor centre.
Day 7-8: Pukaskwa National Park
Drive Time: None!
Where to Sleep: Pukaskwa National Park, Hattie Cove campground
Reservations needed?: No, Hattie cove is available on a first-come first serve basis only.
During the Day: Pack your backpack and get ready for a day of hiking! There are four day. hiking trails in the park and one longer backpacking trail (a section of which can be a day hike). On your first full day I suggest doing some or all of the day hikes which can be connected together. On the second day if you feel up to a big hike you can hike 18km (round trip) to the suspension bridge.
Hiking Distance: 7.5 km for all the day hikes connected in a loop (but you can also break them up and only do one or two), 18km to the suspension bridge.
Day 9: Ouimet Canyon and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Drive Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to Ouimet Canyon (some dirt road driving), 1 hour 15 minutes to Sleeping Giant
Where to Sleep: Marie Louise Campground or the 300s Campground. Note that the 300s campground where I stayed is down a long one way dirt road that is quite uneven.
Reservations needed?: Yes
During the Day: When you drive from Pukaskwa to Sleeping Giant be sure to stop at Ouimet Canyon. It is a short walk from the parking lot to the canyon! You should also stop to pick up groceries if needed and specifically food for backpacking.
Hiking Distance: 1.9km at Ouimet Canyon
Cell Service: Spotty
Day 10-11: Backcountry Camping – Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Drive Time: Minimal
Where to Sleep: Backcountry Zone 2 (Lehtinen’s Bay) – Night 1 and Backcountry Zone 5 (Sawyer Bay) – Night 2
Reservations needed?: Yes, you must reserve a backcountry permit in advance. You must check in and get your physical permit the morning of your stay at 9am when the office opens.
During the Day: Day 1 – hike from the trailhead at the Kabeyun Trail to your site at Lehtinen’s Bay. Set up camp and then hike back a bit to hike up to the Top of the Giant. Day 2 – hike across to Saywer Bay along the Talus Lake trail then set up camp at Saywer Bay. Hike up the Head trail for another great view!
Hiking Distance: Kabeyun to Lehitens (8 km), Lehitens to Top of the Giant (10.2 km), Talus Lake Trail (7.4 km), Sawyer Bay to The Head (4.3 km).
Cell Service: Spotty – none at Lehtinen’s Bay, some at the top of the giant and some at Sawyer Bay.
Day 12: Finsih Backpacking and Kakabeka Falls
Drive Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Where to Sleep: One of the Kakabeka Falls campgrounds (Whispering Hills, Riverside or Fern’s Edge)
Reservations needed?: Yes the campgrounds do fill up so a reservation is recommended.
During the Day: Finish off your backpacking trip and drive from Sleeping Giant to Thunder Bay. In Thunder Bay you can get a good lunch to refuel after your backpacking trip! Once you get to Kakabeka Falls set up camp and then go and walk by the waterfall!
Hiking Distance: Sawyer Bay to Kabeyun Trailhead (6.5 km), Kakabeka Falls (2 km walking and exploring around the falls)
Cell Service: Yes
Day 13: a Hotel Stay in Kenora
Drive Time: 5 hours
Where to Sleep: I stayed at the Days Inn which is now called the Sunset Inn.
Reservations needed?: Maybe, I booked my hotel in advance but you may be able to find something last minute depending on the dates.
During the Day: Drive to Kenora and then enjoy the reset day! They had laundry at the hotel which they let me use! I chose to order takeout and hang out in the hotel room but you could also go and explore the town and find a cute restaurant for dinner. Regardless you will definitely enjoy a shower! Also fill up your cooler with ice using the hotel ice machine!
Hiking Distance: None
Cell Service: Yes
Day 14: Lakeside Camping in Riding Mountain National Park
Drive Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Where to Sleep: Lake Audy Campground
Reservations needed?: No, this is a first come first serve campground.
During the Day: Drive to Riding Mountain and enjoy the adorable town centre of the park. Walk down by the lakeside or go to the beach. Get a gelato at the Chocolate Fox! Then drive up to your campsite at Lake Audy. You will drive through part of the bison enclosure or you can drive through the full thing as the bison are most active in the morning and evening!
Hiking Distance: Minimal
Cell Service: Spotty – some very spotty service at the campground, normal service in town
Day 15: Hiking and Exploring Riding Mountain National Park
Drive Time: Variable (I drove 2 hours because of road closures)
Where to Sleep: Moon Lake Campground
Reservations needed?: No this Campground is first come first serve
During the Day: In the morning drive through the bison enclosure. The bison are most active in the morning and evenings. Drive over to the trailhead at Bald Hill and hike the Reeves Ravine trail to the top of Bald Hill. Bring bear spray, I encountered one black bear on trail and saw plenty of signs of animals (lots of tracks and poop). In the evening enjoy a walk by the lakeshore or hike the Ominnik Marsh Trail. I went for dinner and got a delicious veggie burger at 1929.
Hiking Distance: Bald Hill (11 km), Ominnik Marsh Trail (1.4 km)
Cell Service: Spotty
Day 16: Long Drive Day to Grasslands National Park – East Block
Drive Time: 7 hours
Where to Sleep: East Block – Rock Creek Campground
Reservations needed?: Yes – campsites are limited for car camping so booking ahead of time is recommended. Backcountry camping is also available and you are able to camp anywhere in the park as long as you hike at least 1 km from established roads or trails.
During the Day: Drive. Make sure to stock up on groceries and fill up with gas before getting to the park. Services in the area are extremely limited. In the evening enjoy a beautiful prairie sunset or stay up to watch for stars, the park is a Dark Sky Preserve!
Hiking Distance: None
Cell Service: No – there is wifi at the park office, small patches of service on the badlands parkway
Day 17: Grasslands National Park East Block Valley of 1000 Devils
Drive Time: None
Where to Sleep: Rock Creek Campground
Reservations needed?: Yes
During the Day: Wake up as early as you can! I woke up at sunrise to start hiking the Valley of 1000 Devils Trail before it got too hot. The trail can be up to 10 degrees warmer than surrounding areas so bring plenty of water and sun protection. In the afternoon drive the Badlands Parkway. Stop at various overlooks to admire the unique landscape and look for wildlife. Remember there are no bison in the East block but you can spot lots of other cool wildlife including pronghorn antelope!
Hiking Distance: 13 km
Cell Service: Spotty
Day 18: Grasslands National Park West Block
Drive Time: 2 hours
Where to Sleep: West Block – Frenchman Valley Campground
Reservations needed?: Yes – campsites are limited for car camping so booking ahead of time is recommended.
During the Day: Arrive to Val Marie town and visit the visitors center. Ask about where the bison are currently located in the park and for any other releant information. You may also check in to your campsite here, or you can check in later at the camp office. Then head into the park. Make your first stop on the EcoTour Scenic drive at the Top Dogtown Prairie Dog Colony. Hike through the colony and enjoy the cute barking of the black-tailed prairie dog. Continue on the EcoTour scenic drive making as many stops along the way as you would like. THen set up camp at Frenchman Valley.
Hiking Distance: 0.5 km
Cell Service: Spotty
Day 19: On a Bison Safari in Grasslands National Park West Block
Drive Time: Minimal
Where to Sleep: West Block – Frenchman Valley Campground
Reservations needed?: Yes
During the Day: Wake up early to beat the heat again. Hike part or all of the Timbergulch Tail. This is the area of the park where the bison were during my visit and I was lucky enough to see a few along my hike. I also saw three deer! Make sure to keep well away from any bison you do encounter. In the afternoon continue to explore the EcoTour Scenic drive. If you continue on the road past the Frenchman Vally campground you will drive through another prairie dog colony which was less busy.
Hiking Distance: 10-15 km
Cell Service: Spotty
Day 20: Medicine Hat Alberta (optional)
Drive Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Where to Sleep: Hotel (I stayed with family)
Reservations needed?: Likely
During the Day: Drive and then enjoy a reset day in town. You may want to stop somewhere in Saskatchewan for gas and some snacks before continuing to Alberta. I stopped in Swift current and found a really cool toy/games/candy store, The Sputtergotch Toy Company. In Medicine Hat get groceries, shower, you could even go to the mall if you feel like it (enjoy Alberta’s 5% tax).
Hiking Distance: None
Cell Service: Yes
Day 21: Waterton Lakes National Park
Drive Time: 3 hours
Where to Sleep: Townsite or Belly River Campgrounds
Reservations needed?: Reservation are needed for the Townsite campground and from what I heard it fills up quickly. Belly River is first-come first-serve, self registration, and is where I stayed.
During the Day: Arrive to the Mountains!! Claim a campsite and then drive into the townsite. Stop at the visitor center to find out about trail closures and get recommendations. Hike the Upper Bertha Falls and Bertha Lake Trail. You can stop at the falls or continue on to the lake. Unfortunately I was turned around early by threatening thunderstorms and only made it to the falls. In the evening explore the shops in town.
Hiking Distance: 11 km
Cell Service: Spotty
Day 22: Waterton Lakes National Park
Drive Time: Minimal
Where to Sleep: Townsite or Belly River Campgrounds
Reservations needed?: Reservation are needed for the Townsite campground and from what I heard it fills up quickly. Belly River is first-come first-serve and is where I stayed. I arrived mid-day and there were a few sites left. I suspect on weekends, especially long weekends, arriving early would be best.
During the Day: In the morning hike the Lineham Falls Trail which takes you to a spectacular waterfall completely surrounded by mountains. In the afternoon visit Red Rock Canyon and Blakiston Falls. There are a lot of other really cool trails at this park including some longer ones that I unfortunately couldn’t do this time because it thunder-stormed in the afternoon both days I was there.
Hiking Distance: Lineham Falls (10 km), Red Rock Canyon (0.8 km), Blakiston Falls (2.4 km)
Cell Service: Spotty
Day 23: Calgary
Drive Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Where to Sleep: Hotel/AirBnb
Reservations needed?: Yes
During the Day: Calgary Stampede (if you visit during the summer, try and plan your trip to go to the Stampede! (or specifically plan to avoid it if thats not your thing).
Hiking Distance: 0 (but potentially a lot of city walking depending on what you decide to do).
Cell Service: Yes
