Comprehensive 14-Day Lake Superior Circle Tour Itinerary

The Lake Superior Circle Tour is one of those great road trips that you always hear about. People dream of circumnavigating the world’s largest freshwater lake. The Lake Superior circle tour crosses through three US states: Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, along with a significant portion of northern Ontario, Canada. Driving around Lake Superior offers an array of activities, sights, and diverse landscapes to look upon in awe.

The Lake Superior Circle Tour

How Long is the Lake Superior Circle Tour?

Lake Superior can be driven around in as little as 4-5 days. Seven days will showcase the highlights; however, two weeks is really the optimal time to soak in all the sights.

We drove around Lake Superior on our Honda Motorcycles and couldn’t believe how much the landscape changed before our eyes. Some travelers opt to complete the tour in 5 days, but we recommend planning for two weeks to truly appreciate this natural wonder’s beauty. This guide outlines the sights you can see on the Lake Superior Circle Tour to help you plan your next epic motorcycle ride.

Day 1: Start in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario

We commenced our tour in Sault Ste Marie in Canada, working clockwise around the Lake. Sault Ste Marie is a twin city with Sault Ste. Marie Michigan. There is more to do on the Canadian side, so we suggest spending a day or two exploring this vibrant area.

Canadian Bush Plane Heritage Centre

The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is undoubtedly a highlight of visiting Sault Ste. Marie, showcasing a collection of vintage planes housed in a giant hangar. This facility traces the aviation history of Ontario.

Visitors can enjoy interactive displays, including a forest fire management exhibit, motors, and various aircraft parts. The experience includes stepping inside various planes, including a large water bomber designed for forest fire suppression. After your visit to the Bushplane Museum, stroll along the newly refurbished waterfront in Sault Ste Marie and admire its US twin city across the river.

Where to Eat: Savor a delicious meal at Embers Smokehouse Restaurant, which boasts a fabulous atmosphere and a wide variety of smoked meats.

Where to Stay in Sault Ste Marie:

The Days Inn – An affordable choice with jacuzzis in the rooms, excellent Wi-Fi, and a hearty breakfast included. Additionally, it features a covered parking lot, perfect for motorcyclists.

Day 2: U.S. Border to Grand Marais, Michigan

This route follows Lake Superior in a counterclockwise direction. After crossing the border, we stayed on I-75 for a short drive to Highway 28, leading us to Whitefish Point.

Whitefish Point

Whitefish Point is one of those places in Michigan that deserves two days for exploration. This long peninsula juts out into Lake Superior, and we took a detour to visit the lighthouse museum. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about the maritime history surrounding Lake Superior. The area is home to the oldest operational lighthouse on the Lake, providing a great spot to relax on the sandy beach of Lake Superior’s South Shore.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a bustling park that features incredible waterfalls, one of which resembles a mini Niagara Falls. Many visitors enjoy spending a day or two hiking, swimming, and simply taking in the scenery. The park boasts two entrances: the upper falls, which is larger and more picturesque, and the lower falls, which offer options for boating and hiking, making both a must-stop.

Overnight in Grand Marais

Grand Marais is an excellent spot to spend the night before heading to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Known as “The Gem of the Upper Peninsula,” Grand Marais features stunning beaches. Driving along the shore of Lake Superior evokes a Caribbean vibe (albeit the water is quite chilly!).

Day 3: Exploring Pictured Rocks, Michigan

Pickle Barrel Museum

While in Grand Marais, don’t miss the Pickle Barrel House Museum, which features a giant pickle barrel built in 1927 as a summer cottage for cartoonist William Donahey. This unique attraction, now a museum, holds a spot in the National Register of Historic Places.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is among the most beautiful destinations in Michigan. With over 100 miles of trails to explore, visitors could easily spend days camping and hiking in the area. This majestic national park offers extraordinary sandstone cliffs, sea kayaking, and various watersports, meaning you could easily make more than a day of your visit.

Painted Rocks Cruises – For those who are short on time but looking for the best way to take in the sights, the Painted Rocks Scenic Cruise is highly recommended.

In the evening, we drove on to Marquette to save time.

Overnight in Marquette, Michigan

The Landmark Inn Marquette – We continued our journey for a couple of hours to Marquette, where we stayed at this gorgeous heritage hotel. The luxurious atmosphere and stunning architecture created a memorable evening after our day of riding. Our four-poster bed required a step to climb into, and the inviting jacuzzi tub and fireplace were hard to leave. Nevertheless, there was plenty more to see, so we stayed just one night.

Day 4: Eagle Harbor to Copper Harbor, Michigan

Eagle Harbor Light Station

We woke up early for a drive to the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse Station. If you’re a lighthouse enthusiast, you’ll find an abundance of them along the Lake Superior Circle Tour. Lighthouse keepers played a vital role in ensuring the safety of ships on this treacherous lake, and the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse Station features one of the best displays of keeper’s quarters on the lake.

Copper Harbor

Next, we headed to Copper Harbor. The winding road offers a thrilling ride, and the stunning views are a welcome distraction. A visit to Copper Harbor is highly recommended for its scenic, tree-covered rides along the Keweenaw Peninsula. Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of activities, such as kayaking, cruises, hiking, or a tranquil walk along the beach while enjoying a sunset. Be sure to drive to the area’s high lookout point – while many stop at the beautiful view near the bottom, continuing on will lead you to an incredible vista showcasing a tree-filled valley with views of the lake on both sides.

Where to Stay in Copper Harbor

Copper Harbor Pines – These basic accommodations offer non-air-conditioned cabins with spotty Wi-Fi. While we can’t recommend it too highly, it serves as a clean and comfortable budget option with nearby dining options.

Day 5: Bayfield, Wisconsin

Today, we leave Michigan and enter Wisconsin. We awoke early for a long drive, making only a few scenic stops along the way. Wisconsin is breathtaking, so be sure to take your time on your drive to Bayfield, and allow yourself two nights in this charming town on the water.

Maggie’s Restaurant Bayfield

We thoroughly enjoyed dinner at the quirky and retro Maggie’s Restaurant, followed by a stroll through downtown, which is lively with music playing in the gazebo on the waterfront when we arrived. The bar and restaurant overlooking the harbor were bustling with activity.

Where to Stay in Bayfield

The Bayfield Inn – This establishment provides excellent, friendly accommodation specifically catering to motorcyclists. We enjoyed our own covered parking spot! The staff was courteous, and the rooms were equipped with superb Wi-Fi and a stunning harbor view. This is one of the more urban centers, and it’s evident that it has served motorists, road trippers, and tourists for decades.

Day 6: Explore Around Bayfield, Wisconsin

As you approach the halfway point of your trip, this day is ideal for staying put and participating in exciting adventures. The Apostle Islands are a top attraction in this area, and kayaking through the sea caves of Lake Superior is a must-do experience. The Sea Caves are intricate formations that should not be missed.

Alternatives include sailing excursions and scuba diving trips. Be prepared, as Lake Superior is cold, and you’ll need a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit if diving. For those opting to stay on solid ground, there is golfing, hiking, shopping, and dining available.

Day 7: Duluth, Minnesota

The drive from Bayfield to Duluth is scenic, featuring picturesque towns and isolated roads. We were eager to reach Duluth early to explore the city, and it exceeded our expectations.

Things to Do in Duluth, Minnesota

Since the distance from Bayfield to Duluth is only an hour and a half, you have the entire day and evening to enjoy this bustling town. Duluth exudes a cosmopolitan vibe.

• Canal Park Drive is a delightful area for shopping, dining, and coffee, while the lakeside path offers an enchanting stroll along Lake Superior.
• Be sure to watch the Aerial Lift Bridge as it raises and lowers, allowing everything from large tankers to small sailboats to navigate in and out of the harbor.
• For an up-close view, consider dining or having drinks on the rooftop patio at Grandma’s.
• Additionally, Duluth features a fantastic entertainment and convention center—after parking your vehicle or bike for the evening, why not join a brewery tour?

Where to Stay in Duluth

We stayed at Canal Park Lodge, a well-appointed hotel on the waterfront, conveniently close to various amenities.

Day 8: Duluth, Minnesota to Thunder Bay, Ontario

Today, we make our way to Thunder Bay, Canada. Prepare for a lengthy drive from Duluth, which stretches 334 km and includes a border crossing. We were on the road for quite some time; however, before leaving Minnesota, there’s one more stop to enjoy some breathtaking scenic views.

Split Rock Lighthouse, Minnesota

Driving along Highway 61, you will encounter the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse. Make a stop at the Visitor’s Center for information. If time allows, take a tour and explore the short trails in the National Forest. Dating back to 1910, this stunning lighthouse perches on a sheer 133-foot (41 m) cliff overlooking Lake Superior. After enjoying this stop, the remainder of the day is dedicated to driving to Thunder Bay.

Day 9: Thunder Bay, Canada

After wrapping up at the lighthouse, there is little else to see, so we head straight to the border. Once you arrive in Thunder Bay, however, the drive is well worth it. The newly redeveloped waterfront features commissioned artwork from around the globe, making for a lovely peaceful stroll.

Thunder Bay is flourishing, as evidenced by the surge of restaurants and cafés emerging in the area. The picturesque marina provides an excellent launch point for sailing excursions from downtown.

Terry Fox Memorial

A must-visit in Thunder Bay is the Terry Fox memorial. Terry Fox is a national hero whose determination paved the way for cancer research funding. In 1980, a cancer survivor who had lost a leg to the disease embarked on a journey across Canada to raise money for cancer research. Although he was unable to complete his journey due to a recurrence of the illness, his legacy continues to inspire Canadians to this day.

Visiting the Terry Fox Memorial is free of charge. The Fox family agreed to allow for a monument only under the condition that there would be no sales or admission fees. The memorial truly embodies the spirit of Canada.

Where to Stay in Thunder Bay

McVicar Bed and Breakfast – This accommodation stands out as the best place to stay in Thunder Bay. Run by a hospitable couple, it is luxurious, comfortable, and relaxing. Our room features a fireplace, a jacuzzi, and a cozy sitting area.

Day 10: Terrace Bay

Kakabeka Falls

Today is meant to be leisurely, so enjoy a fulfilling breakfast and coffee in Thunder Bay. Before departing, consider a brief detour to Kakabeka Falls. These stunning falls drop 130 feet (40 meters) and are known as the Niagara Falls of the North. Located just 25 minutes from Thunder Bay, they are an essential stop on any Lake Superior circle tour trip, easily accessible via boardwalk.

Terrace Bay serves as a gateway to the Slate Islands. Previously, we’ve visited this area on a kayaking trip to see the Woodland Caribou that inhabit these lands. This tranquil town makes for a pleasant rest stop after Thunder Bay.

Where to Stay in Terrace Bay

The Drifters Motel – We were pleasantly surprised by the accommodations in Terrace Bay. The rooms are adorned with rustic elegance, and the Internet was the best connection we experienced on our entire journey. The adjoining restaurant also provided great meals.

Day 11: White River, Ontario

While we didn’t stay in White River during this trip, it’s a great spot to split up the journey between Wawa. Alternatively, if you prefer to skip Terrace Bay, you can head directly to White River instead. This four-corner town is famous for Winnie the Pooh and serves as an essential historical landmark within Canada.

Story of Winnie the Pooh

The poignant story behind Winnie the Pooh is worth noting. The tale has roots in the early 1900s when a hunter shot a bear cub’s mother and brought the orphaned cub to town. When a soldier traveling to Europe for World War I passed through White River, he purchased the bear cub from the hunter for $20. He brought the bear along to Europe, where it became the platoon’s mascot. Eventually, the soldier donated the bear to a zoo in England, where it caught the attention of writer A.A. Milne, whose son, Christopher Robin, became attached to the bear, resulting in the birth of Winnie the Pooh.

Where to Stay in White River

The White River Motel – While we didn’t stay here during our motorcycle trip, we have been guests in the past, and this motel offers clean, quiet, and comfortable accommodations. It’s a solid choice before catching an early morning flight to a local fishing lodge.

Day 12: Wawa, Ontario

Wawa is a charming little town known for its giant Canada Goose statue located on a hill overlooking the Trans Canada Highway. The visitor’s center and scenic lookout are worthwhile stops, and be sure to check out Young’s Family Store for snacks like fudge and ice cream, as well as a quick fill-up. The original goose statue is also here.

Where to Stay in Wawa

Best Northern Motel – This motel is an excellent option catering to motorcyclists. They thoughtfully placed towels on our bike seats in the morning to soak up the dew. Offering a refined restaurant, the rooms are stylish and well-appointed. Nestled slightly off the highway amidst the forest, it provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Take Your Time Driving from Wawa to the Soo

Expect several scenic stops along the route through the region known as Algoma Country (where Lake Superior and Lake Huron converge). Take your time and stop at every sight; the views are simply unforgettable! This stunning route is known as one of the Top 10 drives in Canada.

Petroglyphs

One of the most memorable stops was at the petroglyphs (pictographs) in Lake Superior Provincial Park. Look for signs indicating the pictographs along the highway. This area has ancient petroglyphs painted on towering cliffs, as well as lovely trails and vistas. The scenery at this location is among the most breathtaking on the Lake. Walking the scenic trails leads you to a spectacular gorge where a massive rock sits atop, providing awe-inspiring views along the cliffs.

Day 13: Batchawana Bay, Ontario

Our next stop took us to Batchawana Bay, situated about an hour outside of Sault Ste Marie, where our journey initially began. This charming spot radiates nostalgia, reminiscent of flourishing times in the ’70s and ’80s. I sense that once the northern towns undergo their renaissance, Batchawana Bay will see a revival as well.

Where to Stay

The Lakeshore Salzberghoff Resort was an excellent choice for our stay. The accommodations retain a retro charm, featuring tennis courts, shuffleboard, and a superb German restaurant offering various schnitzel and sausages along with other delicious German dishes. We highly recommend dining here.

Day 14: Sault Ste. Marie

Finally, we return to where it all started, marking the end of our remarkable journey. After a final visit to the Soo Locks, we even tried our hand at fly fishing, which Hemingway once regarded as one of the greatest venues for this sport. After one last night, we began our journey back to Toronto.

The Lake Superior Circle Tour is an epic drive everyone should experience at least once, especially motorcycle enthusiasts. Whether you want to go fast or take it slow, this adventure is unforgettable.