6 Northern Ontario Lookouts Perfect for Your Next RV Adventure
A Northern Ontario RV adventure provides a breathtaking visual experience filled with stunning landscapes and natural beauty. While brief glimpses can be enjoyable, the best way to truly appreciate the grandeur of your surroundings is from a high vantage point, such as a lookout.
Here are six must-visit lookouts, ranging from serene lakeshores to vistas overlooking endless forests. Each offers spectacular panoramas and memorable stops on your RV journey through Northern Ontario.
Below you’ll find a map of an easy route from Toronto to the first stop on our trip – Lake Nippissing Lookout.
Lake Nipissing Lookout – Near North Bay
Start your Northern Ontario journey with a panoramic view of Lake Nipissing, one of Ontario's largest lakes. Located between Callander and North Bay along Highway 94, this lookout offers visitors a peaceful setting and unobstructed lake views that are especially striking during sunrise and sunset.
What to Expect
The site offers easy RV access, ample parking, and a stunning view of Lake Nipissing that you can enjoy right from your RV. Picnic tables and garbage bins are available, making it a great stop to stretch your legs.
Temagami Fire Tower Lookout – Temagami
Rising over 100 feet above the Temagami region, this historic fire tower provides a stunning 360-degree view of the old-growth forests, sparkling lakes, and rugged hills that define this area.
What to Expect
The climb up the fire tower requires a short hike and a stair ascent, but the reward is worth every step. If climbing to the top is not possible, a lower platform offers an impressive view.
The road to the tower is primarily gravel, with a bit of an uphill as you arrive. We had no issues getting here with our 28-foot class C RV. There is ample parking, with enough space for RVs. The area is popular among hikers, so consider arriving early to enjoy a quieter experience.
Spanish River Lookout – Spanish, Ont.
The Spanish River Lookout is located at the Spanish Municipal Marina and offers a spectacular panorama of Lake Huron's North Channel.
What to Expect
Located on the beautiful Lake Huron shores, the marina is renowned by boaters and anglers as the access point to world-class sailing and fishing opportunities. For the RV tripper, the attraction is the red-roofed gazebo high atop a rocky bluff, offering a 360° vista overlooking the Spanish River Delta, Sagamok Anishnawbek, Whalesback Channel, and the Town of Spanish. Parking for RVs is abundant, but the cost of entry requires a significant climb up the stairs for the grand view. There are more views behind the gazebo along the Shoreline Discovery Trail.
Ten Mile Point Lookout – Manitoulin Island
With its cliffside perch, Ten Mile Point Lookout is one of Manitoulin Island's gems. Overlooking the North Channel and LaCloche Mountains shows nature's artistry across water and land.
What to Expect
Located along Highway 6, this lookout is easy to reach with an RV. You can enjoy the view from your RV, but the viewing platforms get you right to the edge and are worth the experience. This is also the location of Ten Mile Point Trading Post, a must-visit for its impressive collection of unique local souvenirs and captivating artwork.
Fire Tower Lookout – Elliot Lake
In the heart of Elliot Lake, this historic fire tower is an ideal way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Northern Ontario's dense forests and sparkling lakes. Climb the tower for a unique perspective on the region's natural beauty.
What to Expect
Follow Fire Tower Rd to the highest point in the immediate Elliot Lake area and enjoy the view from the Fire Tower Lookout. It is a unique experience because you can drive your RV to the lookout. A red-roofed cupola just steps from the parking lot offers an impressive panorama, but a grander view can be had from the viewing platform above that requires a bit of a climb. This location is also home to the original ranger tower and cabin built in 1954 and is now a popular stop along the Deer Trail Driving Tour.
Agawa Bay Lookout – Lake Superior Provincial Park
Agawa Bay Lookout presents a pristine view of Lake Superior and is located within Lake Superior Provincial Parks, one of Ontario's most celebrated provincial parks. Here, you can marvel at Lake Superior's dramatic shores, which shift from deep blue to stormy gray.
What to Expect
Look for the sign marking the turnoff to the lookout along the Trans Canada Highway. We pulled in with our 28-foot class C with no issues, but the parking area can get busy, and turnaround space can be an issue for bigger rigs. Look before making the turn.
RV Tips for Visiting Northern Ontario Lookouts
Plan for Daylight: The best views are usually enjoyed during daylight hours, so plan your itinerary to arrive before dusk.
Check Trail Conditions: Some lookouts require short hikes or climbs; check the trail and weather conditions, especially in rainy seasons.
Stay Safe: Stick to marked paths and watch for sudden drops or slippery areas, especially around cliffside lookouts.
Pack Binoculars and a Camera: Northern Ontario's lookouts offer distant views and often wildlife sightings, from soaring eagles to moose or deer in the surrounding areas.
Respect the Environment: To preserve these natural landscapes, leave no trace by packing out waste and staying on established trails.
No RV, no problem
If you're not ready to commit to RV ownership but want to experience the joy of RV travel, renting an RV is an excellent option. Fortunately, many reputable RV rental companies in Ontario make it easy to find the perfect rental. Keep in mind that you must have a valid driving licence and be at least 25 years old to rent an RV. Information is essential for any new activity, and RVing is no exception. This guide to RVing in Ontario for Beginners includes everything you need for a fantastic RV experience.
Here are some of the best places to rent an RV in Ontario:
For more Ontario RV inspiration and a way to experience all the lookouts in one RV adventure, check out this three-part blog series: An RV Adventure Through Northern Ontario, Algoma Here We Come, An RV Adventure Through Northern Ontario – Part 3.
The lookouts in Northern Ontario showcase the stunning beauty and majesty of the Canadian wilderness. Whether standing at the top of a fire tower or enjoying a sunset by the lake, each lookout provides a unique perspective of Ontario's landscapes. So, pack up the RV, grab your camera, and get ready to experience these unforgettable views.
NOTE: This is sponsored content produced in partnership with Destination Ontario
