2 Weekends in a Row in Northwest Ontario

It has been over two years since I stepped on Canadian soil. My last visit was in April of 2019 before I took my current job. I knew it would be a while before I would accrue enough vacation to make another trip. I made sure to make the best of that trip.

I was living in Austin, TX, at the time, but Victoria and I planned to move back to Wisconsin. We would renew our lease another year (we were shooting to move in March 2021). When we received our lease renewal in December 2019, we decided to pull the plug and not renew it. We would move up a year early.

In the meantime, I made sure to maximize the time I had left in Texas. Since I only had about three months left, I decided I'd visit all 254 counties to say I saw "every inch of Texas." I completed that trip in 52 days and mere weeks from when I'd be moving up to Wisconsin.

I was excited to move back to Wisconsin. Thunder Bay is one of my favorite places to visit. It would now "only" be an 8-hour drive each way from the Madison, WI area. I knew I'd be able to make several trips in the summer of 2020. I ended up getting the keys to our Wisconsin apartment on February 29th, 2020. We all know what happened a few weeks later…

...the border closed due to COVID, and there was no indication on when it would open. In the meantime, I holed up in my apartment. My job was already 100% remote. Besides being a hermit in my social life, everything else chugged along as usual.

I tend to be on the more cautious side of things, so I didn't even get takeout for several months. I also got curbside pickup on my groceries. It wasn't until about August when I started feeling a bit more comfortable venturing out. Finally, we had a better idea of how COVID was transmitted and the risks. I also knew I could mitigate most of these risks by traveling like a hermit. This would include sleeping in my car, paying at the pump, and packing all my food.

It had already been nearly a year and a half since I've visited my Canadian friends. The Facebook video chats were great, but I really wanted to visit in person. When you're living like a hermit, you have a lot of time to think. So I got inventive and found that there were spots on Pigeon River that we could meet. We would be able to stay in our respective countries. This would effectively get around the border being closed.

The first trip was to the old border crossing. That location worked out well enough. However, I did find a second location at Grand Portage State Park that would be even better for my next visit. The in-person visits were nice, but they weren't the same as hanging out in the same country. Shouting across the river still doesn't have the same feel.

I anxiously waited for the border to open. It seemed every month they pushed it back another month or two. For the longest time, it seemed like it was never going to open. Then all of a sudden, the announcement came! On August 9th, they'd open the border to vaccinated Americans.

I received my second shot at the end of April, so I was good to go. August 9th was on a Monday, so I was tempted to be the "door beater" and get there right at 12:01 AM. However, I decided that probably wasn't the best plan. It was too short notice to take off of work and also find a dog sitting arrangement for Maya.

I figured I'd just come up and visit two weekends in a row to work around my daily obligations back home. Yes, you read that right. I planned to drive 8 hours one way to Thunder Bay. I'd then spend the weekend there. After the short visit, I'd drive 8 hours back home to then do it again after a week of working.

The first thing I had to do was figure out the process to come to Canada. They required proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test within 72 hours of crossing. You also needed to fill out the ArriveCAN app. Of course, the biggest thing is timing everything right, but I was able to get everything in order.

So come Friday, August 13th, I headed up to Thunder Bay after finishing work at 1 PM. It was a long drive up I-94 and US-53 through Wisconsin.

Highway view heading west on Interstate 94 with blue route shield sign visible, surrounded by pine trees under clear blue sky

Two-lane highway with North Highway 53 route marker sign, rolling hills and scattered trees in distance under partly cloudy sky

You may already know that I have a goal of visiting every county in the USA. So I left the visiting the Minnesota North Shore of Lake Superior counties for a trip up to Thunder Bay. On my way up, I first stopped at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth.

Grand neoclassical courthouse building with limestone facade, tall columns, ornate cornice details, and multiple stories of symmetrical windows

I then headed south to visit Carlton County in Carlton. After the visit, there was a little backtracking to get back to MN-61. From there, I'd head up to the Canadian border.

Multi-story brick institutional building with white stone base, featuring window air conditioning units and classical architectural elements

Highway exit sign visible at dusk with forested areas on both sides of the roadway

Before you know it, I was in Canada! My due diligence paid off, and everything was good to go. I was able to fulfill the additional COVID crossing requirements. I was questioned a bit on why I was crossing so late (it was around midnight). When I explained that I left at 1 PM after I got done with work, that answer seemed to be sufficient.

Ontario "Yours to discover" Travel Information sign at night, advertising travel information in English and French plus fishing and hunting licenses

I drove into Thunder Bay and stopped at the Metro grocery store on Arthur Street. This was actually the visit place I ever visited on my first trip to Thunder Bay. It provides a good place to park, get my bearings, and also message my friends that I've made it to Thunder Bay.

Metro grocery store storefront illuminated at night with red signage and "Thunder Bay" subtitle, parking lot in foreground

It was now close to 1 AM. I was going to meet my buddy Ryan at 7 AM to go exploring. I needed to figure out a place to sleep. I figured it wasn't worth spending $100 for a few hours of sleep, so I found a boat landing with a view of Mt. McKay. There was a van there that had the same idea.

White camper van parked beside lake at dawn or dusk with distinctive flat-topped mesa or bluff formation rising in background

Before picking up Ryan, I headed to the ATM to get some Canadian currency.

TD Bank ATM machine with digital screen displaying "for what's essential to you" message and standard transaction interface

Hand holding Canadian currency including blue five dollar bills and green twenty dollar bills issued by Bank of Canada

I picked up Ryan, and then we started heading east towards Nipigon. He brought along his professional camera, and we were excited to explore and take a bunch of pictures.

Interior car selfie of two smiling travelers, man wearing glasses on right, person with longer hair on left

We took a slight detour down Lakeshore Drive. The sun was pretty brutal!

Early morning sun breaking through mist on curved two-lane highway with power lines overhead and forest lining both sides

We thought going to Ouimet Canyon would be cool, so we headed up the steep road to the park.

Paved road through birch forest with yellow diamond-shaped warning sign showing steep grade symbol and "USE LOWER GEAR" text

Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park wooden information kiosk shelter with "EXPLORE" poster and interpretive panels

We realized that the hike would be at least 1-2 hours. In addition, we realized we would not have time with our plans to visit Nipigon, Red Rock, Silver Islet, and a few other places. So we turned around to head back to the main highway.

Weathered trail map posted behind plastic showing viewing pod locations and wheelchair accessible routes at Ouimet Canyon

Before heading back to the main highway, we turned down a gravel road and checked out a wind farm.

Red gravel road stretching through dense mixed forest of birch and evergreen trees

Silver sedan parked on red gravel road with multiple wind turbines visible on forested ridgeline in background

We then got to the main highway. We noticed an abandoned hotel along the way, so we stopped to take some pictures.

Vintage Dorion Inn Motel sign advertising air conditioning, kitchenettes, vacancy, general store with LCBO, gas/diesel, and restaurant services

Abandoned and fire-damaged single-story commercial building with graffiti, surrounded by overgrown lot and power lines

Soon after that, we were in Nipigon!

Blue bilingual highway sign marking Township of Nipigon with population 1700, roadside placement with pine forest background

Our first stop was Canada's smallest Canadian Tire.

Canadian Tire retail store with parking lot and temporary chain-link fencing in foreground under partly cloudy sky

I decided I'd pick up some flammable windshield washer fluid. Even in Wisconsin, I've never seen something with a freeze point so low it's flammable.

Rain-X All Season ClearView windshield washer fluid jug rated to minus 45 degrees Celsius, containing orange-colored liquid

Our next stop was Zechner's, the local grocery store. I was a bit hungry and got some pepperettes.

Historical mural on building wall depicting F. Zechner Clothier storefront and vintage F. Sanderson delivery truck with text "Serving Nipigon and Area Since 1937"

Grocery store interior beverage aisle with prominent Pepsi and Coca-Cola product displays, fluorescent lighting overhead

Schneiders Pepperettes beef snack package resting on gray car seat interior

After that, we headed to the Nipigon General Store. We talked to Terry, the owner, for a while, and I bought some locally made fudge.

Small white single-story general store building with "GENERAL STORE" signage, vintage locomotive or caboose structure visible adjacent

General store interior showing narrow aisles stocked with diverse merchandise including household goods, tools, and camping supplies

Fresh fudge display case showing varieties including Pure Canadian Maple, Chocolate Macaroon, Chocolate Peanut Butter, with decorative butterfly ornaments

I always love going to Paddle to the Sea Park and the Nipigon Marina. Ryan had told me there was a turtle conservatory there, so we headed to the lagoon to see if we could spot some turtles. It was a very scenic walk!

Nipigon directional sign with blue background showing lagoon viewing platforms icon and bilingual text in English and French

Gravel walking path lined with young deciduous trees and wildflowers, leading toward water body visible in distance

Tranquil lake vista through shoreline trees showing forested islands and dramatic cloud formation overhead

Sadly, we did not see any turtles, but the views of nature were amazing!

Educational interpretive panel titled "Why do turtles bask?" explaining thermoregulation and nutrient absorption with photographs and diagrams, Nipigon Township and Ontario Parks branding

Clear shallow lake water revealing sandy bottom with ripple patterns and sparse aquatic vegetation

Wooden boat dock extending into calm lake with dense forest shoreline across water under blue sky with white clouds

We walked back to the marina, and I got a few more pictures.

Double Creek Boat Launch entrance with weathered wooden sign, concrete boat ramp descending to lake with forested hills in background

Decommissioned gray hydroelectric turbine runner on outdoor display with commemorative plaque, positioned on grassy area with trees behind

Sandy swimming beach along lake inlet with gentle shoreline, forested hills flanking both sides under partly cloudy sky

We said goodbye to Nipigon and then headed to Red Rock.

Quiet small-town residential street with mix of houses, blue-sided home prominent on right, clear blue sky with scattered clouds overhead

The marina in Red Rock was pretty cool.

Marina with floating boat docks and moored vessels, rocky riprap shoreline in foreground, forested hills across water under partly cloudy sky

Harbor channel view with small vegetated islands, navigation markers on rocky breakwaters, wide expanse of calm blue water

Expansive lake vista with gentle ripples on blue-green water, densely forested shorelines flanking both sides under clear sky

We were a bit hungry at this point, so we decided to check out the Nipigon Legion for some food. It's open to the public and was pretty cool looking.

Large historic multi-story building with red-brown roof, brick and white siding, wraparound white porches, dormers, and colonial revival architectural details

Community performance hall with polished hardwood floor, rows of wooden chairs, drum kit and music equipment, dark wood paneled walls with decorative snowflake ornaments

Recreation room with multiple pool tables featuring turquoise felt, foosball table, small bar area with pendant lighting, beige walls

After leaving the Legion, we continued east toward Silver Islet.

Four-lane divided highway with Ontario Highway 587 South shield sign, guardrail, expansive forested valley stretching to distant hills under blue sky

Silver sedan parked on highway shoulder beside lake with metal guardrail, dense evergreen forest lining opposite shore under scattered clouds

Pristine lake surrounded by continuous evergreen forest shoreline, small flowering shrubs in foreground, blue sky with wispy clouds

We soon made it to Silver Islet.

Historical roadside sign reading "Silver Islet 1868-1884 World's Richest Silver Mine - Enjoy a Visit with our Incredible Past" with oval maritime illustration, celebrating 150 years

Gravel parking area with silver minivan and dark SUV, weathered multi-level wooden structures on hillside, visitors walking, communications tower visible

We stopped by the general store. It's a pretty neat store that has been standing for at least 150 years.

Three-story blue wooden historic general store building with white trim, "STORE" lettering, several vehicles parked outside, lake visible in background

Interior of historic general store with customers browsing, wooden shelving along walls displaying merchandise, service counter, beadboard ceiling with track lighting

Historic store interior showing wooden shelving filled with period products and containers, vintage display case on wooden counter, customers examining merchandise

We decided to walk around a little bit and check out the old town.

Paved walkway through historic site with weathered mining equipment and artifacts scattered on rocky hillside, small buildings in distance

Rustic wooden hillside structure with multiple levels and decks, solar panels on roof, surrounded by dry golden grass and scattered trees

The views of Lake Superior were amazing.

Lake Superior vista framed by deciduous tree branches, small rocky islands visible on horizon, calm blue water extending to distant shoreline

Sandy beach with red aluminum boat resting on shore, outboard motor attached, people visible near waterline, calm lake with distant islands

Lake Superior shoreline view with gentle waves lapping beach, multiple forested islands dotting horizon under blue sky with scattered clouds

After checking things out, we headed back to Thunder Bay. On the way, we stopped at a gas station.

Small white gas station building at border crossing with Canadian and American flags flying, fuel pumps under canopy, forested mountains visible in distance

Sunoco self-serve gas station pump island with overhead canopy displaying distances to Toronto 1350 km and Ottawa 1400 km, four pump stations visible

Convenience store interior with fluorescent lighting, refrigerated beverage coolers along left wall, center aisles stocked with chips and snack foods

We wanted to check out the Terry Fox Memorial on the way back. I had visited on my first trip to Thunder Bay, but Ryan had never visited it before.

Mackenzie Point Conservation Area entrance sign with blue Lakehead Region Conservation Authority branding, multiple information boards and no fires warning, lake visible behind

Lake Superior rocky shoreline with waves breaking over flat bedrock formations, densely forested island in middle distance, distant peninsula on horizon

Active wave action washing over weathered bedrock shoreline with moss and lichen growth, forested coastline across calm bay waters

Terry Fox memorial statue in bronze showing runner in mid-stride atop white stone pedestal, flanked by commemorative walls, Canadian flag and regional flag flying behind

We rolled into Thunder Bay and checked into the Prince Arthur Hotel.

Multi-story red brick historic hotel building with ground-floor retail including Torside business signage, decorative flower planters on sidewalk corner

Hotel room with queen bed white linens, patterned carpet runner, dark wood dresser with flat-screen TV, window with layered curtains and air conditioning unit

We headed down to Port Arthur and checked out the views of the marina and lake.

Elevated harbor view showing marina with sailboats, parking areas, railroad tracks with historic station building, Lake Superior waterfront with cargo ships visible

Downtown aerial view with beige multi-story office buildings, large paved parking lot with white city transit bus, mix of commercial and residential structures

We soon realized we were hungry. So we started heading downtown to the restaurant district. Babylon looked pretty cool from the outside, so we decided to check it out. Plus, it had a good rating on Google Maps.

Modern bar interior with customers lined along illuminated wooden counter, dramatic red fabric draping from industrial ceiling, contemporary lighting design

Two specialty hot dogs in cardboard boxes on wooden serving board with beverage cup, one topped with wavy sauce lines and other with white drizzle and toppings

Hand holding partially eaten frosted pastry or donut with white glaze coating revealing cake interior

After eating, we decided to check out downtown Thunder Bay some more.

Thunder Bay City Hall modern architectural building with cylindrical glass tower section, decorative fountain installation in brick plaza, flags and landscaping

Contemporary government or civic building with dark glass facade and concrete elements, three flagpoles with flags, concrete security bollards along street

Maltese restaurant single-story gray building advertising Greek and Italian cuisine plus ice cream, metal railing along entrance ramp

I'm a sucker for a good Starbucks, so I made a quick stop.

Store window advertisement painted with "WE OFFER 100's OF LOCAL PRODUCTS" message, hand-drawn food illustrations including bread cheese and prepared dishes

Starbucks Coffee shop in modern building with distinctive peaked roof architecture, large windows, outdoor seating area, spacious parking lot

We hung out at the waterfront and watched the sunset over Lake Superior. It was a very cool experience!

Elevated evening harbor view showing marina with boats, large parking lot with vehicles including yellow bus, covered walkway structure, Lake Superior in distance with islands on horizon

Lively outdoor pedestrian dining area at dusk with brick paver street, people seated at tables under umbrellas, downtown storefronts and street lights illuminated

We decided to cap the night off with some drinks at The Waterhouse. Megan was able to join us while we were there.

Restaurant interior wall with large "WATERHOUSE" text stenciled in black on orange-painted surface, small dark tables with chairs against wood paneling

Caesar cocktail in glass with salted rim, red-orange liquid, garnished with pickle spear and lime wedges, straw inserted

Restaurant booth selfie of three people smiling with various beer cans on table, decorative sailboat model and light switch panel mounted on orange wall behind

We headed back to the hotel after a little bit. Ryan went home while I headed to bed. It was a full day, and I was tired.

I woke up Sunday morning and checked out of the hotel. I made a stop at Metro because I knew I wouldn't have time next week before I headed home. I also walked around the downtown area a little bit.

Downtown street at night illuminated by streetlights, two and three-story commercial buildings lining both sides, planters with pink flowers, empty pavement

Metro grocery store exterior during daytime with red signage, gray building facade, busy parking lot with multiple vehicles

White plastic shopping bag on beige car seat interior containing visible chip packages in red and blue packaging

The previous night, Ryan and I made plans to meet up again on Monday. I had gotten some new ideas on places to check out. We decided we'd check out Cook County and meet up with some other friends that we hadn't seen in a while.

I drove down to the border and headed back to Wisconsin. The border crossing was a bit easier than the first time. The border patrol was still concerned I crossed too late. However, they did let me go after a few questions. I drove back to Wisconsin and enjoyed my week off of work.

Come the next Friday, August 20th, 2021, I headed back to the border. This time I was crossing at a decent hour.

Modern visitor center building with distinctive curved metal roof and solar panels, curved concrete walkway with compass rose medallion inlay, surrounded by evergreen forest

Just like last week, I made a stop in Cook County to officially visit the courthouse.

Cook County Court House neoclassical building with cream brick facade, tall white columns supporting front portico, central entrance with steps, manicured lawn

I headed back west towards the Ontario border and hopped over to my familiar Metro parking lot.

Grand neoclassical courthouse with limestone facade, massive columned portico, ornate triangular pediment with decorative details, ceremonial front steps, silver sedan parked on street

Divided highway view from vehicle showing northbound lanes, green highway exit signs in distance, dense forest flanking both shoulders under partly cloudy sky

I made sure to pick up some groceries and do some snacking throughout the weekend. Here's what I picked up.

Canadian grocery items arranged on light wood table including condiment bottles, Ruffles potato chips, Smarties candy, Waffle Crisps, ketchup bag, and other snack packages

I stayed at a friend's place for the weekend and also got to hang out with her dog.

White pointer-type dog with black spots on green leash sniffing grass strip between sidewalk sections, casting shadow on pavement

I woke up Saturday morning and the car wouldn't start. I had left the headlights on overnight. The good thing is my friend had some jumper cables. The bad thing is it was so humid out that we were exhausted after a few minutes of work. We got the car started and decided to drive around for a little bit to charge the battery.

Silver Ford Focus with hood raised in residential garage interior showing engine compartment, gardening tools hanging on wood-paneled wall

I didn't want to have the same issue again. After driving around for a while, I decided I should buy a spare battery. That way, I'd have more peace of mind if this happened again. I headed to Shoppers Drug Mart to buy one.

White colonial-style pharmacy building with classical pediment displaying "PHARMACY" text, American flag on pole, foundation plantings with trimmed shrubs

After that hiccup was resolved, I met Ryan. We started our long drive to Fort Frances.

Highway driving view with vehicle ahead on multi-lane road, puffy cumulus clouds overhead, dense evergreen forest borders, yellow warning or information signs visible

Sinclair gas station with distinctive green and white branding at sunset, multiple fuel pump islands under canopy, portable restroom and recreational vehicle visible

Turquoise-painted brontosaurus/sauropod dinosaur sculpture positioned among large decorative boulders on grass roadside display, birch forest background

We turned onto ON-61 and continued our road trip.

Car dashboard display showing Trip 1 statistics: 352.7 miles traveled at 45.2 MPG average fuel economy, 189 miles remaining range, 82°F outside temperature, and 115,776 total miles on the odometer

Interior view of the Silver Creek Cliff tunnel entrance with orange lighting illuminating the curved roadway and stone archway entrance

Two-lane highway stretching ahead through northern forest landscape with Highway 61 sign visible in the distance under partly cloudy skies

Ontario Highway 61 North shield sign with crown at night, illuminated by street lights at a highway junction

We made a quick stop at the Metro grocery store in Thunder Bay to use the bathroom.

Metro grocery store exterior at night, featuring red Metro signage on a modern glass-fronted building with outdoor seating area

I wanted to see if there was a good view of the Sleeping Giant from the car, so we stopped to see if we could take a picture from the parking lot. Sadly, the moon was just a bit too bright and washed everything out.

Moonlit view of Sleeping Giant rock formation rising above Lake Superior shoreline with moon reflection on the water

Rural gravel road intersection at night with power lines overhead and illuminated road sign, surrounded by dense forest

Ryan and I agreed to meet at 6 AM this time. Instead of heading east, we were planning on heading west. We'd visit Atikokan and Fort Frances. I picked Ryan up, and we hit the road. We made it to ON-11 and started a long drive west.

Highway 11 West shield sign with Ontario Trans-Canada Highway trillium marker at dawn or dusk, with forested landscape in background

Green distance sign showing kilometers to Atikokan (139), Fort Frances (278), and Rainy River (371)

Along the way, we discovered where the Atlantic and Arctic watersheds meet.

Atlantic Watershed interpretive sign at elevation 1660 feet, explaining that streams from this point flow south into the Atlantic Ocean, with map of Great Lakes region

Arctic Watershed interpretive sign at elevation 1660 feet, explaining that streams from this point flow north into the Arctic Ocean, with map of Great Lakes region

Eventually, it started to rain. In many ways, the rain was good since there were a lot of wildfires around the area. We could smell the smoke in certain places, so it was good to know some relief was in sight.

Rain-covered windshield view while driving through forested area on overcast day

We finally made it to the Rainy River District "county" line. You could tell it was a bit rainy at that time, so it lived up to its name.

Blue District of Rainy River road sign along highway with rock cut and forest in background

Eventually, the sun did come out.

Straight two-lane highway stretching toward horizon under dramatic cloudy sky with sun breaking through, flanked by northern Ontario forest

Right outside of Fort Frances was this little island next to the bridge. So we stopped and checked that out.

Wide water body with long bridge or causeway visible in distance, transmission tower on left, under cloudy sky with sunlight reflecting on water

Lake Superior shoreline view through pine and deciduous trees from elevated vantage point, with distant shore visible across the water

Expansive view of Lake Superior or large lake with islands visible in distance, rocky shoreline in foreground, under cloudy sky with transmission tower visible

Rocky Lake Superior shoreline in foreground with long bridge structure spanning water in background under partly cloudy sky

After a short stop of taking pictures, we made it into Fort Frances.

Downtown Fort Frances main street with decorative lamp posts featuring maple leaf designs, empty parking spaces, and mix of commercial buildings under cloudy sky

I found the city hall so I could officially count the Rainy River District.

Modern white commercial building with dark-framed windows displaying "320 PORTAGE" signage, featuring black awnings and paved brick courtyard with small landscaping beds

Five flags flying on tall poles including Indigenous flag, white flag, red Ontario flag, American flag, and Canadian flag, with trees and brick building visible in background

As we looked around, we saw someone else had made the long drive from Thunder Bay.

Pink food truck with "BARBECUE" branding and cartoon pig playing guitar graphic on side panel, parked in paved lot under cloudy sky

It was interesting checking out the marina and staring across the river into the USA.

White pavilion building marked as Chamber of Fort Frances with picnic tables in front, Canadian and American flags flying, and pink flower beds, under dramatic cloudy sky

Waterfront boardwalk promenade with decorative lamp posts along marina filled with boats, parking area visible on right side

Wide expanse of Rainy River or Lake of the Woods with forested shoreline visible in distance under partly cloudy sky with dramatic cloud formations

We also drove up the road and checked out this campground\beach.

Gravel parking area along waterfront with white split-rail fence, scattered trees, and wide water body visible under overcast sky

Sandy beach with concrete retaining wall along wide water body, tree-lined shore on left side, under overcast gray sky

Solitary sparse tree standing on rocky shoreline with wide water body stretching to horizon under cloudy sky

We then stopped by Safeway for a snack before we headed to Atikokan.

Safeway grocery store exterior featuring signature arched entrance, stone accent pillars, and covered walkway under overcast sky

Hand holding single pepperoni stick inside car with tan leather interior visible in background

Hand holding piece of orange cheddar cheese inside car with dashboard and interior visible in background

We started heading back on ON-11, and my tire pressure light came on. The lower temperatures must have brought the pressure down a little bit. Luckily, there was a gas station with air that I could fill the tires up.

Car dashboard display showing low tire pressure warning icon and message, 61°F temperature, Trip 1 data, and 186999 kilometers on odometer

Shell gas station with white pickup truck at fuel pumps, red metal-sided convenience store building on right, under overcast sky

Weathered vintage gas pump mounted on wooden post against red metal building exterior, with gravel ground and weeds growing around base

Hand using brass tire pressure gauge on Continental tire valve stem, with alloy wheel visible

One thing you always need to be aware of when driving in the Ontario wilderness is your fuel levels. They even remind you along the way since services are very limited.

Yellow highway warning sign reading "Check Your Fuel Level" and "Limited Services" with gas pump icon, surrounded by forest along roadside

We made it to Atikokan and decided to check the town out a little bit and find a place to eat.

Blue highway sign reading "Town of Atikokan Population 2800" and "SAFE COMMUNITY" designation along curved highway with guardrails and forest

Downtown Atikokan main street with decorative lamp posts featuring Canadian flag banners, parked vehicles, and mixed commercial buildings under partly cloudy sky

Downtown Atikokan street scene with Walls furniture store prominently visible, parked cars along wide street, lamp posts, and various commercial buildings under partly cloudy sky

The only restaurant that appeared to be open was The Outdoorsman Restaurant.

Restaurant interior with wood-paneled walls, purple vinyl booth seating, Indigenous chief artwork on wall, and drop ceiling with fluorescent lighting

I got some poutine, and Ryan got a cheese pizza.

Plate of crinkle-cut french fries topped with ground beef, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes and onions on wooden table

Baked pizza in round metal pan cut into eight slices with melted cheese topping, served on wooden restaurant table

After eating, we hit the road and were soon back in the Thunder Bay District.

Blue highway sign reading "District of Thunder Bay" along two-lane highway with forest on both sides under partly cloudy sky

We did have a long drive to get back to Thunder Bay, but we were able to stop a few times and take in the scenery.

Silver Ford Focus sedan parked at gravel pullout overlooking wide water body with forested islands visible in distance under blue sky

Gravel shoreline access area with vegetation and small trees leading to calm water body with dense coniferous forest on opposite shore

Calm lake or river view with forested peninsula extending into water, evergreen trees prominent on shoreline under partly cloudy sky

When we got back to Thunder Bay, I dropped Ryan off. I needed to head back to Wisconsin in the early morning, and the stores I wanted to go to wouldn't be open. So I made sure to stop by Eatlocal Pizza to buy some hot sauce and also Metro.

Vertical business sign panel showing Nucci's Bake A Deli, Red River Dental, eatlocal pizza with phone number, and chiropractor Dr. Robert M. Roussel

Metro Thunder Bay grocery store exterior with large red signage on modern building, full parking lot with shopping carts visible, under clear blue sky

I then wanted to check into the Prince Arthur but found out they didn't have any rooms. So I drove over the Prince Arthur's Landing to devise a plan.

Small boat launch facility with concrete ramp and wooden floating docks extending into calm water, sailboat marina visible in background under cloudy sky

Wild shoreline vegetation including yellow wildflowers and purple fireweed with Lake Superior stretching to horizon under partly cloudy sky

Lake Superior waterfront view through natural vegetation showing modern multi-story residential buildings and marina with boats across the water at dusk

I decided I'd meet up with Ryan and another buddy, Matt, at The Hodder. I'd then head back to the USA and find a rest stop to sleep at. I had some time to kill, so I headed over to that boat landing by Mt. McKay. It had gotten windy, and the smoke from the fires blew a bunch of smoke into Thunder Bay. The whole town smelled like a campfire.

Sleeping Giant rock formation rising above Lake Superior with forested shoreline in foreground, viewed across calm water under partly cloudy sky

I then picked Ryan and Matt up, and we went to The Hodder. I had a soda to caffeinate a little bit, and we talked for a while.

The Hodder bar entrance in brick building featuring gray double doors with rock hand gesture logos, signage above entrance

Indoor selfie of three people wearing face masks in restaurant or bar setting with wood paneling visible in background

I dropped Ryan and Matt back off at home and then headed for the border. This border crossing ended up being interesting. It was around 11 PM. With the border is still closed for Canadians, I think I caught the US border guards off guard. I assumed nobody was really crossing around that time.

I had to wait a few minutes before they finally came out of the border shack and waved me to come forward. After that, I could tell I had the full attention of every border guard working there. In a short amount of time, they surrounded my car.

I was grilled with questions as they searched my car with me in it. The whole crossing took a while, but I was happy they finally let me cross so I could make my way back down to Wisconsin.

Illuminated walkway at night with decorative pavement pattern leading to buildings, wooden welcome sign visible on grass area

I drove for about an hour and found a rest stop to sleep at. I did catch a few pictures before going to bed.

Silhouette of tall pine trees backlit by setting sun with Lake Superior visible through tree trunks at dusk

Evening moonlight scene with moon and reflection on Lake Superior waters, silhouetted evergreen and deciduous trees in foreground

The interesting thing is my phone never changed back from Eastern to Central time. So I ended up waking up an hour early and hitting the road. I guess that was good because I was on a time crunch to get to Marshfield for my dad's birthday.

Dashboard view driving on Highway 11 with straight two-lane road ahead, Ontario highway shield sign visible, forest flanking both sides under clear blue sky

Dashboard view of divided highway with concrete median barrier, street lights, and green highway sign visible ahead under clear blue sky with scattered trees on horizon

I made it to my parents' house a bit early, and Victoria drove up from Madison. We celebrated with the standard Wisconsin fare.

Breakfast plate with hot dog topped with sauerkraut and condiments, small hamburger slider, scrambled eggs, and strips of beef jerky arranged on white disposable plate with plastic fork

After we left my parents, I decided to take the scenic way back. I figured I had seen some Canadian wilderness, so I'd take WIS-80 and see some Wisconsin wilderness.

Dashboard view of two-lane rural highway with white speed limit sign showing "South 80" and no passing zone sign, flanked by dense deciduous forest on both sides

After I got back, I unloaded my Canadian groceries.

Assortment of Canadian snacks displayed on wooden shelf including beer cans, Kraft Dinner mac and cheese boxes, Maltesers, Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate, Hawkins Cheezies, Hickory Sticks, 50-pack candy box, Crispers, Selection party mix, Ruffles chips, and Cadbury variety pack

Ryan had also given me some records, so I knew I was going to be busy listening to some good music. Of course, I'd also enjoy all the Canadian food I bought.

Collection of vinyl record albums on wooden surface including Cheap Trick at Budokan, John Fogerty Centerfield, The Guess Who Best Of compilation, Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band album, and commemorative silver-colored album or plate

I can say it was a heck of an adventure! I got to check out both the Thunder Bay and Rainy River Districts. I clocked nearly 3,000 miles and over 50 hours of driving. I got to see a ton of stuff, and it was awesome catching up with friends that I hadn't seen in forever in person!

2 Weekends in a Row in Northwest Ontario

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