Take the Scenic Route: A Fall Road Trip Through the Magnetawan Watershed

There is something special about fall in Cottage Country, and especially within the Magnetawan River watershed. The air turns cool and crisp, the quiet roads run beneath canopies of red and gold, and calm lakes reflect forests transformed by the season.

Fall is the perfect time to slow down and explore this beautiful part of Ontario by foot and by car. Tucked between North Bay and Sudbury to the north and Muskoka to the south. The starting location for this beautiful tour in Burk’s Falls is a short 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Barrie, and only 3 hours from Toronto.

Photo Credit: Shelby Mahon

Instead of rushing toward a single destination, make the drive part of the adventure. Follow the Magnetawan Watershed from Lake Bernard in Sundridge all the way to Georgian Bay in Parry Sound, a scenic fall road trip filled with colourful forests, winding backroads and welcoming communities.

The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours, but give yourself plenty of extra time to explore. Pull over safely at scenic spots, take a short walk, browse local shops or enjoy lunch in one of the small communities along the way. Every stop offers a chance to experience the character of the region and every purchase supports the local people and businesses that make it so special.

With brilliant fall colours around every bend, this journey is a wonderful way to celebrate the beauty of the Magnetawan Watershed. Slow down, stay curious and let the road lead you to something unexpected.

See below for route info and be sure to check out our Google Maps tour for the exact route details: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2D1rxLhJpxtBkjur9 

Traveling on Highway 11 Begin in Burk’s Falls

Burk’s Falls is an ideal first stop, with the Magnetawan River flowing through the heart of the village. In autumn, the river, rocky shoreline, and surrounding trees create a beautiful and colour filled introduction to the watershed.

Take a walk along the river, enjoy the views, and explore the village at a relaxed pace. Browse local boutiques such as Circling Hawk, a locally owned shop and community wellness space offering crystals, gemstones, jewellery, incense, candles, books, décor, and more.

Stop for a bite at Burk’s Falls Café & Grill, which is open for breakfast and lunch and offers a straightforward menu featuring hearty breakfast options. You can also pick up a freshly baked treat from Savour This… Artisan Bakery, located downtown on Ontario Street.

Continue to Sundridge 

Travel north along Berriedale Road North to South Bernard Lake Road for a scenic drive around the shores of Lake Bernard. This western edge of the Almaguin Highlands is sure to take your breathe away. The sparkling water and surrounding hills are especially beautiful when autumn colours reach their peak.

Finish your lakeside tour in Sundridge, a welcoming village and an ideal place to stop and explore. Stretch your legs along the waterfront, browse local businesses, or visit the family owned Copperhead Distillery, a local craft distillery at 68 Tower Road. For lunch, head to the retro Double Decker, known for its homemade burgers, poutine, pulled-pork and chicken sandwiches, along with soft-serve ice cream, milkshakes, and sundaes.

Follow Highway 124 to Magnetawan

From Sundridge, follow Highway 124 west toward Magnetawan. Take a quick turn south on to highway 510  This portion of the trip is a highlight in itself, with forest-lined roads, lakes, wetlands and exposed Canadian Shield creating a classic Northern Ontario landscape.

Slow down and enjoy the changing scenery, but only pull over in designated or safe areas. Wildlife is often active during the fall, particularly around dawn and dusk, so remain alert behind the wheel.

In the Village of Magnetawan, spend time near the river and explore the historic locks, dam and waterfront. The Magnetawan River is not simply a scenic backdrop, it has played an important role in shaping the community and connecting the broader watershed. Be sure to stop by Magnetawarn Bait and Tackle for a snack and drink before heading over to Old Man’s Creek Nature Reserve for a scenic waterfall  trail owned and managed by the Magnetawan Watershed Land Trust off of Ahmic Lake Road. Please note the parking is very limited at the trail access point. 

Complete your visit with a stop at a local restaurant, shop or seasonal business. You might find a warm drink, a comforting lunch, regional artwork or a souvenir that captures the character of the area.

 Travel West to McKellar

After a great hike and photo op continue south along Highway 124 toward McKellar. This section of highway winds through small lakes, thriving forests and rugged Canadian Shield rock formations that create some of the route’s most memorable autumn scenery.

The McKellar area is a peaceful slice of paradise during this quieter time of year. With less summer traffic, visitors can take their time appreciating the colourful shorelines, sheltered bays and brilliant foliage surrounding Lake Manitouwabing and the area’s other lakes.Tour down Centre Road, and over to Hurdville Road for a brilliant tour with several lakeside views and bridge crossings. 

Photo Credit: Shelby Mahon

Continue Toward Parry Sound

From McKellar, take Highway 124 south toward Parry Sound and the Georgian Bay coast. Along the way, the landscape gradually changes as rugged Canadian Shield terrain becomes more prominent. This area lies within the Georgian Bay Biosphere, a UNESCO-designated biosphere region recognized for its exceptional natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural significance.

Parry Sound makes a convenient place to stop for a delicious meal at the extremely popular Trestle Brewing Company. Located beside the historic railway trestle overlooking the Seguin River, the Trestle offers scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant serves house-brewed beer alongside a changing menu of comfort food and locally inspired dishes. 

Browse independently owned stores like the charming Moon River Apothecary, Georgian Bay Whole Foods or the recently viral Bearly Used Books all located along James Street! 

This is also a great location to  spend some time near the waterfront. Take a tour of the 30,000 Island aboard the Island Queen for a truly spectacular view of the lake and fall colours. 

Parry Sound is larger than the other communities along the route and can serve as an overnight destination for travellers who would rather divide the loop into two leisurely days.

Return Along Highway 518

From the Parry Sound area, begin the return journey east along Highway 518. This scenic road passes through a landscape of forests, lakes, wetlands and rocky outcrops before reaching Highway 11.

This is a historically important region during the pioneer days. Highway 518 intersects the historic Old Nipissing Road, in Seguin Falls. This road is a legendary 19th-century colonization route in the Parry Sound District that once brought waves of hopeful pioneer settlers into the rough backwoods. Take a step back in time and check out the Seguin Falls, the Seguin Falls Cemetery and local backroads. 

This drive is particularly striking in autumn, when the route is surrounded by deep green conifers and brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red. Allow plenty of time and avoid rushing. 

Photo Credit: Shelby Mahon

For travellers on Highway 11, this scenic loop begins in Burk’s Falls or Sundridge. It then follows Highway 124 west through Magnetawan and McKellar toward Parry Sound before returning east along Highway 518 through Orrville and the Township of McMurrich/Monteith. From there, the route reconnects with Highway 11. 

If you are traveling along Trans Canada highway you can hop on at the 518 just south of Parry Sound and find yourself ending back in Parry Sound at the north end of the town on Highway 124.

A fall drive through the Magnetawan watershed region is about much more than colourful leaves. It is a chance to follow quiet highways through forests and wetlands, visit welcoming communities and meet the independent business owners who give each town its personality.

Cellular service may be limited along portions of the route, so download directions before leaving. Check the weather, road conditions and business hours, and make sure your vehicle has enough fuel for the more rural stretches of the journey.

Take the scenic route. Stop often. Shop locally. And let the autumn colours of the Magnetawan watershed remind you why this remarkable landscape deserves to be enjoyed, respected and protected.