Northern Ontario’s Superior Country is where untouched wilderness, charming small towns and warm northern hospitality come together. But the region’s biggest surprise? Its down to earth eateries, homemade treats and inviting locals making it all happen.
From shoreline picnics to legendary pie shops, Superior Country invites you to travel with your taste buds in tow. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to two irresistible ways to explore the area: the Superior Picnics and the Superior Pie Path. Grab your fork and let’s dive in!
Want to jump ahead? No worries!
Where is Superior Country?
Superior Country stretches across the northern shores of Lake Superior, starting south of Thunder Bay to the Pigeon River border and west to Quetico Park, heading out towards communities like Nipigon, Red Rock, Dorion, Schreiber, Terrace Bay and Manitouwadge. Known for epic views, outdoor adventure and a laid-back pace, this region is also quietly serving up some of Ontario’s most memorable small-town eats.
Superior Picnics
Designed for road-trippers, day-hikers and food lovers alike, Superior Picnics make it easy to enjoy a delicious, locally-made meal in some of the Superior Country’s most beautiful settings. Each participating eatery crafts a signature takeout option, ready to be enjoyed at nearby beaches, lookouts, marinas, and parks. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure for the hungry explorer. With seven picnic tables spread out in optimal locations through out the region, you can count on epic views and epic chews.
Stop 1: Nipigon
Where to picnic: Nipigon Marina, 2 Brennen Drive, Nipigon, ON (View Map)
What to eat: Grab the Smokie + Blueberry Lemonade from Ducky’s Diner
Sink your teeth into a juicy, perfectly grilled smokie sausage! This nostalgic northern classic hits the spot after a drive or a walk along the waterfront and these ones happen to be sourced locally from Zechners Food Market where they’re made fresh. Pair it with a tangy-sweet blueberry lemonade, made with local berries for a refreshing sip of summer (even in the fall). Fancy a little fun? Check out some of the other epic menu items at Ducky’s Diner like cotton candy milkshakes, ooey gooey breakfast sandwiches and more.
With your picnic in tow, head to the Nipigon Marina, where you may be lucky enough to catch site of a blue heron or pelican alongside ducks and loons. With a view of the iconic cable bridge looming large, it’s a peaceful place to kick back and enjoy the view (smokie in hand, of course).
Stop 2: Red Rock
Where to Picnic: The Red Rock Marina, 7 Park Rd, Red Rock, ON (View Map)
What to Eat: The Chipper from Log Driver Café or Blueberry Goat Cheese Clucker Wrap from Melly Bee’s (or both!)
Grab lunch and pull up a seat (so to speak, really just plop your butt down at the picnic table) at Red Rock Marina! Right on the breakwater wall, you’ll have sweeping views of Nipigon Bay on Lake Superior. Just park at the Interpretive Centre on site and follow the path right to the end of the breakwall.
Now, let’s talk food because you have options! The Chipper from Log Driver Café is an homage to the area’s logging history. This stacked sandwich features two slices of Canadian Rye bread topped with sliced turkey, lettuce, red onion, Havarti, spicy mustard aioli and Ontario vine tomatoes. Served up with a side of jalapeno kettle chips, it’s pretty much the ultimate lunch. Oh psst! This stop is also known for their cinnamon buns so you may want to order a few of those in advance too!
Prefer something lighter? No problem! The Blueberry Goat Cheese Clucker from Melly Bee’s is a great option. This fresh little number is stuffed with greens, cucumber, crispy fried chicken, Orangeville goat cheese and a smattering of local blueberry preserves from Terry Windover.
Stop 3: Dorion
Where to Picnic: Hurkett Cove Conservation Area, Black Bay Rd, Dorion, ON (View Map)
What to Eat: Classic Hamburger and Fries from the Grill Shack
Is there anything better than a hamburger pulled fresh off the grill? Of course! Enjoying that hamburger lake-side of course. Park in the lot of the conservation area ($5.00 fee that goes right back to the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority) and head to the picnic table which offers sweeping views of Lake Superior. When you’re done, you can check out the nature trail on site and some interpretive signage as well.
Now let’s talk burger and fries. Sometimes, simple is best. The Grill Shack’s classic hamburger and golden fries are the perfect roadside comfort food, made with quality beef and that nostalgic, char-grilled taste. Sourced from nearby Wolf River Farm, you can taste that farm-fresh taste.
The Grill Shack is located inside Canyon Country Co-Op and we highly recommend popping into the co-op before you head to your picnic spot to grab some other tasty farm products home with you.
Stop 4: Schreiber
Where to Picnic: Schreiber Beach, 436 Isbester Dr, Schreiber, ON (View Map)
What to Eat: The Breeze Assorted Sub from Breeze Bakery
Fresh-baked bread, deli meats, crisp veggies, and secret sauces; what more could you ask for? The Assorted Sub from Breeze Bakery is made daily with care, offering a satisfying, no-fuss lunch perfect for a beach break. Unroll your blanket at Schreiber Beach or grab a seat at the aforementioned picnic table, where you’ll find smooth rocks, gentle waves and space to unwind while you dig in.
Stop 5: Terrace Bay
Where to Picnic: Terrace Bay Beach, Beach Rd, Terrace Bay, ON (View Map)
What to Eat: Summer Berry Salad from Drifters
Light, colourful and bursting with flavour, the Summer Berry Salad from Drifters combines seasonal berries with crisp greens, creamy cheese, avocado and a house-made citrus vinaigrette. Fresh and uber crisp, it’s the perfect meal for those warmer fall days by the water!
Once you have your to-go salad, head to Terrace Bay Beach to enjoy it! The Superior Picnic Table is located at the far end of the beach overlooking sweeping views of Lake Superior right at the end of the beach’s boardwalk. Now all you have to do is kick back, stab your fork in and enjoy!
Stop 6: Manitouwadge
Where to Picnic: Manitouwadge Lookout, 3 Ski Hill Rd, Manitouwadge, ON (View Map)
What to Eat: Bacon Bun from Lenny Lou’s Bakery or Clubhouse BLT from Clubhouse Bar & Grille
If you’re up for a bit of a hike (about 20 minutes), you’ll be richly rewarded at the Manitouwadge Lookout and your picnic will taste even better with a view like this. From this vantage point, you’ll be able to see the entire town of Manitouwadge. That being said, since you’re going the extra mile for this picnic, why not pick up two little treats for yourself?
Get started by grabbing a freshly baked bacon bun from Lenny Lou’s. These bad boys are staples for Manitouwadge locals and have been so for years! Made-in-house dough is rolled in cheesy bacon goodness and baked on site so you’re guaranteed a fresh, soft and mouthwatering bite!
Not far away, The Clubhouse Bar and Grille at the Manitouwadge Golf Course serves up one hell of a BLT. Made on fresh white bread baked over at Lenny Lou’s, it’s stuffed with bacon lettuce and tomato (of course) and served with a side “skinny” salad featuring baby spinach, spring greens, slivered red onions, blueberries, feta cheese, pecans and raspberry vinaigrette! There you have it: a full meal and a snack.
Stop 7: Marathon
Where to Picnic: Pebble Beach, 39 Howe St, Marathon, ON (View Map)
What to Eat: Dealer’s choice!
We’d be remiss if we didn’t let you in on one of the best picnic tables of them all, Pebble Beach! While there isn’t a picnic in Marathon to order, if you’ve been road tripping and stashing snacks, this is the perfect spot to enjoy them. If not, perhaps you fancy a dip! This beach is (no surprise) made of smooth, beautiful pebbles. You don’t want to miss it!
Superior Pie Path
Love pie? You’re in the right place. The Superior Pie Path is a culinary route through Superior Country that highlights some of the region’s best pie spots—from classic fruit pies to meat pies and creative dessert slices.
Whether you’re after flaky crusts or comforting fillings, the Superior Pie Path is a must-do detour for anyone who believes a meal isn’t complete without dessert.
Stop 1: Silver Islet General Store
Where: Silver Islet General Store, ON-587, Thunder Bay, Unorganized, ON (View Map)
Step inside this charming 140-year-old general store near Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, and you’ll be greeted with the smell of fresh baking and old-timey ambiance. Their homemade pies, made with love and local fruit are the stuff of legend. Enjoy a slice on the porch with lake views or take one to-go for a post-hike treat.
Best known for their wild blueberry seasonal pie, if you find yourself in Silver Islet in the late summer, you won’t regret stopping in for a slice. Don’t forget to try some of their other specialties while you’re there like homemade cinnamon buns and wild-foraged tea.
Stop 2: Ducky’s Diner in Nipigon
Where: Ducky’s Diner, 522 Trans-Canada Hwy #11-17, Nipigon, ON (View Map)
Known for more than just great picnics, Ducky’s Diner serves up a rotating selection of sweet treats but their Superior Pie Path staple is the Apple Pie Sundae. Think fresh apples and cinnamon, vanilla ice cream and a creamy sweet sauce. Each one is a little slice of comfort to sweeten your day.
Stop 3: Drifter’s in Terrace Bay
Where: 3 Simcoe Plaza, Terrace Bay, ON (View Map)
Drifters doesn’t mess around when it comes to dessert. Their pie offerings, often seasonal and always made from scratch, pair beautifully with a cup of coffee after a meal. From strawberry-rhubarb to silky lemon meringue, their pies case are always worth a peek.
Stop 4: Thunder Bay Country Market
Where: Thunder Bay Country Market, 425 Northern Ave, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
It’s time for a two-for-one! If you’re in Thunder Bay on a market day (that’s Wednesdays from 3:30-6:30 and Saturdays from 8am-1pm), don’t miss this. Two Path stops call the market home.
Visit The Little Pie Shop for savoury meat pies packed with flavour (perfect for road lunches) first. We recommend grabbing their classic chicken pot pie for those chillier fall days!
Next, check out Pieology, where delightful little hand pies are the name of the game. We highly recommend having one in each hand because life is about balance (right?). Crusts are buttery, fillings are generous and creativity is off the charts. You’ll find both sweet and savoury options here that could easily become your new favourite pie and a menu that rotates with the seasons.
From campfire breakfast pies with bacon, eggs, sausage, baked beans and Heartbeat Hot Sauce to Shepherd’s hand pies and sweet options like bumbleberry (that’s apple, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and sugar) and garden-grown rhubarb hand pies, you don’t want to miss it!
Want more spots to grab a bite in Thunder Bay? Check out this blog!
Your Taste Buds will Thank You!
Whether you dive headfirst into the Superior Pie Path or go for a leisurely Superior Picnic trip, we know your taste buds will thank you! Heck, why not try both?
