In the wise and cautious words of TLC, they say not to go chasing waterfalls. That may be good advice, but in my even wiser words, I highly recommend you go chasing picnic tables across Superior Country.
Enjoy Superior Picnics
Superior Picnics is your gateway to discovering the deliciousness that awaits at mom-and-pop shops and community-loved restaurants along the beautiful Highway 17 in Northern Ontario. Trust us when we say the beauty and vast array of green and Canadian Shield will take your breath away as you make your way around Superior Country.
What is Superior Country Picnics? It’s a selection of local restaurants offering delicious take-out picnic specials to bring to 7 picnic tables scattered throughout Superior Country in scenic locations.
Read on to discover them all by destination:
Whether you’re starting from Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, or just across the border in Minnesota or Michigan, Superior Picnics offer a scenic and delicious route to explore.
We begin our picnic adventure in Dorion, Ontario!
Dorion Picnic with Grill Shack Burger and Fresh-Cut Fries
Where to get your picnic: Canyon Country Co-op
Where to enjoy your picnic: Hurkett Cove Conservation Area
Let’s get this picnic adventure started. Head over to Dorion for a burger that’ll make you rethink everything you know about roadside eats.
The Grill Shack is all about juicy bites and big views. Located at the Canyon Country Co-op, just a few minutes past the turnoff to Hurkett Cove, this is where you’ll pick up the Superior Picnic special, a stacked burger with fresh-cut fries that’s anything but ordinary.
This beauty is made with local beef from Wolf River Farms, just 15 minutes down the road. This burger was truly flavourful, fresh and grilled to perfection; it’s the kind of burger that’ll have you licking your fingers and wondering why you ever settled for anything less.
While you wait, check out the Co-op itself. It’s full of quirky finds, thoughtful gifts and local goodies worth browsing. Then, grab your meal and follow the signs toward the lake!
Take in the beautiful trails and nature as you enter Hurkett Cove Conservation Area. When the road ends, you’ll find one of the coolest picnic spots around. The Superior Picnics table sits near the edge of the water, giving you a front-row seat to Lake Superior’s natural magic. This spot is peaceful, scenic and perfect for digging into that burger while listening to the waves roll in.
And when you’re done? We recommend you stick around!
Stretch your legs with a stroll through the Hurkett Cove Nature Trail, take in the interpretive signs and keep your eyes peeled for birds. There’s even a dock with an EZ launch if you’re the paddling type. Just note there’s a small $5 fee that goes toward keeping this conservation area looking its best.
Red Rock Picnic with The Chipper or a Blueberry Goat Cheese Wrap
Where to get your picnic: Log Driver Café
Where to enjoy your picnic: Red Rock Marina
Time to hit the Red Rock Marina, where rugged shoreline views meet small-town charm, and your picnic comes with a serious backdrop. The Superior Picnic table here is perched right on the breakwater wall, overlooking Nipigon Bay on Lake Superior. It’s a breezy, open-air spot where you might spot bald eagles soaring overhead while you dig into lunch.
To get there, turn into the marina at the Red Rock Marina sign and park at the Interpretive Centre. Follow the path to the right, all the way to the end of the break wall. You’ll find your table with a view, and trust us, it’s one you won’t forget.
So, what’s for lunch? You’ve got two solid options, depending on your vibe.
First up is Log Driver Café, a community favourite known for cozy breakfasts, baked goods and coffee that hits just right. Their Superior Picnic special is called The Chipper (a tasty nod to Red Rock’s logging history).
This sandwich is stacked with sliced turkey, crisp lettuce, red onion and Ontario vine tomatoes. It’s layered between slices of Canadian rye with creamy Havarti and a spicy mustard aioli that brings a nice little kick. Paired with jalapeño kettle chips, it’s pretty much picnic perfection.
Looking for something lighter but still full of flavour? Take a quick 3-minute drive over to Melly Bee’s, located inside the Red Rock Recreation Centre. New to town this year, they’ve already made a name for themselves with fresh, bold eats.
Their picnic special? A blueberry and goat cheese wrap that hits all the right notes. It’s filled with fresh greens and cucumber, crispy chicken, creamy Orangeville goat cheese and just the right touch of local homemade blueberry preserves from Terry Windover. Sweet, tangy and refreshing, the goat cheese was a true standout, adding a creamy layer to the symphony of the wrap.
Once you’ve made your pick, head down to the marina and enjoy your meal with the waves, birds and breeze. Red Rock might be small, but it knows how to serve a picnic with a view.
Nipigon Picnic with a Smokie and Blueberry Lemonade from Ducky’s Diner
Where to get your picnic: Ducky’s Diner
Where to enjoy your picnic: Nipigon Marina
About 15 minutes north of Red Rock along Highway 17, you’ll roll into Nipigon, where more picnic magic is waiting. Whether you’re wrapping up your day or looking for one last lakeside bite, this stop brings the flavour and the views.
Let’s talk about Ducky’s Diner. This place doesn’t just serve food, it has fun with it. From cotton candy milkshakes to rainbow-bright salads and mozzarella sticks that are anything but average, Ducky’s is all about turning diner classics into something a little more delightful.
As part of the Superior Picnics lineup, Ducky’s serves up a local-favourite combo: the Smokie and Blueberry Lemonade. What’s that, you ask? It’s a juicy grilled garlic sausage from nearby Zechner’s Food Market, served up smokie-style with a bold savoury flavour Zechner’s is known for. Add a cup of handcrafted blueberry lemonade, bursting with wild berry goodness, and you’ve got yourself a meal made for summer.
While you’re waiting for your order, you need to treat yourself to one of Ducky’s over-the-top sundaes. We tried the cherry pie, blueberry pie with blueberry lemonade compote and the strawberry rhubarb. Yes, we’re still dreaming about them. Grab one and enjoy it on the patio while the team gets your picnic special ready. You’ll thank us later.
Once you’re stocked up, it’s time to make your way to the Nipigon Marina. The Superior Picnic table is located at the far end, near the accessible paddle docks, right alongside the mighty Nipigon River. With the Nipigon River Bridge as your backdrop, it’s the perfect place to dig into your smokie, sip that lemonade and take in the views!
Schreiber Beach Picnic with a Breeze Assorted Sub
Where to get your picnic: Breeze Bakery & Café
Where to enjoy your picnic: Schreiber Beach
About an hour southeast of Nipigon, you’ll roll into Schreiber, a lakeside town perched along the northernmost point of Lake Superior. Head on over to Breeze Bakery & Café, where they’re known for hearty eats like potstickers and rice, breakfast skillets and homemade soups. But today, we’re zoning in on their Breeze Assorted Sub because nothing says picnic like a sandwich that barely fits in your hands.
This sub is a tornado of flavour. Ham, turkey, salami and cheese are layered up with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, tangy pickles and sweet red onion, then finished with a drizzle of sub sauce, all stacked on their fresh, in-house baked bun. It’s big, it’s bold and it might just blow your taste buds away.
With your sandwich secured, it’s time for a beach day. Make your way to Schreiber Beach, where the Superior Picnics table is set up with a front-row seat to the lake. This beach is a mix of sand and rock, giving it that rugged northern vibe, and it’s the perfect spot to kick back, enjoy your sub and maybe dip your toes in the water to cool off.
After your picnic, stretch your legs with a short hike along a portion of the Casque Isles Trail. Follow it to the iconic Parks Canada Red Chairs and take in some of the best views around.
Need some help on how to get there? From the Golden Rail parking lot, turn right onto the highway, then make an immediate right onto Winnipeg Street. At the end, turn right onto Scotia Street, then left on Subway Street. Follow the signs and turn right after the railway bridge. It’s about 2 km to the beach, and worth the drive!
Next up, we’re headed to Terrace Bay!
Terrace Bay Picnic with Drifter Summer Berry Salad
Where to get your picnic: Drifters Restaurant
Where to enjoy your picnic: Terrace Bay Beach
Buckle in for a delicious, refreshing and protein-packed salad from Drifters Restaurant in Terrace Bay. This is a perfect meal to enjoy on a hot summer day or when you’re craving something a bit lighter. Head over to order or call ahead so it’s ready for you to take to beautiful Terrace Bay Beach.
Drifters is one of those spots that surprises you. It offers cozy accommodations, a convenient gas station and of course, the beloved Drifters Restaurant. Here, you’ll pick up the Superior Country Summer Berry Salad.
Next, make your way to the picnic table at Terrace Bay Beach.
Located right on the sand at the far end of the beach, this Superior Picnic table offers gorgeous front-row views of Lake Superior. You’ll find it at the end of the boardwalk. It’s truly the perfect spot to dig into your picnic with the waves as your backdrop.
Here’s why you’ll love this salad:
First off, the fresh fruit adds a bright punch to the taste buds. The strawberries, blueberries and mango truly add an incredible layer of flavours that complement the tender beef, and is a mix of sweet and tangy. This is also paired with creamy avocado and tender beef; it’s a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Don’t forget about the dressing. As you drizzle on that citrus gold, the aroma alone will make your mouth water. It ties everything together with a zesty finish.
Manitouwadge Picnic with Lenny Lou’s Bacon Bun and a BLT from the Clubhouse
Where to get your picnic: Lenny Lou’s & The Clubhouse Bar + Grille
Where to enjoy your picnic: Manitouwadge Lookout
Ready to chase another picnic table? Take a scenic detour about two hours northeast of Terrace Bay and roll into Manitouwadge, a town that might just steal your heart and fill your cooler.
First stop: Lenny Lou’s Bakery. You have to try their famous bacon bun. It’s golden brown, soft, cheesy and loaded with bacon, all rolled fresh right on site. It’s the kind of thing that deserves its own fan club!
Just down the road, grab the next part of your picnic from the Clubhouse Bar and Grille. Their Clubhouse BLT is a sandwich you already know and love, but this one’s got a twist. The white bread is baked fresh at Lenny Lou’s. You’re tasting the town, one layer at a time!
With your picnic in hand, head over to the Manitouwadge Lookout for some of the most stunning views in Superior Country. Choose your path, there’s everything from easy strolls to steeper climbs, and make your way to the lookout points that show off the wilderness in full panoramic glory.
Want to stretch your legs? Hike up to the Manitouwadge Lookout and earn those carbs. The views are worth every step, and the fresh northern air will leave you feeling like you just pressed life’s reset button. This is a fantastic spot for families to hang out and get together for a nice 20-minute hike and a delicious picnic.
Whether you’re hiking, lounging at the sandy beach, or just soaking in the small-town vibes, Manitouwadge delivers that perfect blend of peace, nature and good eats. This spot may be off the main drag, but that’s kind of the point.
Enjoy Your Picnic!
And just like that, we’ve completed our journey through Superior Country! Consider yourself an official Superior Picnicker: fully certified in beach bites, trail treats and lakeside lunches. With this delicious chapter wrapped up, it’s your turn to plan your route and chase down your next picnic adventure!
