Serpent River Rest Area

Here’s an awesome stop along Highway 17 between Sudbury and The Sault that offers beautiful Canadian Shield riverfront, a gentle water cascade, wading for your pup (or humans) and lots of space for everyone. Find a nice spot near the sound of the water and you’ll never know you’re just off the road.

WHEREABOUTS: On Hwy 17, more-or-less half-way between Sudbury (1.5hr) and Sault Ste Marie (2hr).
SPECIFIC LOCATION: south side of road, 5km east of junction of Hwy 17 & 108.
AMENITIES: toilets, trash bins, picnic tables
FEATURES: scenic river shoreline, water cascade, easy turn-around

highway rest stop, loop with picnic tables — *Main loop, just off Highway 17*

Turning in from Hwy 17, this looks like a classic specimen of the standard Ministry of Transportation picnic stop: a large loop with lots of well-spaced individual spots to pull up, almost like it had once been a small roadside campground, some privy toilets and bear-proof trash bins. But if… instead of following the main loop to the left… you proceed straight along a little road extension which may have you concerned about turning around you will get to a circular dead end (ample clearance for teardrop turnaround) close to the river.

teardrop trailer parked in rustic area near river — Dead-end, just beyond the main loop.

Parking your teardrop camper in this area, you are within sight and sound of the water, and the highway you just turned off will feel like a far-away afterthought to your experience. There’s a nice private feel to this section of the picnic area. Amble down to the riverside just a few steps further and you will be treated to many nice spots… some in sun and some in shade… you can put your feet in the water, or cast in a fishing line, or even take a dip if water conditions allow.

Luna loves getting into the water to drink,
Group of Seven look & vibe.
View from parking at dead end.
Yours truly, with my Teardropping co-pilot

And best of all, resting beside the rushing water at the cascade, traffic sounds from the highway disappear and the sights of rock, trees, and water will surely have you thinking of a Group of Seven painting. It’s a lovely stop, whether for snack and coffee, lunch, or even a couple hours of R&R from driving.

small water cascade with rocky shore — *There’s no better nap than outdoors accompanied by the sounds of rushing water.*

Orientation: Serpent River (the settlement shown on a map) is essentially at the junction of Highways 17 and 108 (to Elliott Lake). Serpent River First Nation (SRFN) is an area of land just south of that spanning about 20 km in width bordered by Serpent River (the river) on the north and Lake Huron’s shore on the south. Hwy 17 crosses through the eastern section of SRFN where there are worthwhile arts&crafts, stores & supplies, and cheap gas at the Trading Post about 10 min east of the picnic area. Entering “Serpent River Park” into mapping app should point you right to the picnic area.