Author: Amber Gionet

If you’re looking for a destination that combines breathtaking Lake Superior scenery, unforgettable outdoor adventures, welcoming accommodations, and plenty of opportunities to relax, Terrace Bay deserves a spot on your travel plans. This quaint, friendly North Shore community offers the perfect blend of adventure and comfort.

 

 

 

Stay Where Comfort Meets Convenience

For a small town, there’s a lot to pack into a day in Terrace Bay. There’s no need to rush. Stay a few nights and play a little longer.

Drifters Motel and Restaurant has earned a reputation for providing visitors with exceptionally clean, comfortable accommodations and warm Northern hospitality. Guests consistently appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, making it an excellent home base for visitors. Conveniently located in downtown Terrace Bay, Drifters places visitors within easy walking distance of local shopping, the popular Slate Islands Brewing Company, the Lighthouse lookout, and other community amenities and attractions. Even better, the on-site restaurant makes it easy to enjoy a satisfying breakfast before heading out for the day’s adventures or a bright summer salad after spending long, fun day outdoors.

The Red Dog Inn offers another excellent accommodation option for visitors looking for comfort, convenience, and friendly service. Known for its spotless rooms and welcoming hosts, the inn provides a relaxing place to recharge after a day of sightseeing or outdoor adventure. Like Drifters, it’s located downtown making it easy to enjoy Terrace Bay without needing to drive too far, or at all!  Comfortable accommodations, attentive service, and easy access to many of the community’s attractions make the Red Dog Inn a favourite choice for travellers exploring the North Shore.

 

 

Discover One of Ontario’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls

No visit to Terrace Bay is complete without a visit to the spectacular Aguasabon Falls and Gorge. The name “Aguasabon” is derived from the Ojibwe word “agoshkabun,” which means “river with rocks”.  These stunning falls cascade down a 100-foot gorge along a 2.6-billion-year-old rock face carved by glacial movement and erosion.

Nothing is a far drive when you are enjoying the attractions in Terrace Bay. The falls and gorge are no exception. The entrance is at the western entrance to town, and just a few minutes drive from your motel. There is ample parking, which is free of course, and it’s a short, pleasant walk on the boardwalk to a viewing platform that provides a fantastic vantage point of the yawning canyon and roaring water.

 

 

Unwind at Terrace Bay Beach

One of Terrace Bay’s greatest surprises is its stunning beach. Reminiscent of something you might see on the Jersey Shore not in Northwestern Ontario, the beach stretches along the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior, Terrace Bay Beach features an expansive sandy shoreline that’s perfect for families, picnickers, paddlers, and anyone looking to chill out.

Unlike many Lake Superior beaches, there’s plenty of room to spread out, build sandcastles, play some beach volleyball, or simply relax while listening to the waves. On warm summer days, adventurous swimmers can cool off in the refreshing waters, while others may prefer a walk in the water while enjoying the spectacular scenery.

Accessibility is a priority here. A bright blue (so you can’t miss it!) accessible beach mat extends onto the sand, allowing those using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers to dip a toe in the water and experience Lake Superior’s shoreline in a way that might otherwise not be possible. It’s a thoughtful feature that helps ensure this incredible beach can be enjoyed by more visitors. Dogs are welcome here too, which is a plus if you are traveling with a furry family member. A boardwalk from the huge parking lot leads visitors toward the beach, making it easier for everyone to enjoy this beautiful waterfront. At the far end of the boardwalk, follow the well signed trail to a spectacular look-off that can be taken in while relaxing in the iconic Parks Canada Red Chairs.

 

 

Explore with Parks Canada

Speaking of Parks Canada, Terrace Bay is in the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area (LSNMCA), on of the largest freshwater conservation areas in the world. The beach pavilion houses a small but well-stocked gift shop where friendly Parks Canada staff are happy to answer questions about the LSNMCA, recommend attractions, and help visitors discover even more reasons to explore Terrace Bay and the surrounding region.

The gift shop offers a wonderful selection of souvenirs, books, apparel, locally inspired gifts, and Parks Canada merchandise. It’s also the perfect place to grab a frozen treat before heading back to the beach or setting out on your next adventure.

Visitors looking to experience Lake Superior from a completely different perspective can also join one of Parks Canada’s guided kayaking experiences, which can be booked at the gift shop, online or by calling (807) 887-5467.

A Paddle Through Time invites participants to explore the coastline while learning about the rich cultural and natural history of the LSNMCA. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share stories about Indigenous history, early voyageurs, the unique geology of the shoreline, and the incredible ecosystem that makes this part of Canada so special.

For those seeking even more adventure, Over Rocks & Ripples offers another unforgettable guided paddle. This experience explores the fascinating coastal landscape where ancient rock formations, sheltered bays, and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior create an ever-changing paddling experience. It’s an excellent opportunity for beginners and experienced paddlers alike to safely enjoy one of the world’s greatest freshwater lakes with experienced Parks Canada interpreters leading the way.

Both guided on-water experiences allow visitors to discover parts of the coastline that simply can’t be appreciated from land.

 

 

Enjoy a Superior Picnic

Few meals are more memorable than one enjoyed lakeside, and the Superior Picnics program makes it wonderfully easy.

Superior Picnic spots are accessible picnic tables located at various breathtaking locations along the Canadian north shore of Lake Superior. In Terrace Bay, the Superior Picnics table is located at a more secluded area at the far end of the Terrace Bay Beach. Simply call to order a takeout meal from your favourite local restaurant, pick it up, and enjoy it at Superior Picnics spot. Enjoying delicious, locally prepared meal, people watching and listening to the waves roll in from the largest freshwater lake in the world is an incredible culinary experience to check off your bucket list.

 

Tee Off Surrounded by Nature

If you are a golfer and want to explore more of what regional courses have to offer, pack up the clubs and check out the Aguasabon Golf Club in Terrace Bay. This scenic nine-hole course winds through beautiful boreal forest, offering a fun and surprisingly challenging round for players of every skill level. Mature trees, rolling terrain, and well-maintained fairways create a course that’s both enjoyable and rewarding, while the peaceful surroundings make every round feel like a retreat into nature.

After your game, relax in the clubhouse and enjoy a delicious meal or refreshing beverage from the Makwa Grill while overlooking the course. Whether you’ve played nine holes or simply stopped in for lunch, the friendly atmosphere and excellent food make it a favourite gathering place for visitors and locals alike.

 

 

Explore. Relax. Repeat.

One of Terrace Bay’s greatest strengths is how easily everything comes together. You can begin your morning watching the sunrise over Lake Superior, spend the afternoon kayaking with Parks Canada, enjoy a leisurely picnic on the beach, tee off for a round of golf, browse local shops, and finish the evening with dinner and a locally crafted beer brewed with water sourced from the big lake herself. Without all the driving, and zero parking or attraction fees.

The community’s welcoming atmosphere encourages visitors to slow down and truly enjoy everything the area has to offer. Instead of simply driving through, Terrace Bay invites you to linger a little longer, discover hidden gems, and create lasting memories along one of Canada’s most spectacular coastlines.

The next time your travels bring you to Lake Superior’s North Shore, make Terrace Bay more than just a quick stop for gas and a coffee. Spend a little extra time exploring the waterfalls, paddling the shoreline, relaxing on the beach, enjoying great food, discovering local businesses, and experiencing the warm hospitality that makes this community such a memorable place to stay and play.

 

Whether you’re wrapping up a round of golf, visiting Terrace Bay Beach, or simply looking for a great place to enjoy a delicious meal, the Makwa Grill at the Aguasabon Golf Course is quickly becoming one of Terrace Bay’s newest must-visit dining spots.

Located upstairs the clubhouse at the scenic Aguasabon Golf Course, Makwa Grill offers a welcoming atmosphere where both golfers and the public can enjoy fresh made, satisfying meals at affordable prices. With beautiful views overlooking the course and Lake Superior nearby, it’s the perfect place to relax with family and friends.

The menu features a variety of crowd-pleasing favourites, including homemade soups, hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, appetizers, and comforting classics. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch or dinner, there’s something for everyone. The team also has plans to continue expanding the menu, offering even more delicious options in the future. Be sure to follow Makwa Grill on Facebook to keep up with their daily specials and features.

While the restaurant is located at the golf course, everyone is welcome! You don’t need to play a round of golf to enjoy a great meal. Locals, visitors, families, and travellers are all invited to stop by, experience the friendly hospitality, and discover one of Terrace Bay’s newest places to eat.

If you’re exploring Terrace Bay or spending the day at the Aguasabon Golf Course, make Makwa Grill part of your visit. Great food, welcoming service, affordable prices, and exciting plans for the future make this new restaurant a welcome addition to Terrace Bay’s dining scene.

TERRACE BAY DRAGFEST 2026: July 31 – Aug 2

 

There’s no doubt that the north shore of Lake Superior provides some of the most spectacular scenery and great outdoors that Mother Nature can provide, But in the middle of all this nature there’s a surprise: an annual supercharged car racing event!  Terrace Bay is host to one of the biggest motorsports events in Northern Ontario: Dragfest!  Presented by Superior Classics Car Club, the event has established an excellent reputation for serious drag racing, coupled with equally serious camaraderie. If your interests include high-octane entertainment you will surely enjoy this event.

Terrace Bay Dragfest takes place only one weekend of the year, the August long weekend.  All action is at the Terrace Bay Airport just a few miles east of the Township of Terrace Bay.  Parking is free, admission is affordable.  There is also limited on-site camping, and more campground facilities close to Terrace Bay.

 

 

How Does the Dragfest Work?

If you’re new to the world of drag racing, here’s how it works:  two cars (or motorcycles) line up on a strip of asphalt, and on the signal, race each other to the finish line a quarter mile away.  The first to finish wins!  Sounds simple, right?  Well, like many things in life it has been made more complicated, at least for the competitors.  For example, at Dragfest there are three competition classes, based on vehicle performance.  To make the event more open to various cars, within each class slower cars are given a head-start over the faster cars.  And so, ideally, the two cars will arrive at the finish line at exactly the same moment… which, of course, never happens.

Prior to the start you will see many of the vehicles prepare their tires by spinning them fiercely in the “burnout box”.  This generates much tire smoke, and it certainly keeps the black flies at bay.  Then, on the signal from the starter, they proceed towards the starting line.  The starting area is controlled by a set of count-down lights, called a “Christmas Tree”.  The top lights measure how close to the starting line you are; cross the line and you are disqualified.  When both cars are lined up the Christmas tree counts down to the green “Go!” light, with the countdowns offset by the slower car head-start mentioned earlier.  Then off they go, as fast as possible, to the finish line a quarter mile away.

 

 

The cars then slow and return to the pits via a return road running parallel to the airport runway.  There, each participant gets a printed slip (“time slip”) showing detailed times for their run, timed to one-thousandth of a second.  Based on the details on the time slip the competitor may adjust the vehicle or their driving style.  And the winner continues to race, the loser does not!

Dragfest takes place over three days, only once per year on the August long weekend.  On Friday and Saturday almost all of the racing is spent on practicing, or “Test ‘n Tune”.  Nevertheless, the racing is as intense as ever, but the “losers” get to continue racing.  On Sunday, however, eliminations take place until there is only one outright winner in each class.  Trophies and cash prizes are presented at the end of the day, and most racers gather to applaud the accomplishments of the winners.

 

 

It’s Not Just for Racers

Dragfest is one of the biggest motorsports events between the prairies and Southern Ontario. Typically, there are about 200 competitors and, over the weekend, several thousand spectators.  One of the things that makes it unique is that the pits are open to the spectators; if you want to see what the car owners have done to their cars to make them go fast, a friendly conversation is just a “Hello” away.  Unless their race is coming up; then everything turns serious!

Of course, when the racing is taking place, you will want to be in the grandstands immediately adjacent to the starting line to see the action.  From there you can also see the state-of-the-art electronic scoreboard that displays the racing times and speeds.

 

 

To put things in perspective, a typical family car would cover the quarter mile in about 18 seconds and finish at about 80 mph.  In contrast, most cars at Dragfest take about 12 seconds, and finish at about 130 mph, and the very fast ones may take only 7 seconds at nearly 200 mph!  Rapid Transit indeed!

On top of the “normal” racing there is always a “special attraction”.  In 2025, (and expected in 2026) it was a jet-engined drag car, named “Sonic Assassin”.  With flames 50 feet or more behind the car, and an ear-piercing roar it raced towards its near 200 mph finishing speed. Lots of “Wows!” from the crowd.

Food stands, offering a variety of dishes from the usual burgers and fries to less usual fare, like poutine, Lake Superior fish tacos, and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches are part of the scene.  No need to starve!

 

Photo Credit: Richard Main

 

History of the Terrace Bay Dragfest

A little history:  The race is presented by Superior Classics Car Club which was formed almost 30 years ago by Terrace Bay and Schreiber car enthusiasts, mostly muscle car enthusiasts.  It wasn’t long before someone suggested that it would be good to “get our hands on the airport and see what our cars can do!”  And amazingly, the planets aligned, and after a great deal of hard work, Dragfest was born.

In the early years the airport was still a functioning airport, which suspended operation for only a few days to allow the club to set up the barriers and bleachers and myriad of other things to allow the race to happen.  And after the racing, take it all down again.  It was exhausting.

 

Photo Credit: Rob Danielewski

 

After several years the racing became more important than the airplanes, and the airport was shut down as a functioning airport.  This allowed the club to make the facilities permanent, which further enhanced the racing.  An important factor in all of this development was the principle of community and sponsor involvement; even an enthusiastic car club could not have succeeded by itself.  And over the years organizations and businesses have become part of the fabric of the event.  That involvement shows through in the event itself; you will feel it as you walk about and talk to the drivers and pit crews.

Throughout its development the members of Superior Classics Car Club have been adamant that the profits from the race weekend must be returned to regional organizations that benefit the communities.  That translates to organizations like Women’s Shelters, Food Banks, Hospitals, Fire Departments, and Animal Shelters.  Every year, in the fall when the activities have slowed, club members meet the groups that benefit and make formal donations.  To date, those donations have translated to over $500,000 dollars in donations!  It is a heartwarming time.

 

Superior Classics Car Club Volunteers

 

In the early years it was unusual to see women actively involved in the driving.  However, that has changed, and now many women compete.  In fact, in 2025 a woman very nearly won the top racing class in the whole event. If you get bitten by the racing bug and your car is safe, we can accommodate that too.  See the website www.dragfest.ca for necessary details and contacts; they will help facilitate your journey into the exciting world of racing.

 

If you are driving an electric vehicle along Ontario’s scenic north shore, Terrace Bay is the perfect place to stop and recharge both yourself, and your vehicle!

There are two EV charging stations conveniently located right off the Trans-Canada Highway in Terrace Bay:

Find the Tesla Supercharger at 41 Simcoe Plaza, right next to our shopping plaza with plenty of nearby food and shops. There’s even a picnic table by the chargers, ideal for a summer bite or ice cream with the kids from Lighthouse Variety.

 

 

You’ll find the Ivy Charging Station in Drifters 2nd Building Hotel parking lot at 1100 ON-17. This is an easy spot to top up your charge and grab something to eat at Drifters Restaurant.

Terrace Bay is known for its breathtaking views, scenic hiking trails, welcoming community, and must-visit attractions. It’s also a hidden treasure for cycling enthusiasts! Whether you’re looking for a short ride with incredible scenery or a longer adventure along Lake Superior’s shoreline, Terrace Bay has a route for you. Discover the two cycling routes waiting to be explored.

 

The Terrace Bay Lighthouse Run

4.7km (2.9mi) | 1-2 Hours

The Terrace Bay Lighthouse Run is a scenic cycling adventure to the iconic Lighthouse lookout and back, combining natural beauty, picturesque stops, and a taste of local flavour along the way.

Begin your journey at the mouth of the Aguasabon River at Terrace Bay Beach. It’s the perfect spot to stretch and take in the sounds of Lake Superior before you hop on your bike. For an even better view of the falls, take a short hike along the Casque Isles Trail to the bridge lookout before you begin pedalling.

Once you get your bike ready, it’s time to start heading up the beach road past the beautiful Aguasabon Golf Course. The rolling greens and tree-lined fairways provide a scenic backdrop as you climb up the hill towards Highway-17.

When you reach the highway, cross carefully to the Terrace Bay Lighthouse Lookout. Make your way to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Superior and the Slate Islands. If you have a loonie on hand, pop it into the binoculars for an even closer look at the islands.

After soaking in the views, wrap up your ride with a stop at the Slate Island Brewery on Simcoe Plaza, where you can relax and enjoy a refreshing local brew to celebrate your adventure.

 

The Terrace Bay to Schreiber Beach Tour

38.7km (24mi) | 3-5 Hours

For cyclists looking for a rewarding challenge, the Terrace Bay to Schreiber Beach Tour offers an unforgettable ride along Lake Superior’s North Shore. Along the way, you’ll experience stunning lake views, a breathtaking waterfall, sandy and rocky beaches, and delicious local cuisine.

Kick off your day at Terrace Bay Beach, a perfect spot to get ready for your ride. Take a stroll along the boardwalk to the Red Chairs Trail and enjoy a short hike to the iconic Parks Canada Red Chairs. It’s a great way to warm up before hopping on your bike.

From the beach, start cycling up Beach Road towards Highway 17. Before heading towards Schreiber, treat yourself to a bite at Drifters Restaurant, where you can also take in views of the Terrace Bay Lighthouse.

Once on Highway 17, cross the bridge just beyond Terrace Bay and pause at the must-see Aguasabon Falls and Gorge. A brief boardwalk stroll brings you to a spectacular 100-foot waterfall with incredible views of the lake.

Continue riding toward Schreiber along the paved highway shoulder. The route is hilly, and cyclists should be confident sharing the road with traffic, including trucks. As you pass Hydro Bay, take a moment to enjoy the sweeping views of Lake Superior.

When you arrive in Schreiber, exit the highway at Ontario Street and take some time to explore. Visit the Discovery Center & Railway Museum, stroll Schreiber Beach, and check out the local artwork around town. Be sure to stop by one of the local restaurants to refuel and unwind after your ride.