Thessalon: Beach, River and Red Bridge

Thessalon offers a range of travel experiences, from water activities to local history. The Thessalon River flows through the town to its mouth at Lake Huron.

Waterfront and Paddling

Lakeside Park Campground borders the large sandy Lakeside Beach on Lake Huron. An accessible mat at the campground provides access to the water. Peace Park also has sandy beaches and a launch point for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. From there, you can paddle through the town centre. Visitors can paddle, kayak or fish beneath the Red Bridge.

The reference points for planning a paddling outing are different: from Peace Park, you can paddle through the town centre; beneath the Red Bridge, paddling, kayaking and fishing are the main activities. This lets you consider a named launch point and activities beneath the bridge as separate options.

Coastal Trail and Waterfowl

The Thessalon Coastal Trail includes accessible routes for people walking, using a wheelchair or pushing a stroller. The trail passes a lagoon, where birdwatchers can see a variety of waterfowl. An accessible floating dock leads to the North Channel Lookout, with views of Lake Huron. For birdwatching, the lagoon along the trail is the specific point of interest; the lookout offers a separate vantage point over the lake.

The 46 km Thessalon Voyageur Trail is also located near Thessalon. Trail conditions and permitted uses may change. If you plan to use the trail, check with the trail manager before setting out.

The trails differ in the details that matter for planning: the Coastal Trail is notable for its accessible routes and waterfowl; for the Voyageur Trail, note its length, as well as changing conditions and permitted uses.

Red Bridge and Local History

Red Bridge was originally built of wood in the late 1880s. It has been modernized and is now made of steel. The area’s first large steam-powered sawmill ushered in the region’s lumber industry and growth. The two historical references emphasize different things: the bridge’s original building material and modernization, and the sawmill’s role in the start of the lumber industry and the region’s growth.

Getting Around and Seasonal Skating

Thessalon is located off Trans-Canada Highway 17. Keep this location in mind when choosing the town as your hotel trip destination.

Public skating takes place weekly at the Thessalon Memorial Community Arena. The schedule is seasonal and may change. Check the schedule for your travel dates if public skating is part of your plans.

When choosing a travel destination, it’s easy to distinguish between the options: beaches and water activities, nature watching, local history or seasonal skating appeal to different interests. If you’re looking for hotels in Thessalon, first decide which of these experiences you want to shape your trip.

Discover more destinations: Richards Landing, Sault Ste. Marie, White River, Blind River, Elliot Lake, Goulais River, Bruce Mines and Michipicoten.

For the broader travel overview: Algoma District.