Directions

 

  1. From the 401, take the exit onto Highway 400 northbound

  2. Go northbound on Highway 400 towards Barrie (about 1 hour)

  3. Once you pass through Barrie, you can pick one of two ways to continue:

    • A) Continue on the 400 - faster by 20 minutes - few gas stations and rest stops (recommended for those that are experts at knowing how far their gas tank can take them!)

    • B) Take Highway 11 - slower by 20 minutes - many gas stations and rest stops (recommended for people travelling with children)

 

A) Continuing on Highway 400:

Is speed the name of the game? This might be a better option for you! This is the faster route by about 20 minutes, but be warned- there are decent stretches without gas stations. Plan on getting from Barrie to Parry Sound (133km) without stopping for gas, and from getting from Parry Sound to Quiet Bay (53km) without stopping for gas. For families with children, we often recommend option B) instead.

  1. Continue north until you pass Parry Sound (about an hour and 20 minutes)

  2. Look for the exit for Highway 124 towards Sundridge

  3. Take the exit and merge onto Highway 124, travelling eastbound

  4. Continue for roughly 40 minutes on Highway 124 eastbound. You will pass through the towns of McKellar and Dunchurch on your way

  5. You will know you are close when you pass Ahmic Lake and cross a bridge over the Magnetawan River at Knoepfli Falls. Shortly after, you will go around a large curve and the highway will start a gentle uphill climb

  6. On the right hand side, you should see a large sign for Quiet Bay. You have arrived!

If you’ve passed Chikopi road, you’ve gone too far.

 

B) Continuing on Highway 11:

This option is great for those that don’t want to stress about running out of gas, or just want the comfort of knowing the gas stations and rest stops are plentiful along the way. This route is slower by about 20 minutes, but provides the most peace of mind; there are plenty of gas stations and restaurants where you can pull over, recharge, and grab a bite to eat. This is a favoured route for those with children.

  1. Once past Barrie, there is a fork in the highway. Take the fork to Highway 11 towards Orillia

  2. Continue northbound on Highway 11 for about an hour and 40 minutes. You will pass by Gravenhurst, Huntsville, and Emsdale

  3. Take exit 257 toward Ferguson Rd/ON-520 W

  4. Turn right. You will be driving into the town of Burk’s Falls! You will drive by a Tim Hortons and a Value Mart before hitting the main part of town

  5. The road will go downhill and you will cross a large bridge over the Magnetawan River. Right after this bridge, make a hard left turn to continue on the 520 towards Magnetawan

  6. You will pass the Burk’s Fall’s welcome centre, then eventually pick up speed until you’re out of town and back in farm country. You’ll pass Lake Cecebe and Port Carmen. In about 20 minutes, you’ll drive right into the town of Magnetawan

  7. You will come to a 4-way stop intersection. The Magnetawan Grill and Grocer will be on your right. Turn right to continue along the 520 towards Quiet Bay

  8. Stay on the 520. You will pass some farm land, and eventually come to an intersection with the Magnetawan Bait and Tackle on your right. Turn left, westbound onto Highway 124

  9. Drive for about 5 minutes, and you will see a sign letting you know Quiet Bay is 500 meters ahead! Our driveway is just after Chikopi road.

  10. You’ll see our large turquoise and gold sign for Quiet Bay on the left. Turn left into Quiet Bay.

If you’ve passed Old Highway Road or the Knoepfli falls, you’ve gone too far.