Hiking Robertson Cliffs - A Must-See Lookout in Ontario
Experience the Robertson Cliffs trails, where incredible lookouts offer miles of breathtaking views across Bellevue Valley, the Goulais River, and even as far as Lake Superior.
The cliffs are owned and cared for by Algoma Highlands Conservancy, a not-for-profit organization that is run by local volunteers. Clearly marked trails are maintained through donations and memberships. Support this organization by clicking here .
Explore One of Ontario’s Best Lookout Hikes
Robertson Cliffs offers a challenging hike with stunning autumn colors of Goulais. The 5 km Ila’s Loop trail, named after hiker Iila Aho, leads to the cliffs in the Algoma Highlands Conservancy. For a shorter trek, take the uphill ascent to the cliffs. The full loop passes through Boreal Forest, offers valley views, and encounters a waterfall along the way. Here’s all you need to know:
- Location: 30 minutes north of Sault Ste. Marie, near Goulais River, Ontario
- Trail Options: Robertson Cliffs via Ila’s Loop (Loop Trail)
- Length: 4.7 km (varies from 4 km – 7 km)
- Elevation Gain: 206 m
- Estimated Time: ~1h 30m to 3 hours round-trip.
- Difficulty: Moderate/Intermediate
- Must-See: Stunning lookout views over Bellevue Valley & Lake Superior
Where Are Robertson Cliffs?
AHC’s Robertson Cliffs are located about 30 minutes north of Sault Ste. Marie, just east of the trans-Canada highway, highway 17.
To get here from Sault Ste Marie, you will drive north on Highway 17 for approximately 28km. After you pass the Goulais River Bridge, you will turn right onto Old Highway 17 road (Buttermilk Ski Hill Road,) and then take the first right onto Robertson Lake Road. Drive for approximately 5km to reach the trailhead.
Use the map below for directions provided by Google Maps.
Where Can I park?
Parking is available across from the trailhead (about 5km after you enter Robertson Lake Road.)
How Long Does the Hike Take and How Difficult Is It?
The route to the top can take between 45 minutes and 2 hours depending on which trail you take, and then the same on the way back. So allow yourself at least 2 hours as a minimum.
It’s described as a ‘moderate’ difficulty because there is some scrambling over rocks, small streams and occasional trees. Click on the below images to see some maps of the area.
What Routes are there and Are the trails well marked?
There are 3 routes that will get you to the top. The Blue route is a 300 metre route that links up with the white route. It begins at the western parking lot.
The White route is a 2km, 45 minute route which begins at one of the two eastern parking lots. Well marked trails lead through the Great Lakes St. Lawrence forest before meeting up with the blue trail. Once the blue and white trail meet the trail does get a little steeper as it ascends to the lookout points.
The yellow trail is a longer 2.5km trek that takes you along beautiful waterfalls. Allow 2 hours for this hike to the cliffs.
What about the lookouts and what is view like?
There are 3 main lookouts with several others you can find along the way too. The views… judge for yourself.
Are there any Tour guides?
Three awesome local tour guides can show you the way and also give you some stellar insight into the area. Thrive Tours, Forest The Canoe and Blaq Bear Adventures.
How Can I Help Maintain this area?
A huge thanks to the Algoma Highlands Conservancy and its volunteers for maintaining these beautiful trails. You can donate or volunteer to the Conservancy here!
Frequently asked questions
From Toronto or Ottawa, drive north on Highway 400 or Highway 17 toward Sault Ste. Marie. Once in Sault Ste. Marie, take Highway 17 North for roughly 30 minutes until you reach the Goulais River area, where you’ll find signage for Robertson Cliffs
Most hikers visit from late spring to early fall for milder temperatures and clear trails. However, fall colours can be spectacular, and some adventurers also enjoy snowshoeing in winter.
AHC’s Robertson Cliffs are located about 30 minutes north of Sault Ste. Marie, just east of the Trans-Canada Highway, Highway 17. Click here for a Google Maps link to directions to one of the car park areas.
The route to the top can take between 45 minutes and 2 hours depending on which trail you take, and then the same on the way back. So allow yourself at least 2 hours as a minimum.
It’s described as a ‘moderate’ difficulty because there is some scrambling over rocks, small streams, and occasional trees.
