The Last Chapter

The final stretch of our journey took us from Riding Mountain National Park (270 km northwest of Winnipeg) back home to Milton—a total of 2,366 kilometres. Much of this route retraced our path from early June, though we chose different campgrounds along the way. With home pulling us like a magnet, our travel days were a little longer this time.

We were blessed with beautiful fall weather for most of the drive and gradually watched the colours shift to autumn hues. Following the north and east shores of Lake Superior, we camped at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park (near Thunder Bay), Neys Provincial Park (just west of Marathon), and Pancake Bay Provincial Park (north of Sault Ste. Marie). The cooler air meant no mosquitoes, though dense fog once again rolled in from the lake at times, adding to the driving challenge.

Fog starting to roll in off Lake Superior

Kakabeka Falls

Kakabeka Falls lies on the Kaministiquia River, once a vital link in the canoe route connecting Lake Superior with Lake of the Woods and the west. For centuries, Indigenous communities traveled this waterway, followed later by explorers and fur traders beginning in 1688. To bypass the falls, travelers used the 1.25 km “Mountain Portage,” which visitors can still walk today, retracing the steps of the Ojibwa people, fur traders, soldiers, and settlers.

Kakabeka Falls

Walking the historic Mountain Portage around Kakabeka Falls

Neys Provincial Park

Neys has a layered and fascinating history.

• In the 1920s, the rugged landscape inspired Group of Seven painters, including Lawren Harris, whose striking depictions of Pic Island are iconic.

• From 1941–1946, the site became Camp 100, a World War II prisoner-of-war camp that held German soldiers. The railway played a crucial role, transporting POWs from Halifax to Neys in just 64 hours.

• From 1946–1947, it was repurposed as a relocation camp for Japanese Canadian internees, forced eastward from British Columbia.

• In 1965, Neys was transformed into a provincial park, shifting from wartime history to a place of recreation and natural beauty.

When we arrived, signs warned of active bears in the area. Other campers mentioned three roaming the campground. On our second night, we encountered one—a yearling, newly separated from its mother and struggling to establish its own territory. Such bears are vulnerable, often drawn to human food sources, which can lead to conflict. At first, many of us snapped photos, but it quickly became clear this young bear was far too comfortable around people. With the season ending, we can only hope it finds its way safely into the forests and away from humans.

One of many Lauren Harris' iconic paintings of Pic Island on Lake Superior near Marathon, Ontario 

Our waterfront campsite at Neys Provincial Park / Lake Superior

Fran enjoying the view of Lake Superior

A "Superior" sunset 

Morning coffee at the Neys beach

Hiking one of the nearby trails

We found this paw print (a local black bear) in the sand on our hike. 

Enjoying the fabulous weather

The cute, curious and dangerous yearling black bear

Pancake Bay Provincial Park

Pancake Bay was another gem along Lake Superior. We enjoyed two nights in a waterfront site under brilliant sunshine. The warm spell even drew many campers into the water—though I only made it in up to my knees!

On departure, we made a must-stop at the Voyageur Resort to restock their famous apple fritters. Arriving at 7:15 a.m., we found the baker already hard at work, the heavenly scent filling the shop as six-packs of fritters were boxed up.

Two Teslas with trailers charging up

Lots of fall colours to enjoy on our trip around Lake Superior

Our waterfront campsite at Pancake Bay Provincial Park

That's me in Lake Superior....

Enjoying the sunrise on our way towards Sault Ste Marie

Apple fritters from The Voyageur Resort Bakery

A Special Visit

Next came a highlight of the return trip: visiting our dear friends Elaine and Norm. They arranged for us to park on Sagamok Anishnawbek property, with the kind permission of their friend Clyve, before ferrying us by boat to their nearby off-grid island cottage. In our boating days we met up with them every summer in the North Channel, so this reunion felt extra special.

We spent two days sharing stories, food, drinks, fishing (I caught a bass), and laughter. It was the perfect way to conclude our first summer adventure with the Airstream.

With Norm and Elaine heading to a secret fishing spot

Great to be in the North Channel on a boat again

Me with a bass on the line

Dinner time

We were treated to some aurora borealis / northern lights

Our two day visit was over much too fast. Until we meet again...

Oastler Provincial Park & Home

Our final stop was Oastler Provincial Park near Parry Sound, where once again we had a waterfront site and more glorious weather. We capped the evening with a farewell dinner at Henry’s Fish & Chips at the town waterfront—a tradition from our boating days, when we always visited their island location at Sans Souci.

On Day 110, we started early and got home early afternoon. We managed to park right in front of our condo, ferrying our belongings up by wagon, load after load all afternoon. Later, I delivered the trailer to a local farm for storage.

Our last campsite - Oastler Provincial Park

Dinner at Henry's 

All hitched up and ready for the final travel day to home...

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Towing the Airstream with a Tesla Model Y

So, what was it like towing a 28’ Airstream across the country and back with an EV? In short: impressive.

Our dealer, CanAm RV in London, Ontario, reinforced the factory-installed hitch and equipped it with weight-distribution bars and anti-sway gear. The Tesla Model Y’s torque and power made towing almost effortless. The car felt solid and stable—no “tail wagging the dog,” no white-knuckle moments, regardless of wind or passing trucks. Regenerative braking handled even long mountain descents with ease.

The biggest challenge was range. A 28’ trailer pushes the limits of the Model Y, requiring frequent charges beyond 80%.

Still, the experience sparked conversations everywhere we went. Hundreds of people approached us with questions: How far can you go on a charge? What’s it like towing with an EV? Could they take a photo? We enjoyed every chat—it almost felt like we were pioneers.

By the Numbers: EV Towing with a Tesla Model Y

Distance

• 🚐 Total driven: 13,194 km

• 🔗 Towing distance: 10,873 km

• 🚙 Non-towing distance: 2,321 km

Energy Consumption

• ⚡ Total used: 4,749 kWh

• 🔋 Non-towing: 371 kWh

• 🔋 Towing: 4,378 kWh

Efficiency (Wh/km)

• 📊 Combined: 360

• 🚙 Non-towing: 160

• 🚐 Towing avg.: 403

  • Range: 209–509 Wh/km depending on wind, terrain & speed

Charging

• 🔌 Total charges: 127

• ⏱️ Charged to 90–100%: 60% of the time

• 🚫 Unhitched trailer to charge: only 5 times

• 🏕️ Campground charging: 35–40% of total

• 💰 Public charging cost: $1,539

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Final Reflections

We’re thrilled to have completed this journey. Tesla vehicles, with their low centre of gravity, powerful torque, great aerodynamics and short braking distance, are remarkably capable tow vehicles. A smaller trailer—or an EV with greater range—would make long trips even smoother.

For us, the Model Y did the job, but next year we’ll be exploring other EV options with more range (though not pickup trucks, as their massive batteries take much longer to charge). Also, we have no need of a truck in the off season.

Most of all, we feel deeply blessed. This trip gave us unforgettable sights, adventures, and connections with family, friends, and fellow travelers. Writing this blog has been a joy, and your messages along the way have meant so much.

Until next time—thanks for coming along on the journey.

CHEERS !!