We did the Canadian part of this trip this summer. Our friend Lois (from Iowa) met us with her
Casita in Rochester, NY. From there, we went across the St. Lawrence to Sharbot Lake, up to the Algonquin PP, then around. Three weeks for the Canadian side alone, and felt we had to skip some really beautiful recommendations.
On Lake Superior, spend several days (or weeks!) at Lake Superior PP. Absolutely beautiful beach, amazing hiking trails in a short driving distance, and a wonderful visitors' center to explore on rainy days. (We had several.) The hike along the river (I'll look up the name...) is an old Indian and portage trail.... many rapids and falls, amazing rock formations, and still pools. (I think it's rated easy, but that's Canadian standards, not American. It's not long, but some clambering in parts. Good footwear necessary.) The petroglyphs trail was beautiful. Again, some agility necessary, and good footwear. We met a guy here who'd been coming up for over thirty years to camp at Lake Superior PP.
Rossport CG, at Rainbow Falls PP, is a tiny campground with many great sites. Stunning views of the Lake and rocks, my absolute favorite of the trip.
Sleeping Giant PP was another favorite. We lucked into a site on the lake, with a wonderful view of the Giant from a short walk down the beach. Another wonderful visitors' center, and some awesome hikes. Drive down to the little old town (Silver something) and hike the graveyard, and save time for the Sea Lion trail. Neither is a long hike, both were rewarding.
Kakabeka (Niagara of the North) was not really strong when we were there. Releases are timed. Stay in the upper, wooded cg, not the riverfront one. Too much traffic noise. Nice staff. Sites had decent separation, wooded, not as nice as some other PPs we visited, but very pleasant for a few days.
We also stayed at Pancake Bay and Neys on Superior. Both very nice, though weather was not accomodating.
In Minnesota, we stayed at the city cg at Grand Marais (get a spot on the far end, near the marina, but away from the traffic... it's a huge city cg of over 300 sites). Not much for amenities, but you can walk to town, and Grand Marais is a lot of fun. Do take the opportunity to eat the walleye fish and chips at the little fish shop near the craft school near the cg.
Gooseberry falls has a paved hiking trail to the falls. Very easy. The falls were not strong this trip, and lots of kids clambering on the rocks were a little annoying. The cg itself is quite nice, though sites are fairly close together.
In Canada, if you want/need power, plan on spending more, and take long extension cords. We didn't need power, and found that often the best sites near the water were without electricity. Everywhere in Ontario, bath houses were spotless and well-maintained, (well, except Fairbank Lake, which had some repairs going on, but the views and hikes made up for it.).
Take the trip, and take as much time as you possibly can to do it. Our neighbors to the north are wonderful, friendly and congenial hosts, and you will enjoy the campgrounds and nature's splendor along the drive.
Sherry