@grumpasaurus I would do that. Kinda like my fishing trips. Illinois to Duluth, to International Falls / Fort Frances. From F.F, maybe west on CA 11/71 then to north to Kenora on 71.
If you are going in the spring and summer, expect *long* lines on weekends crossing the border at I Falls. $10 toll bridge there.
Map 14 at this link:
Official road map of Ontario
Learn about Ontario’s official road map. Download a copy and find out how to order one.
ontario.ca (www.ontario.ca)