Drive vacation from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay, Ontario... (camping, price)

[ShadowCaver]

For upcoming vacation, was originally planning on just dabbling into the area around Sault Ste. Marie and then going back into the UP of Michigan, but wild goofy side of me had crazed idea earlier this evening [ok, maybe it was the 2nd glass of wine... ] of taking Hwy 17 from Sault St. Marie around Lake Superior over to Thunder Bay, and then back into the States.

So, with that said, and being outdoors type hillbilly from the Ozarks of Missouri, who enjoys hiking, exploring, canoeing, geology, rocks & minerals, caves, waterfalls, landscapes, wildlife, bluffs/cliffs, beaches, etc., what would be your recommendations for:
1. places to see, would regret not going to
2. places to avoid - tourist traps
3. excellent local food joints [pizza, steaks, seafood - medium to low priced]
4. places to stay inexpensively and safely along that route
5. recommendations off the beaten path that would be worth the jaunt

Don't believe will be doing any camping on this ramble, as takes time to set up and break down - this is more of a quick expedition, to get a basic feel of this area of our neighbor to the north.

Also, how is the Agawa Canyon Tour Train? Worth the time and/or cost?

Thanks much for any/all recommendations...

ps: anything else a tourist from the States should know, hints, etc. would be greatly appreciated!