Lake Superior Adventures: Your Ultimate Northern Ontario Outdoor Activity Guide
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Explore the Best Outdoor Activities Along Ontario’s Superior Coastline
Ontario’s Lake Superior region is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering a diverse range of activities from hiking rugged trails to paddling along majestic shorelines. Whether you're into mountain biking, chasing waterfalls, or relaxing on secluded beaches, Lake Superior Adventures has something for everyone. Here’s your comprehensive guide to exploring the great outdoors along Ontario's Superior shoreline.
The view from the top of The Giant is well worth the challenging 20 km effort to reach it. Compiling a list of all the hiking options along the north shore of Lake Superior would require an entire website. You’ll discover that Nipigon, Terrace Bay, and Schreiber all offer access to hiking along the lake.
Hike: Explore Ontario’s Wildest Trails
Top Hiking Spots
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park: Home to the legendary Top of the Giant hike, this challenging trek rewards you with panoramic views of Lake Superior.
Lake Superior Provincial Park: Hike the Coastal Trail for breathtaking cliffside views or take a shorter hike to Agawa Rock Pictographs.
Pukaskwa National Park: Remote and rugged, Pukaskwa offers the White River Suspension Bridge Trail, one of the best backcountry hikes in Ontario.
Some of the best mountain biking in Ontario can be found in Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay. In recent years, Sault Ste. Marie has expanded its trail network to offer a variety of options for both beginners and experts. From flow trails to jumps and backcountry paths, there is something for everyone.
Mountain Bike: Ride the Best Trails in Northern Ontario
Best MTB Trails
Trowbridge Falls (Thunder Bay): Flowy, fast singletrack with a mix of technical sections.
Kinsmen Park (Sault Ste. Marie): Rocky, challenging terrain with stunning Superior views.
Hiawatha Highlands (Sault Ste. Marie): A mix of easy and advanced trails winding through scenic forests.
Guide Services & Rentals
Velorution Bike & Ski (Sault Ste. Marie): Offers rentals and MTB gear.
Rollin’ Thunder (Thunder Bay): Bike shop with rental services and local trail advice.
Red Pine Tours Canada ( Sault Ste. Marie): Local cycling guides.
When planning your road trip to Lake Superior, remember to pack your bike to take advantage of the cycling opportunities in Nipigon, Terrace Bay, Wawa, and Schreiber.
Cycle: Scenic Routes Along Lake Superior
Must-Ride Routes
Wawa Lake Lollipop: A breezy loop starting from the quiet shores of Wawa Lake.
Nipigon to Red Rock Heritage Ride: This mixed ride offers inspirational views of the Nipigon River Valley and Nipigon Bay.
Superior Road Cycling Tours: Explore the vast wilderness of the boreal forest and cycle along the world's largest freshwater lake.
Guide Services & Rentals
Sault Cycling Club: Organizes group rides and gravel events.
Red Pine Tours Canada: Local cycling guides.
Celebrated for its paddling opportunities, a paddling adventure on Lake Superior is the ideal way to uncover the coastline's numerous secrets. Kayak, canoe or paddleboard, there is an adventure for you.
Paddle: Kayak & Canoe the Superior Coastline
Top Paddling Destinations
Rossport Islands: Paddle through stunning archipelagos with calm, protected waters.
Agawa Bay: Perfect for sea kayaking along dramatic cliffs.
Pukaskwa Coastal Route: A true backcountry paddling adventure.
Guide Services & Rentals
Naturally Superior Adventures (Wawa): Offers guided kayak and canoe trips.
Such a Nice Day Adventures (Rossport): Provides guided sea kayaking tours of the Rossport Islands.
From misty cascades hidden in lush forests to powerful falls plunging into rocky gorges, the north shore of Lake Superior is a waterfall chaser’s dream. The best part is they are all so easily accessible.
Chase Waterfalls: Discover Nature’s Hidden Gems
Best Waterfalls to Visit
Kakabeka Falls: Known as the “Niagara of the North,” this stunning waterfall is easily accessible.
Sand River Falls (Lake Superior Provincial Park): A scenic cascade along the Trans-Canada Highway.
Aguasabon Falls (Terrace Bay): A dramatic waterfall with a great viewing platform.
Golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and endless horizons, Lake Superior’s north coast is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in Ontario!
Discover Beaches: Relax on Lake Superior’s Shores
Top Beaches to Explore
Old Woman Bay: Crystal-clear water and dramatic cliffs make this a must-visit.
Batchawana Bay: A sandy beach with some of the warmest water on Superior.
Neys Provincial Park: A remote and beautiful stretch of sand perfect for relaxing.
Big water, big fish, and even bigger adventures! Lake Superior’s north coast is a dream destination for anglers looking to reel in trophy lake trout, salmon, walleye, and brook trout.
Fish: Angling Adventures on Lake Superior
Best Fishing Locations
Nipigon Bay: Home to world-class brook trout fishing.
Lake Superior Provincial Park: Pristine waters are ideal for fishing various species.
St. Mary's River (Sault Ste. Marie): Known for its annual runs of Steelhead and Atlantic Salmon, it is a popular spot for flyfishers year-round, especially during the salmon runs from July to October.
Guide Services
Bowman Island Lodge: Provides guided and self-guided fishing for coaster brook trout and lake trout.
North Superior Charters: Targets lake trout and coaster brook trout in remote waters.
Angling Algoma: Offers a unique and specialized bass fishing experience in and around the entire Algoma region.
Tyler Dunn Guiding: Offers unique fishing adventures along the shores of Lake Superior and the St. Mary's River.
Endless horizons, rugged shorelines, and the thrill of open water, Lake Superior’s north coast is a sailor’s paradise. With steady winds, secluded anchorages, and breathtaking scenery, every voyage is an adventure!
Boat: Explore Superior’s Waters
Best Boating Locations
Rossport & Terrace Bay: Perfect for boating excursions with scenic views.
Lake Superior Provincial Park: Pristine waters ideal for exploring by boat.
Guide Services & Rentals
Sail Superior (Thunder Bay): Offers sailing and powerboat tours.
Start planning your Lake Superior adventure now…
With so many outdoor activities, Lake Superior adventures offer endless opportunities for exploration. Whether you prefer hiking, cycling, paddling, or fishing, Ontario's Superior coastline is a playground for nature lovers. Plan your next trip and experience the thrill of the outdoors along the world's largest freshwater lake.