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Lake Superior Provincial Park follows a long, rugged stretch of the lake's eastern shore north of Sault Ste. Marie. Highway 17 runs through it, revealing cobble beaches, rocky headlands, and forested hills that rise steeply from cold, clear water. The landscape inspired several Group of Seven painters and has deep significance for the Anishinaabe people.
Agawa Bay, near the southern entrance, has a long beach, a large campground, and the visitor centre, which introduces the park's natural and cultural history. A short but steep trail leads to the Agawa Rock pictographs, red ochre paintings on a lakeside cliff that can be viewed from a sloping rock ledge when the water is calm. Katherine Cove, with its sandy beach and Bathtub Island, is a favorite swimming spot, and Old Woman Bay is framed by towering cliffs. The Nokomis Trail climbs to views over that bay, and the Orphan Lake Trail combines inland lakes, a waterfall, and the shoreline. Experienced hikers take on the Coastal Trail, a demanding multi-day route along the shore. Canoe routes lead into the interior.
The park suits hikers, paddlers, and road-trippers. Weather on the lake changes quickly, and the water stays cold. The Agawa Canyon Tour Train passes inland, and Wawa, with its giant goose statue, lies just north.
WiserMap travel guideLake Superior Park Ontario Agawa Rock and Old Woman BayPlan a visit to Lake Superior Provincial Park in Ontario: Agawa Rock pictographs, Old Woman Bay, Katherine Cove, coastal hikes, camping and seasonal tips.Read the guide
Agawa Bay has a long sand and pebble beach, the park's largest campground and the main visitor centre with exhibits on the park's history, wildlife and the Lake Superior shoreline. It is a good first stop for maps and trail advice. Campsites by the beach book up early for summer.
Katherine Cove has a sandy beach beside Highway 17, and a short wade or walk leads to Bathtub Island, where shallow rock pools warm up in the sun. It is one of the best swimming spots in the park on hot days. The lake beyond the pools stays very cold all year.
A wide sandy bay beside Highway 17 in the north of the park, backed by a sheer cliff about 200 metres high whose rock face is said to show the profile of an old woman. There is a picnic area and a beach walk to the mouth of the Old Woman River. Morning light on the cliff is best for photos.
Reached by a rough gravel road, Gargantua Harbour is a remote bay with a pebble beach, the remains of a shipwreck in the shallows and access to the Coastal Trail. It feels far from the highway. The road is slow and bumpy, so a vehicle with good clearance is best.
Red ochre paintings on a sheer rock face above Lake Superior in Lake Superior Provincial Park, made by Ojibwe people and showing figures including the horned lynx Mishipeshu. A short rugged trail leads to a ledge. Only visit in calm weather, as waves can sweep the rock.
Starting from the Rabbit Blanket Lake campground area, the Peat Mountain Trail climbs to one of the highest lookouts in the park, with views over a sea of forest and inland lakes. It is a moderate to strenuous out-and-back hike of around 11 kilometres. Go on a clear day for the full panorama.
Along the Pinguisibi Trail, the Sand River tumbles over a series of falls and rapids through granite and forest. The trail starts beside Highway 17 and follows the river upstream for a few kilometres. Even a short walk to the first falls is rewarding, and it is lovely in autumn.
The Towab Trail follows the Agawa River valley inland for around 12 kilometres to the 25-metre Agawa Falls. It is a long out-and-back hike, suited to a full day or an overnight trip with backcountry camping. Bring a water filter and bug spray in early summer.
Near Old Woman Bay, the Nokomis Trail climbs onto the ridge for views over the bay and the cliffs, on a loop of about 5 kilometres. Some sections are steep and rocky. It is one of the best shorter hikes in the park, especially when the hardwoods turn colour in autumn.
A popular loop of about 8 kilometres leading through forest to lookouts over Orphan Lake and Lake Superior, then down to a pebble beach and the Baldhead River falls. It suits most hikers in half a day. Bring water and good shoes, as the beach section is rocky.
The Coastal Trail runs about 65 kilometres along the rugged Lake Superior shore, over cobble beaches, granite headlands and cliffs. It is a demanding multi-day backpacking route. Shorter sections can be done as day hikes from access points such as Gargantua Harbour.
The Awausee Trail climbs from Highway 17 near the Agawa River to high lookouts over the Agawa Valley and Lake Superior, on a loop of about 10 kilometres. The views over the bay are among the best in the park. It has steep sections, so allow most of a day.
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