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Pukaskwa National Park protects a wild stretch of Lake Superior's northeastern shore, between Marathon and Wawa. It is a land of rocky headlands, boreal forest, and cobble beaches, where a single road reaches only the park's northern edge and the rest is accessible on foot or by boat. The park works closely with the Anishinaabe communities whose ancestors have lived in this region for thousands of years.
Hattie Cove is the gateway, with a day-use area, sheltered beaches, and the Hattie Cove campground. The visitor centre offers exhibits and cultural programs. Short trails lead to lookouts and coves, while a newer route, Mdaabii Miikna, reaches Picture Rock Harbour farther along the coast. The famed Coastal Hiking Trail is a demanding multi-day trek along the shoreline, crossing the high White River Suspension Bridge over a gorge and the Willow River bridge farther on. Rock structures known as the Pukaskwa Pits, believed to have been built by Indigenous peoples long ago, are found along the coast. Experienced kayakers follow the Coastal Paddling Route, though Superior's weather demands careful planning.
Pukaskwa suits experienced hikers and paddlers, and campers looking for solitude. Services are limited, so visitors should be self-sufficient. The nearby town of Marathon provides supplies. Summer is short, and the lake remains cold year-round.
WiserMap travel guidePukaskwa Ontario Lake Superior Coast and Suspension BridgePlan a trip to Pukaskwa National Park in Ontario: Hattie Cove, the White River suspension bridge, Coastal Hiking Trail, Pukaskwa Pits, camping and seasons.Read the guide
Hattie Cove is the only road-accessible part of Pukaskwa, a sheltered bay on Lake Superior with a picnic area, canoe launch and sandy beaches such as Horseshoe Bay. It is the starting point for most visits. The lake water stays very cold, so swimming is brief even in midsummer.
The park's only frontcountry campground sits in the forest beside Hattie Cove, with tent and trailer sites, oTENTiks, showers and easy access to trails and beaches. It is quiet and rarely crowded. Reserve ahead for summer weekends, and expect cool nights even in July.
Near Hattie Cove, the visitor centre has exhibits on the park's wildlife, the Lake Superior coast and the Anishinaabe culture of the area, with staff offering trail and safety advice. Interpretive and cultural programs run in summer. Register here before any backcountry trip.
This short loop from Hattie Cove crosses rocky headlands with views over Lake Superior, passing red chairs set up on viewpoints and hardy plants clinging to the granite. It takes under an hour. Wear sturdy shoes, as the rock can be slippery when wet or foggy.
Meaning Walk of Teachings, this short trail around Halfway Lake near Hattie Cove features artwork and signs sharing the Anishinaabe Seven Grandfather Teachings, created with local First Nations. It is an easy, reflective walk of about 2 kilometres suitable for families.
Mdaabii Miikna is a newer day-hiking route north of Hattie Cove that follows the rugged Lake Superior shoreline past coves, cobble beaches and lookouts, with sections that can be done as shorter out-and-backs. It is more demanding than the headland loops, so bring water and allow time.
The Coastal Hiking Trail runs about 60 kilometres south from Hattie Cove along the wild Lake Superior shore to the North Swallow River, crossing rivers, cobble beaches and granite ridges. It is a serious multi-day trek. Most hikers take a boat shuttle one way, and registration is required.
About 8 kilometres from Hattie Cove along the Coastal Hiking Trail, this suspension bridge hangs 23 metres above the White River's Chigamiwinigum Falls, making a popular full-day hike. The return trip is around 18 kilometres. Start early and carry plenty of water and snacks.
Further south on the Coastal Hiking Trail, the Willow River crossing has a bridge over the river near where it meets Lake Superior, beside a backcountry campsite. It is a welcome landmark for multi-day hikers. Check river conditions with park staff before setting out.
Experienced sea kayakers and canoeists can paddle the roughly 180-kilometre Lake Superior coastline of Pukaskwa, camping at remote beaches. The lake can be dangerous, with sudden wind, waves and fog. Only attempt it with strong skills, and allow extra days for bad weather.
Along the cobble beaches of the coast are the Pukaskwa Pits, circular stone pits and structures made by Indigenous peoples centuries ago, whose exact purpose is still debated. They are culturally important and protected. View them respectfully, and never move or stack any of the stones.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Mark Harris, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Hans-Jürgen Hübner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Mark Harris, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Mark Harris, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Hans-Jürgen Hübner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
