Lake Superior Coast
Considered the eastern and northern shores of the world’s largest freshwater lake,
the Lake Superior Coast is an area of outstanding scenic beauty, with wild natural
landscapes and rich cultural features. It covers the area from Sault Ste. Marie
in the south to Thunder Bay in the north. The best way to experience the Lake Superior
Coast is on the water. Long stretches of the coastline can be toured by car along
Highway 17, which follows the Lake Superior Circle Tour in Ontario.
The Lake Superior area itself is surrounded by large areas of wilderness shoreline, sparse development, spectacular vistas, dramatic overlooks and an abundance of trees, plants and wildlife. A great deal of the wild and pristine Lake Superior Coast and its ecological diversity and scenic values are protected in Ontario’s provincial parks and one National Park.
Provincial Parks
Neys, Sleeping Giant and Lake Superior are among the “must see” provincial parks along this coast offering outdoor adventure and recreation activities. Along the coast many quality, private operators offer everything from trip outfitting services to kayaking adventures to art outdoors programs offered through Arts in the Wild.
The north shore of Lake Superior is rich in rugged beauty and fur trade and exploration history. Ouimet Canyon is a sheer-walled canyon sheltering rare Artic-alpine plants along its boulder-laden floor. North America’s largest gemstone mine is located in Thunder Bay, where Amethyst can be searched for to take home.
National Park
Pukaskwa National Park is believed to mean “Wild Shores of an Inland Sea”. It is a place of exceptional beauty offering magnificent vistas of Lake Superior. The park protects 1,878 km2 (1166 miles) of an ecosystem that features the Boreal Forest and Lake Superior shoreline. A key feature of the park is its boulder beaches of shallow rock structures.
Niagara of the North
Inland from the northern Lake Superior coastline, you can behold the awesome 39 m. (128 ft.) Kakabeka Falls, which cascade down sheer cliffs into a gorge below. It is called “Niagara of the North”. Legendary Sleeping Giant Provincial Park juts into Lake Superior on the north shore.
