3 Best Hikes in Lake Superior Provincial Park
Lake Superior, or Gi chi Gamiing in Ojibwe, is the largest of the Great Lakes. Hiking around Lake Superior is an adventure unlike any other. The rocky shores of the lake and the infinitely blue waters make up such beautiful panoramas. There are numerous opportunities for hikers and backpackers in Lake Superior Provincial Park.
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About the Park
Lake Superior Provincial Park covers a large territory on the eastern shore of Lake Superior in Algoma Country. The park is known for its pebble beaches, the famous Agawa Campground, hiking trails and the famous Coastal backpacking trail.
Like any other park, there are fees to spend the day in Lake Superior Provincial Park, which you can pay at the visitor center or online.
Hiking in Lake Superior Provincial Park
Before leaving for your hike, make sure you have everything you need to enjoy it safely and worry-free. Our essential hiking gear list will surely help you with this.
Agawa Rock Pictographs Trail
Agawa Rock Pictographs Trail is a must-see. The trail is unique because the pictographs on the rock shores of Lake Superior tell an Ojibwe legend about the evil spirit Misshepezhieu and the thunderbirds, the protectors of the people of this First Nation. Several of the pictograms are still clearly visible and well preserved. And of course, the lake views are spectacular!
The path is not very long. It descends among the rocks and boulders to the shore of the lake for some 400 metres. Once on the coast, you can walk along the rock wall on which you can see the pictographs.
Many take the opportunity to dive into the lake’s clear waters. The park provided ropes tied to the rocks to help swimmers climb back up. It is crucial to ensure the lake’s waters are calm before venturing out, as the park reports drownings when it is rough.
Orphan Lake Trail
A little further inside the park is the Orphan Lake trailhead. This rugged eight-kilometre trail made the shortlist of best hikes in Lake Superior Provincial Park. The path begins in the dense forest and climbs to a lookout overlooking Lake Orphan, Lake Superior and a half-moon beach.
Once you’ve had your fill of the views, you can get back on the trail. The path descends steeply towards the multicoloured pebble beach you could see from above. Driftwood allows you to sit down for a short break and admire the scenery. The sound of the waves is mesmerizing. The trail runs along this beach, enters the forest again, and runs along the Baldhead River to the waterfalls among pink and black marbled rocks. After the falls, the rest of the trail climbs back to the start to complete the loop.
Nokomis Trail
Nokomis Trail is a five-kilometre moderate loop. In Ojibwe, Nokomis means “grandmother.” A fitting name, as you can spot the Old Woman of Old Woman Bay in the cliffs from the lookouts along the trail.
You will find the trailhead at the Old Woman Bay day-use area. Across the road from the parking lot, you will enter a green and lichen-covered forest. Be extra careful crossing the street as it is a highway, and cars are speeding.
For the first few hundred metres, the trail is made of pebbles of different sizes, thousands of them scattered across the forest floor. Eventually, it turns into dirt, with scattered rocks and roots.
The trail rises steadily but gently through the forest and brings hikers to the top of a rock cliff where you can admire Old Woman Bay and Lake Superior from above. The first lookout is at kilometre one. There are a couple more lookouts on top of this rock, where trees let you sneak in a glimpse of the lake.
After those lookouts, the trail starts its steep descent. Before long, you will find your way back to the beginning.
Before leaving this wonderful park, I stop at Old Woman Bay. On the cliffs facing the bay, you can see a face, an old woman, who watches over the bay. The sandy beach was perfect for relaxing with my toes in the water.
More Hiking in Lake Superior Provincial Park
Easy trails:
- Crescent Lake – 2 km
- Pinguisibi – 6 km
- Trapper’s – 1,5 km
Moderate trail:
- South Old Woman River – 2,5 km
Demanding trails:
- Awausee – 10 km
- Peat Mountain – 11 km
Backpacking trails:
- Towab Trail – 24 km
- Coastal Trail – 65 km
Hiking Adventures around Lake Superior
- Hiking the Top of the Giant Trail in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
- Sea Lion Trail in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
- Interesting Hiking in Pancake Bay Provincial Park
- Exceptional Hiking Trails in Pukaskwa National Park
You can plan many more adventures with the help of this 7-day road trip itinerary in Northern Ontario.
Best Hikes in Lake Superior Provincial Park
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