Pukaskwa National Park on Lake Superior in Ontario is hands down one of our favourite national parks in Canada. It offers stunning scenery of the Canadian Shield, the bright green-blue waters of Lake Superior, wild golden sand beaches, lush boreal forest and the rich history and culture of the Anishinaabe people. Quiet camping, paddling, hiking, and days spent on wild sandy beaches make for the perfect getaway.
Pukaskwa isn’t a big park compared to the national parks out west, but it packs a lot of natural beauty and adventure in a smaller area. If you’re staying in the Hattie Cove Campground, you’re steps away from park programming at the Visitor Centre, paddle rentals in Hattie Cove, learning experiences at the Anishinaabe camp, beginner-friendly hikes along the headlands of Lake Superior’s rugged shoreline and beach days at the iconic Horseshoe Bay.
If exploring vast wilderness on land or water is more your adventure style, Pukaskwa National Park’s backcountry will not disappoint. Waterfalls, wildlife, fishing, exceptional coastal views, and hike-in and paddle-in campsites await.
Bii san go biishan endaaing – Welcome to our home. We the Anishinaabe, are the people of the north shore of Chigaam. We have known this land and water, which is now called Pukaskwa National Park and Lake Superior, for generations.
Collette Goodchild, elder of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg
Things to do in Pukaskwa National Park
Pukaskwa National Park puts the untouched, natural beauty of coastal Lake Superior on full display. Parks Canada describes it as “equal parts a cultural and natural wonderland” as it draws visitors into the wild and shares the history, stories and culture of the local Anishinaabe people.
Here are our top picks for things to do in Pukaskwa National Park.
Hiking
There are plenty of easy and moderate hiking trails accessible from the Hattie Cove Campground area, and most of them are kid and family-friendly. Here are a few of our favourites:
Beach Trail
2 KM – 1 hour return
Explore the beaches of Pukaskwa National Park on this easy trail. Start at Horseshoe Bay and make your way through the forest to Middle Beach and then North Beach. Depending on the year, these beaches can be covered in driftwood, so watch your step. The rocks and headlands at North Beach make a fun place to play.
You can return the way you came or make a loop that includes the North Loop campground road. If you’re camping in the North Loop, North Beach is your closest beach access.
Manito Miikana
2 KM – 1 hour return
The Manitou Miikana, “the Spirit Trail” in Anishinaabe, takes you through the thick forest and a rocky ravine. Moss, plants and tree roots grow along the rocks, and as you climb, you’ll get peak-a-boo views of Lake Superior, including Middle and North Beach.
At the top, you’re rewarded with big views of the lake and rugged rocky shorelines. You’re high enough to catch a glimpse of the Pic River Dunes. Two viewing decks along the upper loop make for great photo opportunities.
Southern Headland Trail
2.2 KM – 1-1.5 hours return from the Visitor Centre
The Southern Headland Trail is accessible from Horseshoe Bay or the Visitor Centre and offers sweeping views of Lake Superior in all its glory. The trail is a bit rugged and includes some wooden stairs, but the short climb is worth it to catch those views of Horseshoe Bay, Hattie Cove and Pulpwood Harbour.
Kids will love exploring the tiny lichen and white veins of quartz in the rock formations. There are some steep drops, so make sure you keep them close.
Bimose Kinoomagewnan
3.7 KM – 2-hour loop
The Bimose Kinoomagenwnan Trail, which means “the Walk of the Teachings” in Ojibwe, is a special way to learn about the Seven Grandfather Teachings of the Objibwe People. It is very scenic, taking hikers through a lush forest and around quiet Halfway Lake. You’ll be rewarded with lake views as you discover interpretive signs that share Indigenous artwork and local elders’ stories about love, honesty, respect, wisdom, truth, humility, and bravery.
Northern Explorers published a detailed guide about The Ojibwe teachings of the Bimose Kinoomagewnan Trail.
White River Suspension Bridge via Coastal Hiking Trail
18 KM – 8-9 hours return
The most difficult hike in Pukaskwa National Park has exceptional rewards! For those with the energy and the time, hiking to the White River Suspension Bridge can be a great adventure. This full-day hike takes you along the famous Coastal Hiking Trail to an epic suspension bridge that crosses 23 metres above Chigamiwinigum Falls.
This trail also provides access to backcountry camping trails. It can be challenging, so be prepared with sturdy shoes, water, food, extra clothes and good navigation.
Paddling
Backcountry Paddling
Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities in Pukaskwa National Park, especially amongst backcountry paddlers who crave adventure along the Coastal Paddling Route. Hattie Cove is a popular launching point. You can do an in-and-out paddle or hire a private boat shuttle back to extend your exploration.
The White River and Pukaskwa River also offer backcountry camping for interior paddlers, and you can find more information about those routes by emailing pukaskwaont@pc.gc.ca.
All backcountry sites must be reserved in advance. You’ll also be required to have a mandatory safety orientation via email, phone or in-person before your hike or paddle.
Learn more about backcountry paddling in Pukaskwa National Park.
Paddling in Hattie Cove
The Anishinaabe name for Hattie Cove is Bii to bii gong, which means “water between rocks.” It has always been a safe harbour for the Anishinaabe people and visitors to Pukaskwa National Park.
As the name suggests, Hattie Cove is protected, even on the lake’s roughest days, and remains mostly calm. It’s the perfect spot for beginner paddlers and those looking for a relaxing day on the water. Paddling on Hattie Cove is one of the most popular things to do in Pukaskwa National Park. The cove is interesting, with rocky walls and a wetland and creek mouth near the end. Canoe and standup paddleboard rentals are available, and you can inquire at the Visitor Centre.
If it’s a calm day, you can venture out of Hattie Cove and into Pulpwood Harbour. This little bay has interesting inlets and islands to explore, but always check the weather forecast before you go. Lake Superior can get rough outside of Hattie Cove, and its mood can change in an instant. If you’re unsure, stick to the sheltered water between rocks.
Beaches
Several beaches in Pukaskwa National Park make for fun and relaxing beach days, the most famous being Horseshoe Bay. This idyllic beach has golden sands and dunes and is usually sheltered from the windy lake. It’s a great beach for sandcastles, picnics, and splashing in the water. It also makes a good home base for some of Pukaskwa’s scenic hikes, including the Southern Headland Trail, Manito Miikana, and Beach Trail.
The water is a beautiful emerald-green, and though it might look like the Caribbean, don’t let that fool you. The water is cold! A refreshing dip is doable and encouraged, but most days the water will take your breath away.
Anishinaabe Culture
Pukaskwa National Park is in the Robinson-Superior Treaty territory (Treaty 60, 1850) and is the traditional territory and gathering place for Anishinaabe and Métis people. It is also the current home of the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (Pic River First Nation), who have an active and meaningful role in the Park’s programming, which includes telling the Anishinaabe story and helping visitors build meaningful connections to the natural and cultural history of this special place.
You will find learning opportunities throughout the park, including the Bimose Kinoomagenwnan Trail, Visitor Centre and the Anishinaabe Camp. The camp features traditional dwellings and interpretive signage that allows visitors to explore the rich historical, spiritual and cultural heritage of the area’s first people. The story is told from the Anishinaabe world view and perspective, and they say bbaawijiwshinaang, which means “join us!”
Pukaskwa National Park Xplorers Program
Most National Parks in Canada have an Xplorers program, but the one at Pukaskwa National Park is one of the best we’ve experienced. Because so many natural and cultural wonders are packed into such a small area, the program allows kids to experience a taste of (almost) everything the park has to offer.
It’s designed for families with kids ages 6-11 who love to explore. The activity book guides them through unique activities, hikes, walks and scavenger hunts throughout the park area near Hattie Cove. For example, it includes learning how to identify trees, finding bees and woodpeckers along the fire walk and discovering the Seven Grandfather Teachings on the Bimose Kinoomagenwnan Trail.
There are six activities in total, and once the kids finish them all, they can bring their completed Xplorers booklet into the Visitor Centre for an official Parks Canada Xplorers souvenir! It’s a straightforward and fun way for kids and families to experience the park.
Camping
Pukaskwa National Park offers backcountry camping via hiking or paddling routes and frontcountry camping at the Hattie Cove Campground. For a more comfortable and accessible camping experience, you can also book an oTENTik.
Backcountry Camping
There are backcountry campsites located a short hike from the visitor centre or via a multi-day paddling or hiking adventure. As mentioned, all backcountry sites must be reserved in advance. You’ll also be required to have a mandatory safety orientation via email, phone, or in person before your hike or paddle.
Learn more about backcountry camping in Pukaskwa National Park.
Frontcountry Camping at Hattie Cove Campground
The Hattie Cove Campground offers quiet and private sites in a forest setting, steps from the Visitor Centre and nearby beaches. It provides comfort stations with flush toilets, showers and coin laundry facilities, and potable water is available.
The South Loop is open early, from May 15 to June 14, and both loops are open for the peak season between June 15 and September 14.
It is one of the few remaining National Park campgrounds that are still first-come, first-served, so no reservations are necessary. You can register at the Park Kiosk on your way in!
oTENTiks
An oTENTik tent offers comfort without lacking outdoor adventure. It’s a furnished wall tent with electricity, a wood stove and three beds and can accommodate up to six people. Each site has a deck, fire pit, picnic table, barbeque, food locker and camping chairs! Everything is all set up for you and ready to go. You just have to bring your own sleeping bags and pillows, cookware, dishes, fire starter, food and water.
Learn more about oTENTiks in Pukaskwa National Park.
Getting to Pukaswa National Park
Pukaswa National Park is located in Ontario on the northeast corner of Lake Superior, at nearly equal distance between Thunder Bay (313 km) and Sault Ste. Marie (413 km). The closest town is Marathon, which has gas stations, grocery stores and is a good place to stock up before your trip.
