Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area
Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area (LSNMCA) protects a vast sweep of the Canadian north shore of Lake Superior—including islands, shoals, and lakebed—between Thunder Bay and Terrace Bay/Rossport. It is among the world’s largest freshwater protected areas.
At a glance — Lake Superior NMCA
| Waters | Northern Lake Superior (Ontario), including the Thirty Thousand Islands area |
|---|---|
| Established | 2015 |
| Area (approx.) | ≈ 10,000 km² (lakebed, islands, water column) |
| Notable features | Pink-granite islands & lighthouses; cold-clear Superior waters; shipwrecks & cultural sites; critical fish habitat; cliffs & cobble beaches |
| Nearby communities | Thunder Bay, Nipigon/Red Rock, Rossport, Terrace Bay, Marathon |
Overview
The NMCA conserves freshwater ecosystems while allowing ecologically sustainable use. Boating, paddling, fishing, diving, and coastal hiking are popular; cold water, fast weather changes, and long fetches demand conservative planning.
Access
Public access points and small harbours dot Highway 17; outfitters operate from Thunder Bay, Nipigon/Red Rock, and Rossport.
See also
External links (official)
- Parks Canada — Lake Superior NMCA: https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/on/super