Pukaskwa National Park protects remote boreal forest, Canadian Shield highlands, and a rugged, wave-battered shoreline on the north coast of Lake Superior in northwestern Ontario. Known for its multi-day Coastal Hiking Trail, wild coves and headlands, and the dramatic White River Suspension Bridge over Chigamiwinigum Falls, Pukaskwa offers one of the most untouched stretches of freshwater coastline in Canada.
| Location | North shore of Lake Superior (near Marathon / Heron Bay), Ontario |
|---|---|
| Province | Ontario |
| Established | 1978 |
| Area (approx.) | ≈ 1,878 km² |
| Notable features | Coastal Hiking Trail (≈60 km one-way), Mdaabii Miikna backcountry loop, White River Suspension Bridge & Chigamiwinigum Falls, Hattie Cove, cobble/sand beaches & granite headlands, precontact Pukaskwa Pits |
| Nearby communities | Marathon, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (Pic River), Heron Bay; regional hubs: Wawa, Thunder Bay |
Overview
Pukaskwa (pronounced “PUCK-a-saw”) preserves a sweeping section of Superior’s undeveloped coast where boreal forest meets open lake. Inland, rounded Shield hills, bogs, and black spruce forests give way to wave-scoured rock, pocket beaches, and wide river mouths. The park is remote and weather-exposed—ideal for experienced hikers and paddlers seeking solitude.
Lands and relationships
The park lies within the homelands of Anishinaabe communities, including Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation). Cultural features such as the stone Pukaskwa Pits occur on cobble beaches. Parks Canada works with Indigenous partners on stewardship, access, and interpretation.
Landscapes and ecosystems
- Superior coast: Granite headlands, cobble/cut-stone beaches, dune-backed bays (e.g., Oiseau), and river estuaries with shifting sand bars.
- Rivers & waterfalls: The White, Willow, and Pick rivers cut gorges en route to Superior; the White River forms the famed Chigamiwinigum Falls under the suspension bridge.
- Boreal & wetlands: Black spruce, jack pine, birch, and aspen with peatlands, beaver wetlands, and lichen-rich rock barrens.
- Wildlife: Moose, black bear, wolf, fox, beaver, otter, loons, and raptors; nearshore, watch for mergansers and occasional lake trout surfacing.
Things to do
- Coastal Hiking Trail (backcountry): A strenuous, often rugged route (≈60 km one-way from Hattie Cove south toward North Swallow River) over bedrock, beaches, and rooty forest—multi-day trips with tide-like seiche awareness.
- Mdaabii Miikna loop: A popular 20–25 km backcountry loop accessing quiet coves and interior lakes (permits/campsites required).
- White River Suspension Bridge day hike: A classic day objective from Hattie Cove to a 23 m-high bridge spanning the gorge above Chigamiwinigum Falls.
- Frontcountry camping & short trails: Hattie Cove Campground anchors easy loops to coastal lookouts and beaches.
- Sea kayaking & canoeing: Advanced, weather-dependent trips on Superior; sheltered paddling in Hattie Cove. Cold water and surf landings demand experience.
Access and visitor services
- From the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 17) near Heron Bay, follow Hwy 627 ~15 km to the park entrance at Hattie Cove.
- The Visitor Centre (seasonal) provides permits, trip planning, and exhibits; basic supplies and services are in Marathon.
- Reservations are recommended for frontcountry and backcountry sites; shuttles/boat drops for the Coastal Trail may be available via local operators (arrange well in advance).
Safety and low-impact travel
- Cold water & weather: Lake Superior is cold year-round; fog, strong winds, and sudden waves are common. Dress for immersion; check marine forecasts.
- Rugged terrain & remoteness: Expect slick bedrock, uneven cobble, and creek crossings. Carry maps, satellite comms, and emergency gear; self-rescue may be the only option for hours.
- Bears & food storage: Use provided food lockers/approved hangs; cook away from tents; keep camps scent-free.
- Leave No Trace: Stay on durable surfaces, protect fragile lichen barrens and dunes, and pack out all waste.
See also
- Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area (nearby, separate) • Sleeping Giant Provincial Park (regional)
- Bruce Peninsula National Park • Georgian Bay Islands National Park • Point Pelee National Park
- National parks of Canada • Travel in Canada • Geography of Canada
External links (official)
- Parks Canada — Pukaskwa National Park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/pukaskwa
- Parks Canada — Reservations (camping/backcountry): https://reservation.pc.gc.ca
- Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, wildlife, fire bans, marine hazards): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp