Best trails in Pukaskwa National Park
Pukaskwa National Park is located in the Thunder Bay District, on the shore of Lake Superior in northern Ontario. It was established in 1978. Its landscape is made of boreal forests and part of Lake Superior. It is home to a varied wildlife including black bears, timber wolves and moose. It is a great place to backpack, hike, and paddle.
Top trails
- (295)•Hard•12.9 mi•Est. 5.5–6 hrThis is a fantastic long hike, and the ups and downs start almost right away as you hike through rocky and tree root terrain. Because you get breaks from both the climbs and descents, most people can complete this as a day hike or a two-day hike with some camping. The suspension bridge and the waterfall are great and the main points of interest. There are a few nice rest areas along the route, and folks recommend sitting further up the river to rest and have lunch. As far as views go, you...
- (157)•Moderate•2.2 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThe Manito Miikana and Southern Headland Trails in Ontario offer a scenic hike. The trail winds through forested areas and rocky outcrops, with picturesque views of the surrounding landscape and water. As you hike along the Southern Headland, you'll be treated to open views of the shoreline of Lake Superior. The trail is well-marked and with a few uneven sections, making it a great option beginner hikers.
- (150)•Moderate•1.7 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrWhether you have limited time or an entire day, this is the most scenic loop shorter than 10 km that provides the best Puskaswa National Park has to offer. You'll hug the rugged coastline for most of the journey, and folks recommend taking this slow and spending a few hours here. The views and rest areas along the trail are absolutely spectacular. Hikers recommend enjoying the sights, the smells, and even taking your shoes off when the sun warms the rock and moss to truly connect to the land...
- (79)•Easy•1.7 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrHead out on an adventure where the forest meets the big water of Lake Superior! In Pukaskwa National Park, you can explore a few connected trails that show off the best of the area. You’ll wander along a boardwalk to a sandy beach covered in huge driftwood, and then climb up the Southern Headland Trail. The path takes you through a classic boreal forest, full of moss and twisted tree roots. From the top of the headland, you get awesome views of the lake. This spot is a must-do to really...
- (88)•Moderate•1.6 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrDiscover the Bimose Kinoomagewnan, or "The Walking School," a beautiful trail that teaches the wisdom of the Anishinaabe people. This path will guide you through a forest of pine and birch trees, home to animals like the beaver (amik) and the bald eagle (migizi). It’s more than just a walk; it’s an invitation to learn about the relationships between the land, plants, animals, and people.
- (58)•Moderate•1.9 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrExperience the wild and sacred beauty of Lake Superior's coast on the Manito Miikana Trail. This challenging trail is a true Pukaskwa adventure, with steep climbs and rocky terrain that require sturdy footwear. You'll hike through a forest of spruce and birch, draped in moss and lichen, on your way to breathtaking viewpoints. This area is culturally significant to the Anishinaabe people, and you can feel that power as you look out over the vast, windswept landscape.
- (83)•Hard•12.9 miThis trail traverses deep spontaneous mud pits, drift wood balance beams suspended over the bay, and a horizontal wall climbs that require being prepared for a long, challenging trail. This route follows a part of the coastal trail which is mostly forested, and does not offer many landscape views. However, users have reported that when water horizons come into view, it's like looking into paradise. Wildlife sightings are frequent, including multiple Grouse, various other birds, Mice,...
Visitor info
Pukaskwa National Park charges a fee to enter.
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Frequently asked questions
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Suitability
Points of interest
- White River
- Playter Harbour 1
- Middle Beach
- Hattie Cove Campground
- North Beach
- Picture Rock Harbour
- Hook Falls
- Hook Falls 3
- Picture Rock Harbour 2
- Willow River
- Fish Harbour
- Chigamiwinigum Falls 2
- Chigamiwinigum Falls 1
- Willow River 4
- Willow River 3
- Fisherman's Cove 1
- Nicols Cove 1
- White Gravel River 1
- Hideaway Lake
- White Spruce Harbour
