Day Hikes
Scenic High Falls Trail
If you like waterfalls, you’ll love this five-kilometre-long stretch of Voyageur trail along the Magpie River. Rugged yet featuring multiple access points, this trail offers a good margin of safety for novice hikers. Natural highlights include old-growth eastern white cedar trees deep in the river valley and a unique “stepping stone” section along the fringe of a rocky slope. The payoff is Scenic High Falls, a stunning 30-metre cascade. (2 hours one-way/4 hours return)
* Tip: Naturally Superior Adventures staff can drop you off at Scenic High Falls for a one-way hike back to Rock Island Lodge.
Bridget Lake Trail
You won’t actually see Bridget Lake on this trail, which is named after the historic mining track used to access the footpath. But you will experience challenging boreal forest terrain and sweeping views of Lake Superior’s wilderness coast. This eight-kilometre-long trail is perfect for intermediate hikers. In the spring, watch for pink ladyslipper orchids along open sections of the trail; throughout the season, you’ll encounter classic northern flora, including sphagnum moss, Labrador tea and black spruce. The trail ends at Driftwood Beach, one of the largest stretches of sand on Lake Superior’s Canadian shore—perfect for beachcombing! (4-6 hours one-way, 10-12 hours return). Note: parts have been overgrown, check with staff about current conditions before heading out.
* Tip: Ask staff to coordinate a vehicle shuttle to the trailhead and canoe pick-up at the north end of Driftwood Beach. A short paddle across the Michipicoten River caps off a one-way trip.
Nokomis Trail
There’s no better place to spot Nokomis—the face in the rock of Old Woman Bay’s 200-metre cliffs—than atop the summit of this well-maintained hiking trail. This five-kilometre-long loop starts and finishes at Lake Superior Provincial Park’s popular Old Woman Bay picnic area. Suitable for fit novice hikers, this trail offers some of the finest views of Lake Superior’s rugged coastline. (2-3 hours)
* Tip: Pack a lunch and enjoy an afternoon on the beach at Old Woman Bay.
South Old Woman River
This unheralded, 2.5-kilometre-long loop captures the best of the Canadian wilderness. The easy trail traces the banks of the South Old Woman River, featuring distinctive northern flora and the opportunity to see a range of songbirds such as warblers and thrushes, as well as good moose-viewing potential. (1-2 hours)
* Tip: Make it a full day by hiking the South Old Woman River and Nokomis trails.
Orphan Lake
This moderately difficult trail has a little bit of everything: a towering forest of mature yellow birch, a picturesque inland lake, waterfalls and a sweeping pebble beach on Lake Superior. The eight-kilometre loop can be completed in half a day but you’re best to set aside more time to lounge on the beach and linger at secret swimming holes on the Baldhead River. (4 hours)
* Tip: The Orphan Lake is so nice you’ll want to spend the night. Wilderness campsites are located on Lake Superior, making this an ideal overnight destination for novices and families.
Pinguisibi (Sand River)
This easy three-kilometre (one-way) trail is a favourite amongst anglers and nature photographers. The Sand River tumbles towards Lake Superior in a series of scenic waterfalls and rapids—the perfect location to capture quintessential photographs of wild Canada or to test your wits against feisty brook and rainbow trout. (2 hours return)
* Tip: You’ll experience northern tree species like black spruce as well as southern hardwoods and pines on the Pinguisibi trail. The range of species makes for stunning autumn colours.
Agawa Rock
It’s easy to see why native Ojibwa revered the 70-metre-tall granite walls of Agawa Rock: The landscape radiates a distinctive energy that cuts to a visitor’s core. Here, the Ojibwa recorded timeless cultural mysteries in the form of pictographs (rock paintings). This 0.5-kilometre (one-way) trail tests your balance while passing through a spectacular canyon known by geologists as a “contact dyke.” (1 hour return)
* Tip: Respect Lake Superior! The sloping rock at the water’s edge is treacherous when wet. Bring along tobacco or sweet grass to leave a traditional offering along the shore.
Awausee
Lake Superior Provincial Park’s most arduous trail rewards day hikers with spectacular views of an inland sea—and the flaming colours of autumn. The 10-kilometre-long loop trail climbs to the rim of the Agawa Canyon, where towering old-growth pine evaded loggers’ saws. Catch your breath and enjoy the view when you reach the top; the second half of the trail—a long descent—is less strenuous. Watch for moose in the Agawa River valley as you return to the trailhead. (4-6 hours)
* Tip: Pack high-energy snacks and lots of water for this challenging hike. Follow it up with a swim at Agawa Bay when you’re done.
Overnight hikes
Gargantua
Gargantua is a sacred wilderness haunt of cobblestone and sand beaches, swirling mist, deep forests and intrigue—the perfect place to experience the essence of Lake Superior on a weekend retreat. You can drive to the shore of Gargantua Bay and hike north on the Coastal Trail, which passes an abandoned fishing village and a ridge-top lookout. A total of seven kilometres of moderate hiking gets you to Warp Bay. This sandy paradise features backcountry campsites and great views of the rocky islands that give Gargantua its mysterious allure. (4 hours one-way)
* Tip: Make it a long weekend! Set up a base camp at Warp Bay and hike to Nanabozho’s Chair, an enchanting rock formation and Ojibwa spiritual site (3 hours return), and Chalfant Cove, a quiet retreat at the north end of the Coastal Trail (4 hours return).
Towab
A century ago, the Ojibwa guide Towabinassay was a local legend, revered for his ability to divine wildlife and trek swiftly and silently through the forest. This 12-kilometre-long (one-way) trail follows in Towab’s footsteps to some of his favourite haunts on the Agawa River, including 25-metre Agawa Falls. Moose sightings are common on this rugged trail, and the Agawa River offers excellent fishing for salmon and trout. As for the autumn colours…you’ll just have to see them for yourself! (6 hours one-way)
* Tip: You won’t regret an out-and-back overnight trip—you’ll never get tired of the Agawa Canyon scenery!
Multiday Backpacking
Lake Superior Provincial Park – Coastal Trail
Rock canyons, sweeping beaches, heart-pumping climbs and deep, dark forests—Lake Superior Provincial Park’s Coastal Trail packs a huge variety of wilderness into a 60-kilometre-long trek along the rugged shoreline of the world’s greatest lake. While this challenging trail is best for intermediate to advanced backpackers, all you need is a moderate level of fitness and a good dollop of enthusiasm to join Naturally Superior Adventures on a guided hiking trip. (5-7 days, with several options for shorter overnight trips and long weekends)
Tip: Our guides’ favourite backcountry campsites include sand beaches at Warp Bay, Beatty Cove and Barrett River. The red gravel beach at Rhyolite Cove is a particular gem, and the sheltered waters guarantee a refreshing swim.
Pukaskwa National Park – Coastal Trail
West Coast Trail, Gros Morne and Juan De Fuca—the 55-kilometre-long Pukaskwa Coastal Trail ranks alongside Canada’s best long-distance hikes. Yet you won’t find any crowds along Lake Superior’s jaw-dropping north shore, which is completely undeveloped (the trailhead is accessed by boat shuttle). With huge sand beaches, mysterious rock formations, steep ascents and amazing views of boreal forest hills and Lake Superior’s endless horizon, you’ll appreciate Pukaskwa’s tagline—”The wild shore of an Inland Sea.” Did we mention the sunsets? (5-7 days; boat access means shorter trips are also possible)
Tip: Book a local boat shuttle to take you down to the trail’s end and hike your way back to the start.