When you sea kayak Pukaskwa Park to our base on Michipicoten Bay, you’re paddling 190 km of the most remote and pristine sections of Lake Superior. Your guide(s) are wilderness chefs, who know the route, the best campsites, the geology, history and stories.
Trip Includes
- Qualified Guide(s)
- All Meals and Snacks
- Group Safety and Communication Gear
- Group Camping Gear
- Park Fees
- Applicable Shuttles
- Sanitary and Kitchen Gear
Extra Trip Options
- Meal Adjustment (Contact us if you wish to bring your own meals.)
- Camping Gear Rentals
- Sea Kayak and Gear Rentals
- Paddle Canada Level 2 sea kayak certification
Trip Description
The Pukaskwa Coast sea kayak trip is a quintessential Canadian paddling route that remains as pristine today as it was when it inspired us to start Naturally Superior Adventures in 1994.
Extending 190 km through Pukaskwa National Park and the Lake Superior Highlands Conservation Reserve, finishing at our base at Michipicoten Bay, it’s a wild, remote and beautiful coast with spectacular geology, bright sand and cobble beaches, awesome waterfalls, sacred Indigenous sites and isolated lighthouses.
Your trip begins at our base on Superior with an afternoon of on-water group coaching covering efficient paddling techniques, group rescues and safety. That evening, a trip orientation and home-cooked meal in our lodge. Beach camping is included pre & post trip. Lodge, glamdome and prospector tent accommodations are also available at a discounted rate.
The next day we’ll shuttle to Pukaskwa and begin our sea kayak journey south to our base at Michipicoten. Dozens of rivers and streams feed into the Pukaskwa coast including the Cascade which drops directly into the Lake and 100 ft Denison Falls, now part of the newly created Superior Highlands Conservation Reserve.
We’ll encounter a number of short exposed headlands but no significant crossings. Daily paddling distances range from 10 to 26 kilometres (average 19 km) with a day included to accommodate rough weather or a more relaxed or exploratory group pace.
This trip is for intermediate to advanced paddlers, who are physically fit and have some wilderness camping experience. Most paddlers will be in single sea kayaks although occasionally we send along a double.
You’ll be responsible for carrying a portion of the group gear in your kayak, along with your tent, sleeping bag and personal gear.
Our Guides
Your Guide(s) know the route, its history, geology, ecology and the best campsites. They’re certified with Wilderness Advanced First Aid; as Paddle Canada skills/instructors; and our Lake Superior Sea Kayak Guide Course. They are wilderness chefs and trip meals are healthy, hearty and delicious.
We’d love to have you join us on this quintessential Canadian sea kayak adventure.
Typical Trip Itinerary
| Day | Activity / Campsite | Distance | Sights & Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive NSA at 2 pm. Group kayak skills/safety session, trip prep & fresh home style meal at Rock Island Lodge | Michipicoten River, Lake Superior | |
| 2 | Shuttle to Hattie Cove, trip start, paddle past Pic River, White River camp | 8km | Pukaskwa National Park Interpretative Centre |
| 3 | Oiseau Bay | 22km | Oiseau Falls, beach thistle |
| 4 | White Gravel Beach | 13km | Fisherman’s Cove, Tip Top Mountain |
| 5 | Otter Island Lighthouse Area | 22km | Cascade Falls, Lighthouse, |
| 6 | Buffer day | 0km | in case of inclement weather. |
| 7 | The Wheat Bin | 24km | Pukaskwa River, Schist Falls |
| 8 | Les Petites Morts Rocks | 14km | Crane Island |
| 9 | Ghost River | 20km | Ganley Wilderness Area, Redsucker Cove |
| 10 | False Dog Harbour | 18km | Point Isacor |
| 11 | Dog River | 5km | Hike to Denison Falls |
| 12 | Mid-afternoon arrive Rock Island | 23km | Dore River, Seagull Islands, Perkwakwia Lighthouse |
Trip Video
Trip Map
Trip Photo Gallery
