The second day of my Northwestern Ontario Road Travel I spent the day exploring the Provincial Park of Lake Supérieur. And I never thought that another Ontario park could compare itself to my beloved national park in the Bruce peninsula, but the Provincial Park of Lake Supérieur was just as large!
Located between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa, in northern Ontario, the Provincial Park of Lake Supérieur hugs the eastern shores of Lac Supérieur. Lake Superior is the largest lake in the world. There are around two dozen state parks and provincials around it, including the giant sleep provincial park, Pukaskwa National Park and the Provincial Park of Lac Supérieur.
* Tip: there is no service station in the park, the last service station before the park is at Agawa Crafts
The Provincial Park of Lake Supérieur covers 160, 810 hectares and has a richness of natural and historical wonders to explore. From stunts to interior lakes and beach expanses, it will never cease to surprise you. And the park also has 11 different hiking trails, for all levels of capacity.
With a park, the size of the Provincial Park of Lac Supérieur, planning a day to explore it can be intimidating. Where do you start? Let me help! I have set up the perfect route for an excellent day exploring the park and ensuring you see the best it has to offer.
Visitors Center
Your first stop should be for the park Visitors Center. Here you can buy your Day Pass ($ 14.50 CAD), take all the brochures you need and browse their gift shop. Do not forget to talk to the staff. Ask questions about the trails and sites that would be the best for you, as well as on any closure or other relevant information.
The visitors center is located just inside the southern end of the park, 1.5 hours north of Sault Ste. Married. Although he has no grocery store, he has some snack options, as well as the toilets. This is important because there is nowhere to buy food otherwise in the park. The center also has a few screens and exhibitions that are worth checking before starting to explore
AGAWA Rock Pictographers
Your second stop should be for the Rock Agawa pictograms. Located just after the reception center, on your left. The path leading to Agawa Rock will only take you about half an hour to an round trip. Although short, the path is moderate and descends nearly 100 feet on damaged terrain. But once you reach the superior lake, it will amaze you with its great beauty.
At the end of the path, you will meet a large rocky shore and on your left is Agawa Rock. Going up to the sky, this giant rocky face shelters 35 images backwards extending along the rocky face. Painted by the Ojibwe centuries ago, the images represent their dreams and their spirits. Please note that this is a sacred site.
You can only visit the pictograms in summer and when the Superior Lake is calm. Indeed, to see the images, you must travel along a rocky rim that bows in the lake, and can be quite dangerous if it is wet or with inappropriate shoes. Beyond the pictograms, the path is always remarkable. With rocky abyss, canyons and other interesting geological characteristics, it is easy to spend more than an hour soaking and photographing all the wonders.
Pinguisibi
Another big stop is the Pinguisibi path. This 6 -kilometer trail is linear and will take between 1.5 and 3 hours. Pinquisibi means “fine white sand river” in Ojibwe. It is an appropriate name because the path winds along the Sand river. The path houses three wonderful waterfalls. And don’t forget to monitor orchids, because there are many orchid plates of pink slippers along the path.
Old woman’s bay
If you are looking for a quiet place to swim, picnic or sit down and relax, I recommend a stop at Old Woman Bay. Here you will find a large beach that offers a breathtaking view of the 650 -foot cliffs that come out of the superior lake. This dominant view is worth dipping, especially at sunset, while Lake Superior wraps the falling sun.
Trail Nokomis
If you are looking for a longer path, it’s a little more difficult, then the Nokomis path is for you. The head of the trail is located just opposite Old Woman Bay, where you will have to park. This 5 -kilometer loop trail will take you about 2 to 3 hours. A hike through the enchanting boreal forest and up to a glorious overview of Lake Superior will leave you impressed.
Pink gang orchid
Agawa Rock Trail
One thing that you will surely remove your time exploring the Provincial Park of Lake Supérieur is a deep feeling of fear and appreciation for our wild world. And also, Canada is much more than its west coast. Dig more deeply and discover the wild natural beauty of Ontario in one of its best kept secrets – the Provincial Park of Lake Supérieur.
Have you ever explored the Provincial Park of Lac Supérieur?
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