Paddling Routes
Plan your Lake Superior adventure.
Lake Superior Paddling Routes
Planning Starts Here
Find your paddling trip of a lifetime on the Great Lakes! Our big wilderness backyard in Northern Ontario features a wide range of sea kayak and canoe trips suitable for paddlers of all levels. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a two-week wilderness expedition, you’ll find it in the backcountry of Lake Superior.Naturally Superior Adventures is pleased to share a range of sea kayak and canoe routes in the Lake Superior watershed with do-it-yourself adventurers. We’ve listed an overview of the route, distance, time required, season and relevant maps and guidebooks. If you’re looking for an expert guide and instructor, visit our guided trips website.
Contact us for inquiries about boat rentals and outfitting, or with your suggestions to update or expand our database.
Canoe Trips
Agawa River
Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: 25-40 km
Number of Days: 1-3
Season: Spring
Route Description
Route DescriptionThe Agawa River canoe route flows through Northern Ontario’s famous Agawa Canyon to Lake Superior. A treat for whitewater paddlers, this river has class I to IV rapids. The more challenging rapids have portages. Highlights of this trip include riding the historic Algoma Central Railway to the put-in, spectacular Agawa Falls and plentiful wildlife, especially bald eagles. There are a number of scenic campsites amid vestiges of an old grown white pine forest.
The Agawa is best paddled in May or during wet autumns. Whitewater boaters will enjoy a floodwater trip in April, however caution is required during periods of extreme high water. Put in at mile 114 (Canyon Station) on the ACR. For a longer, more whitewater intensive trip, start further upstream at Eton Station (mile 120). Take out at the Highway 17 bridge at Agawa Bay. *Note – As of January 2016, there is no longer passenger rail service to access the Agawa River. Contact us for possible alternative means of access.
Maps: National Topographic Series (1:50,000) 41 N/7
Water Levels: Use the water level gauge on the Batchawana River for reference. The Agawa should be runnable when the Batchawana level is greater than 2.5 metres. Expect very high water levels when the Batchawana level is greater than 3.25 metres.
The Agawa River is an ideal waterway to learn whitewater canoeing technique. Contact us for a custom trip.
Mijinemungshing Lake
Skill Level: Beginner
Distance: 5-30 km
Number of Days: 2-4
Season: Spring to Fall
Route Description
Route DescriptionLake Superior Provincial Park’s Mijinemungshing Lake offers a diverse backcountry canoeing adventure. “Mijin” Lake’s 40 km of shoreline and dozens of islands makes it possible to spend a few days exploring. It’s also possible to portage into a number of other lakes from Mijinemungshing. Brook and lake trout fishing is excellent in this area.
Access Mijin Lake via highway 17 and Mijinemungshing Lake Road, located in the north end of Lake Superior Provincial Park.
Maps and Resources: National Topographic Series (1:50,000) 41 N/10&11
Visit the Lake Superior Provincial Park website to download a canoe route brochure. Mijinemungshing Lake is an excelling place to introduce your family to the joys of canoe camping. It’s also a sea kayak-friendly destination.
Contact us for more information or a guided trip.
White River
Skill Level: Intermediate
Distance: 80 km
Number of Days: 5-7
Season: Anytime
Route Description
The White River canoe route includes whitewater rapids and sweeping meanders to Lake Superior, just south of Marathon, Ontario. It’s a beautiful river that offers a pleasant mix of whitewater thrills, awe-inspiring
waterfalls and wildlife-rich backwaters. Unfortunately, the White’s thundering Umbatta Falls was recently harnessed for hydroelectricity, and other energy projects are planned along the river corridor.
Still, the White remains a solid choice for intermediate whitewater canoeists looking a river that can be run year-round. Beginning at White Lake Provincial Park (north of the town of White River on Highway 17), the river flows about 70 km to Lake Superior. From here, it’s a 10 km paddle to Pukaskwa National Park’s Visitor Centre
at Hattie Cove.
Portages on the White River are challenging, and several otherwise runnable class II rapids end in large waterfalls. The mouth of the White River can be treacherous when onshore winds and swell intersect with river current, and the section on Lake Superior demands the respect of all paddlers.
Maps and Resources: National Topographic Series (1:50,000) 42 C/12, 42 D/9;
“Top 50 Canoe Routes of Ontario” by Kevin Callan
Canadian Canoe Routes online database
With hydroelectric development pending at several sites on the White River, you’re best to contact us for the latest route and information.
Dog River
Skill Level: Advanced
Distance: 37-65 km (river only)
Number of Days: 3-7
Season: Spring
Route Description:
Route Description:The Dog River is the most challenging whitewater trip on thenorth shore of Lake Superior. It’s a remote, wilderness river that falls in a series ofClass I to Class V rapids and spectacular falls, including awesome 40-metre-high(150-foot) Denison Falls, before emptying into Lake Superior, 25 km west of Michipicoten.
This is a river trip for advanced paddlers only. Portages are virtually non-existent.Rapids are long and technical. Campsites are undeveloped. But for the skilled whitewater paddler, the Dog is a trip of a lifetime. It’s possible to access the lake-to-lake headwaters of the Dog at Hammer Lake, just north of Obatanga Provincial Park on Highway 17. From here, it’s about 65 km to Lake Superior. For a whitewater-only trip, put-in at the Dog River bridge on Paint Lake Road, off of Highway 17. Those familiar with the river have paddled from here to Lake Superior in 12 hours. Mere mortals are advised to plan on 3 to 4 days to afford the time to scout rapids and navigate portages. The 25 km section on Lake Superior takes 1 to 2 days to complete. Be prepared to be windbound on Superior.
Maps: National Topographic Series (1:50,000) 42 C/6 (headwaters), 42 C/3, 41 N/14, 41 N/15 (Lake Superior section)
Water Levels: There is no water level gauge for the Dog River but the Pukaskwa gauge serves as a reasonable proxy. About 4.3 to 4.7 on the Pukaskwa gauge generally means medium flow on the Dog River.
Contact us for a vehicle shuttle to the put-in on the Dog River.
Old Woman Lake
Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Distance: 25 km return
Number of Days: 2-3
Season: Spring to Fall
Route Description
Route DescriptionOld Woman Lake proves the backcountry maxim that sheer beauty is only found through physical struggle. Old Woman Lake is a wilderness canoe tripper’s dream—a clear water gem cradled by the stalwart hills of the
Canadian Shield. This portion of Lake Superior Provincial Park boasts abundant wildlife—moose, wolves and black bear—and exceptional trout fishing. Old Woman Lake is only accessible via a series of smaller bodies of water, linked by portages.
The lake is the ultimate destination for a wilderness base camp, and also offersaccess to the Sand River canoe route. In the spring, it’s best to launch at Mijinemungshing Lake, trace the scenic Mirimoki Wetlands and portage three times to get to Old Woman Lake. This route, however, becomes more difficult when water levels decrease in the summer. Later in the season, it’s best to start at Gamitagama Lake, a route that involves seven portages.
Maps and Resources: National Topographic Series (1:50,000) 41 N/10&11
“Top 50 Canoe Routes of Ontario” by Kevin Callan
Visit the Lake Superior Provincial Park website to download a canoe route brochure.
Tired of the crowds of Algonquin, Killarney, Quetico or the Boundary Waters? Experience true wilderness canoeing on the Old Woman Lake canoe route in Lake Superior Provincial Park. Contact us for a custom trip.
Shikwamkwa River
Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Distance: 40 km
Number of Days: 2-4 days
Season: Spring to Fall
Route Description
Route DescriptionThe Shikwamkwa River is a little known canoe route that exposes novice paddlers to the Northern Ontario wilderness. Starting from the railway ghost town of Dalton, east of Wawa, Ontario, the Shikwamkwa bisects the
boreal forest. This is primarily a flatwater canoe trip, with three portages en route to bypass unrunnable logging dam, rapids and falls. A fourth portage near the end of the route accesses the Michipicoten River and the take-out at Highway 101. This route has good walleye and northern pike fishing. You’re all but guaranteed to have the waterway all to yourself.
It’s a long weekend run from Dalton to the Highway 101 bridge. For a four- to fiveday trip, consider extending the trip by descending the historic Michipicoten River to Lake Superior.
Maps: National Topographic Series (1:50,000): 42 C/1, 41 N/16
The Shikwamkwa River is an ideal waterway to learn wilderness canoe tripping techniques. It’s also a great wilderness canoeing destination for Scout groups and summer camps. Contact us for a custom trip.
Michipicoten River
Skill Level: Novice
Distance: 15 km
Number of Days: 1
Season: Spring to Fall
Route Description:
Route Description:The Michipicoten River offers a pleasant day trip with lots of wildlife and historical appeal. Start at Scott Falls Dam and float downstream to Lake Superior. En route you may see black bear, bald eagles and salmon–especially in late summer. Historically, the Michipicoten was the main fur trade route from Lake Superior to
James Bay. The remains of a Hudson Bay Company post can be found near the small community of Michipicoten River Village.
While this is a relatively benign trip, caution must be exercised in the fast moving water below Scott Falls. Be aware of sweepers–trees overhanging the water on the outside of river bends—and favour the inside of curves in the river. The mouth of the Michipicoten River can be hazardous when onshore wind and waves oppose the
river current.
Naturally Superior Adventures offers a self-guided ecotour on the Michipicoten River that includes canoe rental, vehicle shuttle an eco-guide map.
Maps: NTS (1:50,000) 41 N/15
The Michipicoten River offers a great introduction to river canoeing for day-trippers. Check out Rock Island Lodge for adventure packages or contact us to register for a self-guided day trip.
Pukaskwa River
Skill Level: Advanced
Distance: 65 km (river only)
Number of Days: 5-7 (river only)
Season: Spring
Route Description
Route DescriptionThe Pukaskwa River cuts a tumultuous course through some of Ontario’s most remote wilderness. A treat for advanced whitewater canoeists, it features class I-IV rapids, scenic waterfalls and rugged portages. A highlight of the trip is Ringham’s Gorge, a 3-km-long whitewater canyon.
Access the Pukaskwa River via Paint Lake Road (off of Highway 17, north of Wawa) and the Domtar 600 Road. From Wawa, it takes about 2 hours to reach the put-in.The upper reaches of the Pukaskwa are creek-like with lots of rugged, practically non-existent portages. The river is often obstructed by dangerous sweepers in this
section. Open canoeists should plan on a grueling day-and-a-half of portaging and paddling (in that order) before reaching the hydro lines. From here, the river becomes wider and volume increases.
The Pukaskwa is best run in medium to high water. At this level, many of the river’s57 rapids can be run. Still, there are a number of serious Class V rapids to be portaged, as well as several waterfalls. In extreme high water, be prepared to landupstream of traditional portages landings.Ringham’s Gorge is the Pukaskwa’s piece-de-resistance. If you choose to run it, be aware that there’s no turning back. The gorge is best run in medium water levels.The alternative is the arduous “Two Pants Portage”, which is 2.5 km long and takes the better part of a day to complete.
From its mouth at Lake Superior, it’s a 90 km paddle north to Hattie Cove, or a 90 km paddle east to Michipicoten. Plan on a minimum of 4 days to complete this section, and be prepared to be windbound. Alternatively, boat shuttle pick-up can be arranged.
Maps and Resources: NTS (1:50,000) 42 C/6, 42 C/5, 42 C/4 (river only); 41 N/13, 41 N/14, 41 N/15 (Lake Superior section east to Michipicoten);
“Paddling the Pukaskwa River” by George Drought (out of print).
Water Levels: The Pukaskwa River is best between 4.4 metres and 4.8 metres on the Water Levels gauge. The river becomes extremely pushy above 5 metres on the gauge.
Take your wilderness canoe tripping to the next level with this spectacular whitewater expedition. Contact us for a vehicle shuttle to the put-in on the Pukaskwa River.
Sea Kayak Trips
Lake Superior Provincial Park – Michipicoten to Old Woman Bay
Level of Difficulty: Novice-Intermediate
Distance: 25 km
Number of Days: 1-3
Season: June-August
Route Description
Route DescriptionThe northernmost coast of Lake Superior Provincial Park offers a diverse mixture of cliffs, headlands and cobblestone beaches. The trip’s highlight is paddling beneath the 200-metre-high (650 feet) cliffs at Old Woman Bay. Backcountry campsites are available at Smoky Point and Brule Harbour.
Maps: National Topographic Series (1:50,000) 41 N/15
Michipicoten to Old Woman is our favourite Weekend Getaway destination, the perfect guided sea kayak trip for first-time paddlers, families and outdoor adventure enthusiasts looking for a taste of the Lake Superior wilderness coastline.
Michipicoten Bay
Level of Difficulty: Novice
Distance: 15 km
Number of Days: 1
Season: Spring to Fall
Route Description
The Michipicoten River and Lake Superior’’ Michipicoten Bay offer scenic sea kayak day trips. It’s a short paddle upstream on the Michipicoten River to the historic site of a Hudson Bay Company post and the cascades of Silver Falls. On Lake Superior, paddle along the sweeping expanse of Driftwood Beach to the rugged Greenstone Islands at the south end.
More adventurous day trippers may wish to cross to Michipicoten Light Station atPerkwakwia Point and explore the sheltered waters of Michipicoten Harbour.Return to the mouth of the Michipicoten River via the Glenn Gould Islets and Sandy Beach—the perfect spot for a picnic lunch.
The mouth of the Michipicoten River can be hazardous when onshore wind and waves intersect with the outflowing current. If in doubt, land on the adjacent beach and carry over to avoid paddling through the river mouth. Other hazards include exposure to wind and waves—be wary of onshore southwestly and westerly winds.
Maps: National Topographical Series (1:50,000) 41 N/15
Michipicoten Bay is our favourite location for sea kayak day trips. This guided trip ispopular with our Rock Island Lodge guests.
Denison Falls
Level of Difficulty: Novice-Intermediate
Distance: 50 km
Number of Days: 4-5
Season: June-August
Route Description
This exceptional Lake Superior sea kayak trip includes a mixture of sand beaches and rocky headlands along a wonderful wilderness coastline. The highlight of the trip is spectacular Denison Falls on the Dog River, located a two-hour hike inland. Because of many landing options this trip is also suitable for open canoes.
Maps and Resources: National Topographic Series (1:50,000) 41 N/14, 41 N/15;
“Teasing the Spirit” by Craig Zimmerman (out of print)
The Denison Falls Weekly Escape is a signature Naturally Superior Adventures guided sea kayak trip.
Neys Provincial Park
Level of Difficulty: Novice-Intermediate
Distance: 5-30 km
Number of Days: 1-4
Season: June-August
Route Description
This often overlooked sea kayak destination on Lake Superior’s northernmost shore includes sand beaches, smooth rock island and the sweeping silhouette of Pic Island. Group of Seven landscape painter Lawren Harris revered the Pic Island area for its austere landforms. Novice paddlers can base camp at Neys Provincial Park campground while more experienced sea kayakers can circumnavigate Pic Island and camp on the east side of the Coldwell Peninsula.
While Neys’ Prisoner Cove campground seems benign, the open waters off of Pic Island can be treacherous. There are no rough-water landings on the south side of Pic Island so choose your days carefully. Expect plenty of fog in June and July. Backcountry campsites include King’s Beach (middle of Coldwell Peninsula) and Foster Island at the east end of the Coldwell Peninsula.
Maps: National Topographic Series (1:50,000) 42 D/10
Naturally Superior Adventures fully guided Rossport to Marathon trip paddles in the wake of Canada’s famous Group of Seven artists. This weeklong backcountry sea kayak trip visits painting locations in hidden coves, wave-washed beaches and the intriguing railroad ghost town of Jackfish.
Rossport Islands
Level of Difficulty: Novice-Intermediate
Distance: 10-40 km
Number of Days: 1-4
Season: June-August
Route Description:
The archipelago of islands off the quaint community of Rossport, Ontario, offers novice sea kayakers a friendly glimpse of Lake Superior’s north shore. The inner islands are protected from heavy seas and include a few great campsites on Healey, Channel and Wilson islands. A hiking trail on Quarry Island offers a panoptic view of the protected waters of the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area.
With the right conditions, more experienced paddlers can venture on overnight trips to the outer islands, visiting the lighthouse at Battle Island and the stunning cobblestone beaches of Wilson Island’s exposed south side. Despite its easy access, this region is noted for its cold water and frequent fog. Paddlers should be especially wary of southwest, south and southeast winds. Proper immersion gear, a VHF marine radio and a seaworthy kayak are essential. Note that mobile phones are reasonably reliable throughout the Rossport Islands (depending on your service provider).
Maps and Resources: National Topographic Series (1:50,000) 42 D/13, 42 D/14; “A Paddler’s Guide to the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area” by Darrell Makin and Zack Kruzins.
With a mix of sheltered and exposed water and numerous backcountry campsites, the Rossport Islands are a prime location for intermediate sea kayakers to explore.
Lake Superior Provincial Park – Old Woman Bay to Agawa Bay
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: 85 km
Number of Days: 5-7
Season: June-August
Route Description
This stretch of Lake Superior Provincial Park coastline comprises some of the most diverse sea kayaking on the Great Lakes. You’ll encounter towering cliffs at Old Woman Bay, sea caves at Cap Chaillon, sweeping sand beaches at Gargantua, and famed pictographs at Agawa Rock. Several imposing headlands with no rough-water landings make this trip best suited to experienced sea kayakers with appropriate skills and equipment, including cold-water gear and a VHF marine radio.
Maps: National Topographic Series (1:50,000) 41 N/15, 41 N/10&11, 41 N/7
The southern portion of this route parallels the Coastal Hiking Trail, offering paddlers the opportunity to stretch their legs and experience waterfalls, lookouts and coastal forests. Naturally Superior Adventures offers a five-day guided sea kayak trip of Lake Superior Provincial Park coastline for those looking for an all-inclusive adventure.
Michipicoten Island
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate-Advanced
Distance: 70 km
Number of Days: 4-6
Season: July and August
Route Description
The exposed, fog-shrouded coastline of Michipicoten Island isthe most remote—and potentially hazardous—sea kayak destination on the Great Lakes. The island features abandoned fishing and mining communities and an
enchanted mix of sand and cobblestone beaches. Undeveloped campsites are located at East Sand Bay, West Sand Bay, Green Island, Schaffer Bay, Quebec Rocks, Bonner Head (marginal) and Point Maurepas (marginal).
Contact us to arrange boat transportation to and from Michipicoten Island. Only expert sea kayakers with solid paddling and rescue skills, appropriate safety and communications gear, and a flexible schedule should attempt the 16 km (minimum) crossing to the island.
Maps and Resources: National Topographic Series (1:50,000) 41 N/12, 41 N/13;
“An Introduction to Michipicoten Island” by David Whyte (out of print)
Michipicoten Island is a “bucket list” destination for Great Lakes sea kayakers. Naturally Superior Adventures offers a guided trip to the island: A minimally outfitted, self-supported expedition for experienced sea kayakers.
Pukaskwa National Park
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate-Advanced
Distance: 90 km
Number of Days: 5-7
Season: Anytime
Route Description
Pukaskwa National Park is the premiere sea kayak destination on the Great Lakes. Its stunning scenery and sheer isolation ranks Pukaskwa amongst the best sea kayaking in Canada. This stretch of wilderness coastline includes spectacular campsites on sand and cobblestone beaches, cascading rivers and the potential to see wildlife such as moose, woodland caribou and bald eagle. Paddlers should have solid skills and appropriate equipment, including immersion wear and communication devices such as a VHF marine radio. Numerous stretches of this shoreline lack safe landings, including the mouth of the White River, approaching North Swallow River, and Otter Head.
This route is most frequently combined with the Lake Superior Highlands coast to make a 10-14 day sea kayak expedition. However, boat transfers are available to the remote south end of Pukaskwa National Park for paddlers with only a week’s vacation.
Maps and Resources: National Topographic Series (1:50,000) 42 D/9, 42 D/8, 42 D/1, 42 C/4; “Teasing the Spirit” by Craig Zimmerman (out of print); Pukaskwa National Park Coastal Paddling Trip Planner (Parks Canada)
Experience Lake Superior’s finest sea kayaking on Naturally Superior Adventures guided Pukaskwa trip.
Slate Islands
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: up to 80 km
Number of Days: 4-6
Season: June-August
Route Description
Northern Lake Superior’s Slate Islands offer something for everyone. Advanced sea kayaker’s will be challenged by the 10 km open water crossing to access the island (boat shuttles are also available—contact us for more
information), while novices will appreciate the shelter of the inner harbour. Most paddlers are drawn to the Slates by the promise of encountering Ontario’s southernmost population of woodland caribou and to experience the islands’ bizarre geology, which attests to a meteorite impact. Lake trout fishing is exceptional in June and July.
The Slates consist of two larger islands—Mortimer and Patterson—arranged in a doughnut-shape and dozens of smaller ones within. Circumnavigating Mortimer is an easy day trip; paddling around Patterson requires a longer day or a relaxed overnight. Hazards include the open water crossing from Terrace Bay (or Jackfish)
to the Slate Islands. It’s about 10 km long and is completely exposed to east, south and west winds. The south side of Patterson Island and the west side of Mortimer are also quite exposed.
Backcountry campsites are located at the northeast tip of Mortimer Island; the northwest tip (inside) of Patterson Island; Shell Cove (outer Patterson Island); Sunday Harbour (outer Patterson Island); Horace Cove (outer Patterson Island); and the Come-and-Rest cabin on McColl Island.
Maps and Resources: National Topographic Series (1:50,000) 42 D/10, 42 D/11; “A Paddler’s Guide to the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area” by Darrell Makin and Zack Kruzins
You’re all but guaranteed to see woodland caribou on Naturally Superior Adventures’ all-inclusive Slate Islands guided sea kayak trip, which includes transportation to and from the islands.
Gargantua Area
Level of Difficulty: Novice-Intermediate
Distance: 5-40 km
Number of Days: 2-4
Season: June-August
Route Description
Sea kayak Lake Superior Provincial Park’s magical Cape Gargantua area. Launching from Gargantua Bay, visit the wreck of the Columbus, a century-old steamship sunk in the depths of Gargantua Harbour. Rounding
Gargantua Point, the cliffs of Devil’s Warehouse Island loom above open water. From here, it’s a short 2 km paddle to the sandy campsites at Warp Bay.
Warp Bay makes an excellent base camp. Follow the Tugboat Channel to Nanaboozho’s Rock (Devil’s Chair) and cautiously round Cape Gargantua. Sheltered Indian Harbour has one nice campsite at the eastern edge of Cape Gargantua.
Lots of good landings make this trip accessible to novice/intermediate paddlers,however caution must be exercised rounding Gargantua Point and the northern tip of Cape Gargantua. There are no landings in these areas and shoals and sheer cliffs make for treacherous paddling in wind and waves. Hiking the Coastal Trail is a
pleasant diversion if the lake is rough.
Maps: National Topographic Series (1:50,000) 41/N10&11
Haunted cliffs, mist-shrouded islands and sweeping sand beaches shape the magic of Gargantua. This area is suitable for families, base campers, sea kayakers and canoeists. You may also choose to sign up for Naturally Superior Adventures Spirit of Lake Superior Provincial Park trip, which will allow you to explore with a naturalist guide.
Lake Superior Highlands – Pukaskwa River to Michipicoten Bay
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate-Advanced
Distance: 90 km
Number of Days: 5-7
Season: June-August
Route Description
Stretching west from Michipicoten, this section of Lake Superior coast offers superlative wilderness sea kayaking. Highlights include the sheer cliffs of Point Isacor and spectacular Denison Falls, a short hike up the Dog River. Campsites include a mix of sand beach and cobblestone. The coastline is entirely undeveloped, with the ramshackle remains of trappers’ cabins and abandoned fishing outposts tucked into a few bays.
This route’s greatest hazard is the eight-kilometre-long no-landing zone between Tamarack Bay and Ghost River. Paddlers are advised to monitor the weather with a VHF marine radio and to wear appropriate immersion gear, such as a wetsuit or dry suit.
Maps and Resources: National Topographic Series (1:50,000) 42 C/4, 41 N/13, 41
N/14, 41 N/15; “Teasing the Spirit” by Craig Zimmerman (out of print)
The Superior Highlands portion of Lake Superior’s Canadian shoreline is frequently ignored in favour of better-known sea kayak destinations. This means its backcountry campsites are pristine and crowd-free.
Hattie Cove to Michipicoten
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate-Advanced
Distance: 180 km
Number of Days: 8-14
Season: June-August
Route Description
Lake Superior’s ultimate wilderness sea kayak trip traces the
remote coast of Pukaskwa National Park and the Superior Highlands. While more
ambitious paddlers may complete this trip in one week, it’s best to allot 10 to 14
days to enjoy the spectacular scenery. Cliffs, expansive sand beaches, stalwart
headlands and cascading rivers make this a sea kayak trip of a lifetime.
Maps and Resources: National Topographic Series (1:50,000) 42 D/9, 42 D/8, 42 D/1, 42 C/4, 41 N/13, 41 N/14, 41 N/15; “Teasing the Spirit” by Craig Zimmerman (out of print); Pukaskwa National Park Coastal Paddling Trip Planner (Parks Canada)
Experience Lake Superior’s finest sea kayaking on Naturally Superior Adventures guided Pukaskwa trip.
Sibley to Rossport
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate-Advanced
Distance: 125 km
Number of Days: 6-8
Season: June-August
Route Description
Between Lake Superior’s famed Sleeping Giant and the village of Rossport lie hundreds of wilderness islands, contained within the newly established Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area. This island-to-island
route explores a varied coastline of cobblestone and cliffs and will fascinate paddlers with its unique geology.
Starting from the village of Silver Islet, the trip begins with an eight-kilometre open water crossing to Porphyry Island. From here, open water crossings are the norm until you reach Roche Debout Point on the Black Bay Peninsula. The route crosses the Nipigon Strait at Fluor Island and follows the south shore of St. Ignace Island. A final crossing takes you to Battle Island and the Rossport group of islands. This trip is best for experienced paddlers. Hazards include rough landings and exposure to southerly seas. There are no sand beaches along this route so be prepared to land on cobble, boulders and smooth rock.
Campsites include: Finley Bay (Sibley Peninsula); Porphyry Island; Island No. 10 (the site of a heritage lighthouse); Spain Island; Jobin Island; Shesheeb Bay; Spar Island; Fluor Island (numerous); McNabb Harbour (St. Ignace Island); McKay Cove (Simpson Island); Harry Island; Sand Bay (west side of Wilson Island); and Channel Island.
Maps and Resources: National Topographic Series (1:50,000) 52 A/7, 52 A/8, 52 A/9, 42 D/12, 42 D/13, 42 D/14; “A Paddler’s Guide to the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area” by Darrell Makin and Zack Kruzins.
The Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area is the world’s largest freshwater marine park and our guides’ second-favourite trip. If you’ve experienced the Pukaskwa Coast, you’ll marvel in the unique geology of Sibley to Rossport. Naturally Superior Adventures offers an all-inclusive guided trip.