Exploring Lake Superior Provincial Park
Your Ultimate Guide To
Camp, Hike, Explore & Work
Ready to experience some of the most stunning landscapes Ontario has to offer?
Vast shorelines, towering cliffs, and dense forests - Lake Superior is the perfect place for a memorable road trip. From camping under the stars to hiking through picturesque trails, this is your guide to getting the most out of your adventure.
I had always heard Lake Superior was stunning—but nothing really prepares you for just how incredible and powerful it feels when you first see and experience this area. Lake Superior Provincial Park was my first solo camping trip (while working, might I add), and it all started with a car full of snacks, downloaded maps, and zero expectations. This camping trip became one of the best outdoor getaways I’ve ever had, making me want to explore more solo.
It was a personal goal of mine to not only set out to have a big, brave solo camping moment—I just really needed some time outside but also to test the limits on how much I could embrace working and camping. With my laptop packed next to my sleeping bag and my coffee mug doubling as a desk companion, I found myself doing something I’d always dreamed of: working remotely from the outdoors.
Lake Superior Provincial Park became more than just a campsite—it became my office, hiking partner, and quiet little corner of the world. It wasn’t perfect (cue the bugs, tech hiccups, and a forgotten spatula), but it was absolutely worth it.
Whether you are a seasoned camper or a first-time explorer, this guide will show you (almost) everything you need to know for an unforgettable adventure in one of Ontario’s most iconic parks. Its rugged cliffs, pristine waters, and extensive network of trails offer endless opportunities for camping, hiking, canoeing, and waterfall exploration. Here's how to plan your road trip for an unforgettable adventure in one of Ontario's most scenic provincial parks.
Getting There: Your Road Trip Route
Starting your adventure is half the fun when the drive to Lake Superior Provincial Park is as scenic as it can get. Whether you’re coming from Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie or Thunder Bay, the drive along Highway 17 offers breathtaking views of Lake Superior’s rugged shoreline.
From Sault Ste. Marie:
Head north on Highway 17 for about 2 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass several picturesque spots, including Batchawana Bay and Chippewa Falls. These are perfect for a quick stop to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenic beauty. Don’t forget to stop at the iconic Voyaguer Lodge to try one of the apple fritters! Honestly, it’s the size of your head.
💡 Fill up on gas here—there are no major service stops until Wawa!
From Thunder Bay:
If travelling from Thunder Bay, prepare for a longer but equally rewarding drive. The 7-hour journey along Highway 17 will take you through remote stretches of wilderness, where you’ll spot towering cliffs, dense forests, and the sparkling waters of Lake Superior. I highly encourage stopping multiple times to soak in all the views safely.
No matter which direction you're driving from, the road trip to Lake Superior Provincial Park is an adventure in itself. There are plenty of stunning views and quiet spots to explore.
Camping in Lake Superior Provincial Park
For camping enthusiasts, Lake Superior Provincial Park offers two main campgrounds: Agawa Bay Campground and Rabbit Blanket Lake Campground.
Agawa Bay Campground
Located right on the shoreline of Lake Superior, Agawa Bay Campground offers waterfront campsites with spectacular views. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore or watching the sun dip below the horizon as you sit by the campfire. The beach is just steps away, making it the perfect spot for those who love to spend their days by the water.
If you can grab one of the beachfront campsites, it is 120% worth it!
Rabbit Blanket Lake Campground
Rabbit Blanket Lake Campground offers a quiet, wooded escape if you want something more secluded. Tucked away from the main highway, this smaller campground provides a peaceful retreat with access to hiking trails and serene lake views. It’s an excellent option for those seeking solitude or a more intimate connection with nature.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park
About an hour's drive to Lake Superior Provincial Park, Pancake Bay offers another campground with scenic beach view sites.
💡 Book early in peak season—these sites are popular and go fast.
Over a few days, I balanced client calls, emails and campfires. Mornings started with coffee and an incredible view, followed by focused work blocks powered by downloaded playlists and a surprisingly steady hotspot (thanks, Rogers!). Afternoons were for exploring the trails, taking in the rugged shorelines, and letting nature do what it does best—reset the brain.
It wasn’t all dreamy content creator vibes—there were bugs, battery challenges, and moments where I felt a little unsure. But overall, working and camping solo gave me something I’d been chasing: space to breathe and freedom to do things on my own terms. Plus getting out of my comfort zone.
Best Hikes in Lake Superior Provincial Park
Hikers will absolutely love Lake Superior Provincial Park! It's a true paradise for nature lovers, offering many trails to explore. Whether you're up for a leisurely stroll to take in the stunning scenery or seeking a challenging coastal adventure, this park has something awesome for every level of hiker!
Agawa Rock Pictographs Trail
This short but thrilling trail takes you to one of the park’s most famous sites—the Agawa Rock Pictographs. These ancient Indigenous paintings are found on cliff faces towering above Lake Superior. The trail is less than a kilometre, but it involves a bit of scrambling and careful footing to reach the pictographs. There is an option to get out onto the rock outcrop to view the pictographs up close, but please consider the conditions. Several warning signs DO NOT ATTEMPT if the water and weather conditions are bad.
Nokomis Trail
If you’re up for a moderate challenge, the Nokomis Trail is a 5 km loop that rewards hikers with stunning panoramic views of Old Woman Bay. The trail meanders through forested hills before opening up to breathtaking lookouts, yes, plural! Over Lake Superior. It’s especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and orange.
Orphan Lake Trail
This hike is popular and for a lot of good reasons! It is a moderate 8 km loop with three incredible lookouts and amazing diversity (some parts look right out of a fairytale!). You can hike to panoramic views of Orphan Lake, out over Pebble Beach and Lake Superior for a gorgeous waterfront snack break, and then follow the Baldhead River to incredible falls.
Sand River Trail
Another gem in the park follows a series of waterfalls and rapids. The trail provides a relaxing hike along the river, offering a refreshing atmosphere, perfect for hot summer days. I think this is the best trail to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the surroundings.
Coastal Trail
For the experienced and adventurous hiker, the Coastal Trail is a challenging route that hugs the rocky shores of Lake Superior. This multi-day hike takes you along some of the park’s most rugged terrain, offering jaw-dropping views of the lake’s dramatic cliffs and bays. If you’re not ready for the entire trek, you can tackle shorter sections of the trail for a day hike.
Agawa Falls via Towab Trail
Experience one of the highest waterfalls in the Park, which is only accessible on foot! This hike is a round trip of 24km and takes 5 – 8 hours. I’ve heard mixed reviews (as this hike is on my bucket list) that it isn’t difficult—just long. You also have the option to camp along the way or during your time. There are at least five first-come, first-served campsites along the Towab River.
Exploring Beyond the Trails: Must-See Spots
While hiking is one of the main reasons to visit, Lake Superior Provincial Park has much more to explore.
Old Woman Bay
One of the park’s most iconic spots, Old Woman Bay, is a must-see! The towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters are the perfect backdrop for morning coffee or sunset watching. It’s also a fantastic spot for photography, so make sure to bring your camera. There is a trail option that you can hike from Old Woman Bay. South Old Woman Trail is an approx 2.5km loop and is considered easy.
Katherine Cove
Katherine Cove is a hidden gem if you’re looking for a more serene spot to unwind. The shallow, warm waters make it an excellent place to swim, and the sandy beach is ideal for families or anyone looking to relax.
Paddling the Lake
For paddling friends, there’s nothing like paddling along the shores of Lake Superior. Whether in a canoe or kayak, the lake offers endless opportunities for exploration. The waters of bays like Sinclair Cove and Michipicoten Bay provide peaceful paddling, while the more rugged coastlines challenge experienced paddlers. Please consider your paddling level and weather conditions. Paddling Lake Superior is no joke!
This Guide from Northern Ontario covers all you need to know about paddling Lake Superior and within the park.
Lake Superior Provincial Park is truly a gem you’ll want to visit time and time again. It offers a wild, peaceful atmosphere that beautifully blends adventure with tranquil moments. I highly recommend spending at least a weekend here, but if you can manage a full week, you'll have the chance to explore even more and get your fill on adventure.
My personal highlight? Watching the sunsets while camping right on the beach at Agawa Bay Campground and realizing I felt completely comfortable all by myself camping.
This solo trip reminded me that we don’t need to wait for the “perfect time” to make space for ourselves. Whether it’s a week-long backpacking trip or just a weekend away, solo travel invites you to slow down, get a little uncomfortable, and grow in unexpected ways.
It’s not about escaping work or life—it’s about integrating it all in a way that feels more aligned, more grounded, and a whole lot more you.
Have you been to Lake Superior?
Let me know your favourite hike or campsite below—or what’s on your must-do list for next time!
