Hiking Your Way Through Algoma Country
Northern Ontario offers countless scenic, beautiful, and rugged hiking trails, and Algoma Country is a region filled with trails that always impress. Algoma Country has endless spots that remind me why I love lacing up my boots and hitting the trails.
Provincial Park Hikes in Algoma Country
Algoma Country’s Provincial Parks are full of trails that showcase some of the best scenery in Northern Ontario. Think trails that offer rugged lookouts, waterfalls, and stretches of shoreline. These are the hikes people talk about for a reason, and keep coming back to each season.
Nokomis Trail, Lake Superior Provincial Park
With a 4.7-star rating from nearly 700 reviews, it's no surprise that it’s the park’s most popular hike. The Nokomis Trail offers stunning views of Old Woman Bay and Lake Superior’s rugged shoreline. It’s a bit of a climb and considered a moderate hike, but the reward at the top is worth it.
Awausee Trail, Lake Superior Provincial Park
If you're planning a full-day adventure, the Awausee Trail provides a steady, rugged incline through the forest before opening up to breathtaking views of Lake Superior and the surrounding hills. It's a challenge, but absolutely worth it! Bring plenty of water and snacks, and enjoy everything this trail has to offer. It’s one of those “I did that” moments at the end.
Orphan Lake Trail, Lake Superior Provincial Park
You get to experience a little bit of everything on this trail. The scenic loop guides you through a fairy-tale-like forest, to a pebble beach along the Lake Superior shoreline, and past the incredible view of Orphan Lake. This is the all-in-one trail that showcases the incredible diversity of Lake Superior Provincial Park in just one trail.
Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout, Pancake Bay
The trail winds through a stunning forest filled with maple, oak, and birch trees ( incredibly beautiful in the Fall!) before opening up to an incredible lookout over Lake Superior, where you can see where the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. Keep in mind it’s a long climb up a large set of stairs, but it’s a trail that combines adventure with history.
Helenbar Lookout Trail, Mississagi Provincial Park
A little further north is this hidden gem in the quieter part of Mississagi Provincial Park. This trail ascends to one of the best lookouts in Algoma, offering stunning views over Helenbar Lake, the hills, and the forest. And don’t forget to stop and admire the massive boulder on your way up to the top!
Aubrey Falls Trail, Aubrey Falls Provincial Park
If you’re after waterfall views that make you stop and say “wow,” this is the trail. It’s a short, easy hike, but the lookout over the roaring Aubrey Falls, surrounded by rugged cliffs is stunning. It’s one of those spots that feels like an adventure to reach, and when you’re there, you feel completely off the grid. I promise you’ll just want to sit, relax, and soak in the views.
Off the Beaten Path Hikes
Some of the best trails are the ones that are kept under the radar. They’re quieter, a bit more rugged, and often have a surprise or two. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, these hidden gems are worth exploring.
Foster Parkland and Walking Trails, Desbarats
Peaceful and well-maintained trails managed by volunteers. The area is a protected property with diverse mixed forests and features interpretive signs to educate visitors about local flora and fauna. There are opportunities for scenic lookouts, including a great view of Portlock Flats at the north end of the trails and Lake Huron at the south end.
Boomcamp Trails, Blind River
These trails are a collaborative effort between the Town of Blind River and Mississauga First Nation. The park features approximately 12 km of trails through three distinct ecological zones, from coastal headlands to wetlands. The 3.1 km Harbour Loop highlights the timbering heritage and the area's history. I recommend adding the extra 0.8 km to reach the beach and extending to the quiet yet incredible shoreline of Lake Huron.
Rock Candy Mountain, Thessalon
A local favourite with stunning views! You’ll feel like you’ve uncovered a truly hidden lookout spot. This short yet breathtaking hike takes you through a maple and oak forests before reaching a panoramic view over Cumming Lake, Axe Lake, and Tunnel Lake.
Thessalon Coastal Trail, Thessalon
These trails are new for 2023. Walk throughs the forest that offer boardwalks that take you right to the waters and offer stunning views of Lake Huron’s North Channel. There are various trail options to suit different preferences, with a mix of rugged terrain and accessible sections, so everyone can enjoy it. Honestly, it feels like you’ve found a secret stretch of untouched shoreline.
Ojibway Park Trail, Garden River
This trail feels like entering a small haven of peace as you wander through the forest. This 1KM trail offers more than just a hike; it’s an experience with signs along the route that share stories of Ojibwe culture, traditions, and their connection to the land.
Havilland Bay Lookout Trail, Havilland Bay
People often rush to Lake Superior Provincial Park (for good reason), but this shorter yet gradual climb offers a breathtaking view of Havilland Bay. Watch for the trailhead, or you might miss it. Along the way, you’ll pass through rocky terrain and a stunning waterfall.
Short but Scenic Hikes
Not every hike needs to be an all-day trek. These quicker trail options provide a lot in a short distance. Ideal for stretching your legs on a road trip or when you just want a breath of fresh air and a nice view without a big commitment.
Chippewa Falls
Easily one of the most accessible scenic stops, it’s right off Highway 17, which marks the halfway point of the Trans-Canada Highway and makes for a quick but memorable stop. From the parking lot, it’s an easy walk to the base of Chippewa Falls, with the option of heading up the trail closer to the top.
Elliot Lake Fire Tower Trail
A short drive takes you to a historic fire tower offering sweeping views. The lookout is home to the original ranger tower and cabin built in 1954, and it’s the highest point in the Elliot Lake area. You can opt to hike the fire tower trail, a 1.8 km loop that brings you down to the lake.
Sand River, Lake Superior Provincial Park
I don’t think you can find a better, easier trail with great views. Sand River is a riverside trail that follows a series of picturesque waterfalls and rapids. Perfect for a relaxed yet rewarding hike. I recommend heading to the top of the trail and taking your time on the way back. At the start of the trail, there’s a large open spot that’s ideal for a mid-day snack, or you could pack a picnic.
Scenic High Falls, Wawa
This waterfall isn’t named lightly. Scenic Falls ranks among Northern Ontario’s most stunning waterfalls, just outside Wawa. Although it’s easy to reach in terms of hiking standards, you’ll need to drive along a dirt road to get there. From the parking lot, a short walk leads to a platform offering the best view of these falls.
Algoma Country is a hiker’s dream, with no shortage of trails to explore. With trails for beginners, seasoned hikers, and everyone in between, it’s a spot that deserves a place on your Northern Ontario bucket list. If exploring new trails is your thing, Algoma should be your next destination.
