Pukaskwa National Park
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Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ Pukaskwa National Park
(pronounced puck-a-saw) PO Box 212 Heron Bay, ON, Canada, P0T 1R0 (807) 229-0801 No. of Sites (67) - 38 non-electrical sites, 29 electrical sites, no group sites. Can not reserve any of the sites. It's all first come first serve. Wheel Chair Accessible Campsites - 2 Barrier-free access is available at the comfort stations and on the Boardwalk Beach trail Operating Dates: May 1, 2017 to October 9, 2017 |
Blog Entries: - Pukaskwa - Hattie Cove - 2017
- Backpacking The Coastal Trail - Day 1
- Backpacking The Coastal Trail - Day 2
- Backpacking The Coastal Trail - Day 3
- Backpacking The Coastal Trail - Day 4
- Backpacking The Coastal Trail - Day 5
Terrain: Plenty of large beautiful trees and pines. Good balance of sun and shade areas. Very private sites with long driveways into most sites.
Staff: Some of the most friendly and personable I have ever met. Very laid back and pleasant to talk to .
Bathrooms: Fantastic comfort station. Has a book borrowing station in it and electric heaters. Clean and tidy.
Shower: Available at the comfort stations
Beach: The beach is not near the campsites and you have to walk to it. The water is cold year round.
Outdoor Water Faucets: Water is good to drink and a faucet is right on the side of the building at the comfort station
Hiking Trails: 5 trails - Boardwalk Beach Trail 1.2km with 0.2km of boardwalk , 30 minute hike return, Accessible trail; boardwalk and stable gravel surfaces
Enjoy a boardwalk stroll to Pukaskwa’s famous Horseshoe Bay and discover the delicate beauty of the nearby sand dunes. Experience a sunset at Horseshoe beach and embrace the sounds of the rolling waves.
- Southern Headland Trail 2.2km , 1 hour 15 minute hike return, Natural surface with built stairs; some obstacles, loose rock and tree roots. Experience the wild shore of an inland sea. This rugged trail juts into Lake Superior with views of Hattie Cove, Pulpwood Harbour, and Horseshoe Bay. Look for tiny arctic-alpine plants, lichens and other unique life forms shielded amongst the rock formations.
- Manito Miikana 2km, 1 hour hike return, Natural surface with built stairs; some obstacles, loose rocks and tree roots
Want to slip away for a moment of peace and relaxation? Hike Manitou Miikana, “the Spirit Trail.” Peek through a rocky r ravine as you climb up for panoramic views of Lake Superior and the Pic River Dunes. Rest and enjoy the beauty from
two viewing decks along the trail.
- Bimose Kinoomagewnan 3.7km , 2 hour hike return, Natural surface with built stairs; some obstacles, loose rocks and tree roots
Learn the Seven Grandfather Teachings from Ojibway elders and youth on Bimose Kinoomagewnan, the “Walk of Teachings”. Read elders’ stories about love, honesty, respect, wisdom, truth, humility, and bravery in local culture. See how the next generation understands these teachings through their accompanying artwork as you hike peacefully around Halfway Lake.
- Coastal Hiking Trail - 120 km back country trail (60 km both ways - non-looped)
- White River Suspension Bridge via the Coastal Hiking Trail 18km, 8-9 hour hike return from Visitor Centre
Craving adventure? This full-day hike to the White River Suspension Bridge is not for the faint of heart. Part of
the rugged and beautiful Coastal Hiking Trail, the White River Suspension Bridge crosses 23m high above
Chigamiwinigum Falls. Check in with park staff for current trail conditions. We strongly recommend wearing appropriate
footwear and taking food, water, sunscreen, bug protection, and consulting a topographic map.
- Hattie Cove Fire Walk via the Coastal Hiking Trail 0.7km , 20 minute hike return from Visitor Centre, Natural surface; few tree roots
Wander through the 2012 Hattie Cove Prescribed Fire area and learn about the role of fire in a boreal ecosystem! Roughly one hectare in size, see for yourself how quickly regeneration occurs in the boreal forest.
- Mdaabii Miikna Loop 24 km back packing extension to the Coastal Trail, newly created in 2017.
- Combination Hike 6.3 km , 3.5 hour hike return, Feel up to a longer hike? Pack a lunch, lace up your boots and do all three hiking trails! This trip has it all - awesome lookouts, shady forest and a serene inland lake! Starting at the Visitor Centre, follow the Southern Headland Trail to Horseshoe Beach. Then, join onto the Beach Trail and go along the shore to where the trail ends at the North Loop Campground. Walk past a few campsites and you’re at the Halfway Lake Trail. Take the trail all around the lake and end at the road. Walk back to the Visitor Centre. You did it!
- Backpacking The Coastal Trail - Day 1
- Backpacking The Coastal Trail - Day 2
- Backpacking The Coastal Trail - Day 3
- Backpacking The Coastal Trail - Day 4
- Backpacking The Coastal Trail - Day 5
Terrain: Plenty of large beautiful trees and pines. Good balance of sun and shade areas. Very private sites with long driveways into most sites.
Staff: Some of the most friendly and personable I have ever met. Very laid back and pleasant to talk to .
Bathrooms: Fantastic comfort station. Has a book borrowing station in it and electric heaters. Clean and tidy.
Shower: Available at the comfort stations
Beach: The beach is not near the campsites and you have to walk to it. The water is cold year round.
Outdoor Water Faucets: Water is good to drink and a faucet is right on the side of the building at the comfort station
Hiking Trails: 5 trails - Boardwalk Beach Trail 1.2km with 0.2km of boardwalk , 30 minute hike return, Accessible trail; boardwalk and stable gravel surfaces
Enjoy a boardwalk stroll to Pukaskwa’s famous Horseshoe Bay and discover the delicate beauty of the nearby sand dunes. Experience a sunset at Horseshoe beach and embrace the sounds of the rolling waves.
- Southern Headland Trail 2.2km , 1 hour 15 minute hike return, Natural surface with built stairs; some obstacles, loose rock and tree roots. Experience the wild shore of an inland sea. This rugged trail juts into Lake Superior with views of Hattie Cove, Pulpwood Harbour, and Horseshoe Bay. Look for tiny arctic-alpine plants, lichens and other unique life forms shielded amongst the rock formations.
- Manito Miikana 2km, 1 hour hike return, Natural surface with built stairs; some obstacles, loose rocks and tree roots
Want to slip away for a moment of peace and relaxation? Hike Manitou Miikana, “the Spirit Trail.” Peek through a rocky r ravine as you climb up for panoramic views of Lake Superior and the Pic River Dunes. Rest and enjoy the beauty from
two viewing decks along the trail.
- Bimose Kinoomagewnan 3.7km , 2 hour hike return, Natural surface with built stairs; some obstacles, loose rocks and tree roots
Learn the Seven Grandfather Teachings from Ojibway elders and youth on Bimose Kinoomagewnan, the “Walk of Teachings”. Read elders’ stories about love, honesty, respect, wisdom, truth, humility, and bravery in local culture. See how the next generation understands these teachings through their accompanying artwork as you hike peacefully around Halfway Lake.
- Coastal Hiking Trail - 120 km back country trail (60 km both ways - non-looped)
- White River Suspension Bridge via the Coastal Hiking Trail 18km, 8-9 hour hike return from Visitor Centre
Craving adventure? This full-day hike to the White River Suspension Bridge is not for the faint of heart. Part of
the rugged and beautiful Coastal Hiking Trail, the White River Suspension Bridge crosses 23m high above
Chigamiwinigum Falls. Check in with park staff for current trail conditions. We strongly recommend wearing appropriate
footwear and taking food, water, sunscreen, bug protection, and consulting a topographic map.
- Hattie Cove Fire Walk via the Coastal Hiking Trail 0.7km , 20 minute hike return from Visitor Centre, Natural surface; few tree roots
Wander through the 2012 Hattie Cove Prescribed Fire area and learn about the role of fire in a boreal ecosystem! Roughly one hectare in size, see for yourself how quickly regeneration occurs in the boreal forest.
- Mdaabii Miikna Loop 24 km back packing extension to the Coastal Trail, newly created in 2017.
- Combination Hike 6.3 km , 3.5 hour hike return, Feel up to a longer hike? Pack a lunch, lace up your boots and do all three hiking trails! This trip has it all - awesome lookouts, shady forest and a serene inland lake! Starting at the Visitor Centre, follow the Southern Headland Trail to Horseshoe Beach. Then, join onto the Beach Trail and go along the shore to where the trail ends at the North Loop Campground. Walk past a few campsites and you’re at the Halfway Lake Trail. Take the trail all around the lake and end at the road. Walk back to the Visitor Centre. You did it!
Pet Amenities: none that we noticed
Playground: none
Park Store: You can buy souvenirs and a few things as well as get coffee in the Visitor Center.
Boat/Canoe Rentals: Canoe and Stand Up Paddle Board rentals are available at the park office kiosk.
Things To Do At Pukaskwa National Park
-Stand Up Paddle board rentals
- Canoe rentals
- Fishing
- Geocaching
- Day hike to Suspension Bridge
- Kayaking
- Anishinaabe camp cultural programs
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Picnicking
- Swimming
-Bird watching
-Self Guided Interpretive trails
-Stand Up Paddle board rentals
-Stand Up Paddle board rentals
- Canoe rentals
- Fishing
- Geocaching
- Day hike to Suspension Bridge
- Kayaking
- Anishinaabe camp cultural programs
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Picnicking
- Swimming
-Bird watching
-Self Guided Interpretive trails
-Stand Up Paddle board rentals
Attractions And Places To Go Near Pukaskwa National Park
Closest City (town) - Marathon, Ontario
- Marathon District Museum
-Peninsula Golf Course
- Winnie The Pooh museum in White River, Ontario
- Mink Creek Waterfalls
- Nip-Rock Raceways in Nipigon, Ontario
Closest City (town) - Marathon, Ontario
- Marathon District Museum
-Peninsula Golf Course
- Winnie The Pooh museum in White River, Ontario
- Mink Creek Waterfalls
- Nip-Rock Raceways in Nipigon, Ontario
Directions:
DO NOT RELY ON YOUR GPS! (it will take you to the back yard of a local family)
From Toronto head north on the 400 and continue along past the 11 split and on to the 69. Just south of Sudbury take the 17 and head west to Sault Ste Marie. From the Sault follow the 17 north to the 627 east of Marathon.
From Thunder Bay head east on the 17 which wraps around Lake Superior's north shore and takes you to the turn off to the 627 just east of Marathon.The park is located just south of Marathon, in northern Ontario.
Signs For Directions To Park - Somewhat easy to see but there are long stretches where there are no signs.
DO NOT RELY ON YOUR GPS! (it will take you to the back yard of a local family)
From Toronto head north on the 400 and continue along past the 11 split and on to the 69. Just south of Sudbury take the 17 and head west to Sault Ste Marie. From the Sault follow the 17 north to the 627 east of Marathon.
From Thunder Bay head east on the 17 which wraps around Lake Superior's north shore and takes you to the turn off to the 627 just east of Marathon.The park is located just south of Marathon, in northern Ontario.
Signs For Directions To Park - Somewhat easy to see but there are long stretches where there are no signs.