When traveling through Canada, there is one thing I know; you have to stop in the National Park.
On our way to Quebec, we made a stop in Ontario in Pukaskwa National Park, and trust me; this one is a gem.
Where is Pukaskwa National Park located?
Here is the address you can enter into your GPS:
Hwy 627
Heron Bay ON P0T 1R0
From Thunder Bay or Sault Ste. Marie, follow TransCanada Highway 17 to Highway 627, just east of Marathon. Then, take Highway 627 south for 13 km to the end. Pukaskwa National Park’sPark’s Administration Office is the first left after entering the Park. To get to the Kiosk, Hattie Cove Campground, and Day Use Areas, continue another 2 km after crossing the Pic River bridge and entering the Park.
What about the Park?
Pukaskwa National Park is a vast, wild, natural playground found on the edge of the world’s largest freshwater lake. It’s a place where powerful waves collide with rugged, towering coastlines, a place of endless sunsets over sandy driftwood beaches. A place where you can see and feel the rich traditions of the Anishinaabe peoples who call this land home today and yesterday. Pukaskwa National Park is where Lake Superior’sSuperior’s untouched beauty can be seen, experienced, and remembered by all who visit.
What can you do in the Park?
You have many trails you can do: you will find for every physical condition (easy, moderate, and difficult)
You can enjoy some canoeing/ paddle if you prefer but don’t forget a map of the area to help you (it will cost you $21.50 for 5 hours)
And you can enjoy some camping time with your friends and family! For your information, the camping is a “bare” campsite! So it means that you agreed to store all food and food-related items in a hard-sided vehicle/ trailer/ motor home or the campground food storage lockers when not in use. You have to keep your stove/ BBQ clean when not in use and to store them securely if you can.
They have interpretive programming; you will have to see directly in the Visitor Center what they have.
They have shared songs, stories, and teachings that have been preserved and nurtured over centuries. So enjoy an exceptional cup of tea prepared from Lake Superior water and medicine from the land, and share in the love of protecting the boreal forest and traditional territory of the Anishinaabe.
They even have a program called: Nishnaabeg Gkinoohmaaged ( the act of teaching by an Anishnaabe). This program offers invaluable opportunities to learn about traditional plant use, art forms, spiritual practices, and history specific to Indigenous peoples of the area. Knowledge Keepers from surrounding Indigenous communities share their stories and skill, providing hands-on experiences for all to enjoy. Take part in opportunities to practice moose hair tufting, beadwork, birch bark crafting, pottery practices, and in doing so, learn more about the area that has sustained people for thousands of years.
What did we do?
We decided to make a small trail as we had 8 hours of driving in front of us.
We choose to hike the Southern Headland Trail and enjoy the incredible views of Horseshoe Bay and Superior Lake; then, we ended by the Boardwalk Beach Trail. We had the chance to explore while the weather was getting better, discover the tiny artic alpine plants, lichens, and other unique life forms shielded amongst the rock formations, and enjoy the beauty of the nearby sand dunes.
Why should you make a stop there?
If you are in the area, this place is very peaceful, and it is a perfect place to take thousands of photos! The views are stunning, and you can sense even the magic around the air! I almost forgot the water is as clear as the water in BC…so for sure, you have to get there and get your feet cold! It’s one of the National Park I hope to get back there very soon!
