Day hiking

For the best experience, take water and a snack, and wear sturdy shoes. Be prepared for changes in weather, and let someone know your plans. Rocks and boardwalks become slippery when wet. Easy and moderate trails have stairways and boardwalks to help you navigate steep cliffs and wet sections, but some rock-hopping and short, steep climbs may be necessary. On challenging trails, expect to use your navigational skills over difficult terrain with long, strenuous climbs, rock scrambling, and few built structures.

• Easy walks

  

  Boardwalk Beach Trail
  1.2km with 0.2km of boardwalk ● 2m elevation gain/loss ● 30 minute hike return from Visitor Centre
  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.

  Hattie Cove Fire Walk via the Coastal Hiking Trail
  0.7km ● 2m elevation gain/loss ● 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.

• Moderate hikes

  

  Beach Trail
  2km ● 5m elevation gain/loss ●1 hour hike return from Visitor Centre
  Natural surface with sandy sections; frequent driftwood obstacles
  Meander along Pukaskwa’s sandy, driftwood beaches that are nestled amongst Lake Superior’s coves and harbours. Middle Beach is the perfect place to splash around or simply sit and play in the sand.

  Southern Headland Trail
  2.2km ● 15m elevation gain/loss ●1 hour 15 minute hike return from Visitor Centre
  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 ● 17m elevation gain/loss ●1 hour hike return from Visitor Centre
  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 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 ●12m elevation gain/loss ● 2 hour hike return from Visitor Centre
  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.

  Combination Hike
  6.3 km ● 17m elevation gain/loss ● 3.5 hour hike return from Visitor Centre
  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!

• Difficult hikes

  

  White River Suspension Bridge via the Coastal Hiking Trail
  18km ● 15m elevation gain/loss ● 8-9 hour hike return from Visitor Centre
  Natural surface; some obstacles, loose rock and tree roots
  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.