25 Must Do Things in Superior Country

Superior Country isn’t just a great vacation destination. It’s an experience that will stay with you for years to come. Many people consider the unspoiled wilderness and the beauty of Northwestern Ontario to be unrivalled. It’s certainly the perfect grounds for outdoor adventure. Whether you want to base your adventures on the water or on land, no matter your age and experience level, you’ll be sure to enjoy the region. The area is rich in history and artistry, so don’t be shy about visiting bigger cities like Thunder Bay. Even if you’re looking for something quirky, like the world’s largest snowman or a huge goose, you’ll find it in Superior Country.

1. Explore a slumbering giant

Sleeping Giant is made up of mesas and sills. It was named because this wondrous natural feature somewhat resembles a giant in repose on its back. The impressive formation is part of the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. The cliffs of Sleeping Giant are some of the highest in the province. It’s a must see, as it was voted number one of the Seven Wonders of Canada.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park boasts a ton of different opportunities for adventure. Hiking and biking enthusiasts are going to love the 100km of trails. The park features dense boreal forest that is home to many different species of wildlife and over 200 different species of birds. There are cabins available for rent all year round or come camping. The lake is also beautiful at the park and perfect for boating, water sports, canoeing and kayaking.
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2. Go on a walk at this hiker’s paradise

Casque Isles Trail, near Terrace Bay, has been touted as one of the top ten hiking trails in Ontario. The 53km long trail winds along Lake Superior’s northern shore. The trail offers breathtaking views of the lake. The trail also comprises a section of The Great Trail. If 53km seems a little daunting, don’t worry. The trail is actually divided up into five segments with eleven different access areas. The shortest trail is just over 3km while the longer one is 14km. The trail is rated as difficult, though there are sections which are much less challenging throughout, so even if you’re not an experienced hiker, you might still want to consider taking on one of the shorter hikes. The trail does have a few sites where you can unofficially camp out along the way.
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3. See a lighthouse in the middle of town

If you can’t make it out to the Great Lakes to see the lighthouse at the Slate Islands Provincial Park, (it’s the highest lighthouse above sea level on the great lakes) you can see the replica of it right in Terrace Bay. The fifty foot lighthouse was built as a symbol of the town’s long lasting connection with the Slate Islands. From spring to fall, you can climb up to the top and enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Superior and of the Slate Islands. There is a telescope at the top for better viewing.
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4. Discover incredible islands

The Slate Islands are made up of two main islands, five minor islands, and other inlets on the northern part of Lake Superior, just south of Terrace Bay. The islands were formed by a meteor strike and, amazingly enough, have large herds of woodland caribou that live there. If you want to see the islands up close and personal, you can reach them by canoe or kayak, but its advised that you are quite experienced. You can also charter a boat to take you to the islands. You may camp on the islands in the designated spots, but the etiquette of backcountry camping should be followed to help preserve the islands as an important natural habitat for many different species of fish, birds, and wildlife, including the caribou. The northern lights are said to be quite spectacular in this area, especially from the islands. The Slate Island Lighthouse can be seen, but if you want to go up it, you have to call the lighthouse keeper first (see the website for details.)
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5. Traverse a superior lake

Lake Superior is the largest of the great lakes, at just over 82,000km. By surface area, it’s actually the largest freshwater lake in the world. All that water means lots of opportunity for adventure. The lake is the perfect place to plan your entire vacation around. Charter a boat and see the many beautiful bays, islands, and inlets on the northern part of the lake in Superior Country. Spend hours exploring on your canoe or kayak. Take in all the towns and sites that dot the lake’s shores. If you love fishing, then you have to try fishing Lake Superior. If you’re a little intimidated by the lake’s size or don’t know where to start, stay at a lodge or resort, or hire a fishing charter to take you out! You won’t be sorry you did! Superior is truly… well… superior when it comes to producing trophy sized fish.
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6. Fish for brookies

Lake Nipigon is huge! At just over 48,000 sqkm, it’s the largest lake in Ontario completely within the boundaries of the province. Lake Nipigon and the Nipigon River are the largest tributaries of Lake Superior. The lake and the river both boast some excellent sport fishing, especially when it comes to brook trout. The world record brookie was actually caught in the river. Lake trout, pike, and walleye are also popular species in the lake. If you love fishing, the river and the lake should both be on your bucket list! The surrounding area also has a whole host of things to do and places to stay, so keep that in mind when you’re planning your vacation.
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7. See a snowman in summer

It might sound strange, but yes, a giant snowman does exist and he stays happy and welcoming all year round, even in the summer. Beadmore is 200km from Thunder Bay and is locally known as the snow capital of the world. It makes sense then, that the town is home of the 35 feet tall Beadmore Snowman- the largest snowman in the world. This snowman is classy too. In the summer he sports a fishing rod and sunglasses. In the winter, he goes back to his winter gear. The snowman is pretty cool and if you happen to be in the area, you should make it a point to stop and see this popular roadside attraction.

8. Stop by this huge goose

As far as roadside attractions go, the giant goose in Wawa is right up on there on the list. In fact, the nearly sixty year old, 28 foot tall goose is pretty famous. Made of steel, it’s the largest goose of its kind in the country. Thinking of getting a picture with the goose? You won’t be the first. The goose is actually one of the most photographed landmarks in the entire country. There is lots to do and see in the area, and if you’re already here, you have to stop in for your photo op with the famous bird!

9. Have one heck of an adventure

Outdoor adventure at its finest awaits in Lake Superior Provincial Park. You could literally spend weeks taking in all the different sites and the diverse scenery. From sandy beaches to towering cliffs, waterfalls to tranquil inland lakes, rolling hills to the seemingly endless waters of Lake Superior, the park has is filled with unique and exciting things to do and see. You have to check out the Agawa Rock Pictographs in the park. Try your hand at trout fishing or other angling in the park. Make it a true summer adventure and camp out. There are full service campsites as well as backcountry campsites as well!
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10. A unique bridge

The impressive Nipigon River Bridge crosses the Nipigon River as part of the Trans-Canada Highway. The bridge was the first cable stayed bridge in Ontario and is a pretty impressive feat of engineering to behold. Unfortunately, in 2016 the bridge heaved and failed and had to undergo extensive repairs. If you’re in the Nipigon region, you should make it a point to go and see the bridge. If you thought picture worthy bridges were just for big cities, you’d be wrong.
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11. Learn about Nipigon area history

The Nipigon area has a tremendous history. You can learn all about the region’s past at the Nipigon Historical Museum. The museum is open daily during the summer months and has displays of artifacts that that range from before European contact all the way until present day. From the fur trade to the role the forest industry played in the region, there is are tools and artifacts on display. The museum is incredibly informative and has a wealth of information as well as artifacts.
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12. Take it way back

The Atikokan Centennial Museum and Heritage Park is situated right near the beautiful Atikokan River in the town of Atikokan. The museum features tons of information and artifacts relating to the area’s history. The museum even has a 12,000 year old Barren Ground Caribou antler. It also has rock samples, and a logging locomotive. Throughout the town and at the Heritage Park, there are also larger artifacts relating to forestry and mining. The Heritage Park plays an important role in canoeing. It’s the landing site for Path of the Paddle and the Canadian Trail runs past the museum. The town offers a historic walking tour which includes many different historic sites. You can find more information about the tour on their website.
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13. Rockin’ Red Rock

Located an hour East of Thunder Bay, in the Red Rock Marina, the Red Rock Interpretive Centre features many unique and interactive exhibits like the virtual underwater submarine tour of Lake Superior National Marine Conversation Area. The centre also includes information and artifacts on the history of the area and exhibits about fish and wildlife. There’s even an impressive stuffed bull moose in the centre. The building itself is quite stunning and so is the scenery surrounding it.
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14. All aboard

Schreiber is known as one of the oldest railway communities on the north shore of Lake Superior. It was originally founded as a railway construction camp. The Schreiber Railway Museum is a fascinating place, even if you didn’t think you were interested in railway history. The collection of artifacts, antiques, and documents is informative and tells the story of CP Rail and about the history of Schreiber. If you’re an antiques lover, a history buff, or just want to check out a really neat area, the museum is the place for you!
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15. A wondrous canyon

There really isn’t anything like the Ouimet Canyon. Located about eighty kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, you should definitely work seeing the canyon into your vacation as a day trip. The gorge is 150 meters wide, with cliff faces rising up 100 meters above the canyon floor. The park is day use only, but it does have a trail and a boardwalk that connect the two viewing lookout platforms. The panoramic views from the lookout points is unparalleled. The canyon floor features some unique plant life and is home to flora and fauna which are normally found in the Arctic.
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16. A tall wonder

Located in Dorion, near the Ouimet Canyon is the Dorion Tower. If you’re the kind of person that really loves outdoor adventure, you’re going to love this area. Not only is the canyon incredible in itself, there are some tremendous views of the country beyond, including views of the lake. To reach the Dorion tower, you have to hike down a trail, which takes about twenty minutes. The trail is easy to moderate in difficulty. The Dorion Tower is an astounding wonder that juts straight up into the air. It’s even more impressive to think about people climbing it, which they do. If you’re a climber, you might want to consider Dorion Tower. The views from the top are said to be absolutely incredible.
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17. Climb to new heights

If you’re an avid hiker, you can’t miss the Orient Bay Palisades. Located about 40km northeast of Nipigon, the Palisades Trail (also sometimes called the Palisades of the Pijitawabik), is an exciting trail that provides excellent views and takes hikers to some of the highest points in all of Northwest Ontario. The hike is quite an exciting one, with stairs, bridges, and lookout points along the way. The trail ends at Cascade Falls, which is also a beautiful area. In the winter, the area is actually one of the top ice climbing destinations in the country!
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18. A mysterious island

Agate Island, located on Lake Superior, is home to a pretty incredible and unique beach. Near Thunder Bay, it’s been touted by some as one of the top seven natural wonder beaches for the agates that cover the island, its shores, and its beach. The island is also home to the Pukaskwa pits, a sacred site to the First Nations people in the area. The island can only be reached by water. People who have explored the area often extol its natural beauty, the wonders of the pristine waters of Lake Superior, and this gem of a beach where you can find the most unique stones.

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19. Bring history back to life

You’ll be hard pressed to find a more unique way to learn all about history. The Fort William Historical Park is located in Thunder Bay, is the world’s largest fur trade post. It really brings the past to life in a unique and exciting way. The Fort is massive and contains both historical structures and recreated structures to help people understand what life was like at the time of the fur trade. During the camping season, you can bring your RV or your tent and camp out right at the Fort’s campground. The observatory at the Fort provides an exciting new way to view the night sky. The Fort also offers special programs like day camps and workshops.
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20. Try your hand at mining

The Blue Point Amethyst Mine near Thunder Bay is really one of those once in a lifetime experiences. The quarry is still active, producing different kinds of quartz as well as hematite, calcite, and barite. You can go on a guided tour of the mine, but that’s not the coolest part! You can actually try your hand at mining your own stones! If you don’t find what you’re after, the gift shop does have stones that have already been mined and are polished up and ready to be treasured. The experience really is fun for the whole family.
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21. A taste of the Canadian wilderness

Located in Terrace Bay, right by the shores of Lake Superior, is the breathtaking Aguasabon Falls & Gorge. The falls are 100 feet in height and flow into the Aguasabon Gorge. The area is picture perfect, and a great example of the rugged natural splendor of Northwestern Ontario. There is an accessible boardwalk and picnic tables set up in the area, perfect for lunch after viewing the falls. There are several hikes in the area as well, if you want to do some more adventuring after you’ve seen the falls. The Casque Isles Trail, the Terrace Bay Beach, and Danny’s Cove are all close by.
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22. Hike to Cascade Falls

Located about 40km northeast of Nipigon, the Cascade Falls do require a bit of hiking to get to, but it’s well worth it! At 132 feet high, Cascade Falls is a true gem. It’s situated at the end of the Palisades Trail. It’s quite an experience to hike the Palisades in and of itself, but the falls are just that extra something special. In the winter, the Palisades are quite a popular ice climbing destination. In the winter, Cascade falls can freeze over 30 feet thick. It’s quite spectacular to see the falls at any time of the year.
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23.  Explore the Park of Falls

If you’re exploring the natural wonders that Superior Country has to offer, don’t miss Pigeon River. Located fifty minutes from Thunder Bay, the Pigeon River Falls in the Pigeon River Provincial Park, are simply outstanding. The High Falls are 28 meters high while the Middle Falls are 6 meters. Venture down the different hiking trails that boast spectacular views of the park, the falls, and the river as well. There are sculptures around the falls that help tell the history of the area. The park is a day use park, and you can literally spend the entire day exploring the unspoiled wilderness.
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24. Immerse yourself in nature

If you want to see all, or at least the majority of falls in Superior Country, you can’t miss the Chigamiwingium Falls. Located in Pukaskwa National Park, these falls are fed by the White River. You can also see the last stretch of rapids on the river before it feeds into Lake Superior. The Pukaskwa Suspension Bridge provides an astonishing view of the rapids. Pukaskwa National Park is known for its natural beauty, so be sure to explore the area after taking in the falls.
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25. Explore a Thunder Bay

If you’re coming to Superior Country for wilderness adventure, the area definitely has you covered. With many different falls and hiking trails to explore, incredible bodies of water, and the incredible Lake Superior, there is no end to the outdoor fun. If you want to round out your trip with a mix of history, culture, and sights to see, you have to visit Thunder Bay. The city has a ton of things to do and see including art galleries, museums, ships, landmarks, mines, farms, markets, and some pretty awesome thrift and antique shopping. There are a whole choice of places to stay in and around the city and a wide variety of dining options. Whatever your age or interest, you can be sure that you’ll enjoy exploring the city.
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