Easy hikes and walks in Lake Superior Provincial Park

Parking for the Crescent Lake Trail is available from a small roadside trailhead lot off Highway 17 within the park. You can park directly beside the signed trail entrance, with space for a handful of vehicles and limited room during busier summer weekends. There are no major facilities at the trailhead itself, though nearby day use areas within the park have washrooms and picnic areas

Crescent Lake Trail follows a quieter inland route through dense boreal forest, wetlands and rocky Canadian Shield terrain within the park’s backcountry. The trail passes alongside Crescent Lake, and Mudhole Lake for sections of the route, with smaller lookouts opening through the trees toward the water and surrounding hills. Roots, exposed rock and muddy patches are common underfoot, especially after rain, while the more remote setting gives the trail a calmer atmosphere compared to the park’s busier coastal hikes.

Stretching along the northeastern shore of Lake Superior, Lake Superior Provincial Park protects a vast landscape of rugged coastline, boreal forest, inland lakes and exposed Canadian Shield cliffs. The park is known for its dramatic contrasts between rocky shoreline and dense interior wilderness, with hiking trails ranging from easy riverside walks to steep coastal scrambles overlooking the lake. Moose, black bears and bald eagles are all commonly found within the park, while the cold waters of Lake Superior strongly shape the climate and ecology throughout the area.

The Lake Superior Coastal Trail is rugged but stunning, following rocky beaches, forest paths, and wide granite slabs right beside the water. Expect scrambles over smooth rock, driftwood coves, and long stretches at lake level with big horizons and shifting Superior colours from deep blue to turquoise. Even a short section gives you some of the park’s most dramatic shoreline scenery.

Bathtub Island is a fun little spot in Lake Superior Provincial Park, reached by a short walk from Katherine Cove and a quick wade through shallow sandy water. The rock forms a natural “bathtub” that fills with warm lake water when the waves roll in, perfect for a dip on a sunny day. It’s best from May to October, and especially in summer when the water feels warmer. Try to go at low water levels so you can cross easily and spend more time on the island. You’ll need a day-use permit (about CAD $15.50) to park at Katherine Cove.

Lake Superior Provincial Park stretches along a wild section of Superior’s coastline, mixing rugged granite headlands, quiet beaches, and dense northern forest. The trail network ranges from easy lakeside walks to tougher routes with rocky scrambles and big lake views. Expect clear water, dramatic shorelines, and long horizons that make even short stops feel special. It’s a standout area for anyone exploring this part of Ontario, with plenty of spots to pause, wander, and take in the scale of Lake Superior.

The Lake Superior Coastal Trail is a rugged but incredibly rewarding shoreline route that follows rocky beaches, forested sections, and huge granite slabs right beside the lake. Expect plenty of scrambling over smooth rock, driftwood-lined coves, and long stretches where the trail runs almost at water level. The views are the star here—big open horizons, rolling waves, and those classic Superior colours that shift from deep blue to turquoise on calm days. Whether you’re tackling a short section or adding a few kilometres to a nearby hike, this trail gives you some of the most dramatic lakeside scenery in the park.

Katherine Cove is a beautiful coastal stop in Lake Superior Provincial Park, with a short path that leads from the forest to open views of Superior’s bright turquoise shallows and wave-smoothed granite. The shoreline is a mix of sand, rock slabs, and small inlets, giving you easy access to classic Superior scenery without a long approach. It’s also a common starting point for short walks along the coast toward spots like Bathtub Island, where you get sweeping lake views and dramatic shoreline rock formations. A simple, scenic stop on this stretch of the park’s coastline.