- Region
- Ontario, Canada
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm permit requirements and trip arran…
- Managed by
- Parks Canada
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Pukaskwa National Park trip tools
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Photos of Pukaskwa National Park
How to get there
Pukaskwa National Park lies 15 kilometres south of Marathon, Ontario. Highway 627 provides the only road access into the park and leads to Hattie Cove Campground at its northern end.
- Highway 627
The park’s only road-access corridor, serving Hattie Cove at the northern end. Plan road arrival around this approach rather than expecting road access along the backcountry coast.
- Hattie Cove Campground
The road-accessible campground at the north end of the park, reached via Highway 627. Options include serviced and unserviced campsites and oTENTik accommodation.
Sources: parks.canada.ca · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Ontario, Canada · Season: Best: May - September
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Climbing
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
The country
Pukaskwa safeguards the longest undeveloped shoreline on the Great Lakes, dominated by the ancient pink granite of the Canadian Shield. The dense boreal forest of black spruce and jack pine plunges into the frigid, crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior. Deep river gorges and cobblestone beaches punctuate the relentless, rocky coastline.
Why enthusiasts come
Hikers seek the intense physical challenge and deep solitude of remote coastal trekking, navigating slippery boulder fields and inland bogs. Kayakers and canoeists paddle the shoreline for its ocean-like conditions and remote river mouths.
Top experiences
The 60-kilometer Coastal Hiking Trail requires hikers to haul themselves over massive headlands and cross the White River via a swaying suspension bridge. Paddling the coast from Hattie Cove to the Michipicoten River is a highly committing sea kayaking expedition.
Planner-relevant notes
Lake Superior creates its own volatile weather; heavy fog and explosive storms can strand paddlers on beaches for consecutive days. Backcountry campsites must be reserved via Parks Canada, and a mandatory orientation is required for hikers. River crossings on the coastal trail require careful wading, as water levels fluctuate rapidly with rainfall.
Field notes
- Coastal fog can severely limit visibility; hikers should mark waypoints diligently, and paddlers need a deck compass.
- Water temperatures in Superior hover around 4°C (39°F) year-round; capsize recovery must be instantaneous to avoid hypothermia.
- Fires are permitted in established coastal fire pits; collect abundant driftwood, but wait for dry spells.
- A boat shuttle from Hattie Cove to North Swallow can drop hikers for a unidirectional trek on the Coastal Route.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Pukaskwa National Park, Ontario, Canada. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 48.2167, -85.9000
- Latitude (DMS)
- 48° 13′ 0.1″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 85° 54′ 0.0″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Pukaskwa National Park, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Dense boreal forests meet Lake Superior's rugged coastline, offering a premier long-distance hiking trail and challenging coastal canoe routes.
Key takeaways
- Region: Ontario, Canada
- Best season: Best: May - September
- Coordinates: 48.217, -85.900
Climate suitability
Best: May - September
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Pukaskwa National Park
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Kayaking
Sheltered and open-water paddling lines.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
Animals around Pukaskwa National Park
Wildlife guideTimber wolfCanis lupus
Big gameWhitetail DeerOdocoileus virginianus
GamefishBrook TroutSalvelinus fontinalis
Wildlife guideCanada lynxLynx canadensis
Big gameBlack BearUrsus americanus
GamefishSmallmouth BassMicropterus dolomieu
Wildlife guideBlack bearUrsus americanus
Big gameWild HogSus scrofa
Lake Superior shore and boreal forest
Pukaskwa National Park protects 1,878 square kilometres of northern Ontario, with boreal forest and a Lake Superior shoreline that forms part of the longest undeveloped shore on the Great Lakes. The park lies 15 kilometres south of Marathon, but road access reaches only its northern end. That distinction matters when planning: a stay at Hattie Cove and a backcountry journey along the coast are different kinds of trips. Hattie Cove provides a campground base, while the coastal hiking and paddling routes connect backcountry campsites. Choose the style of travel first, then plan equipment and overnight arrangements around it. For a coastal trip, carry weather protection, a reliable water-treatment method and navigation tools appropriate to travel beyond the road-accessible campground.
Choosing a coastal backcountry trip
The 60 km Coastal Hiking Trail follows Lake Superior’s north shore and has backcountry campsites along its course. Two suspension bridges mark named river crossings: the White River at Chigaamiwinigum and the Willow River. The trail also forms part of the longer Voyageur Hiking Trail. Mdaabii Miikna offers a shorter backcountry alternative at 24 km, following the Lake Superior coastline in sheltered Picture Rock Harbour. Its name means “go to shore trail” in Ojibwe. For travel by water, the Coastal Paddling Route has backcountry campsites, as do the White River and Pukaskwa River. A shorter route should not be treated as a substitute for preparation: select an itinerary that fits the group’s experience, and confirm route conditions and overnight arrangements with Parks Canada before setting out.
Camping, services and trip costs
Hattie Cove is the road-accessible camping base at the north end of the park. Accommodation categories include campsites with electricity, unserviced campsites and electrically serviced oTENTik units. Peak-season campsite categories include access to a washroom building with toilets and showers; shoulder-season categories list pit privies instead, so confirm which facilities will be available for the intended stay. Daily admission is $7.25 for adults and $6.25 for seniors, while youth aged 17 and under enter free. Free youth admission does not include camping or other paid services. Backcountry use and camping on the Coastal Hiking Trail and paddling routes costs $15.00 per person per night. Treat admission, accommodation and reservation charges as separate budget items, and confirm current permit requirements and booking arrangements with Parks Canada.
Route options
- Coastal Hiking Trail60 km
Follows Lake Superior’s north shore with backcountry campsites along the route. Suspension bridges cross the White River at Chigaamiwinigum and the Willow River. It is part of the Voyageur Hiking Trail.
- Mdaabii Miikna24 km
A shorter backcountry alternative to the Coastal Hiking Trail, following the Lake Superior coastline in sheltered Picture Rock Harbour. The Ojibwe name means “go to shore trail.”
- Coastal Paddling Route
A water-based backcountry option with campsites along the route. Confirm route conditions and overnight arrangements with Parks Canada when planning a paddling itinerary.
Sample itineraries
- Hattie Cove base camp · 2 days
Use Hattie Cove at the park’s north end as a base for a relaxed visit focused on Lake Superior and boreal forest. Arrive via Highway 627. Choose camping or an oTENTik, and confirm available services before departure.
- Mdaabii Miikna backcountry hike · 3 days
Allow a suggested three days for the 24 km Mdaabii Miikna, a shorter backcountry alternative to the Coastal Hiking Trail. The route follows Lake Superior’s coastline in sheltered Picture Rock Harbour. Confirm campsite arrangements and adjust the schedule to conditions and hiking ability.
- Coastal Hiking Trail journey · 7 days
Use seven days as a preliminary planning allowance for the 60 km Coastal Hiking Trail, not a guaranteed completion time. Follow Lake Superior’s shore between backcountry campsites, with suspension bridges across the White River at Chigaamiwinigum and the Willow River. Confirm access logistics and campsite arrangements before committing.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; confirm operating dates
Plan conservatively for a northern Ontario lakeshore trip. Carry waterproof layers and insulation, check current trail and water conditions, and confirm which Hattie Cove facilities are operating rather than assuming full services.
Summer
Summer; confirm service availability
Prepare for both forest travel and time beside Lake Superior. Carry rain protection, sun protection, and layers. For paddling, let the current marine forecast and water conditions determine whether to launch.
Fall
Fall; confirm operating dates
Build flexibility into coastal hiking and paddling plans. Pack insulation and waterproof layers, check daylight and weather before setting daily goals, and confirm campground services rather than assuming summer facilities remain available.
Winter
Winter; confirm access and services
Do not assume road access, camping, or visitor services are available. Confirm arrangements with Parks Canada before travelling and prepare for cold-weather self-sufficiency appropriate to northern Ontario.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; confirm operating dates | Plan conservatively for a northern Ontario lakeshore trip. Carry waterproof layers and insulation, check current trail and water conditions, and confirm which Hattie Cove facilities are operating rather than assuming full services. |
| Summer | Summer; confirm service availability | Prepare for both forest travel and time beside Lake Superior. Carry rain protection, sun protection, and layers. For paddling, let the current marine forecast and water conditions determine whether to launch. |
| Fall | Fall; confirm operating dates | Build flexibility into coastal hiking and paddling plans. Pack insulation and waterproof layers, check daylight and weather before setting daily goals, and confirm campground services rather than assuming summer facilities remain available. |
| Winter | Winter; confirm access and services | Do not assume road access, camping, or visitor services are available. Confirm arrangements with Parks Canada before travelling and prepare for cold-weather self-sufficiency appropriate to northern Ontario. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm permit requirements and trip arrangements with Parks Canada before camping or travelling in the backcountry.
Fees: Daily admission: adult $7.25, senior $6.25, youth free, family/group $15.00. Coastal Hiking Trail and paddling-route backcountry use: $15.00 per person per night. Hattie Cove peak-season camping: $31.75 unserviced or $36.75 with electricity per night; an electric oTENTik costs $147.50 per night.
Reservations: Online reservations, modifications, or cancellations cost $11.50; phone transactions cost $13.50. Confirm accommodation availability and booking arrangements with Parks Canada.
Official source: Fees - Pukaskwa National Park - Parks Canada · Verified October 2, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Lake Superior water travel requires conservative decisions. Check weather and water conditions before paddling and wear a properly fitted personal flotation device.
- Exposure beside the lake can make wet or windy weather consequential. Carry waterproof clothing and insulating layers even when starting in comfortable conditions.
- Long backcountry routes along undeveloped shoreline demand realistic daily goals, navigation equipment, and an emergency plan. Do not treat a suggested itinerary as a fixed pace.
What to pack for Pukaskwa National Park
- Route map and navigation backup
- Supportive hiking footwear
- Waterproof jacket and pack protection
- Insulating layers
- Shelter and season-appropriate sleep system
- Water treatment and carrying capacity
- Food and secure food storage
- First-aid kit and emergency communication equipment
- Properly fitted personal flotation device
- Dry bags
- Water-temperature-appropriate clothing
- Navigation and rescue equipment suited to the route
Pukaskwa National Park FAQ
- Where is Pukaskwa National Park?
- The park lies 15 kilometres south of Marathon in northern Ontario’s Thunder Bay District. It protects boreal forest and part of Lake Superior’s undeveloped shoreline.
- How do vehicles enter the park?
- Highway 627 is the park’s only road access. It reaches Hattie Cove Campground at the north end of the park.
- Which backcountry hiking route is shorter?
- Mdaabii Miikna is 24 km and follows the coast in sheltered Picture Rock Harbour. The Coastal Hiking Trail is 60 km. Choose based on experience, available time, and confirmed campsite arrangements, not distance alone.
- Where are the paddling campsites?
- Backcountry campsites are located along the Coastal Paddling Route, the White River, and the Pukaskwa River. Confirm route suitability, access logistics, and campsite arrangements with Parks Canada.
- What services does Hattie Cove offer?
- Peak-season camping options include electric and unserviced sites with toilets and showers. Shoulder-season camping categories list pit privies. Electric oTENTiks are also offered. Confirm which services apply to your travel dates.
- Does free youth admission include camping?
- No. Admission is free for visitors 17 and under, but camping, backcountry overnight use, accommodations, reservation services, and other chargeable activities are not included.