The Ultimate Day Hiking Location in Ontario- Pukaskwa National Park

The correct pronunciation of “Pukaskwa” is “Puk-a-saw.”

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Reasons why I loved this park

1. Lake Superior Views for DAYS! Almost every trail at the park has sweeping views of Lake Superior, the biggest freshwater lake in the world by surface area.
2. The trails are beautiful! While the day-use/day-hike area of the park is relatively small the trails were all great! You can also connect them together to form longer or shorter loops depending on how long you want to be out, but you are never that far from the campground.
3. It is very walkable. From the campground you are able to easily walk to the visitor center (where they have excellent wifi), all of the trailheads for day hikes, and the beach. Not having to get in your car to drive to different trailheads is so nice!

Trail Reviews and Guides

White River Suspension Bridge via the Coastal Hiking Trail

• Distance: 18 km
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 15 m
• Duration: Approximately 8-9 hours round trip from the Visitor Centre
• Terrain: some stairs, loose rocks and tree roots

This trail features a natural surface with some obstacles, including loose rocks and tree roots.

I hiked this trail on my last day in the park in the rain. The day before I was feeling a bit hesitant to hike such a long way in the rain solo, knowing the trail wouldn’t be very busy. So I spoke to the girls at the visitors center who gave me a bit more information on the trail and I decided to set out. I left my trip plan with people I trust and brought my in reach satellite device for check ins and emergencies because there is no cell service on the trail.

• km 1 – easy – there are a lot of boardwalks which make for easy walking
• km 2 – fairly easy – there are still some boardwalks but they start to become less frequent towards the end of this kilometer
• km 3 – 6 – difficult – this is the hardest section of trail. The trail is more uneven and there are spots with steps that are above knee height (hiking poles are helpful).
• km 7 – 8 – moderate – the trail evens out a bit once you reach this section and I was able to pick up the pace.
• km 9 – moderate – the nearness to the bridge will carry you through. There is a bit of a downhill section but nothing too intense.
• Then you head back so expect the difficulty in reverse.

Packing List

• Map/GPS – the trail is fairly easy to follow but it is always good to have navigation tools
• Good footwear – 18km is a fairly long hike in one day and good footwear is needed especially when the trail is wet from rain. There are also a couple fairly steep sections and plenty of tree roots.
• Food – bring a lunch and some snacks to keep you fueled along the way!
• Water – as usual, bring extra if it is hot out! Or bring a water filter there is one area where you can access the lake.
• Rain jacket – weather can change and bringing a rain jacket can also help with bugs or cold (to a degree) if needed
• Hiking poles – I don’t always bring my poles but I would recommended them if you have them for this trail.

The Easier Day Hike TRAILS

There are four day hike trails in the park. Each trail can also be done individually and all start within walking distance from the Hattie Cove campground. I linked the following four trails together to make a 7.5 km loop from the visitor center back to my campsite. You can see the track for the loop I did on my AllTrails here. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/day-hikes-pukaskwa-fd45c64?p=-1&sh=0hncvl

Southern Headland Trail

• Distance: 2.2 km
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 15 m
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes round trip from the Visitor Centre
• Terrain: some stairs, loose rocks and tree roots

This trail features breathtaking views of Hattie Cove, Pulpwood Harbour, and Horseshoe Bay. Keep an eye out for fascinating arctic-alpine plants, lichens, and other unique life forms nestled among the rock formations. I loved looking at the plants on this trail and it was fun recognizing some of them from my time spent in the Arctic in Inuvik, Northwest Territories.

Manito Miikana

• Distance: 2 km
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 17 m
• Duration: About 1 hour round trip from the Visitor Centre
• Terrain: some stairs, loose rocks and tree roots

Manitou Miikana means “the Spirit Trail.” Ascend through a rocky ravine for stunning panoramic views of Lake Superior and the Pic River Dunes. There are two good viewing decks along the trail where you can take a break and relax with stunning views.

Beach Trail

• Distance: 2 km
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 5 m
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour round trip from the Visitor Centre
• Terrain: Sandy sections, some driftwood you may have to step over/on/around

The Beach Trail takes you along the shoreline of Lake Superior, offering the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the water. Instead of viewing the lake from rocky overlooks, you can meander along Pukaskwa’s sandy beaches nestled among the coves and harbors. Middle Beach is the perfect spot to go for a swim if weather permits.

Bimose Kinoomagewnan

• Distance: 3.7 km
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 12 m
• Duration: About 2 hours round trip from the Visitor Centre
• Terrain: some stairs, loose rocks and tree roots

While this trail is the only one in the park without views of Lake Superior, don’t let that discourage you! Bimose Kinoomagewnan, meaning “Walk of Teachings,” offers a unique experience as you hike peacefully around Halfway Lake. The trail is also a great spot for birdwatching, with the potential to see waterfowl in the marshy areas, grouse along the path, and various birds in the trees. Plus, it tends to be less trafficked compared to other trails in the park, allowing for a more tranquil experience.

Reasons I would return to this Park

• To hike the Coastal Trail – the coastal trail is a 60km long backpacking trail. I hiked one section of the trail from the visitor center to the suspension bridge (18km round trip). I would love to hike the full trail one day. I met another hiker at the suspension bridge who was just finishing his thru-hike, he also writes a blog and you can read his guide for the Coastal Trail here. I will definitely be using it along with the parks Canada guide if (WHEN) I decide to do the trail one day!
• To kayak on Lake Superior. The water and rocky shorelines here make it a great spot for paddling. I would love to return with an adventure buddy to explore the park and surrounding waters by kayak! The park does offer kayak and canoe rentals.