Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake, offers breathtaking landscapes, rugged shorelines, and a wealth of outdoor adventures. While the full Lake Superior Circle Tour spans both Canada and the U.S., many travelers are now opting for an all-Canadian experience—and for good reason! The Canadian side of Lake Superior boasts stunning vistas, charming communities, and endless opportunities for exploration. Here’s why it should be your next great road trip.
Unforgettable Scenic Beauty
The Canadian shores of Lake Superior are home to some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes in the country. Towering cliffs, secluded beaches, and crystal-clear waters make for an unforgettable drive. Whether you’re watching the waves crash against the rocky coast or catching a sunset over the lake, the natural beauty here is second to none.
Must-See Spots:
- Sleeping Giant Provincial Park – Iconic cliffs and excellent hiking trails
- Terrace Bay Beach & Aguasabon Falls – Stunning waterfalls and sandy shores
- Pancake Bay Provincial Park – A picturesque beach with views that stretch for miles
- Kakabeka Falls – Experience Northern Ontario’s “Niagra of the North”
- Pebble Beach – A unique shoreline covered in smooth, round stones with an endless horizon
- Nipigon Bridgeview Lookout Tower – An incredible view of Lake Superior, the Nipigon River, and the Nipigon River Bridge
- Ouimet Canyon – A is a breathtaking 150-meter-wide and 100-meter-deep gorge with sheer cliffs and rare Arctic-alpine plants
Outdoor Adventures at Every Turn
For those who love the great outdoors, the Canadian portion of the Circle Tour is a paradise. From hiking and kayaking to wildlife watching and stargazing, there’s something for every adventure seeker.
Top Activities:
- Hike to the Top of the Giant for breathtaking views of Lake Superior
- Kayaking and hiking the expansive Pukaskwa National Park
- Camp under a star-filled sky at Lake Superior Provincial Park a designated Dark Sky Park
- Hike the 53 km Casque Isle Trail along Lake Superior, through Rossport, Schreiber and Terrace Bay
- Eagle Canyon has Canada’s longest suspension bridge and zipline
Small-Town Charm & Local Culture
Beyond the natural wonders, the communities along the route offer rich history, warm hospitality, and unique cultural experiences. From Indigenous heritage sites to small-town cafés serving fresh local fish, each stop brings something new to discover.
Notable Stops:
- Wawa’s Famous Goose Statue – A quirky and iconic roadside attraction
- Thunder Bay’s Waterfront District – A great place for dining, shopping, and exploring local art
- Fort William Historical Park – A world-class living history site that recreates the bustling fur trade era of 1816
- Terry Fox Monument – A tribute to a Canadian hero overlooking Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant
- Agawa Rock Pictographs – 35 Indigenous red ochre pictographs visible on a 15-story-high cliff in Lake Superior Provincial Park
- Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site – Two of Sault Ste. Marie’s oldest stone buildings, offering a glimpse into early 19th-century life
- Schreiber Discovery Centre & Railway Museum – Highlights the town’s railway history and role in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway
Supporting Local Businesses
Choosing the Canadian side of the Circle Tour means supporting local businesses, artisans, and tourism operators. Many accommodations, restaurants, and attractions are family-owned, offering a more personalized experience while boosting the local economy.
Unique places to shop, eat and stay:
- Amethyst Mine Panorama and Diamond Willow Amethyst Mine and gift shops are places where you can find your own piece of Ontario’s gemstone.
- Cypress Sleeper Barrels (Nipigon Bay) Unique accommodations in handcrafted barrel cabins right on Lake Superior.
- Persians (Thunder Bay region) If you know, you know. These tasty cinnamon rolls topped with luscious pink icing shouldn’t be missed.
- Voyageur’s Lodge (Batchawana Bay) Stop here for their famous homemade apple fritters.
- Silver Islet General Store (Silver Islet) At the tip of the Sibley Peninsula, this historic general store offers a glimpse into the area’s mining past along with some great food, drinks, and gifts.
- Slate Island Brewing Company (Terrace Bay) and Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. (Thunder Bay) for those looking for some great local craft beer on their trip.
Tours within the Tour
Experience the Canadian side of Lake Superior with the locals who know it best!
- Thrive Tours (Sault Ste Marie) – An Indigenous-owned eco-cultural tourism company that offers guided canoeing, kayaking, and hiking experiences with a focus on environmental stewardship and Anishinaabe teachings.
- Forest the Canoe (Goulais River) – An eco-tourism company that offers guided paddling adventures, connecting people with nature through sustainable and educational canoe experiences.
- Sail Superior (Thunder Bay) – Offers sailing, zodiac, and kayak tours on Lake Superior.
- Agawa Canyon Train Tour (Sault Ste. Marie) – The Agawa Train Tour is a scenic rail journey through Ontario’s Algoma region, offering stunning views of rugged landscapes, vibrant fall foliage, and the iconic Agawa Canyon.
- Naturally Superior Adventures (Wawa) – Offers guided paddling trips, sea kayaking, and canoeing excursions on Lake Superior, focusing on eco-friendly adventures and wilderness exploration.
- Porphyry Island – Offers visitors a chance to explore the historic lighthouse, hike scenic trails, and experience the natural beauty of Lake Superior’s rugged coastline.
A Relaxing, Crowd-Free Escape
One of the best things about the Canadian side of Lake Superior is the tranquility. Unlike busier tourist destinations, this route allows you to enjoy nature without the crowds, making for a more peaceful and rejuvenating road trip experience.
Camp at a number of relaxing provincial parks such as Sleeping Giant, Kakabeka, Neys, Rainbow Falls, Pukaskwa, or Lake Superior Provincial Park
Plan Your Trip
With so much to see and do, the Canadian side of Lake Superior is the ultimate road trip destination. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, this route has it all. Start planning your journey today and experience the magic of Lake Superior! You can conveniently plan your Canadian Lake Superior adventure on the map page by selecting the Regions; Ontario Superior Country and Ontario Algoma Country.
