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For those with a sense of adventure and a love of the wilderness, it doesn't get much more remote than Pukaskwa National Park, one of North America's least visited national parks worth a visit. If you're prepared to put in the time and distance to reach this lesser-known destination on the northern shores of Lake Superior, you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Roughly 13,500 people visited the 725-square mile park in 2025, compared with more than 4.5 million visitors at Banff National Park, Canada's most visited. Being difficult to reach and with no roads running through it, a love of hiking and camping are almost essential. Certainly hiking and paddling are the best ways to experience the wild landscape of Ontario's largest national park.
Located around 27 miles south of Marathon, Pukaskwa National Park sits on Highway 627, along the rugged coastline of the world's largest freshwater lake. Here you'll find the well-equipped visitor center, parking lot, and Hattie Cove Campground. Beyond this point, the wilderness takes over, the road ends, and you'll have very patchy WiFi connection from here on. Note that most facilities are only open from late spring until early fall due to extreme weather conditions in the winter.
The nearest major airport is Thunder Bay International Airport, roughly a three-and-a-half-hour drive along Highway 17. Fortunately, you'll be traveling along one of Ontario's most scenic roads making the journey anything but dull, although it does make you realize why there are so few visitors. With such a long journey to reach the park, best set aside a good few days to take full advantage of the hiking trails and outdoor adventure on offer.
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Scenic hikes in Pukaskwa National Park
With so few visitors to the park, it's unlikely you'll be jostling for space on the trails. Several are family-friendly and can be done in a day, while some are more demanding backcountry routes. The trail network starts around Hattie Cove and you'll find maps in the visitor center. Start off gently with the half-mile Hattie Cove Fire Walk, an easy trail that introduces you to the boreal ecosystem and the role fire plays in forest regeneration.
The 1.2-mile Beach Trail leads you along sandy beaches where nature has left driftwood sculptures to walk amongst as you enjoy the relaxing sound of waves against the shore. Also taking in the coastline, albeit by a somewhat rockier path, is the 1.7 mile Southern Headland Trail leading to one of Parks Canada's iconic red chairs overlooking Lake Superior. The 1.7-mile Bimose Kinoomagewnan Trail heads inland to meander around Halfway Lake, taking you on a journey through the teachings of the Anishinaabe people through a series of interpretive art installations. Like in one of Canada's other least visited national parks, there are some stunning spots for wildlife watching. Look out for moose, caribou, gray wolves, beavers, and occasionally, lynx. Take note that there are also black bears in the park, so don't forget your bear spray.
For the more adventurous, the 11-mile White River Suspension Bridge Trail is a challenging hike to the 75-foot-high bridge above the thundering Chigamiwinigum Falls. Or, for an epic multiday adventure, take the 37-mile Coastal Trail for the ultimate wilderness experience. Part of the Trans-Canada Trail, you'll be pleased you learned some essential backcountry skills before setting out. If any of these hikes seem a tad daunting to tackle on your own, guided walks and other experiences are available during the season.
More outdoor adventures in the Pukaskwa wilderness
Hiking isn't the only way to experience the Pukaskwa wilderness. You'll get some equally stunning views from the water too. If you're out paddling on the lake, you can admire the high cliffs that line the Lake Superior coastline, and perhaps a few hidden sea caves and quiet coves too. Hattie Cove is ideal for paddle boarding and kayaking thanks to its calm, sheltered waters. If you head out onto the open water, conditions can get pretty choppy, making it more suited to experienced paddlers. Some sections of the White River and Pukaskwa River are also suitable for canoeing or kayaking, and if you're lucky enough to have a warm, sunny day, swim out from the beach at Horseshoe Bay for a refreshing dip. Don't worry if you don't have your own gear as canoes and kayaks can be hired from the visitor center, although check availability beforehand.
Being so remote, many visitors opt to camp. The park's only frontcountry campground at Hattie Cove operates on a first-come, first-stay basis. There are around 67 campsites, each with a fire pit and picnic table, with prices starting from $22.50 per night for a basic site in peak season, while some sites with electricity are also available. There are discounts available with the Canada Strong Pass which also provides free admission to this and other parks over the summer period.
For a more remote experience, reserve one of the 65 backcountry campsites, ideal if you're planning a multi-day hike or paddle. Reservations can be made on the Parks Canada website and you'll have to complete a mandatory orientation beforehand. Comfort seekers can opt for one of the oTENTik campsites. Half tent, half wood cabin, each one has a wood stove, barbecue, and, perhaps more importantly, a bed after a long day adventuring in the wilderness.
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Read the original article on Explore.
