Ontario Provincial Parks

Lake Superior Provincial Park is located along the eastern shoreline of Lake Superior near Wawa, Ontario, and protects a large and diverse section of the Canadian Shield coastline. The park extends inland from the lake and includes exposed bedrock headlands, cobble and sand beaches, boreal forest, rivers, and numerous inland lakes shaped by glacial and geological processes.

As an operating provincial park, Lake Superior Provincial Park provides both campground and day-use facilities, along with extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation. Several campgrounds are located near the lake and inland lakes, supporting tent and trailer camping. The shoreline and interior landscapes support activities such as hiking, paddling, swimming, and fishing, with trail systems ranging from short access routes to longer backcountry hikes along the coast and through forested terrain.

The park is also recognized for its ecological and cultural significance. Its varied habitats support a wide range of plant and wildlife species adapted to the Lake Superior environment. Along the shoreline, Indigenous pictographs at Agawa Rock represent an important cultural site and reflect the long-standing relationship between Indigenous peoples and this landscape.

Lake Superior Provincial Park plays a key role in conserving one of Ontario’s most extensive protected shorelines while providing managed access to a rugged and environmentally significant region. The park balances recreation with conservation, offering opportunities to experience the scale and character of Lake Superior within a protected setting.

General Information

Location

Lake Superior Provincial Park is situated near Wawa, Ontario, Canada. The park envelops the majestic Lake Superior, and its address is:

Latitude: 49.6583346 Longitude: -89.40982199

Camping

Lake Superior Provincial Park offers a diverse range of camping experiences set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Superior’s rugged coastline. Whether you’re interested in car camping with your RV or tent, or seeking a backcountry adventure, the park caters to various preferences.

Agawa Bay Campground

Situated along a 3 km stretch of sandy beach, Agawa Bay Campground boasts 152 campsites, many offering breathtaking views of Lake Superior. The campground is equipped with two comfort stations that include showers, laundry facilities, and flush toilets. An amphitheatre within the campground hosts educational presentations during the summer months. Reservations for these sites can be made online or by phone.

Rabbit Blanket Lake Campground

Located beside the serene Rabbit Blanket Lake, this campground offers 60 campsites nestled in a peaceful forest setting. A comfort station with showers, laundry facilities, and flush toilets ensures a comfortable stay. Firewood and ice are available for purchase at the Rabbit Blanket gatehouse or the park office.

Backcountry Camping

For those seeking a more secluded experience, Lake Superior Provincial Park provides approximately 200 backcountry campsites spread across its vast wilderness. These sites are divided into 76 zones, each featuring designated campsites equipped with box privies. Some sites also offer metal fire pits, and certain areas, like Mijinemungshing Lake, provide picnic tables. Backcountry camping permits are required and can be reserved online or by phone.

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Facilities & Recreation

Lake Superior Provincial Park is a large and diverse park stretching along the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior and extending inland to forests, lakes, and rivers. The park operates with controlled access points along Highway 17, and permits are required for both day use and camping. Select accessible features are available, including accessible campsites, washrooms, and visitor centres, helping support a wider range of visitors.

Water-based recreation is a major highlight of the park. Several boat launches provide access to Lake Superior as well as inland lakes such as Rabbit Blanket Lake and Mijinemungshing Lake. Boating on Lake Superior offers dramatic scenery but can be challenging due to sudden weather changes and large waves, while the inland lakes provide calmer conditions. Canoeing and kayaking are popular on both the big lake and sheltered interior waters, with opportunities ranging from short paddles to multi-day backcountry routes.

Fishing is permitted in Lake Superior and many inland lakes, where anglers may encounter lake trout, brook trout, and salmon. Some fisheries are subject to seasonal restrictions, and a valid Ontario fishing licence is required. Swimming is available at several sandy beaches, including Katherine Cove and Agawa Bay, though the water is typically cold even in summer. Pets are welcome in the park but must be kept on a leash, with a designated pet-friendly beach available.

Hiking is one of the park’s most well-known activities, with more than 11 trails offering a wide range of experiences. These include short scenic walks, interpretive routes, and challenging backcountry hikes such as the Coastal Trail, which follows remote shoreline terrain. Trails also provide access to cultural features like the Agawa Rock Pictographs. Vault toilets are located at many trailheads and remote areas for visitor convenience.

Day-use areas are located throughout the park and often include beaches, picnic areas, and access to hiking trails. Potable drinking water is available at campgrounds and many day-use locations. Picnic areas are generally set near beaches or trailheads, offering scenic places to stop for meals and rest.

Camping options include frontcountry campgrounds at Agawa Bay and Rabbit Blanket Lake, both of which offer tenting areas, flush toilets, showers, and RV dumping stations. Group camping areas are available by reservation for larger gatherings. Firewood and ice are available for purchase, and the Agawa Bay Visitor Centre includes a park store selling basic groceries, camping supplies, souvenirs, and firewood. A playground is located at Rabbit Blanket Lake Campground.

For more adventurous visitors, whitewater paddling is possible on rivers such as the Sand River and Agawa River, depending on water levels and conditions. Hunting is permitted in designated areas during approved seasons with the appropriate licences. During winter, the park remains accessible for snowshoeing, hiking, and backcountry camping, though services are limited and visitors must be prepared for winter conditions.

Nearby Attractions

Agawa Rock Pictographs: A significant cultural site featuring ancient Indigenous rock paintings on a cliff face overlooking Lake Superior, accessible via a short but rugged trail.

Scenic High Falls: A breathtaking waterfall on the Magpie River, offering picturesque views and a serene atmosphere, located just outside Wawa.

Wawa Goose Monument: An iconic 8.5-meter-tall goose statue symbolizing the town of Wawa, providing a unique photo opportunity and insight into local heritage.

Katherine Cove: A charming sandy beach along Lake Superior’s shoreline, perfect for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Old Woman Bay: A stunning bay known for its towering cliffs and beautiful beach, offering opportunities for photography, hiking, and relaxation.

Helpful Links

The Friends of Lake Superior Park

Nearby Parks

Park Blog