Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - Lake Superior Protected Areas (U.S. National Park Service)

Interested in visiting another protected area on the shores of Lake Superior, the greatest of the Great Lakes? Here's a sampling around the Lake, both in Canada and the United States, clockwise beginning at the Minnesota/Ontario boundary.

In Canada

Ontario Parks photo

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ontario
On the southern tip of this rugged peninsula near Thunder Bay lies the legendary Sleeping Giant. Venture deep into its boreal forests to experience the backcountry, or follow its rugged trails to the top of the giant for unbeatable views of Lake Superior.

Look for deer, moose and other large mammals in the park’s vast forests and lowlands. Whether you are hiking along lush green paths or gliding over snowy trails, the beauty of this park will leave you spellbound.

Parks Canada photo

Pukaskwa National Park

Pukaskwa National Park, Ontario
Pukaskwa National Park's exceptional beauty is revealed in its vistas of Lake Superior and in the rugged, ancient landscape of the Canadian Shield and northern forest. The spirit of the wilderness envelopes those who explore this special place.

The only wilderness national park in Ontario, Pukaskwa was established in 1983 to protect 1878 square km of an ecosystem that features boreal forest and Lake Superior shoreline. Pukaskwa National Park is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore's sister park.

Ontario Park photo

Lake Superior Provincial Park

Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario
From Lake Superior’s rugged coast, this park moves inland over mist-shrouded hills and deep canyons whose breathtaking beauty and rich autumn colours inspired Canada’s Group of Seven artists. The Coastal Trail and part of Highway 17 hug Lake Superior’s rugged, rocky coast through this park, offering spectacular, unimpeded views of the legendary moody blue waters.

Along the park’s eastern border the Algoma Central Railway snakes through Agawa Canyon, thrilling sightseers and dropping off hiking and canoeing adventurers along the way. Don’t miss the pictographs at Agawa Rock, and the park’s new Visitor Centre.

In the United States

NPS photo

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
Sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, lakes, forest, and shoreline beckon you to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Hiking, camping, sightseeing, and four season outdoor opportunities abound. The Lakeshore hugs the Lake Superior shoreline for more than 40 miles. Lake Superior is the largest, deepest, coldest, and most pristine of all the Great Lakes. more...

NPS photo

Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Isle Royale’s physical isolation and primitive wilderness challenged human use for centuries; ironically today it has become the Island’s main attraction. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, visitors come to experience this island park through hiking its trails, paddling its inland waterways, exploring its rugged coast, or venturing into the depth of its shipwrecks.

The beautiful Lake of the Clouds is surrounded by towering hills with lush green northwoods vegetation.

Mary Dettlof photo, Michigan State Parks

Porcupines Mountains Wilderness State Park

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan
As Michigan's largest state park, the 60,000 acres of the Porcupines Mountains comprise one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest. Towering virgin timber, secluded lakes, and miles of wild rivers and streams make a visit to the "Porkies" a trip to remember.

NPS photo

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
Along windswept beaches and cliffs, visitors experience where water meets land and sky, culture meets culture, and past meets present. The 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland host a unique blend of cultural and natural resources. Lighthouses shine over Lake Superior and the new wilderness areas. Visitors can hike, paddle, sail, or cruise to experience these Jewels of Lake Superior. more...

Split Rock Lighthouse is perched in a cliff high above Lake Superior.

Minnesota Historical Society photo

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Minnesota
Shipwrecks from a mighty 1905 November gale prompted this rugged landmark's construction. Completed by the U.S. Lighthouse Service in 1910, Split Rock Light Station was soon one of Minnesota's best known landmarks. Restored to its 1920s appearance, the lighthouse offers a glimpse of lighthouse life in this remote and spectacular setting.

A wood sailboat - called a Mackinaw - approaches a dock at Grand Portage on Lake Superior.

NPS photo

Grand Portage National Monument

Grand Portage National Monument, Minnesota
For over 400 years Ojibwe families of Grand Portage have tapped maples every spring on a ridge located just off Lake Superior. During the summer, Ojibwe fishermen harvest in the same areas their forefathers have. Before the United States and Canada existed, the trading of furs, ideas and genes between the Ojibwe and French and English fur traders flourished. Today, Grand Portage National Monument and Indian Reservation form a bridge between people, time and culture.

Return to top of page