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Lake Superior Water Trail

LSWC worked with Trans Canada Trail to create a 1,000 km water trail from Gros Cap to Thunder Bay. By installing infrastructure like washrooms, docks, canoe lockers, picnic tables, interpretive signage and accessible connected pathways, we have provided people with a safe and enjoyable way to interact with the Lake.

Lake Superior Water Trail community access points are also connected to designated hiking trails such as the Voyageur Trail, Casque Isles Trail, Nipigon River Recreation Trail and the Coastal trails in the parks.

For thousands of years, people have been traversing these waters engaged in everything from fishing to travel to continental trade. The bond that today’s recreational paddlers have with all those that have come before is that this vast lake requires respect. Cold temperatures and wind fetch across this great freshwater expanse create conditions demanding adequate skills and proper outfitting.

Our ambition is to facilitate the connection of all the water trails around the Lake. As well, create a connected community of Lake Superior paddlers dedicated to protecting freshwater.

lake superior water trail map

Navigating Together

Building the Trail, A Collaborative Effort

Working with Trans Canada Trail and Trans Canada Trail Ontario, the Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy brought together coastal municipalities, First Nation communities, Ontario Parks and National Parks across the vast geographic region of the Lake Superior North Shore to work collaboratively on this segment of the Trans Canada Trail.

The official celebration of the opening of the Trans Canada Trail took place in 2017, Canada's Sesquicentennial (150th). LSWC participated in this national achievement by opening this water segment through the summer of 2017.

LSWC will continue to implement the connection of the many wonderful water trails on Lake Superior to create an international Lake Superior Water Trail circumnavigating the entire lake.

Water Trail Access Features include:

  • Universal Access site plans designed by Cynthia Burkhour of Access Recreation Group for 15 priority Lake Superior Water Trail access locations with the goal being each site will be compliant under the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities) Act by July 1, 2022.
  • High-quality Water Trail Access Point amenities include universal access EZ Docks, Clivus Multrum composting toilets, bear-proof garbage and recycling containers, universal access picnic tables, and dog waste disposal stations.
  • Additional Land Trail connections to Aguasabon Gorge, Red Rock Mountain and the Nipigon River Overlooks enhance the Lake Superior water trail user's experience.
  • Kiosks at each access point display safety information, photos and maps connecting the Lake Superior Water Trail to local hiking trails, parks, B&Bs, food services, and local cultural attractions and other services in nearby communities and businesses.

Water Trail Videos

Lake Superior Water Trail Access Point
Lake Superior Water Trail Opening Ceremony
Lake Superior Water Trail - Gros Cap Marina Park
Safety on the Lake Superior Water Trail

How To Help

Protecting the greatest Lake on Earth means we all have a role to play in addressing the threatening elements of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, invasive species, and the diversion of water from the watershed.

We believe in the power of our collective effort to solve these challenges.

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