THE NORTH SHORE EXPERIENCE
Breathtaking Ontario landscapes from the shores of Lake Superior, a trip to see this beauty a must.
The north shore is a bucket list necessity, with bountiful fishing, motorcycle riding, ancient pictographs, waterfalls, hikes, camp sites and iconic light houses.
First on my list is the “Galapagos of the North,” a lonely lighthouse island with black volcanic beaches and wind-swept trees surrounded by a blue-green azure freshwater ocean.
Some of these stunning seaside backdrops will surely be a good addition to your picture album.
The Porphyry Island lighthouse, which was first used as an operational lighthouse in 1873, is now deactivated, but interpretative tours are offered to learn more about its fascinating history.
This isn’t some faraway place or a tropical paradise; it’s one of Lake Superior’s hidden beauties, located at the southern end of the Black Bay Peninsula, behind the huge sleeping giant and less than an hour by boat from picturesque Thunder Bay.
During my island visit, I used Archie’s Fishing Charters to guide me. They also conduct sightseeing trips. We stopped at many areas to try our luck for salmon and lake trout, and we delivered both for supper for our lighthouse island friends, which was highly appreciated table fare on the island!
AWE INSPIRING LANDSCAPE
I was in awe of the tremendous majesty and brightness of the tree-studded, fog-kissed hillsides of the Sleepy-G as I passed by on the boat. It’s awe-inspiring, so it’s no surprise that publications like National Geographic come to shoot and write about it! We are lucky to have access to this natural area at any time.
Porphyry, a black volcanic rock studded with quartz and feldspar crystals, is abundant on the island’s beaches. There is much flora and fauna to appreciate that is not commonly seen on the mainland, and you may read about the 1929 shipwreck (SS Thordoc) that occurred off the Porphyry reef.
The island may be reached by boat as well as other modes of transportation, including floatplanes and helicopters. Boaters may find that driving to the Sleeping Giant and unloading at Silver Islet is the most convenient access point. It is possible to reserve / rent the guesthouse and spend the night on the island. The guesthouse is equipped with all the conveniences and comforts of home. Visit the link below to learn more about staying on the island, including becoming a lighthouse keeper for a short period of time.
For more information and to book a reservation:
www.clls.ca/weekender-lighthouse-keeper/
I recommend Archie’s charters for sightseeing tours to the island and surrounding fishing areas; they are located in the Thunder Bay marina. www.archiescharters.com
A visit to quiet Porphyry Island is a must to explore and a place to slow down and simply be, whether it’s as part of a family vacation, a tourist experience, or if you reside nearby.
MOTORCYCLING THE NORTH SHORE
You’ll be cruising along the highways lined with forest, rock cliffs, and low mountains. One can make a full-circle trip to the tune of approximately 2,000 km around the world’s biggest freshwater lake. I have done bike trips starting in Thunder Bay and ending in Agawa Bay. That stretch of road is spectacular! With many must-stop sights, including the Nays Lookout, Agawa Rock Pictographs, Magpie Falls, and so much more.
Wawa is perhaps best known for its large roadside geese sculptures (Wawa means “wild goose” in Ojibwe) and natural attractions, including hiking trails, beaches, and waterfalls.
Continuing on Route # 17 for about an hour east will bring you to Agawa Bay. The Ojibwe people, who have lived by the Great Lakes for centuries, have left sacred messages that are 150 to 400 years old and viewable only from a ledge that drops steeply into aqua blue water.
SUPERIOR FISHING
Fishing for the variety of species that live in this vast, frigid, crystalline lake is an essential part of the north shore experience. Or adventure up the endless tributaries that flow from Superior. Fly fishing to down rigging, fishing for a multitude of species is like being a kid in a candy shop; there’s just too much choice! There are 88 recorded species in Lake Superior.
Here are the fishable/popular ones for the North Shore: Smallmouth bass, chinook, pink, Atlantic (further east), and coho salmon, northern pike, lake trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, white fish, burbot, walleye, and perch are popular to chase. So, load up your fishing gear to trek a beautiful tributary, or set out from many of the public boat launches in your boat; just be careful of the many reefs that lurk. No matter what you plan for your North Shore adventure, you’ll be sure to fall in love.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
The North Shore of Lake Superior stretches from Duluth, Minnesota, USA, to Thunder Bay and Nipigon, Ontario, Canada, in the north, and Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Canada, in the east. One hour past Thunder Bay is Dorion’s Eagle Canyon Adventures, boasting a 600 ft suspension bridge and the longest zip line in Canada! Near Dorion, camping spots can be found at Wolf River Campground.
Then, onwards east is the Nipigon River Recreation Trail to Lloyd’s Lookout for a panoramic view of Nipigon Bay, a must for the hiking enthusiast. Nearby, the Nipigon River offers exceptional brook trout fishing.
Did you know: the world record brook trout was caught by Dr. W. J. Cook on July 21, 1915 in the Nipigon River and weighed 14.5 pounds, measuring 31.5 inches long and 23 inches in girth!
Enjoy a swim and cool off from the heat of the summer day: Stop by Lofquist Lake Public Beach, located in Nipigon, just a short drive off 11/17 up Hwy 585, where camping is available at Stillwater and Trailer Park.
Further up the north shore is Rossport, a beautiful shoreline town and a must-visit. There are a variety of B&B’s to stay at, such as the Rossport Inn cabins, and even a unique yurt camping experience at “Yurt it Up North.”
A bit further down the highway is Rainbow Falls Provincial Park, which has a public sandy beach, and Schreiber Beach is a stunning stretch of cobblestone beach- all a must see!
Check out the Schreiber Discovery Centre and Railway Museum to learn about the history of one of the oldest railway stations on the north shore.
Shop local: hand-crafted moccasins and jewellery, as well as locally themed artwork, are available in the plentiful, independent, locally owned shops all along this drive.
EXPLORE WITH A PARK PASS
There are endless provincial parks, including the mighty Lake Superior Park. From kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, camping, to picnic spots. You can purchase a seasonal park pass online at ontarioparks.com/fees. Day-use passes can be purchased at each park location. Most parks open Mid may and close mid October. Be sure to check the Ontario parks website for the exact dates.