Pukaskwa National Park is one of Ontario’s most dramatic wilderness parks, located on the north shore of Lake Superior near the town of Hornepayne / Marathon region.
Location: Heron Bay, ON
Season: Open for all seasons
Pukaskwa National Park protects a vast stretch of rugged coastline, boreal forest, rivers, and untouched Lake Superior shoreline.
It’s often considered the best “true wilderness” national park in Ontario that is still realistically accessible by road.
What Pukaskwa is Like
- Wild Lake Superior coastline
- Thick boreal forest interior
- Powerful winds and sudden weather changes
- Remote backcountry trails and campsites
- No road access into the main wilderness areas
What Makes Pukaskwa Special
Pukaskwa stands out because it combines:
- The raw power of Lake Superior
- True backcountry wilderness camping
- One of Canada’s toughest hiking trails
- Large untouched boreal ecosystems
- Minimal infrastructure even by national park standards
Coastal Hiking, White River Suspension Bridge, Backcountry Camping, Kayaking & Lake Superior Travel, Wildlife Viewing, Northern Lights & Night Skies
Visitor centre, Basic washrooms, Parking and trailheads, Some interpretive displays
Deep isolation and self-reliance, Silence and vast open space, Constant wind