Boreal · Ontario
Pukaskwa National Park
Lake Superior at its wildest.
Province
Ontario
Established
1978
Size
1,878 km²
Coordinates
48.22°, -86.05°
Family friendliness
Hidden gem
Photography
Overview
About Pukaskwa National Park
The only wilderness national park on Ontario's Great Lakes coast, Pukaskwa offers boreal cliffs, the Coastal Hiking Trail (60 km), and one of the most rugged shorelines in eastern Canada.
Why visit
- Lake Superior Coastal Trail (multi-day)
- Suspension bridge across the White River
- Hattie Cove drive-in beach camping
- Boreal–Great Lakes ecology meeting point
Things to do
Plan your days.
Mdaabii Miikna day hike
hiking
Hattie Cove Campground
camping
Coastal Hiking Trail thru-hike
hiking
White River suspension bridge
interpretive
Camping
Camping in the park.
- Hattie Cove — beach access, oTENTiks available
- Backcountry: Coastal Hiking Trail shelters and tent pads
Best time to visit
- Spring
- Late May–June: blackflies, but pristine.
- Summer
- July–August: warmest, best for swimming.
- Fall
- September: peak colour, manageable bugs.
- Winter
- Closed to vehicle access; limited services.
- Peak
- Late July through August.
- Shoulder
- June or early September.
Wildlife
What you'll see.
Quiet beaches at dawn; loons everywhere.
Common species
Moose · Black bear · Bald eagle
Signature species
Moose · Woodland caribou (rare) · Gray wolf
Wildlife safety
Black bears and biting insects — full bug protection in early summer.
Nearby communities
Where to base yourself.
- Marathon
- Wawa
Nearby attractions
- Lake Superior Provincial Park
- Agawa Canyon
Suggested itineraries
Pick a length.
weekend
Hattie Cove weekend
Day hikes, beach, suspension bridge.
7 day
Coastal trail thru-hike
Pickle Lake to Hattie Cove, six nights on the lake.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Pukaskwa National Park.
Can I camp in Pukaskwa National Park?+
Yes. Pukaskwa National Park operates Parks Canada campgrounds with a mix of frontcountry sites and, on most loops, oTENTik or backcountry options.
Do I need reservations to visit Pukaskwa National Park?+
Reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends; a portion of sites may remain first-come, first-served.
Are dogs allowed?+
Yes — dogs are welcome on a leash (max 3 m) throughout the park, but must be supervised at all times and kept off closed trails and beaches with wildlife restrictions.
Is Pukaskwa National Park family friendly?+
Our family score is 7/10. Good for families with school-age kids; some activities require planning and gear.
When is the best time to visit Pukaskwa National Park?+
Late July through August. Shoulder seasons reward visitors with fewer crowds and softer light, while winter opens its own set of opportunities (or, in the far north, closes road access entirely).
What wildlife can I see?+
Signature species include moose, black bears, bald eagles and gray wolves. Always keep at least 30 m from large mammals and 100 m from bears; carry bear spray on backcountry trails.
Can I bring an RV?+
Yes — designated loops accommodate RVs and trailers. Check site dimensions and service availability (electrical/water/sewer) when booking, as not every site offers full hookups.
How many days should I spend here?+
Two to three days for Hattie Cove; a week for the coastal trail.
Nearby parks
