Pukaskwa National Park in Ontario, Canada - map, photos and visitor information

Pukaskwa National Park lies on Lake Superior's north shore near Marathon, Ontario. Hattie Cove gives road access to camping and shorter walks, while the coast beyond it supports demanding hiking and paddling trips. Choose between those experiences before arranging permits, transport and supplies.

Highlights around Hattie Cove and the coast

• Horseshoe Bay: reach the shore on the Boardwalk Beach Trail, the park's shorter accessible walking option.
• Southern Headland: follow a rocky coastal trail with views of coves and Lake Superior.
• Bimose Kinoomagewnan: explore a trail where Ojibway elders' stories and young people's artwork share the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
• Coastal backcountry: experienced visitors can plan the Coastal Hiking Trail, Mdaabii Miikna or the Coastal Paddling Route.

Prepare for a seasonal wilderness park

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Take Lake Superior and remote travel seriously

Cold water, fog and abrupt weather changes make Lake Superior a serious paddling environment. Coastal paddling requires technical skills and equipment suited to exposed water. Boat shuttles can be delayed or canceled by waves and weather, especially in fall. Keep spare time and a workable backup plan.

Rocks and boardwalks become slippery when wet. Even some moderate trails involve stairs, obstacles and short climbs. Carry water, food and weather protection, and tell a reliable contact your route and return time. Backcountry visitors must register before and after their trip and complete the required safety orientation.

From October 16 through May 14, the park's annual safety bulletin warns that emergency services may be unavailable or substantially delayed. Mobile reception is unreliable. Check park safety notices and be ready to manage an emergency independently.

Protect campsites and cultural places

Secure all food, garbage and scented items whenever they are not in use. This is black bear habitat. Keep pets leashed and attended, stay on established routes, and leave natural objects and cultural features untouched. Preservation areas and petroform sites are closed to visitor access.

Confirm fire restrictions with staff before lighting a fire; a low fire-danger rating alone does not establish permission. Use only designated fire boxes or firepits when fires are allowed.

Hattie Cove and backcountry bookings work differently

Ordinary Hattie Cove vehicle campsites are first-come, first-stay; they cannot be reserved. oTENTiks and backcountry campsites can be reserved online or by phone at 1-877-737-3783. Review the park reservation instructions before setting your itinerary.

A backcountry booking does not replace arrival registration or safety orientation. If a boat shuttle is part of your route, confirm transport before reserving nights. Arrange permits with staff in advance when entering by water away from Hattie Cove. Admission is additional to the overnight camping charge.

Maps, location, and access from Highway 17

From Highway 17 just east of Marathon, take Highway 627 south toward Heron Bay and the park. The approach is about 13 km. Continue past the administration turnoff toward the kiosk, Hattie Cove Campground and day-use area. The remote coastline does not have a parallel visitor road.

Use the official maps and trip planners for Hattie Cove, day hikes and backcountry travel. A general map search cannot replace a detailed coastal route plan. Check road and seasonal access before an off-season journey.

Nearby parks along Highway 17

• Neys Provincial Park: a Lake Superior stop west of Marathon, reached from the Highway 17 corridor.
• White Lake Provincial Park: another road-accessible option toward White River along Highway 17. It is separate from White Lake Peatlands Provincial Park.

Both have seasonal visitor operations. Confirm opening dates before using either as an overnight alternative.

Match the walk to your time and experience

The Boardwalk Beach Trail is 1.2 km return from the Visitor Centre, with stable gravel and boardwalk surfaces. Allow about 30 minutes. Southern Headland is 2.2 km return and includes rock, roots and built stairs. Bimose Kinoomagewnan is 3.7 km return around Halfway Lake, with interpretive stops.

The White River Suspension Bridge hike is a much longer day: 18 km return, with a suggested time of eight to nine hours. It follows difficult terrain and needs an early start, supplies and route preparation. Review the trail report and confirm access with staff. Confirm seasonal access separately from trail conditions.

The Coastal Hiking Trail is about 60 km, while the Coastal Paddling Route extends about 135 km. These are expedition options, not casual extensions of a beach walk.

Hattie Cove services and accessibility

Hattie Cove has vehicle campsites, with a published limit of six people per site. During the operating season, campground services include drinking water and comfort stations. Seasonal changes affect loops, water and toilet facilities, so confirm the actual service level for your stay.

Park buildings, including the Visitor Centre and comfort stations, are accessible. Hattie Cove has a canoe launch, and seasonal rentals include canoes and stand-up paddleboards. Building access does not mean that rocky trails or remote camps are suitable for every mobility need. Ask staff about the Boardwalk Beach route and current surface conditions.

About Pukaskwa National Park

Anishinaabe homelands on the Superior coast

The Anishinaabe have enduring connections with this land and water. Archaeological resources document a long human history, followed by periods of trade, logging, mining and shipping. Traditional activities and cultural practices continue in the park. Parks Canada's history account describes protection through partnerships with local First Nations.

Boreal forest and shoreline habitats

Black bears, moose and gray wolves live in the park, along with smaller mammals such as beavers, otters and lynx. Forest, wetlands and the Lake Superior shore create different habitats. Watch without following animals or leaving food that changes their behavior.

Contact Pukaskwa staff

Call the park kiosk at +1 807-357-1726. If it cannot be reached, call +1 807-229-0238. Email [email protected]. The mailing address is P.O. Box 212, Highway 627, Heron Bay, ON P0T 1R0. Parks Canada emergency dispatch is +1 877-852-3100.