5 Incredible Hikes to Do in Algoma

During Spring, Summer or Fall, these 5 incredible hikes are a great way to explore the beauty of Algoma. Some lead to waterfalls, some lead to breathtaking views of Lake Superior, and some lead to ancient sites.

Agawa Rock Pictographs

The Agawa Pictographs are a sacred site. These red ochre paintings on the rock face have endured rain, wind, winter and everything else that the mighty Lake Superior can muster and still they prevail. Generations of Ojibwe have recorded dreams, visions and important events. The Pictographs are faded and weathered and we will never know how many pictures have disappeared with time. The Agawa Pictographs are located within Lake Superior Provincial Park and a day-use permit is required to visit (park passes can obtain from park offices, including the Visitor Centre at Agawa Bay) and about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours drive from Sault Ste. Marie.

Distance: the trail is a 0.5 km loop. The difficulty is moderate, with steep rocky sections.
Facilities: parking and privy toilets

Note: The Pictographs can only be viewed when Lake Superior is calm. Dogs are not permitted on the trail for cultural and safety reasons.  The site is open from mid-May to mid-September. 

Potholes Provincial Park

A short interpretive trail winds through a garden-like setting in the beautiful Boreal Forest. Distinctive “potholes” in the bedrock that were naturally formed in the times of the glaciers over 10,000 years ago will have you realize that this name fits the phenomenon. Water still flows through these potholes and this hike is SO worth it!

Distance: 350-metre trail
Facilities: parking and privy toilets

Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Trail

Photo Credit- Ontario Park

Forever etched into the memories of those that are old enough to remember, is the haunting song of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot. In Pancake Bay Provincial Park there is a hiking trail overlooking Lake Superior where you can look out to Whitefish Bay, where the Edmund Fitzgerald succumbed to the Gales of November in 1975. The two lookout platforms offer awesome views.

Distance: 7 km return (2 to 3 hours) to the lookout. The trail is moderate.
Facilities: parking, privy toilets

Chippewa Falls

This spot marks the halfway point of the Trans Canada Highway.  The falls can be viewed as you drive along Highway 17 and take the time to stop at the rest area. A short hike will get you closer but some roots and rocks have to navigate around. Proceed with caution. The best views are from the bridge located alongside the highway to capture a full shot of the waterfalls. You may see artists or photographers capturing this pretty waterfall.

Viewing Bridge: walk from the parking lot to the bridge beside Trans Canada Highway 17
Facilities: parking and privy toilets

Aubrey Falls Provincial Park

There is a bit of a view of the lower portion of these waterfalls at the footbridge but keep going. Over the bridge and up to the viewing area there are even picnic tables. Here, you will see the best views of the entire waterfall. Follow the marked canoe route portage trails uphill past this viewing area to get to Aubrey Lake which is above the dam area. Interesting point, this dam slows down the water and sometimes even stops completely at night, or during the spring and fall.

Distance: the round trip is 2 km. Difficulty is rated at moderate.
Facilities: parking and privy toilets. This is a non-operating park which means it does not have operating dates.

To learn more about places to hike in the Algoma region visit backpack & hiking page.

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