Canada is home to many incredible landscapes and amazing natural attractions, and one of the most breathtaking of these is the majestic Lake Superior. Straddling the border between Ontario and the USA, Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, spanning more than 82,000 acres and holds more water than the other five Great Lakes combined. With an average depth of just over 490 feet, Lake Superior is an incredible natural wonder of the world.
Situated high atop the Laurentian Mountains, Lake Superior is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and dense dense forestland. Accessed by multiple mountain passes, including the famed “Gates of Lake Superior”, the lake holds an abundance of rare wildlife, including loon, bald eagle, and bear. Among the lake’s many highlights, one of the most significant is the iconic Sleeping Giant formation, which forms a strikingly symmetrical silhouette of a man laying down against the sparkling clear waters.
The lake is dotted with dozens of islands, accessible only by boat, and many of the larger islands are now home to small settlements, stage services, lighthouses, parks and loons. The park has come to be regarded as a haven of peace and solitude, and its picturesque landscapes, exceptional water clarity and diverse flora and fauna draw in over 100,000 visitors each year, making it one of Canada’s most beloved provinces.
Famous for its abundance of freshwater fish and its rugged beauty, Lake Superior has long been a source of inspiration for nature lovers, anglers, explorers and outdoor adventurers alike. In addition to its freshwater bounty, the lake is renowned for its remoteness and sense of adventure. Once a hub of activity during the fur trade era, Lake Superior’s striking scenery remains a key attraction in the region today.
In addition to its natural beauty, Lake Superior is also a major tourism destination. Many of the lake’s communities boast unique cultural attractions, vibrant nightlife and a wide variety of activities for all ages, from fishing and windsailing to snowmobiling and hiking. The largest city located on the lake, Thunder Bay, is home to the popular Terry Fox Memorial Park, a monument dedicated to the late Canadian icon’s courageous run across the country.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, an outdoor adventure, or an opportunity to take in some of the most stunning landscapes in Canada, Lake Superior is the ideal destination. With its incredible beauty and plentiful activities, Lake Superior is the perfect spot to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Agriculture and Tourism
Lake Superior’s many lakeside communities are renowned for their farming and fishing, adding to its allure as a tourist destination. In the southern end of the lake, the communities of Sault and Wawa offer an abundance of locally-grown produce, traditional and artisanal arts and crafts, and robust agricultural tourism. The wild terrain also provides ample opportunity for camping, as well as world-class freshwater fishing.
The local economy is bolstered by a bustling tourism industry. Every year, the region hosts hundreds of festivals, such as the Algoma Fall Festival and the Michipicoten Oyster Festival, drawing in thousands of visitors from around the world. For those looking to get away from it all, the rural beauty of Lake Superior is hard to beat.
The recreational opportunities are practically limitless, from kayaking and canoeing to wildlife photography and swimming. There are plenty of camping spots available as well, ranging from tent sites to full-fledged cabins, as well as plenty of boat-launching ramps and sea plane docks.
What’s more, the lake is now part of a National Park, offering access to some of the most spectacular scenery, along with an array of campsites and cabins. Visitors can take in the picturesque shoreline, explore the many islands and bays, or go in search of the elusive moose and bald eagle.
The best views of the lake can be had atop the Pigeon River Provincial Park, a lush natural reserve nestled in the foothills of the Laurentians. Here, breathtaking views of the lake can be enjoyed from both its shores and from the air, offering the perfect opportunity to take in the stunning surroundings.
History of Lake Superior
Lake Superior has a long and storied past, with its ancient shorelines providing evidence of continuous human habitation for more than 8,000 years. For centuries, it was the ancestral home of the Ojibwa and Saugean people, who established trading posts and camps on both sides of the lake. For the Ojibwa, the lake was known as Gichigami, the “Great Water”.
The first Europeans to arrive were the French, in the 1670s, who established a series of trading posts along the lake’s shores. In the early 1800s, Americans and British traders began to move into the region, leading to conflicts between the two sides. In 1842, the Treaty of LaPointe re-established the boundaries of the lake, and the territory began to open up to settlers.
By the early 1900s, Lake Superior had become an integral part of the Great Lakes manufacturing economy, helping to fuel the industrializing of the region. The lake’s wealth of natural resources made it an attractive destination for immigrants, drawn by the promise of a better life, and for the next several decades, it would become the lifeblood of many communities.
Today, Lake Superior stands as a testament to the importance of the region’s history and its myriad cultural influences. Its enduring beauty and abundance of natural resources have made it a beloved destination for generations of nature lovers, and its extraordinary landscape continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
Climate and Wildlife
Once you venture away from the populated areas, Lake Superior’s pristine beauty and diversity of wildlife quickly become apparent. With more than 200 species of fish, including whitefish, pike, salmon and trout, the lake is home to Canada’s most diverse aquatic life.
The climate is mild and temperate, with temperatures ranging from -7 to 28 degrees Celsius during the summer months and from -17 to -3 degrees Celsius during the winter. Snowfall averages between 30 and 200 cm in late December and early April.
The lake also offers a habitat for a wide range of animals, including moose, bear, otter and beaver, as well as many different species of birds. But perhaps the best-known inhabitant of Lake Superior is the loon, an iconic species of waterfowl with a mournful call who can be heard echoing across the lake in the early morning hours.
The gorgeous and diverse landscape of Lake Superior continues to draw people to the region and is sure to remain an iconic fixture in Canadian life for generations to come.
Environmental Impact
As the largest and deepest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior’s importance to the environment cannot be overstated. In addition to its vast natural beauty, the lake provides clean drinking water for millions and serves as an important spawning ground for fish, including walleye and trout.
Unfortunately, the past few decades have seen the lake threatened by various pollutants, including agricultural runoff and factory waste, as well as habitat destruction. As a result, the lake’s ecological health is under constant threat, and efforts are being made to preserve and restore its fragile ecosystem. This includes initiatives aimed at reducing sediment runoff from logging activities, improving water quality and habitat conservation.
The Ontario government has also implemented a number of regulations to protect the lake, including restrictions on phosphorus discharges, improvements to sewage infrastructure, and increased public education initiatives. While these efforts are helping to reduce the environmental pressures on the lake, it is ultimately up to everyone who visits and calls the lake’s shores home to help preserve the lake’s many wondrous attributes.
Recreational Activities
No matter what time of year you visit, Lake Superior has something to offer. During the summer months, the lake’s balmy waters make it an ideal destination for swimming, waterskiing, canoeing and kayaking, while in the winter, visitors can enjoy snowmobiling, ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
Whether you’re looking for an adventurous escape or a romantic getaway, Lake Superior is the perfect destination. With its breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife and wide range of recreational opportunities, it’s the ideal spot for any traveler.
Hikers and backpackers will love the vast network of trails that traverse the lake’s shoreline and surrounding mountains, while boaters can explore the lake’s many islands, bays and coves. Anglers will appreciate the lake’s wealth of freshwater fish, while sightseers will be dazzled by its unparalleled beauty.
No matter where your adventure takes you, you’re sure to leave Lake Superior feeling more inspired and enchanted than ever before.
Accommodation
From the wild beauty of its shoreline to the bustle of its towns and villages, the towns along Lake Superior offer plenty of options for those looking to stay near the lake. The major cities of Thunder Bay, Sault and Wawa are home to numerous hotels and resorts, while the smaller villages boast cozy cabins and inns.
For those looking to experience the great outdoors, campsites and RV parks are available along the shoreline and in remote wilderness areas. In the winter, several lodges and resorts offer snowmobiling and dogsledding tours, with cozy accommodations and restaurants nearby.
And for those seeking a truly remote experience, several islands on Lake Superior can be rented for private use, offering a unique chance to get away from it all and explore the lake’s magnificent beauty.
No matter how you choose to spend your time on Lake Superior, you’re sure to be mesmerized by its unforgettable beauty and unending opportunities for adventure.
