One of the advantages of RVing is the ability to enjoy life to the fullest, see new things, experience new adventures, reconnect with family, visit familiar and new places, meet people. Our 2008 trip started when we departed from southern Ontario on May 12th and will end 156 days later in Algonquin Park. Oh, retirement is great! So is the fishing!
The drive along the northshore shore of Lake Superior from Sault Ste Marie to the border crossing south of Thunder Bay at Pigeon River is incredible with a good highway and many parks to stop and visit. For those interested in waterfalls, we have been told that there are at least 40 waterfalls along this 755 km (470 miles) stretch of highway. In addition to numerous private campgrounds, there are ten Provincial Parks, one National Park, and at least two municipal parks. The northshore is by far the more picturesque drive should you decided to do the circle drive around Lake Superior.
Sault Ste Marie: (106 Campsites – 99 Electrical with water) The Lions Club “Pointe Des Chenes Campground & Trailer Park” is our favourite spot in this area. We enjoy the view from one of the park benches along the water's edge watching the big ships entering and exiting the mouth of the St. Mary's River while admiring the fabulous sunsets. The park is out in the direction of the airport, and we have never been bothered by overhead airplanes.
Batchawana Bay Provincial Park (Day Use only) is a good place to stop for a picnic and to let the children run and play on this popular sandy beach with excellent swimming. Remember, if you camped at a Provincial Park last night, your permit allows you free access to the other Provincial parks the following day.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park (328 campsites – 160 electrical) an awesome wide and sheltered beach, sandwiched between Lake Superior and the highway, allows the weary traveler to be on site within minutes of arrival. The nearer to the water you are able to be, the more distance you have between you and the highway.
Lake Superior Provincial Park (244 campsites – 58 electrical) Agawa Bay, Crescent Lake, Rabbit Blanket Lake Campgrounds along with a number of day use areas are very popular locations. The trails, and pictographs at Agawa Rock are two of the features of this magnificent area that attracted Canada's Group of Seven Artists. Imagine some of the artistic photographs that you could take.
Obatanga Provincial Park (140 campsites – 20 electrical): On Hwy. #17 this park west of Wawa, is one of those parks that most people drive by on their way to someplace else. Little do they know of the gem that they have just driven by. The park with is improved campsites for large units (electrical) and beach side campsites (non electrical) that welcome the children to come and play. The lake that you see is only one of 22 lakes in this magnificent park, waiting to be discovered by new and veteran campers. Bring your camera and fishing rod.
White Lake Provincial Park: (187 Campsites – 60 electrical) As you drive westward along hwy #17 you cross over a causeway and bridge. To the south, at the far end of the lake is White Lake Provincial Park. Evening fishing near the rapids is but a short boat ride from the launch area making this a walleye fisherman's paradise. For the canoeist, a trip down White River ending up in Pukaskwa National Park is a fabulous week's trip.
Pukaskwa National Park (Hatti Cove Campground: 67 Campsites – 28 electrical) near Heron Bay / Marathon): South of Hwy. #17 approximately 17 km of paved road is Pukaskwa National Park. The only National Park in Northern Ontario and it is a gem. For the camper, hiker, canoeist, kayaker, sightseer, this is the place to head for. The sea green water, black rocks with small flowers growing in what looks like nothing but rock, and on a clear day from the southheadland trail, you feel like it is one of those views that you could see forever. The coastal trail to the White River waterfalls and suspension bridge is a day's hike of 15 km. For those out on the water (Kayakers, Canoeists) the scenery while sneaking in between the coastal islands has inspired many artists. Take a water taxi down the coast and either hike, canoe or kayak back to Hattie Cove. In this area, you can expect to be wind-bound at least one day in four but the park staff will give you all of this information when you register for your trip.
Years ago, we started volunteering as campground hosts at this amazing park and over the years, we have returned almost annually for our two week fix of northern hospitality at one of Canada's leaser known parks. The 67 campsites are very seldom full and this park has many features that remain hidden unless you go looking for them. Park staff seem to understate the beauty of this wilderness location almost in an effort to keep it from becoming too widely known. Many RVers by-pass this park and in so doing miss the marvelous native peoples display and information program for all ages.
PNP is one of those parks that is best to experience first hand to be able to start to appreciate it and then it will only be a small start in what could be become an incredible journey of learning. If you are in the area between July 7 and 21, 2008, stop in at Campsite #6 to say hello to us.
Neys Provincial Park (near Schrieber on Hwy #17): Another great Park with an incredible beach that you can walk for hours. Views out over Lake Superior are fascinating especially when you see the fog roll in and out or on bright sunny days, the lake is sparkling in the sunshine. The park's location is a former WW-11 Prisoner-Of-War camp. The small museum at the Visitor Centre is worth the visit as there is a model of the camp as it was back in the early to mid 1940's. We know one of the former POW's who donated some of the material on display after he emigrated back to Canada and back to the area that he was a prisoner in. Paul M. and his wife became Canadian citizens, raised their family, while making a significant contribution helping the youth of Northern Ontario.
Our next park along the highway is Rainbow Falls with its two separate campgrounds a few kilometres apart.
Rainbow Falls Provincial Park – Whitesands Campground ( 97 Campsites – 49 electrical : Whitesands campground has pull-through campsites plus a good swimming area and children's playground. If the temperature is cool, this is a good place to camp due to being inland from the effects of Lake Superior. The hike to the falls and up the trail for a view of the highway and lake far below is worth the effort. Remember to take the camera!
Rainbow Falls Provincial Park – Rossport Campground (36 Campsites – 23 electrical) If the weather is hot, try and camp at Rossport Campground to enjoy the cool breezes coming in from Lake Superior, the largest fresh water lake in the world. The stroll along the beach watching the moon rise over the lake can be a romantic opportunity.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park: (240 campsites – 85 electrical) While the drive from the hwy #17 is somewhat long (35 km) the park itself is a highlight of many campers summer experience. When viewed from the city of Thunder Bay, the rock formation appears to look like a native chief laying down on his back looking skyward. Trails to the top of the Giant have views unsurpassed while the visitor centre model of the Giant gives the observer a good idea of the features of the park. Rock climbers particularly like this park.
Thunder Bay: As you enter the city from the east, the Terry Fox monument is on prominent display overlooking the harbour and the land of the Sleeping Giant. This is a good place to stop, pick up some tourist guides and pause awhile while overlooking the landscape and a small part of Lake Superior. There are a number of campgrounds within a few km of this spot including the KOA, Chippewa Park, and Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. While in the area a must see place is old Fort William Historical Park, the worlds largest Fur Trading Post. Ontario's official stone, the amethyst can be seen either at one of the many mining locations or gift shops.
Pigeon River Provincial Park: (Day Use Park only) This historic location with two waterfalls on hwy #61 is worth the visit and is just before leaving Canada and crossing into the USA to continue the circle tour of Lake Superior.
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park: (169 Campsites – 90 electrical) A 20 minute drive west of Thunder Bay on hwy #11/17 is the Niagara-of-the-North as the waters of the Kaministiquia River cascade over the 40 metre (131 foot) sheer cliff in a rush towards Lake Superior. The town of Kakabeka Falls is well know for some excellent ice cream shops.
Part 2 of this article will look at some of the other Provincial Parks east of Thunder Bay in the Northwest and Northeast parts on Ontario.
Enjoying one escapade after another.
Frank & Lucy
Please visit our websites at http://flspence.blogspot.com/ or http://rvworkshops.blogspot.com/ Emails are always welcomed: frankspence@hughes.net
(Page Top) |
