Pukaskwa National Park (PUH|kə|saw) is a national park just south of Marathon in the northern parts of Ontario.

Understand

Cascade River Falls

Pukaskwa National Park covers an area of 1,878 km² (725 sq mi).

Open May 15 to October 15. Contact the park office by calling ☏ +1 807-229-0801 or emailing ont-pukaskwa@pc.gc.ca.

History

It was established in 1978.

Flora and fauna

Black bears, moose, peregrine falcons, lynxes and wolf packs are found in this park.

Visitor information

• Park website
• 1 Visitor Centre (Inside Hattie Cove Campground). Jun 15-Oct 15, 10AM-4PM. Park staff provide information on activities and events. Also offers telephones, souvenirs, washrooms and picnic space near several hiking trails. (updated Jul 2023)

Get in

Pukaskwa National Park is near Marathon, Ontario; access via Highway 627. The park is a 3½-hour drive from the Thunder Bay Airport and a five-hour drive from the Sault Ste. Marie Airport.

Hattie Cove Campground is open May 15 to Thanksgiving; the visitor centre is open July and August. Weather conditions may influence the availability of facilities and services in early May. Expect to spend a full day to a week or more in Pukaskwa.

The Coastal Hiking Trail has two suspension bridges; one across the White River at Chigaamiwinigum and one across the Willow River. The Coastal Hiking Trail is part of the long-distance Voyageur Hiking Trail. Backcountry campsites are also located along the Coastal Paddling Route, the White River, and the Pukaskwa River.

By car or bicycle

Follow TransCanada Highway 17 to Highway 627. Take Highway 627 15 km to Pukaskwa National Park and the Hattie Cove Campground and Day Use Area.

By plane

Several major airlines, including Air Canada, Porter, and WestJet, provide service to Thunder Bay (YQT) and Sault Ste Marie (YAM).

By bus

Ontario Northland offers bus service to Marathon. Taxi service is available from Marathon to Pukaskwa.

By canoe or kayak

Paddling into Pukaskwa’s Hattie Cove can be tricky - it’s easy to paddle by without seeing the protected cove. Be sure to landmark carefully when paddling this stretch.

Fees and permits

Daily summer/winter (2024):

• Adult $6.50/$3.50
• Senior $5.50/$3.00
• Children and youth under 18 free
• Family/group $13.50/$7.00

Seasonal passes are available for less than the cost of 5 day passes, and less than the cost of 4 day passes if purchased before June 15.

Parks Canada Passes

The Discovery Pass provides unlimited admission for a full year at over 80 Parks Canada places that charge a daily entrance fee. It provides faster entry and is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Prices for 2024 (taxes included):

• Family/group (up to 7 people in a vehicle): $151.25
• Children and youth (0-17): free
• Adult (18-64): $75.25
• Senior (65+): $64.50

The Cultural Access Pass: people who have received their Canadian citizenship in the past year can qualify for free entry to some sites.

Do

• Geocaching

Hiking

May to mid-October annually

• Coastal Hiking Trail: 60-km trail offers a challenging but rewarding Ontario wilderness experience. The trail climbs steep Lake Superior coastline, meanders through sandy and cobble stone beaches, and treks through rugged boreal forests. The Coastal Hiking Trail is a part of the Trans-Canada Trail.
• Mdaabii Miikna: a much shorter, loop trail that is accessed south of Playter Harbour and north of the White River Suspension Bridge via the Coastal Hiking Trail. It features serene boreal forest and the impressive Lake Superior coastline at Picture Rock Harbour.
• White River Suspension Bridge Trail: a challenging and scenic 18-kilometre day-hike. This path soon becomes a wooden boardwalk as it wanders atop wetland Onward, the route challenges with heaving Canadian Shield terrain. The White River Suspension Bridge spans 23 m (75 ft) above powerful Chigamiwinigum Falls.

Eat

There are no eateries in Pukaskwa National Park. You must bring your own food with you.

Sleep

Camping

The Hattie Cove Campground is located at the north end of the park and can be accessed via Highway 627, the only road access into the park.

Camping per night peak season/shoulder season (2024) Hattie Cove:

• Serviced with electricity (washroom building having toilets and showers) $33.00/$22.00
• Unserviced with washroom building having toilets and showers $28.50/$17.50
• oTENTik glamping tents, serviced with electricity (washroom building having toilets and showers) $133.25/$111.00

Backcountry

There are backcountry campsites along the 60 km Coastal Hiking Trail which follows the north shore of Lake Superior.

Coastal Hiking Trail and Paddling Routes, per person (2024)

• Overnight $13.50

Stay safe

For emergencies within the park, call the Parks Canada dispatch service at ☏ +1-877-852-3100.