Firsthand experiences on the greatest lake

By Liam Giffin

Following a successful launch in 2024 of two interpretive paddling programs, Parks Canada is expanding its 2025 offer at Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) to increase visitor opportunities to connect with Lake Superior firsthand through on-water programming.

These new tourism offers add to the network of visitor opportunities offered around Lake Superior, and hopefully attract new and returning travellers to Ontario’s North Shore region. Expanding the tourism offer should benefit coastal communities by attracting visitors and increasing connections to existing local tourism providers and community businesses. By adding to the already diverse experiences present here, Parks Canada hopes to enhance visitor connections with this special place and encourage tourists to take their time exploring the area.

Lake Superior NMCA has significantly expanded the delivery schedule of Silver & Stone: A Historical Canoe Tour with Parks Canada, with trips departing Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings from July 4 to September 6. Departing from Silver Islet, paddlers explore the rich history and rugged shore via Voyageur Canoe. If weather permits, the tour includes a visit to the sunken shafts of the Silver Islet Mine! Visitors with relatively limited physical capacity and paddling experience will be right at home in the sturdy 12-metre canoe! Located close to Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and the charming community of Silver Islet, this program delivers a new adventure for visitors to the Sibley peninsula.

Visitors wishing to explore the eastern limits of Lake Superior NMCA can get out on the water with A Paddle Through Time: A Geological Tour with Parks Canada. This kayak-based program explores the geological history of the shoreline around Terrace Bay, and is a great option for more adventurous travellers with basic paddling experience. The program is offered Saturday mornings between July 5 and September 6, and Friday afternoons from July 11 to August 15. Leaving Terrace Bay Beach, paddlers explore the story of Lake Superior’s creation firsthand. This program is a great addition to a trip to Terrace Bay!

As part of a number of world-class attractions and experiences, Lake Superior NMCA looks forward to working with other North Shore tourism establishments to welcome visitors giving them a new perspective on Lake Superior. Help us promote these firsthand on-water experiences to tourists and your family and friends! Should you want to arrange a group booking or a familiarization tour for your staff, contact amnclacsuperieur-lakesuperiornmca@pc.gc.ca.