The North Shore: Lake Superior

Estimated distance: 410 km/255 mi.

The raw, rocky, northern coastline of Lake Superior, with its thundering waters and gnarled forests, has a history of drawing the compelled and the curious. This supernatural, primitive landscape is what attracted the filmmakers of the movie Quest for Fire to this area.

Lake Superior is the largest and wildest freshwater lake in the world - a lake so vast that it controls its own climate. Amethyst Mine Panorama is the largest amethyst deposit in North America. Discovered in 1955, the mine produces 40% useable amethyst by volume and has a large digging area that is open to the public. Explore the region's rugged canyons and waterfalls, cross Canada's longest foot suspension bridge at Dorion and visit the site where Terry Fox ended his courageous Marathon of Hope. The living history program at Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay depicts the fur trade activities of the North West Company, inland headquarters and site of the Company's annual Rendezvous from 1803-1821.

On the southern tip of the rugged peninsula near Thunder Bay lies the legendary Sleeping Giant. One of Canada's great natural wonders, this expansive landform at the mouth of Thunder Bay resembles a hug sleeping body, arms folded across its massive chest, as if in death. Venture deep into its boreal forest to experience the backcountry, or follow its rugged trails to the top of the giant for unbeatable views of Lake Superior. Visit the historic town site of Silver Islet, made famous in Jane Urquhart's novel, The Underpainter.

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