Pukaskwa Coastal Hiking Trail

Coastal Hiking Trail - July 2001

Pukaskwa National Park

Ontario, Canada

Reservations and Logistics

Reservations are nessesary to hike the Coastal Hiking Trail, although you won't have a problem getting the dates you wish given that it has not (yet) gained mass popularity. They are available by contacting the park directly. As with any reservation, though, you should book as early as you can, just in case. You will be required to attend a seminar before attempting the trail detailing the hike and to assure you are properly outfitted. Maps and backcountry trail guides can be purchased from 'Friends of Pukaskwa' The second item you will need to take care of depends on your hiking plan. If you plan to hike the full trail and do not wish to backtrack, you will need to book a charter boat to drop you off or pick you up. We worked with Bruce McQuaig, a local boatman. To find out who is performing such a service, contact the park. 

Getting there

Pukaskwa National Park is situated between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It is a commonly held misconception that these two cities are near one another. (They are almost 700km apart!) The closest main town to the park is Marathon, at which there is a Greyhound depot if you are relying on public transit. The park is just outside the settlement of Pic River which is just East of Marathon. If you are heading west on Hwy 17 from Sault Ste. Marie, turn left on #627 (last turnoff before #628 to Marathon).