Lake Superior Coastal Trail Expedition
CATEGORY
Traverse
SEASON
Fall
LOCATION
Lake Superior Provincial Park, ON
DATE
Sep 13, 2025
Expedition Itinerary: Lake Superior Coastal Traverse
Primary Objective: end-to-end traverse
Trip Duration: 6 days
Total Estimated Mileage: ~60 miles
Experience Level: advanced
Terrain Type: coastal
- Cumulative elevation gain/loss (ft): 4000 ft
- Start and end trailhead: Gargantua Harbour Trailhead, ON to Agawa Bay Campground, ON
- GPS coordinates: 47.4667, -84.8110 to 47.3317, -84.7856
- Permits: Contact Ontario Parks for permits
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DAY 1: Gargantua Harbour Trailhead, ON to Riviere aux Peches
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 10 miles, +800 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: Coastal Trail
- Terrain description: Rocky shorelines, forest paths
- Notable features or side quests: Gargantua Islands view
- Key water sources: Gargantua River mouth
- Campsite location: Riviere aux Peches
- Wildlife or safety notes: Watch for slippery rocks
- Trail tip: Start early to adjust to terrain
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DAY 2: Riviere aux Peches to Warp Bay
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 12 miles, +700 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: Coastal Trail
- Terrain description: Sandy beaches, mixed forest
- Notable features or side quests: Hidden coves
- Key water sources: Freshwater streams en route
- Campsite location: Warp Bay
- Wildlife or safety notes: Bear activity; store food safely
- Trail tip: Wear shoes suitable for both sand and rock
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DAY 3: Warp Bay to Coldwater River
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 11 miles, +600 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: Coastal Trail
- Terrain description: Rugged headlands, pebble beaches
- Notable features or side quests: Coldwater lookout
- Key water sources: Coldwater River
- Campsite location: Near Coldwater River
- Wildlife or safety notes: Mosquito prevalence
- Trail tip: Bring insect repellent
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DAY 4: Coldwater River to Barrett Island
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 10 miles, +600 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: Coastal Trail
- Terrain description: Scrubland and rocky beaches
- Notable features or side quests: Barrett Island view
- Key water sources: Natural springs along the trail
- Campsite location: Barrett Island area
- Wildlife or safety notes: Strong winds possible
- Trail tip: Secure tents and gear against wind
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DAY 5: Barrett Island to Sinclair Cove
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 9 miles, +700 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: Coastal Trail
- Terrain description: Mixed forest, cliffs
- Notable features or side quests: Agawa Rock pictographs
- Key water sources: Multiple streams
- Campsite location: Sinclair Cove
- Wildlife or safety notes: Cliffs near the trail; caution advised
- Trail tip: Take time to explore pictographs
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DAY 6: Sinclair Cove to Agawa Bay Campground
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 8 miles, +600 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: Coastal Trail
- Terrain description: Forest paths, beach trails
- Notable features or side quests: Agawa Bay views
- Key water sources: Park facilities
- Campsite location: Agawa Bay Campground
- Wildlife or safety notes: Increased foot traffic near campground
- Trail tip: Early arrival ensures best campsite selection
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CAMPSITE INTEL
- Camp names and elevation: Riviere aux Peches, Warp Bay, Coldwater River, Barrett Island, Sinclair Cove, Agawa Bay
- Fire restrictions: Check local regulations
- Bear safety and food storage: Utilize bear-proof containers
- Best views (sunrise/sunset): Agawa Bay, Barrett Island
- Noise level or solitude factor: Moderate solitude, quieter at distant sites
- Nearest water source: Nearby rivers and streams
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WEATHER & ALTITUDE NOTES
- Typical temps: 45-65°F in September
- Sun exposure: Varies; forested and open shoreline
- Acclimatization tips: Not applicable (below 8,000 ft)
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GEAR CHECKLIST (10 ESSENTIAL ITEMS)
- Navigation tools (map, compass)
- Water filtration system
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- First aid kit
- Fire starter and matches
- Pocket knife
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Shelter system (tent, tarp)
- Insulating layers
- Nutrition/snacks (high-calorie options)
Pro tips: Use multi-fuel stove for variable conditions; pack synthetic layers for cold nights
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OPTIONAL UPGRADES
- Scenic side trips: Explore Gargantua Islands
- Photo-worthy moments: Sunrise at Agawa Bay
- Post-hike food or reward suggestion: Local fish and chips in nearby towns
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FINAL BRIEF SUMMARY
- Trail hours per day: 6-8 hours
- Wake/sleep rhythm: Early rise, dusk camp setup
- Estimated calories burned per day: 3,000 calories
- Water needed per person: 3-4 liters
- Recommended pack weight range: 25-35 lbs
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Prepare accordingly and respect all wilderness guidelines.
Your expedition awaits, Christopher Arace.
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Missions: Field Debriefs
Every mission here has been completed, but the terrain still speaks. Proceed with respect.
