Michipicoten Bay to Agawa Bay
Launched our boats into Michipicoten Bay on a misty morning in June. In the distance a fog bank loomed and as we approached the south end of Michipicoten Bay it came to meet us. Luckily, John had taken a compass bearing of our next major point of land, and as the fog surrounded us we directed our boats towards Smoky Point. For most of the day we paddled in fog up and down shallow waves, past Beauvier and Brule Points to our first night's stay at Old Woman Bay. The sunset was as always, a superior one and we awoke the next morning to a pink dawning sky and fair seas. We're dwarfed by the cliffs rising out of Lake Superior, passed many intriguing rock formations, and heard the cry of a Peregrine Falcon. Stopped at Grindstone Point, rounded Cap Chaillon and paddled directly across the bay here, to Ryan Point then stopped at Devil's Chair. Final stretch of day two was to Warp Bay - one of the best known sandy beaches in the park, ideal for a paddler's landing. Soft sand, cold water, and nice sites to pitch your tent. Waves were pounding the shore on the third morning, and we knew from experience that it would not be a safe day to paddle. Back to sleep. A hot breezy summer day, the waves came in all day long. We took some photos, tried our luck at fishing, and sat in the shade. Day four was once again overcast and misty, but calm enough to paddle. Our goal was to reach the Baldhead or Barrett River. With a day of rest behind us we pushed on, crossing Gargantua Bay; passing the Baldhead River, Barrett River, Agawa Rock Pictographs, rounding Agawa Point, and pulling into our final destination at Agawa Campground.
BOATING SAFETY For boating safety information call 1-800-267-6687 to reach the Canadian Coast Guard . If you have a VHF receiver, you can pick up the marine radio weather forecast on the following channels: Canadian Forecast on 162.400 MHz, and the American Forecast on 162.550 MHz
CANOE ROUTES Call the Lake Superior Park office at 705-856-2284 for information about canoe routes within the park. They have a great canoe route guide which you can purchase by calling or from the Agawa Visitors Centre, Lake Effects Store.
NAVIGATION We have found that a park map is a good guide for kayaking in the park. You can also buy topographical maps of the area; Old Woman Bay No.41N/10 and 41N/11, Agawa Bay No.41N/7, Michipicoten Harbour No. 41N/15. Check at a local area Trading Post or other outfitter stores for maps, or contact the Canada Map Office at 615 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E9. Phone 613-952-7000.
Paddling on Lake Superior is a special experience. On a calm, clear day you can see over 60 feet down. Some rocks are as big as a house, and the blue green water is mesmerizing. The Lake Superior Park Coastline is about 120 kilometers or 75 miles from the North to South Boundary one way. Accessible for canoes and kayaks at Agawa Bay Campground, the Sand River, Katherine's Cove, Coldwater River, Gargantua Bay, and Old Woman Bay. We have found, in general, Lake Superior is calmest in June and July. The shoreline is extremely rugged with few sand beaches and protected areas for refuge from storms. The lake is very cold at any time of the year and the weather can change quickly. Waves can grow up to 6 feet in no time at all. The lake at times is also socked-in with heavy fog. Be prepared to paddle against the wind 3 out of 4 days. For avid canoeists there are also several day and multi-day trips within the park. If Lake Superior is too rough, you may want to take your kayak/canoe to one of countless inland lakes located within the park.
copyright 2009 www.lakesuperiorpark.com