Pukaskwa National Park of Canada

Backpacking

What's New: Pukaskwa’s Coastal Hiking Trail re-opens. Bridges built to last for generations.

The Coastal Hiking Trail winds from Hattie Cove, south through the boreal forest and over the hummocky rock of the shield to the North Swallow River (60 km). It is a tough hike and requires proper planning, equipment, fitness, and backcountry skills. Campsites are located near beaches and bays.

All backcountry hikers must register-in and register-out with park staff. The park limits the number of parties permitted in the backcountry. If you are planning a trip into the backcountry call the park well in advance to book your trip. Groups are limited to eight people.

Contact the park for information on how to register and to purchase backcountry camping permits .

Backcountry trail guides may be purchased from the Friends of Pukaskwa . Contact them by telephone at 807-229-0801 ext. 228 or visit their website.

Trail Notes:

• Visitors are expected to be self-reliant.
• Registration for overnight trips into the backcountry is mandatory. It is also necessary to register upon returning from a backcountry trip. For further information please contact Park staff.
• A registration check point booth is located at the White River. Please enter your name, the date, the time and your travel intentions in the log where provided. This will aid in locating your party should you not return as planned.
• Exercise due care to stay on the trail. Trail base may be masked with windfall, herbaceous plant growth or washouts. The northern section of the trail (Hattie Cove to Cave Harbour) is well used and generally clear. Southern sections, especially south of Oiseau Bay, are quite rugged, less used and can sometimes be confused with game trails. A compass, topographic map ( 1:50,000 scale) and trail guide are strongly recommended.
• Rock cairns identify trail location on rock outcrops. Keep at least one cairn within sight at all times.
• Do not attempt to swim or wade across swollen rivers or fast flowing waters.
• Wooden structures are extremely slippery when wet. Use due caution when crossing such structures.
• Treat all surface water before consumption. There are two recommended methods of water treatment: (1) boiling for at least two minutes; or (2) filtration ( with a one micron size filter, or smaller) followed by disinfection. Water is generally available along the trail with the exception of the section between Fisherman’s Cove and the White Gravel River.
• Information on the current condition of the trail is available at the Visitor Reception Center and Kiosk in Hattie Cove or at the park Administration Building.
• Please describe, on your return self-registration form, the nature and location of problem areas you may have encountered on your trip.
• Review the pamphlet entitled “YOU ARE IN BLACK BEAR COUNTRY.”

Distances and traveling times between campsites:

NOTE: Distances and hiking times are approximate

Hattie Cove to Playter Harbour
4.5 KM (2.0 h)
Playter Harbour to White River
3.3 KM (1.5 h)
White River to Willow River
8.6 KM (5.0 h)
Willow River to Morrison Harbour
5.6 KM (3.0 h)
Morrison Harbour to Fish Harbour
3.4 KM (1.0 h)
Fish Harbour to Oiseau Bay
5.1 KM (2.0 h)
Oiseau Bay to Fisherman’s Cove
7.2 KM (3.0 h)
Fisherman’s Cove to White Gravel River
7.1 KM (4.0 h)
White Gravel River to White Spruce Harbour
3.1 KM (1.5 h)
White Spruce Harbour to Hideaway Lake
6.8 KM (3.5 h)
Hideaway Lake to North Swallow River
4.0 KM (2.0 h)

TOTAL 58.7 KM (28.5 h)