The 5 Regions of the Lake Superior Circle Tour

Each region of the Lake Superior Circle Tour  is unique. Whether you are an avid Lake Superior traveler, or planning your first journey around the big lake, it can be beneficial to familiarize yourself with each region of this massive 1,300 mile stretch of beautiful scenery, attractions, and communities, we call the Lake Superior Circle Tour!

Superior Country

Superior Country  boasts some of Canada’s best experiences from festivals and events to world class fishing and hunting, to the greatest of Canadian outdoor adventures. There is something for everyone in this slice of paradise. The Superior Country portion of the Lake Superior Circle Tour begins at the Pigeon River border crossing (assuming you travel around the lake clockwise) as you enter Ontario, Canada and stretches an impressive 445 miles to White River, Ontario. The first major city centre you will come across is the City of Thunder Bay located directly on the Lake Superior Circle Tour. You can lose yourself in the history, the attractions, and especially the events of this unique slice of Canadian paradise. Some of the Circle Tour’s must see attractions (Lake Superior Circle Tour article on Superior adventures) are located within, and just outside, of the city including the Sleeping Giant and Kakabeka Falls. Just east of Thunder Bay, after stopping at the Terry Fox monument for some excellent views and history, you will come to Ontario’s mining ground of its mineral emblem: Amethyst. Visit Panorama Amethyst Mine  and pick your own piece of amethyst as a treasure of the Lake Superior Circle Tour. Continuing past the mines you will enter the Top of Lake Superior which contains Dorion Ontario’s Ouimet Canyon , which offer views of 100-metre-high cliffs and a gorge that spans 150 metres wide. Next up are the communities of Red Rock , Nipigon , and the Red Rock Indian Band. Each community offers great experiences that any traveler would be sure to enjoy, from the Red Rock Annual Folk Fest, to the beautiful Paddle to the Sea Park in Nipigon, and the Red Rock Indian Band Pow Wow that will offer you a First Nations experience like no other. As you leave the Top of Lake Superior you will soon come to the next communities of the Circle Tour: Schreiber, and Terrace Bay. The Schreiber Rail Array Museum offers a history on the community being the oldest railway community on the Northshore. The Terrace Bay beach is a great opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy the waters of the Lake Superior Circle Tour. Finish your visit with a trip up the Terrace Bay Lighthouse for a memorable view of the North Shore. Coming to the end of Superior Country you will want to ensure that the Gchi-Waaswaagagning Tourist Information Centre in Marathon, Ontario is apart of your itinerary. This information centre doubles as an art gallery featuring First Nations Art and Crafts that will make an excellent Lake Superior Circle Tour souvenir. For great guides to plan your visit to Superior Country click HERE!

Algoma Country

Starting with a quick visit to the hometown of Winnie the Pooh in White River, Ontario followed by a visit to one of the most photographed Landmarks in North America, the Wawa Canada Goose, you will enter the Lake Superior Circle Tour region of Algoma Country. Boasting some of the most beautiful sceneries of Lake Superior Algoma Country is a must experience along your journey. As you embark on your Algoma Country Circle Tour be sure to visit the Lake Shore Salzburger Hof Resort. This is an experience you do not want to miss! With over 45 years of experience catering to Circle Tour travelers this resort offers you a majestic view of the lake. Still on your journey through Algoma Country you can take an opportunity to stretch your legs by booking an experience of a life time with Blaq Bear Eco Adventure Routes These gracious hosts, and experts of the region, will bring you on an unforgettable journey in Algoma Country allowing you to hike the Algoma Highlands, the beautiful Voyageur Trail from Blind River to Bruce Mines, or on the truly remarkable Group of Seven Route on Lake Superior. After stretching your legs, taking photos, and building great Lake Superior memories, you will move onto Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Sault Ste. Marie offers something for every Circle Tour traveler from young to well experienced. As one of the oldest settlements in North America Sault Ste Marie is currently the third largest city in Northern Ontario and includes a rich First Nation History, world-class attractions, and some of Algoma Country’s best shopping and culinary experiences. The Canadian Bushplane Museum along with the Agawa Canyon Tour Train , have become known as must see attractions on the Lake Superior Circle Tour for good reason. Both attractions will leave you in awe and wonderment of Algoma Country’s vast history. There is no better way to experience the fall colours of Canada than from the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. But don’t be deterred if you are visiting during the spring or summer months! This attraction boasts incredible landscapes and experiences no matter when you visit! Just off the Lake Superior Circle Tour lies the Great Spirit Circle Trail  of Northeastern Ontario on Lake Huron. This trail will allow you to experience the vast First Nations history of Manitoulin Island, the largest fresh water island in the world, as the trail includes eight First Nations each offering spectacular culinary experiences, accommodations, and spectacular activities! If you are looking to experience the First Nations of Canada the Great Spirit Circle Trail is a must see! As your experience of the Canadian portion of the Lake Superior Circle Tour comes to an end you will leave Algoma Country and enter …

Michigan

Rustic lodges, first class accommodations, friendly locals, scenic vistas, and snug harbours are just a little of what await as you enter Michigan on your Lake Superior Circle Tour. Starting in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the oldest city in the State and the third oldest city in the US, you will experience the world-famous engineering marvel of the Soo locks, a vast amount of Great Lakes History, and much more! Packed with museums and historic sights this is a must stop for any fan of the great lakes! Heading West, past Munising, you will come to another must experience of the Lake Superior Circle Tour; Paddlers Village  a playground to kayakers, canoeists, and everyone who loves the outdoors! With accommodations available in Cabin, Yurts, Platform Tents, and Apartments, you can experience the wonder of Lake Superior like nowhere else! Didn’t bring your gear with you? Not a problem! You can rent equipment and even book guided tours allowing you to view and experience Lake Superior through historical routes, scenery, and so much more! Enter Marquette. Offering you a superior experience is their goal and they never fall short of just that! With breathtaking lodging, entertainment, and activities Marquette is a must experience along the Lake Superior Circle Tour. Spend an afternoon visiting multiple waterfalls that will offer you some of the best photos of your trip: Morgan Falls, Yellow Dog Falls, Pinnacle Falls, and Dead River Falls. These are just some of the beautiful waterfalls that the area offers.

Wisconsin

Life’s so Good in Wisconsin. A statement that rings true, especially along the Wisconsin Lake Superior Circle Tour! A must stop for anyone is Ashland, the place to unwind, breathe, to explore, and experience the pulse of the outdoors! The beauty of Ashland and it’s surrounding area will grab hold of you and not let go. This gorgeous city is nestled along the south shore of Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay, and offers a unique mix of historic charm and modern convenience. The Lake Superior Waterfront Trail is a must see the offers a great view of Lake Superior starting at the Bayfront Park in the west to Masalowksi Beach in the east. Just north of Ashland lies the gateway to the Apostle Islands from the Lake Superior Circle Tour; Bayfield, Wisconsin. This enchanting destination offers a wide array of scenery and activities along its picturesque waterfronts. Looking to experience the water of Lake Superior? Look no further as many different charters are available to anyone visiting the area. There is no shortage of breathtaking scenery and experiences of the Lake Superior Circle Tour and Bayfield boasts a little bit of everything! Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands, can be accessed by ferry boats that run every 30 minutes in the summer months. The natural beauty of the island make it the perfect location to escape your everyday activities and get in touch with nature! With sandy beaches, gift shops, picnic areas, and lodging experiences, there are a million ways to experience all that Madeline Island offers. Back on the mainland, on your way out of Wisconsin, you will come to a community that takes its name from the lake itself – Superior, Wisconsin. Experience the western tip of Lake Superior and bring tranquility to your soul through the countless activities and attractions that Superior offers. The cities waterfront is a playground made up of shops, play areas, lodging, and dining. Renting a bike and exploring the beautiful waterfront of Superior will be a highlight of your Lake Superior Circle Tour!

Minnesota

Now you will come to Minnesota on the Lake Superior Circle Tour with your first destination being Duluth! A truly remarkable city that boasts experiences for everyone of all ages. With a vast offering of arts, entertainment, history, and adventure, the city of Duluth is another must experience city along your journey. Looking to get in touch with the Great Lakes? Look no further than the Great Lakes Aquarium. With interactive exhibits, you will be sure to witness the wonder and experience the fun. With touch tanks for your young travelers and an abundance of information for the well experienced the Great Lakes Aquarium will offer you a true experience that will get you in touch with Lake Superior. Heading North from Duluth on your Lake Superior Circle Tour be sure to make Split Rock Lighthouse apart of your itinerary. This beautiful historic monument offers world class views of the Lake and will shed light on some remarkable Lake Superior history. Continue North from Split Rock Lighthouse and you will become surrounded in the beauty of Cook County hosting three spectacular locations: Tofte, Lusten, and Grand Marais. With a vast array of hiking and biking trails you will loose yourself in the nature of Lake Superior. For an unforgettable experience schedule a stay at Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior. With modern comforts and historic charms, you have accommodation choices of lodge, townhomes, log cabins, condos, and villas. This is a great experience whether you visit in the spring, summer, fall, or even the winter.

Plan Your Trip

This was only a taste of what the Lake Superior Circle Tour has to offer you! Start planning your trip today with the official Lake Superior Circle Tour Guide today by clicking HERE!