Nipigon is the headquarters of the Lake Superior NMCA and is the most northerly freshwater port in North America. There are paddling opportunities in many surrounding tributaries. The Nipigon marina is one of the access points within the Lake Superior Water Trail, which is an on-water part of the Trans Canada Trail system. Two of the most popular locations to paddle in Nipigon are the Nipigon marina and Lofquist Lake.
Lofquist Lake is a deep, cold, spring-fed inland lake, located within the township and just a 10-minute drive off the HWY 11/17 corridor. Paddlers can launch right at the sandy public beach. Amenities at the beach include ample parking, changerooms, picnic tables, benches, and outhouses. The lake is surrounded by coniferous forest and dotted with cottages. Bald eagles are often seen soaring above the lake.
Travelling from the marina down river to Red Rock is a great paddle, but it is recommended that you arrange a shuttle pick-up as paddling upriver against the strong current is difficult. The Nipigon Lagoon is just north of the main marina area, is accessible by paddling under the “black bridge”, which is part of the former CP rail line. It’s a quiet, flat paddle and one can observe fish jumping, a variety of duck species, and even beaver or otters. Paddlers can launch from the accessible EZ Dock located at the southern, far tip of the marina property. Amenities at the marina include outhouses, picnic tables, tent campsites, fire pits, and a marina services building where one can obtain information, purchase snacks, and rent canoes and kayaks.
-Nipigon was incorporated as a municipal township in 1908.
-The world record brook trout was caught on the Nipigon River, near Nipigon, in 1915. The fish weighed in at 14.5 lbs and continues to be the world record holder to this day.
-Nipigon’s Paddle to the Sea Park is based on the book, written by Holling C. Holling in 1941, developed into an Academy Award nominated short film in 1966.