Scenic Lookouts
Northern Ontario’s Superior Country offers a wide array of views throughout the entire region. With such spectacular landscapes it only makes sense to offer locals and travelers several scenic lookouts to enjoy them.
Northern Ontario’s Superior Country offers a wide array of views throughout the entire region. With such spectacular landscapes it only makes sense to offer locals and travelers several scenic lookouts to enjoy them.
Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout is located on the outskirts of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The Scenic lookout offers a beautiful view of Lake Superior, the City of Thunder Bay, and the Sleeping Giant. The lookout offers more than just a beautiful view. It commemorates Terry Fox and his dedication to cancer research and Marathon of Hope with a tall bronze statue atop a large granite base. With a Tourist Information Centre, picnic areas, and a view like no other, the Terry Fox Memorial Lookout is a must see in Superior Country’s Thunder Bay!
Experience the Natural Edge of Nipigon from the newest lookout along the North Shore of Lake Superior! From the top of the 12-metre high lookout, you can see panoramic views of Nipigon Bay in Lake Superior, Lake Helen, the newly constructed Nipigon River Bridge, the Red Rock Indian Band, and the township of Nipigon. Nipigon is located at the most Northern point of Lake Superior and offers unique views like no other. Look down from the Tower toward the Nipigon River, home to the world record Brook Trout and the largest source of water flowing into Lake Superior. The surrounding area offers many places to visit, eat, educate, and explore with several eateries, parks, and walking/hiking trails. A visit to the North Shore of Lake Superior would not be complete without taking in the views from the Nipigon Tower.
Terrace Bay Lighthouse is on the side of Highway 17, in Terrace Bay, Ontario. This structure stands 50 feet high and is a replica of the lighthouse that’s on the famous Slate Island. At the top of the lighthouse, bear witness to a panoramic view of Lake Superior, Terrace Bay, and the Terrace Bay beach. Atop the town are two tower viewers that allow you to out over the Lake. The Terrace Bay lighthouse has been an extremely popular attraction for both locals and travelers for many years and is certainly a must see during any visit to Northern Ontario’s Superior Country!
Mount McKay is the Northernmost peak of the Nor’Wester Mountains. About halfway up the mountain, accessible by car, is a lookout which overlooks the city of Thunder Bay and Lake Superior. Surrounded by a large field, picnic area, hiking trails, and a veteran’s memorial this is a lookout like no other. The mountain plays a key roll in the history of the Fort William First Nation and hosts its annual pow-wow every year. If your looking for a unique view of Thunder Bay look no further than Mt Mckay!
Ouimet Canyon lookout is in Superior Country’s township of Dorion. The massive gorge, surrounded by high vertical cliffs, and an excellent array of plant diversity, is a natural wonder to Northern Ontario and offers some of the greatest views all year round. The canyon is 1.86 miles (3 km) in length and 152 metres across. The beautiful views that the canyon provides creates a spectacular area for visitors to capture and is a must see while traveling in Northern Ontario’s Superior Country.
Kama Bay lookout is of the Kama Cliffs Hiking Trail. This lookout offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Nipigon Bay and Lake Superior. In the summer months, the road is accessible by vehicle and is a gorgeous view up to the picnic and parking area. From Thunder Bay, drive East on highway 11/17 for 128km and just past Kama Road and Jack Pine River. There is a sheer cliff on the other side the fencing and a geo-cache hidden nearby. This is an ideal spot for photos of the fall colours and a great lookout to stop at while driving through, or are in the area hiking.
Often referred to as the “the Niagra of the North” Kakabeka Falls is the second highest waterfall in Ontario with year-round access for viewing. There are amazing views of the falls and gorge from the boardwalk that wraps around the top of the rushing falls. Kakabeka Falls offers camping in three beautiful maintained campgrounds close to the falls. Up-river from the falls is a small beach with a swimming area marked off with buoys. This astonishing waterfall is a definite must-see lookout in Ontario’s Superior Country.
Hillcrest Park is a lookout in the North-core of Thunder Bay, Ontario. From the sight, you can look out over Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant; many recognizable Sleeping Giant photos are captured from this location. The park offers parking, green space, war monuments, a garden, and play equipment. It is a great location to catch the sunrise over the Sleeping Giant. Hillcrest Park is one of Thunder Bay’s most iconic lookouts and is often well populated by both locals and travelers. If your looking for the best view of the Sleeping Giant, you will likely find it here.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park has one of the unique scenic lookouts in Superior Country. From this lookout, you can see the city of Thunder Bay from the perspective of the Sleeping Giant. There is a boardwalk which juts out over the side of the cliff. It allows you the ability to have an unobstructed view of Thunder Bay and Lake Superior.
In Geraldton, a part of the Greenstone Region, is the Shoreline Resident lookout along the Barton Bay Trail. From the Discover Geraldton Interpretive Centre, you can hike northeast down the Barton Bay Trail towards Kenogamisis Lake, and you will come to the lookout. The lookout is a viewing platform that you can take in the view of Kenogamisis Lake and the surrounding Marsh Land.
In the community of Longlac, in the Greenstone region, is the scenic Riverview Hiking Trail. At the end of the hike is a Viewing Platting form. The platform is two-tiered, allowing visitors to sit and relax while enjoying the view out over the Kenogami River, and an old historical church in the distance to the south on the shore of Long Lake.
Along Highway 11, is the Palisades Hiking Trail. Near the beginning of the southern end of the trail is a set of stairs that leads to a viewing platform. The viewing platform is 130 metres (426 feet) above Orient Bay. From here you can see a panoramic view of Orient Bay and Brouse Lake below.
Alexander Dam has a viewing platform leading to a spectacular view of the dam and the falls it creates. Located on the Nipigon River, about 16 km northwest of the Township of Nipigon, Alexander Generating Station produces enough electricity each year to power about 60,000 homes.