Terrace Bay’s Superior Six Attractions

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June 24th, 2020
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When we think about places that we love, that inspire us, or bring us that feeling of peace and awe, I think of Terrace Bay, Ontario. Like many communities along the north shore, Terrace Bay may be considered smaller in size but large when it comes to what it can offer you. There are many places to explore within the city and we want to give you the highlight reel.

Welcome to the Superior Six of Terrace Bay, Ontario…

Aguasabon Falls & Gorge

Aguasabon Falls & Gorge is a stunning natural wonder of the region with magnificent views and a great history. The great waterfall and gorge sit right along highway 11/17 just on the edge of the township of Terrace Bay. With many amenities such as wheelchair-accessible boardwalk to the viewing platform, a large RV-friendly parking lot, public restrooms, and picnic areas it is perfect for any type of traveler. Aguasabon Falls is a 100 ft. waterfall with breathtaking views and the rocks, that the water so beautifully flows over top of, are over 2 BILLION years old. However, the falls officially came to life in 1940 for the purpose of generating power. The falls continue to be a source of power today helping to operate the township of Terrace Bay and their local pulp mill while also powering the adventures of many as they still come to view the great attraction. Aguasabon Falls & Gorge is one of the most frequently visited points of interest around the Lake Superior Circle Tour and almost always brought up in conversation with a circle tour traveller.

Casque Isle Hiking Trail

Another wonderful attraction near the Aguasabon Falls & Gorge is the Casque Isle Hiking Trail. This trail is every hiker’s dream and at one point was ranked as one of the Top Ten Hikes within Ontario! This trail is one that is usually done in portions as it is a total of 53 kilometers, but some epic adventurers have conquered the entire trail all at once. This trail is full of magic and mystery and many different landscapes to encompass you and make you feel fully alive. The trail begins in Rossport, Ontario, and ends in Terrace Bay. It follows the shoreline of Lake Superior and includes 5 different segments and 11 access points. Each segment is different and varies in length…

 

  • McLean’s | 14 km (8.70 miles)
  • Schreiber Channel | 13 km (8.07 miles)
  • Mount Gwynne | 7 km (4.35 miles)
  • Death Valley | 10 km (6.21 miles)
    • Hydro Bay walk around | 3 km (1.86 miles)
  • Lyda Bay | 6 km (3.73 miles)

Overall, the entire trail is rated as a difficult one but if you are a beginner or want something that is less of a challenge certain portions of the trail are easier to conquer. If this is a hike you want to add to your bucket list for the future make sure to click here for more information to fully prepare you.

Slate Islands Provincial Park

The Slate Islands Provincial Park is a northern island paradise on the deep waters of Lake Superior. The island is only about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) south of the community of Terrace Bay. The Slate Islands are an archipelago with a grand lighthouse and rich history. Their history involves becoming a sacred home to the woodland caribou in 1907 who still inherit the island today, logging, mining, and camping. If you would like to venture to the islands you can charter a boat, take your own, or, if you are an experienced paddler, many have kayaked the journey. There are so many amazing things you can experience while on the island such as it’s wildlife as we’ve noted already, beautiful sights, great camping, and sometimes even a once in a lifetime view of the Aurora Borealis. There are certain requirements to camp and fish along the archipelago so it is important to do your research on permits you may need when making the trip. For more information please visit

Terrace Bay Lighthouse

The Terrace Bay lighthouse is a fantastic attraction right in the heart of the community which replicates the one on the Slate Islands. You can venture to the top and use the binoculars to potentially see woodland caribou roaming the Slate Islands or the skyline meeting superior creating a view you will never forget.

The Group of Seven created some of their most memorable paintings along the shores of Lake Superior. You can view various interpretative installations including the one next to the Terrace Bay Lighthouse. The Slate Islands inspired the painting from by Harris, Jackson, and Carmichael.

The lighthouse also has a lovely birds-eye view of the Simcoe Plaza where you can find a wonderful business community. They have many great options for local shopping, cuisine, and services. These include:

Drifter’s Motel and Restaurant, Drifter’s Lounge, Esso Convenience Store, LCBO, Northern Computers+Communications, Hats Off Hair Salon, Wine Cellar, Lighthouse Gallery, The Visitor Room, Costa’s Food Market, Strawberry’s Floral Boutique, Wah’s Restaurant, The Print Shop, Stewart Drug Store, Thunder Pet, The Olive House, and Moe and Jo’s Lighthouse Variety!

After you have climbed the lighthouse, visited the local businesses, make sure to relax in wonderful greenspace next to the lighthouse where you can sit under the gorgeous birch trees or picnic in the open grass. There is something for everyone surrounding the great attraction of the Terrace Bay Lighthouse.

Terrace Bay Beach

The Terrace Bay Beach is not only a favorite to travelers and a place of adventure or relaxation but also to locals. With its breathtaking views of Lake Superior, stunning colors, and epic waves, you cannot go wrong with strolling along this beach. The sandy shore is not only famous for being a beautiful point of interest but also an epic surfing destination. That is right surfing among northern shores where climates seem too cold to want to hang ten. All you need is your spirit of adventure and your wet suit and its the ultimate surfer’s playground. This great spot can also be used to access the Slate Islands Provincial Park and a viewing point for the lower portion of the fellow superior site Aguasabon Falls.

If you seek adventure and love to paddle with the right experience you can use the easily accessible dock for canoes and kayaks and paddle to the island or simply stay closer to the shoreline and get a water point view of the falls. If you need to rent any equipment for your exploration of the Terrace Bay Beach make sure to check out Experience North for all your outdoor gear needs.

Aguasabon Golf Course

Now we cannot forget about those who love some friendly competition or have a love for the game! If this describes yourself then we have the perfect destination for you, the Aguasabon Golf Course, OF COURSE. With a fun but challenging 9-hole course and views of the Aguasabon river, it is the perfect place for a recreational day of activity and pretty views. The course offers four sets of tees for different skill levels and includes greens of bent grass, bluegrass, and fairways. Not only can you participate in the great sport of golf, but you can also enjoy the amenities such as a licensed restaurant/bar, pro shop, driving range, putting green, and rentals. The regular golf season is from May to October and there are no required tee times. The course welcomes all guests and no metal spikes are allowed.

We can guarantee that there is something for absolutely everyone here in Terrace Bay, Ontario and your experience will be SUPERIOR.