Just Across the Border
Jack here, and as I said in a previous post, I have a couple other suggestions for those who bring their passports when visiting Cook County.
If you’re looking for a good adventure, the Duncan Nature Trail in the Big Trout Bay Conservation Area is a strenuous and rewarding hike. After you clear customs, keep driving a short distance to Little Trout Bay Road. Turn right and follow it all the way to the lake, you know the one. This is a popular place to fish on Superior so there is a large parking area. The day use fee supports the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. Before you hit the trail you might walk down to the lake and take a look at the bay where we take people on day trips by kayak. This protected bay with cliffs on one side opens up to off-shore islands and really is a sea kayaker’s paradise. The Little Trout Bay Conservation Area has a nice picnic area with facilities. After admiring the water, head up the trail. The trail is about 18 km (when in Canada, eh?), out and back, so take plenty of water and something to eat. It is not an easy hike and you should be prepared for some elevation gains. Maybe pick up a pair of trekking poles from us before you head up.
The southern end of the trail is at Pine Bay. There is a parking lot here as well, so if you wanted to take two vehicles, you could leave one there and only have to hike one direction. About half-way to Pine Bay, there is a spur trail which takes you up Mount Mollie and offers spectacular views of Lake Superior. Looking east from here across and beyond Little Trout Bay, you should see Isle Royale on the horizon less than 20 miles away. You could make this your turn-around spot, which would make the hike about 8.4 km. If you do cut the hike short there is no reason you can’t drive the short distance to Thunder Bay for dinner.
View of Little Trout Bay from the trail with Isle Royale beyond on the horizon
Another easy day-trip destination is Kakabeka Falls on the Kaministiquia River, west of Thunder Bay. This beautiful, well-kept park is well worth the trip. There are almost 19 km of hiking trails throughout the Provincial Park that range from easy and wheelchair accessible to moderate to difficult. Stick to something short and sweet and then check out Thunder Bay’s Amethyst Mines before heading back to Grand Marais.
Enjoy!