One of the most impressive landscapes found North of Lake Superior is the Ouimet Canyon.

If you want to truly appreciate the size and unique nature of this canyon, then you need to visit Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park. It is by no means a large park, but it is conveniently close to Thunder Bay and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

 

What makes the day use park so attractive is the towering cliffs of the canyon that can reach as high as 100m. As interesting as that is, it is the fact that at the base of this canyon you’ll find arctic plants growing, which are typically found more than 1000km further north on the shores of Hudson Bay! How crazy is that?

 

Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars to get some cool views from the lookouts on the 1km loop trail here, which takes you right up to the edge of the canyon for some fantastic lookout views. There is also a nice boardwalk and bridge along part of the trail. This is a super sensitive area, so as tempting as it may be to think about heading down into the canyon here for a closer look at those arctic plants – it is strictly prohibited. Gotta keep nature pristine for the next visitor, you know!

 

There is a cool rock formation called The Giant here too, keep your eyes out for it if you visit!

 

A lot of people may never get to visit the Arctic, so this is the next-best thing – an ecosystem that varies from Boreal forest to sub-arctic tundra.