The drive along eastern Lake Superior has been considered one of the best scenic routes in eastern Canada. The view from the previously mentioned Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout, a 3.5-km hike above the lake, provides outstanding expansive views of much of the vast lake.
And yes, from the first lookout, you can see the spot where the famous ship the Edmund Fitzgerald sank in a terrible November storm.
Time to plan a visit?
With a full range of facilities, Pancake Bay caters to RV and tent campers with 323 campsites (half with electricity), and also has five yurts within a short walk of the beach.
The park is nicely situated less than an hour north of Sault Ste. Marie on the Trans-Canada Highway. The city is close enough for campers to explore its shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants (“Best Downtown”), plus the “Best Boat Watching Spot” on Lake Superior: The Sault Ship Locks.
Across the road from the park is Agawa Crafts & the Canadian Carver (“Best Local Store”) with an amazing array of crafts and gifts. Not far from Pancake Bay is the Salzburger Hof (“Best Restaurant”), and Voyageurs’ Lodge and Cookhouse (“Best Staff, Restaurant or Lodging”). An hour up the road is Lake Superior Provincial Park, with 11 hiking trails, many inland lakes, great trout fishing, and a visitor centre that tells the stories of Lake Superior. For those who must take selfies with large road-side statues of animals, the famous Wawa Goose is just a couple of hours north of the park on that scenic driving route.
Insider tip: Pancake Bay is a fall colours gem!
In mid-September, the Sugar Maples, Red Oaks, Red Maples and Yellow Birch that dominate the forests of this part of Lake Superior’s coast gain a tinge of colour. By early October, they’ve turned to brilliant shades of red, gold, peach and burgundy. The Coastal Drive becomes even more scenic.
The Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout is the place to see it all. High above the curving sands of Pancake Bay, the view takes in a vast expanse of Lake Superior, contrasting with the brilliant forests of the Algoma Hills around Batchawana Bay.
What will 2018 hold for Pancake Bay?
Will the park’s unbroken streak of “Best of the Lake” victories continue? Come for a visit and let us know whether Pancake Bay gets your vote.