Located in Northwestern Ontario, Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) extends across the top of Lake Superior from Thunder Cape at the foot of the Sleeping Giant, all the way to Bottle Point just east of Terrace Bay, and south to the Canada-United States border.

Called gichigamiing or “The Big Lake” by the Anishinaabe people of the region and known for its furious storms, the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area will soon be recognized as one of the largest protected areas of fresh water in the world, occupying almost 13% of the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area!

Explore and discover the sheltered bays and endless rugged coastlines across the top of Lake Superior and take in the spectacular views from the shore or out on the water!

Things to Do

The Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area offers visitors a wide variety of activities such as hiking, fishing, swimming, camping, paddling, dogsledding or simply wandering along a quiet trail.

An annual stopping point for hundreds of species of migratory birds and home to a wide range of waterfowl and wildlife, Lake Superior is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination.

The Red Chair Experience

The Lake Superior NMCA installed a set of red chairs overlooking the beautiful scenery at the top of Lake Superior! You can find the set on the Nipigon River Recreation Trail. Explore the trail today and find your red chair experience!