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Pukaskwa National Park: Hattie Cove to Cascade Falls
Pukaskwa National Park: Hattie Cove to Cascade Falls

Pukaskwa National Park: Hattie Cove to Cascade Falls

$1,750.00 USD

Pukaskwa National Park sits on the northern shore of Lake Superior — rugged coastline, remote wilderness campsites, dramatic cliffs, and landmarks like Cascade Falls. This eight-day expedition runs Hattie Cove to Cascade Falls and back, a point-to-point route through one of the most demanding and rewarding paddling environments in Canada.

Your group travels as an expedition pod — navigating, cooking, and making decisions together for eight days. The length and remoteness of this route make it unlike anything else in the program. Come prepared to be challenged and leave a better paddler.

8Days
PukaskwaNational Park
1:4Instructor Ratio
L1+Experience Required

Itinerary

Daily progress depends on weather and lake conditions — Superior's north shore demands flexibility.

Day 0 — Hattie Cove
Meet the group at Hattie Cove. Orientation, introductions, and gear check. Participants arrange their own campsite at Hattie Cove for the night before launch.
Days 1–4 — South to Cascade Falls
Paddle south along Superior's coastline — remote beaches, dramatic cliffs, and backcountry campsites en route to Cascade Falls.
Days 5–8 — Return to Hattie Cove
Return journey north along the coast, with opportunities for further exploration and skill development.

What's Included

  • Eight-day expedition with experienced Paddle Canada coaches at 1:4 ratio
  • Kayak and dry suit provided
  • Group meals — planned, prepared, and cooked together as an expedition pod (Days 1–7)
  • Common group camping gear — tarps, group kitchen essentials
  • Backcountry park permits arranged for the group

What to Bring

  • Transportation to and from Hattie Cove — participants arrange their own
  • Accommodation at Hattie Cove the night before launch (Day 0) — book your own campsite directly with Parks Canada
  • Personal paddling layers — neoprene, paddle jacket, base layers
  • Snacks and personal food for Day 0 and the Day 7 farewell dinner
  • Personal camping gear — sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent

Good to Know

  • This is an active expedition — everyone participates in paddling, cooking, camp setup, and navigation. No passengers.
  • Pukaskwa is a National Park — backcountry permits are required and are arranged for the group. The park has strict protocols and the expedition operates fully within them.
  • Eight days is a significant commitment. Lake Superior's north shore is remote and exposed. This is the most demanding expedition in the program — come physically prepared.

Prerequisite: Paddle Canada Level 1 minimum — Level 2 strongly preferred. You should be comfortable with wet exits, assisted rescues, and sustained paddling in variable conditions over multiple days. Not sure if you're ready? Get in touch — we'll give you an honest assessment.

Questions

Do I need my own kayak or gear?
No. Kayak and dry suit are provided. Common group camping gear is included. You'll need your own personal layers and sleeping kit.
How does food work?
Meals for Days 1–7 are planned and prepared together as a group — expedition cooking is part of the experience. Day 0 and the Day 7 farewell dinner are on you.
What do I need to arrange for Day 0?
Book your own campsite at Hattie Cove directly through Parks Canada before the expedition. The group meets there for orientation, but accommodation the night before is your own to arrange. We'll send logistics details once you're registered.
What if the weather is bad?
Superior's north shore sets the agenda. Weather holds and route adjustments are built into the plan — on an eight-day expedition there's enough buffer to manage most delays. Learning to make those decisions is part of the experience.
Is Level 2 really necessary?
Level 1 is the minimum but this is not a beginner-friendly environment. Pukaskwa is remote, exposed, and unforgiving of weak fundamentals. If your Level 1 was recent and in varied conditions, we'll talk it through. If it's been a while or you've only paddled sheltered water, do the Level 2 first — ideally the Lake Superior Level 2 specifically.
Can I earn a certification on this expedition?
Yes — this expedition can count as the field component for the ORCKA Kayak Tripping certification program. Pair it with the KT1 or KT2 online theory module to earn your certification. Each level requires its own dedicated expedition. If you just want the on-water experience without the theory, the expedition stands on its own — no module required. See the certification options below.

Certification Pathway

This expedition can count toward an ORCKA Kayak Tripping and Guiding certification if paired with an online theory module. Optional — the expedition stands on its own without it.

Online Module + This Expedition Kayak Tripping Level 1
Trip planning, logistics, risk assessment, and the fundamentals of multi-day paddling expeditions.
View KT1 module →
Online Module + This Expedition Kayak Tripping Level 2
Expedition leadership & guiding certification — advanced decision-making and group management on multi-day trips.
View KT2 module →

We acknowledge that Pukaskwa National Park is located on the traditional and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe peoples, including the Ojibwe, who have lived, travelled, and cared for these lands and waters for millennia.

This land is part of the Robinson-Superior Treaty territory. We recognize the deep and enduring connections that Indigenous communities, including nearby First Nations such as Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (formerly Pic River First Nation) and Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (formerly Pic Mobert First Nation), have to this place. We honour their stewardship, culture, and knowledge.

This acknowledgement, accompanied by action, includes contributions to Indigenous-led organizations that make a lasting impact.

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