The Edmund Fitzgerald lookout trail, in Pancake Bay Provincial Park, is the perfect day trip activity from Sault Ste. Marie.
Just an hour north of the city, it’s one of the best lookout hikes in all of Ontario. A beautiful woodland walk through towering maple trees leads you to spectacular views of Lake Superior, as far out as the resting position of the Edmund Fitzgerald ship.
How to Experience one of Ontario's best lookout hikes
Quick Trail Facts
- Location: Pancake Bay Provincial Park, near Algoma District, Ontario
- Distance: 6.1 km (in & out)
- Time to Complete: ~1 hour 29 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 117m
- Difficulty: Easy, with some exposed roots and a staircase near the lookou
- Dogs: Allowed but must be on a leash
- Best Time to Visit: April through October
- Highlights: Two scenic lookouts with stunning views of Lake Superior
The trail is great for birding, hiking, and running, offering a mix of smooth paths and slightly more challenging sections near the end. The staircase is the toughest part, but it’s manageable at a steady pace.
WHERE IS THE TRAIL LOCATED?
The Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Trail is just a few minutes north of Pancake Bay Provincial Park along Highway 17. There’s ample parking about 100 metres off the highway. Click here for Google Maps directions.
Since the trail, parking, and trailhead are all within the park, a day-use fee applies. You can buy your daily vehicle permit online in advance – both Pancake Bay and Batchewana Bay are both currently offering the advance daily permit online. And of course by buying a day pass you can have a swim at the beach after your hike!
IS THERE A MAP AND HOW LONG DOES THE HIKE TAKE?
A clearly marked trail-head sign with route information and a map marks the start of the trail. The hike to the lookout and back is around 6km and takes 2-3 hours. Longer side routes are available taking you to Pancake Falls or Tower Lakes.
HOW DIFFICULT IS IT AND ARE THE TRAILS CLEARLY MARKED?
The route to the lookout is a mix of flat hiking through forests, with some occasional up hill sections. All trails are well maintained by Parks Ontario crew!
The trails are clearly marked with blue signs, and there are maps at each trail intersection. The trails is described a ‘moderate’ difficulty because there may be some scrambling over rocks or small branches.
The climb to lookout...
The most strenuous part of the trail is the climb up the wooden stairs to the lookout itself…
TOP TIP – Spend a few minutes reading the information sign in the middle of the climb as a way to gather your breath before the final ascent.
WHAT ABOUT THE LOOKOUTS AND WHAT IS VIEW LIKE?
There are a couple of lookouts before you reach the actual top… and when you reach the top the views are simply stunning.
A Beautiful drive South
You’ll be back at your car in no time, ready for a scenic drive south to Sault Ste. Marie. Along the way, stop at Agawa Crafts and the Canadian Carver for ice cream and unique souvenirs, or grab one of the famous apple fritters at the Voyageur Lodge.
Chippewa Falls is another great stop—just off the highway, with the falls right beside the parking lot. While you’re there, take a moment to check out the Group of Seven art easel.
And as you drive, you might just find yourself planning your next visit in a different season…
Picture this view in the fall… 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Trail?
The trail is 6.1 km (in & out) and takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to complete at a moderate pace
How difficult is the hike to the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout?
This is an easy hike with a well-maintained trail. There are some exposed roots and a staircase near the end, but it’s manageable for most hikers.
How do I get to the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Trail if I’m coming from outside Northern Ontario?
If you’re traveling from outside Northern Ontario, the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Trail is easily accessible via Highway 17.
It is located in Pancake Bay Provincial Park, about 35 km north of Sault Ste. Marie.
You can also access the park by bus or car from nearby cities, with scenic routes offering beautiful views of Lake Superior along the way.
Do I need to pay to hike the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Trail?
Yes, the trail is within Pancake Bay Provincial Park, so a day-use fee applies. You can buy your daily vehicle permit online.
When is the best time to hike the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Trail?
The best time to visit is April through October for optimal weather and trail conditions
What can I see at the Edmund Fitzgerald lookout?
The lookout offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Superior and overlooks the resting place of the Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck.
