Tuesday 16 December 2008

Tuesdays For Travis - Pukaskwa National Park, Ontario

[1-Playter Harbour on Lake Superior]






[2-Bay on Lake Superior]






[3-Lake Superior shoreline]






This park encompasses 1,878 square miles along the eastern shoreline of Lake Superior.

There are many spellings to the word “Pukaskwa” which provide different meanings: cleaning of fish, eaters of fish, something evil or safe harbour.

Of primary concern in Pukaskwa National Park is the survival of the small herd of woodland caribou resident there. Rare arctic plants grow here due to Lake Superior’s Arctic influence, as do coastal heron rookeries, forest mammals, birds, and inland water quality.




[4-This rabbit walked up to the photographer on the beach without any concern]






Ontario Fishing Regulations apply in the Park. The use of lead sinkers and weighted lures are prohibited in national parks and national wildlife areas in Canada.

Pukaskwa is a remote area with no refueling opportunities.

Cyclists can travel on Highway 627 and campground roads. Bicycles are not permitted on any of the trails in Pukaskwa National Park.


[5-Moose]





Parks Canada provides the following information about backpacking into the wilderness of the Park:

“Pukaskwa National Park protects a nationally significant area of Lake Superior shoreline and boreal forest. With no road access, the Lake Superior shoreline between Hattie Cove to Michipicoten is the least developed shoreline anywhere on the Great Lakes. As interest in exploring this coastline continues to increase, we ask that you take steps to minimize your impacts on the ecosystem as you travel through the park. Wild spaces can survive as long as we strive to be stewards, not consumers, of wilderness areas.”




[6-White River crossing on a wire and slat bridge on one of the many trails in the Park]







On the link below are guidelines to follow when visiting the Park.


[7-Sunset over Lake Superior]






Source: http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/on/pukaskwa/natcul/natcul1c_e.asp

Photo Credits: [1][5][6]-Geoffrey Rockwell CC=nc-nd-flickr, [2]-Troy B Thompson CC=nc-nd-flickr, [3][4][7]-begemot CC=nc-nd-flickr,

15 comments:

Rune Eide said...

I liked that last one - a very nice atmosphere. I have been to Lake Superior (Houghton on the US side) a couple of times, but the lake was frozen over then, of course. A pity.

pattinase (abbott) said...

Finding an animal to center just brings it alive, doesn't it?

Barrie said...

I've always wanted to take a vacation on Lake Superior Gorgeous.

Lana Gramlich said...

I love the sunset. Very soothing.

Barbara Martin said...

RuneE, sunsets are a reflective time.

Patti, I find forests too quiet without their inhabitants.

Barrie, there are many places to choose from.

Charles Gramlich said...

I miss our rabbits. We had two came last spring/summer for the clover but haven't seen either since fall and winter came.

Barbara Martin said...

Lana, sunsets do the same for me.

Charles, maybe they've come around when you weren't looking.

Gary's third pottery blog said...

when I was a kid we backpacked across Isle Royale in Lake Superior and it was HEAVEN--my TO friends went to Georgian Bay in October, close to TO, and that is where I want to go on MY next vacation---the northern Great Lakes are sooo pretty

Shelley Munro said...

Beautiful!

Travis Erwin said...

Love the shot of the rapids.

laughingwolf said...

love the superior area of ontario most :)

Arija said...

A most Superior post! Loved the wonderful photos and info.

Cloudia said...

"safe harbour" or "something evil?"
Mucst be the inflection. Cute rabbit and another great post!
Aloha-

BernardL said...

The picture of Playter Harbor stirs my imagination for some reason. The rabbit approaching the photographer on the beach is another fascinating anomaly. You wouldn't think a creature with so many predators after it would ever venture into the open with a person around. Great picture; but I hope now that its curious nature is appeased, the rabbit will stay out of sight. :)

Janice said...

Great photos and comment. There's not so many people who know about this fantastic place (even though it's probably beneficial for preservation of its unspoilt nature).

We've just returned from weekend-long vacation there and I was surprised by numerous possibilities the national park offers in summer (thanks to this inspiring guide to Pukaskwa). We also saw some of events held within Cultural Week, aimed to promote culture of the Anishinaabe people. We did a lot of hiking - the park offers fantastic and differentiated opportunities for passionate hikers but also for those who are not very keen on long distance tours. I am sure to come back again, and can highly recommend this place for unforgettable family vacation.