S04E07 Lake Superior Provincial Park Review

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Cell Phone Service: If you've been to this park please let us know your experience with cell service.

[@madelyncrowther7922]

I have been binge watching your review videos! Just can't get enough. Amazing work to both of you, thanks so much for making these for us. As a fellow passionate camper I can't wait to explore this one in the future.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching.

[@regalh.beagle8696]

Thanks for doing your videos…you are informing and inspiring our family, hopefully we can follow in your footsteps! Awesome work!

[@trishaharrison6183]

Looks like an amazing park. I have stopped at Old Lady’s Bay on a road trip to Thunderbay quite a few years ago and did not realize until watching your video that it was part of the park. I watch a few KZbinrs that do a lot of camping on Lake Superior and to me has by far the most beautiful countryside. After seeing this video I’m definitely putting it on my bucket list. Thanks for all you’s do.😘

[@ianlindsey3616]

EXCELLENT!!!! Review. I also went to the boat launch and that was a hidden gem. We met a kayaker that just got back to the launch and she headed to the beach after stowing her gear. Spectacular view!!! Cheers!!!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We wish we had more time on this trip. We would have loved to spend the day at the beach next to the boat launch and kayaked and paddle boarded around the islands. The video doesn't do the area justice. It was spectacular to see in person. I'm glad you got to see it for yourself.

[@OutdoorCanucks]

Wow, that water DOES look cold...but beautiful......Thanks for the review

[@casss5101]

This park has been on my list forever, consider me sold! Looking forward to the rest of the trip!!

[@xxgg]

Another excellent review! Gotta be ranking your overall top park now. For us tent campers, would be great if you could show us more? slower panning? non electrically tent sites too.... since you two do a great job. Wish Ontarioparks could update all the site with higher resolution site pictures and/or even better add 360' panorama picture too. Their picture is too outdated with limited picture angles... and perhaps areial drone imagine showing entire camp sites from way up since Google Maps imagines are pretty much all blur.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

I know that the shots of the camp sites are fast. I have to balance the pace of the video with what people want to see. It gets very boring to some if I spend too much time showing the sites, especially if I do it slower. I figure if people really want to see the sites they can pause the video for a longer look. Some other people are posting 360 degree videos of some parks that give you a great opportunity to check out the sites in a lot more detail. The @outdoorcanucks do a great job with that. As far as drone shots, that would have to come from Ontario Parks itself as it is illegal to fly a drone in a provincial park.

[@andriyko1604]

Mesmerized by the beauty of Lake Superior, I always want to return there to stay close to it for another meditative moment. The park is a must-visit for any camping fan. Thank you for this review which gives away the spirit of this place. Here is to another happy camping season!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

It sure is beautiful country up there. We agree, it's a must do trip. Happy camping!

[@maryshortt6511]

It's been -30 -40 all week in northeastern Ontario. All your videos are helping me get through this cold snap!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

This is good video for that. Lots of sun and beautiful beaches. I miss summer.😢

[@Ken-nc3ev]

Thanks for another great review Coles! My partner and I are camping there next week for my birthday. This is such big help trying to find out the things to do up there. Thank you! 🥰

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Happy birthday! You'll love it there.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Great overview! I'm definitely going to add this to my list for next summer if we can get up north and explore. So far the furthest we've gone is Grundy (which I loved).

[@jimmylieb5225]

Heaven on earth on a sunny and warm summers day sitting on the beach or swimming at Agawa Bay beach.

[@carter1515ful]

There are lots of programs going on. We just went to one on lynx and hares. They have a weekly schedule

[@emmalabuz1999]

My family and I were up here this past summer and I thought it was so cool you made a video. Once I started watching I recognized the trailer beside your site and realized we were on the same site as you! You must have came right after we left. So cool! This is our absolute favourite park.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

What a coincidence. That was a real nice site. Maybe we'll run into you at another park.

[@camper69]

I enjoyed both my camping trips to Lake Superior PP. Stayed at Agawa Bay once and Rabbit Blanket Lake once. Preferred Rabbit Blanket Lake. Kudos for hiking to Lady Evelyn Falls! I did the 3 km Pinguisibi Trail to visit the first 3 waterfalls. Lady Evelyn Falls is another 8 km past the trail. Quite the hike & bushwhack for sure!

[@inyourhomefitness2452]

I was there as a Junior Ranger in 1978 and we canoed out to the pictographs. What I remember most was how cold the water was. We only got up to our knees for less than 2 minutes and ran back out lol. Very brave to make it to the island. Brrrrrrr. Beautiful park and thanks for sharing.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

The water as you remember is from 1978 hasn't changed a bit. It actually hurt our legs walking in the water to Bathtub Island. It was well worth it though.

[@dennisschwartzentruber3204]

Nice work ! I am glad to see you've included the waterfalls on the Sand river ,one of my favourite spots ! This park and environs should be a national park !

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Glad you enjoyed it! Happy camping.

[@chefnino8305]

Amazing videos! 🏖thank you

[@CampingwiththeColes]

You're so welcome!

[@chefnino8305]

@@CampingwiththeColes 😁

[@lynnabbey9267]

Another great review! We camped at Agawa Bay last September and fell in love with it! Our site was near yours and we just loved being so close to the big water; great visitor centre, too! Thanks for always doing a great job showing off our Provincial Parks!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks for your support. Glad we could show off the park like it deserves. It's so hard to display the beauty through the lens of a video camera. You really need to get out there and see it for yourself, like you did. Happy camping!

[@mbirch1593]

Oh brrr! Yes, that lake is very cold! She rarely gets above 4C. We sure miss that area though.

[@valroberts1527]

We just spent 4 nights on site A118…Arrived home on the 25th…Spectacular scenery for sure. I’m missing it already..nice to know I can visit again via your channel….thanks for these reviews…looking forward to your next one

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Very nice! We miss it already too. Not many parks can stand up to Lake Superior PP.

[@AlgomaOutdoors]

Gotta love LSPP! Very frequently visit for fishing trips as it’s 50km away from home

[@dennisschwartzentruber3204]

Old Woman's Bay is a national beauty spot !

[@donaldpasley5119]

Great review guys, your reviews are really helpful thanks

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Glad you like them!

[@emeraldforest]

Great video. Living only 40 minutes from pancake Bay I go weekly. It does warm up by Aug and I have been swimming in Superior every Oct for 3 years running. 😂

[@RambleandCurry]

An amazing video and the video is made so well and every chapter is so well defined... really happy to get connected with this outstanding channel... Lots of regards from Belgium

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Glad you enjoyed it! Can't believe someone from outside Ontario Canada is watching our little channel. Welcome!

[@Dinsdale2020]

Great channel. We’ll done and informative.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Much appreciated!

[@paulmaure4470]

"The Old Women"....LOL. Humor is great. We enjoy your videos

[@CampingwiththeColes]

I'm a dad and dad jokes make me laugh 🤷‍♂️

[@jorats]

We swam Lake Superior at Neys in August, it was cool but not cold. It was fun. Now, I want to do Agawa Bay. It's fun seeing the north from your eyes. These are our campgrounds, north, near north and we love it here.

[@ms.kayak7seas]

Hi and thanks, Comping with the Cole for sharing. Wow, this video is full of information and it is appreciated. OMG...beautiful rock formations....what? you are walking on the slippery rocks with a big smile???...10:59 It seems a nice place to launch a kayak...Is any admission fee to launch it?...12:14...was the water cold? The visitor center is very nice to explore. Indeed, I can spend all day long on the beach without cell phone(maybe)...16:46 Rating 9.5 is excellent! I cannot wait for visiting the Great Lakes. Well done. 🙋‍♀🙋‍♀🛶🛶

[@TheSillyKitchenwithSylvia]

Just found your channel! Excited to see all the parks you visit!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Welcome aboard! Lots of new videos coming and lots of old ones for you to get started with your vacation research. Happy camping!

[@lizandclinton]

I love the loo reviews. Woodly construction on the loo was my favourite part. 😊

[@CampingwiththeColes]

She comes up with weird stuff like that all the time. Usually I edit it out buy every now and then I keep it in because I find it endearing.

[@lizandclinton]

I was watching your video 2 months ago because I was planning for our trip to Lake Superior. Funnily enough I met some friendly folks on the trail who were telling us about the excellent KZbinrs they watch… yep Camping with the Coles fans! We had a good chat about your videos and the loo reviews!

[@robertpearson8798]

I’m watching this right now from site 127 on Roger’s cellular with no issues.

[@gracespace1]

Another great video. Never stayed at Lake Superior PP. Only drove through it. Didn't realize it was such a beautiful park. Oh yes, the lake is frigid!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

It's definitely a place you should try if you get the chance. Happy camping!

[@SnowCrasher]

Loved the Old Woman Bay segment! Haha This is one of my favourite provincial parks except for the highway traffic noise that you can hear even at night especially if you're sleeping in a tent. I have to agree with them having the best shower. Nice hot strong waterflow. I really like that they actually have a dishwashing station too. All provincial park campsites should have them. The slippery sloped rocks at Agawa Rock Pictographs is better traversed on barefoot. Much easier to walk without slipping and feels refreshing to dip your feet in the water too. Great review.

[@robchampagne2319]

Another wonderful video. We were there for 3 nights after you. One issue you may not have noticed at your site, but is a common complaint is the distance to electric hookup. Bring plenty of cable. Thanks for the great review.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Yes, it is a large site and a pretty good distance to the electric pedestal. Thankfully it was on the correct side of the site for our electrical. I hate when I have to bring our electrical cords through our campsite to the pedestal on the right side instead of the left. We have two 25 foot cords and a 50 foot cord. We've never needed more than that.

[@ianharling9784]

When you hit Pancake Bay have the Apple Fritters just south of the park they are incredible.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We love those apple fritters from The Voyageur!🍅😋

[@srpogue]

Agawa Bay is my absolute favorite campground. 10/10 We did the Towab trail to Agawa Falls last year. 20K round trip 28C and had no problem swimming in Superior water for 30 minutes to cool down. Great review.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

I bet you needed the nice cool down after the Towab Trail hike. We sure needed a cool down after the hike to the Top of the Giant at Sleeping Giant. I soaked my feet in the water from my paddle board. It was a small lake but I bet the cold Lake Superior water would have felt even better. Happy camping!

[@srpogue]

@@CampingwiththeColes Glad you guys made it to the Top of the Giant. I think it is one of the best views in Ontario

[@michellepodnar1452]

Loved this review. This is one of the parks I haven't been to and really want to go. I chuckled at the comments about the water though. I lived in Thunder Bay for over 10 years, and swim in Lake Superior. You get used to it. Once you are numb! LOL. Can't wait for your reviews of Sleeping Giant and visit of Kakabeka Falls (where we go engaged).

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Glad you enjoyed it! You northerners are a tough breed. Wow, that water is cold!

[@emvandermeulen1908]

I always stay in the 320s. In fact I’m heading up there in September. It’s my favourite park in Ontario. Great video guys.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@scottrancourt4621]

Thanks for the review. We just stayed at Agawa for 3 nights and Rabbit Blanket Lake for 3 nights. Found the facilities at Rabbit Blanket Lake very outdated.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We originally booked Rabbit Blanket but then many of our viewers told us to go to Agawa Bay instead. One viewer even sent us a PowerPoint Presentation on why Agawa Bay was better than Rabbit Blanket. We then changed our reservation to Agawa Bay. We're glad we did.

[@markcunningham1686]

Ben, I noticed everyone was wearing warm clothing (kinda like what one would wear here in Chatham Ontario during the fall season)....you guys were up there in mid July right?...wife and I are planning a North Park 2024 trip near the end of July into the 2nd week of August (ferry from Tobermory into Manitoulin Island up to 1) Chutes 2) Lake Superior 3) Pancake Bay 4) ferry back to Tobermory into Cypress Lake 5) Inverhuron - than back home) so I'm thinking we need to pack them sweaters/pants for stops 1-3....appreciate your work on the reviews...great stuff :)

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Yeah, the weather is definitely colder there. The mornings and evenings were colder. It's almost like September camping in southern Ontario.

[@OntarioCamping]

looking forward to going here again in the next couple years!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

You can't go wrong with this park!

[@NatashaLemireBlair]

Terrific review, it will be our first time camping here later this summer and this video was really helpful and filled with great information.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Glad it was helpful! It's a beautiful place.

[@lisam7036]

Really enjoying this series. I noticed in this video you said how long you stayed. I was wondering if you can do that in upcoming videos. Never been to this park might be giving it a try so beautiful;

[@CampingwiththeColes]

That's a great idea! Most parks this year we stayed for 3 nights. Sleeping Giant we spent 4 nights. That video comes out next Saturday. Happy camping!

[@jimmylieb5225]

wow! washers and dryers there now in the camp ground. it's been nearly 18 yrs since I was last there. been away much too long!

[@martincurrie8195]

Heading there in 2 weeks. Hope the weather is as nice.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Have fun!

[@carter1515ful]

Great video. We are at chutes than off to superior for 6 nights. Funny part about your video is no bugs hats after Grundy.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Oh the bug hats make a return. We're not done with them yet. July is a very buggy time to be camping. You're going at a great time. Chutes and Superior should be bug free and you'll still get some decent temperatures. Happy camping!

[@kevin8274]

I was there around the same time as you! We were in rabbit blanket campground. The day we went bathtub island we could see our breath it was so cold. Couldnt see the island through the fog.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

That's too bad about Bathtub Island for you. That was one of the highlights of this whole trip for us. The beautiful sunny, warm weather sure added to our impression of the location.

[@alisonlee6800]

Great video Coles family! It was great to see high resolution images opposed to the grainy photos on the website. If you saved it, I would still love to watch the time lapse of the never ending sunset. I remember driving to Saskatchewan through North Dakota and sounds very similar. 😉 Look forward to Sleeping Giant video!!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

I actually used the sunset timelapse in the video but it ended suddenly due to the battery dying. In editing I just faded the timelapse video to black which kind of made it look like to turned in to darkness when it actually didn't yet.

[@alisonlee6800]

I must have missed it! Definitely a good excuse to watch it again 😜

[@randallsguaranteedsold6361]

Awesome! On my bucket list for sure. BTW, would you suggest bringing some jerry cans with extra gas?

[@CampingwiththeColes]

That's a great suggestion! On this trip we actually brought two, 20L jerry cans as well as an extra spare tire. We've never done that before but thought it was a good idea in such a dispersed part of Ontario. We're toying with the idea of putting together a video of the entire three week, 7 park tour, showing the planning, preparation and packing for such a trip. The extra gas and spare tire are just some examples of how this trip varies from our usual trips.

[@gregmcmehen8731]

We spent both Covid summers on the North Shore of Superior. The water does warm up in August, not necessarily warm, but to the point where you cam swim comfortably in the shallower bays. Top of the Giant is awesome, can’t wait to see the next vid! Hope you check out Sandy Beach in Wawa…it’s awesome too. And keep posting, these videos are super helpful and fun to watch!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Hey, thanks for your support. Glad you like the videos. We love making them. Thanks for the tip on Sandy Beach, we'll have to check that out next time we head back that way.

[@willymueller4587]

Looks amazing, we just got back from 8 weeks out east, will really have to go way up north next

[@CampingwiththeColes]

I'm sure out east was amazing too! If you have the chance you should try a Lake Superior trip sometime. It won't disappoint.

[@carolandkenlunney5430]

great review....it is on our bucket list to do the Superior Circle.....had it planned but COVID got in the way. sometime soon. BTW...you do good to make it up til 11pm. for us it is 10pm. lol

[@at8974]

Thank you for the video and all the videos you do, very helpful! We really want to go, but cancelled this year because of potential ticks. Did you see any? Is it really as bad as the web says it is?

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We are always tick cautious but didn't think that Lake Superior PP was especially known for ticks. The areas around the Lake Erie shore and Lake Huron shore are much higher risk. We didn't see any ticks at all. It's a shame you cancelled for that reason. Ticks are pretty much at every provincial park these days. You just need to be aware of ticks and how to protect yourself. In case you didn't see it, we did a video earlier this year about protecting yourself from ticks. Here is the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqvCeZ5qnNx1gpI

[@at8974]

@@CampingwiththeColes thank you very much. There’s always next year :). Hope SG was awesome!

[@TruStream-te3kf]

Beautiful video. What time of year was this trip?

[@CampingwiththeColes]

July 12th to the 15th.

[@HusbandnWifeDuo]

Saw this informative video on our TV. Awesome coverage of a park that was never on our bucket list. Now, after watching this video, I would like to visit 3 parks that far - starting with this, then Sleeping Giant and Pukaskwa National Park. But, there are several disadvantages visiting these parks: they are too far away, water is very cold, you can't swim, canoe or kayak, etc. My husband and son have a plan to cover National and Provincial parks of Laurentian Mountains in Quebec first (La Mauricie, Grands- Jardin, and Jacques-Cartier, we have already covered several others). It is definitely going to be a tie. So let us see.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Lake Superior is VERY cold and therefore not great for swimming. However, if you want to try a Lake Superior Park where you can actually swim in the water, you should try Pancake Bay. That video is Season 4 Episode 10 and should be out three weeks from now. Stay tuned!

[@HusbandnWifeDuo]

@@CampingwiththeColes Loving this!

[@sabrinaperardt9834]

Hi Coles! What a beautiful park and excellent review! Now I want to camp there too haha And a note: If Google Maps is sending people to the wrong place, you can suggest a new location for the pin :)

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks for the tip!

[@DriversofOttawa]

Thanks for the memories of our trips there. Just an FYI that Koodo/Telus works at Rabbit Blanket Lake as you are only 20 minutes from Wawa.

[@babymonkeyfetus]

Do you escape the highway noise at Rabbit Blanket Lake?

[@DriversofOttawa]

@@babymonkeyfetus We were at waterfront site 5 (it's shown in this video) and didn't notice any highway noise since you are almost 800ft from it. One thing of note with this campground is that the drinking water has high sodium and iron levels (looks like pee) but is safe to drink as long as you dont have heart or blood pressure issues.

[@babymonkeyfetus]

@@DriversofOttawa Thanks for the reply. We really like some the attractions at the Wawa end of the park, so Rabbit Blanket really appeals to us. Even if it isn't right on Lake Superior.

[@DriversofOttawa]

@@babymonkeyfetus With it being only a 5 minute drive away to Old Woman Bay, it's a great alternative. We were there in the last two weeks of August one year and got snow flurries, so bring some warmer clothes!

[@nisharomana536]

Could you please tell what is best time to see fall colors at Lake Superior? End of September or Mid October?

[@CampingwiththeColes]

I don't know exactly when for Lake Superior. We often go to Algonquin Park for the end of September and the beginning of October for peak colours. I would guess that Lake Superior would be a couple weeks ahead of that since it is that much further north. I would think mid September. That's just a guess. We've never been up there for fall.

[@criiickle83]

I’m curious what program you use to edit your videos? :)

[@CampingwiththeColes]

I use Premiere Pro. I learned how to use it from watching KZbin videos. 😊

[@marianneaphotography]

May I ask what month did you come here for the water to still be this cold?

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We were there July 12th to the 15th. Lake Superior is always cold 🥶🥶

[@hermionegranger9359]

Do you have any planss on going to the Yukon or BC?

[@CampingwiththeColes]

@@hermionegranger9359 no plans yet but that would be awesome

[@maryshortt6511]

16:58 you two are hilarious

[@marcella7858]

with the dark nights, did you guys see any of the perseid meteor shower? It would have been at its peak if you went the beginning of august.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We were there July 12th-15th. It didn't get dark until very late and we could never stay up long enough to check out the stars. It's a Dark Sky Preserve so they would have been amazing!

[@kaylee_cambouris]

Did you have any problems with bears? My boyfriend and I are tent camping on a site and are pretty nervous for bear encouters

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We never heard of or saw bears while there. Keep your site clean and keep food, BBQ etc in the car and you should be fine.

[@longboatm]

What time of year were you here when it was that cold?

[@CampingwiththeColes]

July 12th to the 15th! It would be warmer in August, but not much. The temperature is pretty consistent year round.

[@katlynmarie7579]

I really wish I could include the pano I took when I stayed at agawa ON THE BEACH it was amazing, a little windy but amazing, I stayed there September 19th-23rd and I don’t regret it at all, only cost about $102CAD for the three days, it’s more expensive in the middle of summer but we also had a “tent” site but still next to(practically on it) the beach for 3 days for $102 that’s amazing(might be more now with price inflation😩😬)

[@CampingwiththeColes]

That sounds awesome. There are some great sites practically on the beach.

[@russelleads2145]

I'm assuming it's summer time, yet y'all are wearing hoodies, etc? I do not want it to be cold when I go to the lake, nope!!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

@@russelleads2145 middle of July! Sometimes it feels like fall camping in the summer when you're at Lake Superior.

[@ktownc936]

It's beautiful there, but it really is bear country. I know of two people attacked on agawausee trail. You can't leave any garbage out as my cousin learned 4 years ago. A mother and it's cubs stole the recycling.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Good tip! Gotta keep a clean campsite especially in bear country.

[@mikesteinburg6814]

Did you happen to see the old woman’s face on your way back ?

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Not that we recall.

[@jason.3011]

That park is alot better then emily park much better

[@CampingwiththeColes]

You got that right!

[@markfancher5676]

There is no there's no climate occurs in Michigan as measured by Miles

[@markfancher5676]

You can't you can't turn Michigan and The matrix I said metric