Mon, Aug 2 - Sun, Aug 8, 2027
Early Bird Pricing (Until Mar 31, 2027): $1,799 +HST | Reg. Pricing: $1,999 +HST
Start/Finish: Hattie Cove, Pukaskwa National Park, OntarioPUKASKWA
COASTAL trail
Join SHE Ventures for a 7-day, 6-night backpacking journey along the Pukaskwa Coastal Trail, one of Canada’s most remote and spectacular wilderness hiking routes.
Located within Pukaskwa National Park on the north shore of Lake Superior, this point-to-point trail travels through beaches, rocky outcrops, boreal forest, river crossings and coastal terrain. The route offers some of the most impressive and remote backpacking scenery in Ontario.
Our trip begins with a front-country overnight at Hattie Cove, where the group will meet, complete introductions, review the trip plan and conduct a final gear check. The following morning, we’ll travel by boat to North Swallow River and begin hiking south toward Hattie Cove, camping at scenic backcountry sites along the shoreline each night.
Intended for adventurous women with previous backpacking experience or a high level of fitness, daily distances will range from approximately 9–18 km. Participants should expect technical terrain and long days on trail.
With a maximum group size of six people with two guides, this trip offers a highly personalized backcountry experience with opportunities to refine wilderness skills while experiencing one of Canada’s most iconic coastal routes.
HIGHLIGHTS
5 days / 4 nights of backpacking along the Pukaskwa Coastal Hiking Trail
Front-country camping at Hattie Cove before and after the backcountry portion of the trip
Scenic boat transfer from Hattie Cove to North Swallow River to begin the hike
Camp at beautiful Lake Superior shoreline sites including White Spruce Harbour, Fisherman’s Cove, Fish Harbour and Willow River
Travel through remote beaches, rocky headlands, boreal forest and rugged coastal terrain
Learn or refine backpacking skills, camp systems, food management, water treatment and wilderness travel techniques
Small group experience with a maximum 3:1 participant-to-guide ratio
ITINERARY
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ARRIVAL & HATTIE COVE
Participants will arrive at Pukaskwa National Park in the late afternoon and meet the group at Hattie Cove campground. Upon arrival, the group will check into the front-country campsite, complete introductions, review the trip plan, conduct a final gear check and prepare for the following morning’s departure into the backcountry. Note that these reservations are first-come, first-serve and subject to availability. Should the campground be full, alternative arrangements will be communicated to the group.
Participants should arrive with all food and personal supplies required for the trip. Exact meeting location and timing will be coordinated with registered participants closer to departure.
Overnight: Hattie Cove front-country campground.
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NORTH SWALLOW RIVER → WHITE SPRUCE HARBOUR
The group will travel from Hattie Cove to the northern terminus of the Pukaskwa Coastal Trail. After arriving at North Swallow River, we’ll begin hiking south.
Approximate distance: ~10.8 km
Overnight: White Spruce Harbour backcountry campsite. A detailed proposed itinerary, subject to change, will be provided to registered participants.
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WHITE SPRUCE HARBOUR → FISHERMAN’S COVE
Approximate distance: ~10.2 km
Overnight: Fisherman’s Cove backcountry campsite. A detailed proposed itinerary, subject to change, will be provided to registered participants.
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FISHERMAN’S COVE → FISH HARBOUR Continue south along the Coastal Hiking Trail toward Fish Harbour.
Approximate distance: ~12.3 km
Overnight: Fish Harbour backcountry campsite. A detailed proposed itinerary, subject to change, will be provided to registered participants.
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FISH HARBOUR → WILLOW RIVER
Approximate distance: ~9 km
Overnight: Willow River backcountry campsite. A detailed proposed itinerary, subject to change, will be provided to registered participants.
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WILLOW RIVER → HATTIE COVE
Approximate distance: ~17.7 km.
Upon completion of the hike, the group will check into the front-country campground at Hattie Cove. Note that these reservations are first-come, first-serve and subject to availability. Should the campground be full, alternative arrangements will be communicated to the group.
Participants will have the opportunity to rest, clean up and celebrate completion of the trip.
Overnight: Hattie Cove front-country campground.
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DEPARTURE
Participants will depart Pukaskwa National Park following breakfast and pack-up.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
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Maximum 6:1 guide ratio
Certified Wilderness First Responder
Commercial guiding and liability insurance
Search and rescue coverage
Satellite communication and emergency equipment
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Water treatment and purification
Food preparation and storage
Bear safety and camp set-up
Hands-on gear demonstration
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Frontcountry camping permit at Hattie Cove (Mon, Aug 2 and Sat, Aug 7)
Backcountry camping permits (Tues, Aug 3 – Sat, Aug 7)
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Boat transfer from Hattie Cove to North Swallow River
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See checked boxes on downloadable packing checklist for this trip
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Full coordination of trip logistics from pre-departure through trail completion
Route planning and daily itinerary development
Coordination of trailhead transportation
Pre-trip participant communication, packing guidance and trip preparation
Monitoring of weather and trail conditions leading up to departure
Coordination of alternate plans or route adjustments where required due to weather, trail conditions or safety considerations
Coordination of required camping permits, registrations and access requirements
Download the gear checklist below to see what you need to bring. Checked boxes will be supplied by SHE Ventures.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
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Ground transportation to/from Hattie Cove, Pukaskwa National Park.
Note that the trip lead could accommodate 3 passengers from southern/central Ontario, however, fuel charges would be divided amongst the group and use of this service would be at the participant’s discretion, as it is not covered by insurance.
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Daily vehicle permit from Aug 2-8, payable to Parks Canada upon arrival (if using personal vehicle)
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See blank boxes on downloadable packing checklist for this trip
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Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks on the trail
Excludes off-trail meals on Aug 2 and Aug 8
The itinerary is proposed and subject to change based on weather, trail conditions, access, group pace, transportation availability and other factors.
Hattie Cove front-country campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Daily hiking distances are approximate and may vary.
Water taxi arrangements are subject to operator schedules, availability and conditions.
The lead guide has not previously completed the Pukaskwa Coastal Trail. The trip will be planned using current maps, trail information, access updates and route research, and the guide will be supported by appropriate navigation, emergency communication and trip-planning systems.
Group equipment will be distributed among participants for carrying while on trail. Participants are expected to carry their assigned share of group gear in addition to their personal equipment.
Participants are expected to assist with shared camp responsibilities, including meal preparation, clean-up and other routine camp tasks throughout the trip.
SHE Ventures reserves the right to adjust the itinerary, route, campsites, or transportation arrangements as needed.
DISCLAIMERS
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations made 60+ days in advance of the departure are fully refundable, minus a 5% administrative fee. Cancellations made 30-60 days in advance of departure will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made outside of the 30-day window are non-refundable. However, all trips are transferable to another qualified woman aged 18 or older prior to trip departure.
A minimum of 4 participants are required to run this trip. Registrants will be fully refunded if 4+ people have not registered 2 weeks in advance of departure.