Located on Lake Superior’s northern coastline, Neys Provincial Park offers visitors gorgeous hiking trails, peaceful campgrounds, a sandy beach, and a rich history waiting to be explored.
Here are five park features you won’t want to miss:
1. The scenic beauty
Neys is famous for its natural beauty and for the artists it inspired.
You’ll be greeted by a rugged shoreline dotted by a mixture of sand and cobble beaches and exposed coastal rocks.
Rolling hills surround the park, evergreen thanks to the boreal forests that call it home.
Neys’ scenic vistas were a popular subject for the Group of Seven’s artwork. The park contains the breathtaking view of Pic Island made famous by Lawren Harris in 1924.
2. The history
Did you know that 2020 marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Group of Seven? Visitors can explore their legacy by reading the park’s Moments of Algoma interpretive signs and touring the Visitor Centre display.
Hopefully, the landscapes that inspired them will inspire your creativity too.
But the history doesn’t end there – during the Second World War, the area that is now a park was the location of Neys Prisoner of War Camp 100.
Although the camp’s buildings were demolished in 1953, much of the history remains. Today campers can stop by the Visitor Centre to view displays and a miniature model of the camp.
3. The trails
There’s no better way to celebrate the Group of Seven’s artistic legacy than by hiking Neys’ trails and seeing the vistas they painted for yourself.
We particularly recommend the Pic Island Overlook Trail, which will take you to the aforementioned view of Pic Island. It’s a 4.5 km steep, linear trail (9 km return) that follows an old dirt road up to a beautiful gazebo where you can rest, eat lunch, or create art.
Another trail that can’t be missed is the Under the Volcano Trail (up to 7 km return). Choose your own adventure along the rocky Lake Superior coastline and explore this trail’s unique glacial geology and volcanic history.
4. The beach
Neys is home to one of the finest stretches of sand on Lake Superior’s north shore. The 2 km beach offers a gentle slope into Superior’s cool waters.
Lake Superior’s waves can be big. Be sure to plan to spend some time on the beach wave watching and enjoying the spectacular sunsets.
Surfing is becoming more popular at the park, especially in the fall when the waves tend to be larger. Be sure to come prepared. Lake Superior’s waters are chilly!
5. Fishing in Lake Superior
You’ll find Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Brook Trout, Whitefish, and salmon in the waters of Lake Superior.
Brook Trout fishing is especially popular in the park. These fish love large submerged boulders and reefs, where they hide and ambush prey when it swims by.
Some of the best lures to use when targeting Brook Trout include jig flies, spoons and spinners. A single hook puts less stress on the fish when you capture them, and ensures that they have a greater chance of survival upon release.
Note that only one Brook Trout over 56 cm long may be kept with a sport fishing license, and zero Brook Trout may be kept with a conservation fishing license.
Book your stay at Neys
Neys Provincial Park is very busy this summer. Be sure to check our reservation page for availability or consider a fall visit.
Neys offers a serviced campground for both tent and RV campers including a comfort station.
To try something different, look into booking the very popular Neys Trapp Cabin, with best availability in the spring and fall.
Neys Provincial Park awaits. Visit our online reservation service to book now.
