Area Attractions & Links

Grand Marais
The quaint lake shore village offers an eclectic collection of shops, galleries, and eateries. Festivals and events occur near every weekend during the summer.

Grand Portage Lodge and Casino
The North Shore’s only gaming facility, the lodge offers casino gambling and dining. Gasoline, groceries, and other conveniences are available nearby at the new Grand Portage Trading Post.

Grand Portage National Monument
Stockade located on the shore of Lake Superior commemorates the Grand Portage, an eight-mile trail that allowed fur traders to bypass cataracts and rapids on the Pigeon River.

Gunflint Trail
A paved road that runs north from Grand Marais 60 miles to Saganaga Lake on the Canadian border. Gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and a popular resort destination, this scenic drive passes numerous lakes and north country vistas.

Isle Royale National Park
Lake Superior’s island wilderness is a popular destination for hikers and boaters. Cruises are available.

Judge C. R. Magney State Park
Located less than a half mile from Whitecaps, this state park is famed for the Devil’s Kettle on the Brule River, where a portion of the river disappears into a large hole in the rocks. The Devil’s Kettle, as well as the river’s Lower and Upper Falls, are accessed from a one-mile hiking trail. The Brule River gets a spawning run of steelhead (large, Lake Superior rainbow trout) that attracts anglers in April and May.

Kakabeka Falls
Massive waterfalls known as “Niagara of the North.” Located about 20 miles west of Thunder Bay on Highways 11-17.

totem poleNaniboujou Lodge
Constructed in the late 1920s as an exclusive resort club (Clark Gable and Babe Ruth were original members) that failed after the stock market crash in 1929. Today the colorful Cree Indian motif and massive stone fireplace in the lodge restaurant make dining at Naniboujou a memorable experience.

North House Folk School
Renowned Grand Marais educational facility offers classes in woodworking, boat-building, and various crafts. Check out their website for course listings.

 

Old Fort William
Large, historic fur trading post. Costumed actors re-enact the fur trade era.

Ouimet Canyon
Stunning canyon (500 feet deep, 500 feet wide) viewed from an overlook accessible by a short hiking trail. Nearby amethyst mines offer opportunity to find your own gems. Located on Highways 11-17 about 40-50 miles northeast of Thunder Bay.

Superior Hiking Trail
Minnesota’s premiere hiking trail follows the North Shore from Duluth to the Canadian border. Accessible form numerous locations, the hiking trail has ridge top overlooks, shady river valleys, and opportunities to encounter north woods wildlife.

Thunder Bay, Ontario
The largest city in northwestern Ontario, Thunder Bay is about one hour from Whitecaps. Restaurants, entertainment, and shopping (including Intercity Mall).