The best walks and hikes around Oliver Paipoonge

This lookout is situated on a rocky outcrop with fantastic sweeping views of Thunder Bay, Fox Mountain, Mount McRae, and Sawdust Lake. After a steady climb through dense forest, this exposed spot opens up to beautiful panoramic scenery that's worthy of taking a long break to take it all in.

This trail climbs through relatively steep forested sections before circling the upper slopes of Lost Mountain. It is a combination of rocky and wooded terrain that is unmarked and sometimes challenging to follow, especially around trail junctions and less obvious sections of path. Carrying a printed or downloaded map and your komoot GPS route is a good idea to help stay on course. As the climb progresses, the forest opens up to wide views over Thunder Bay and the surrounding mountains.

This trailhead sits at the end of Coppin Road, with a small spot for informal roadside parking. Since there is no formal parking lot, visitors are asked to park legally, without blocking driveways, hydrants, or local traffic, before starting the trail on the east side of the road. Before heading out, it’s important to note that several unmarked intersecting paths begin in this area, so it’s a good idea to have a map or your komoot GPS route handy to keep you on track.

After a short but demanding climb, the summit opens onto a massive slab of exposed rock overlooking Thunder Bay and Lake Superior. It’s a true panoramic viewpoint, with the city below and the Sleeping Giant visible across the water on clear days. There’s plenty of space to sit or even have a picnic, but it’s exposed and often windy, so wear appropriate layers before heading up.

Top of McKay Trail is short but steep, with rugged sections that make it feel more challenging than the distance suggests. Expect loose rock, slick volcanic slabs, and stretches where you’ll need to scramble over large boulders. The descent can be just as tricky as the climb. Good footwear is essential, and this isn’t ideal for dogs. The reward is a sweeping “money shot” view at the top over Thunder Bay and Lake Superior — easily one of the best viewpoints in the area.

Little Falls Trail is a relatively easy loop with a few rooty sections that descends through mixed forest to a quiet cascade on the Kaministiquia River. The trail passes through shaded ravines and rocky outcrops, and is a wonderful path for a more secluded experience than the main falls. At the turnaround point, Little Falls tumbles over a low ledge into a beautiful, tranquil pool, framed by mossy banks and forest canopy.

Kakabeka Falls, often called the “Niagara of the North, is an impressive 40-metre-high waterfall on the Kaministiquia River. The falls plunge into a steep, ancient gorge carved through Precambrian rock, revealing 1.6-billion-year-old fossils in the exposed shale. There are several boardwalks and lookouts around its rim, for plenty of opportunities to capture some unforgettable photos while you’re here.

Mountain Portage Trail is a fantastic short loop that offers the best views of the falls and gorge. The 1.25-kilometre path follows the historic portage route once used by voyageurs to bypass the powerful 40-metre cascade on the Kaministiquia River. Boardwalks and paved sections make it easy to explore the rim, with interpretive signs and lookouts that reveal the area's geology, history, and dramatic scenery.