Lake Superior. The greatest of the Great Lakes, not just because it holds more water than all of the other great lakes combined, but because it is also the most pristine of the lakes. Although its north shore is dominated by the rugged Canadian Shield, it is sprinkled with beautiful sand beaches that are perfect for standup paddleboarding. From Thunder Bay to Wawa, here are five can’t-miss standup paddleboarding hotspots on Superior’s north shore.
THUNDER BAY REGION
Thunder Bay is the gateway to some of the most epic outdoor experiences in Canada. Pick up your SUP rental at SUPerior Stand Up Paddlboarding, Get Out Gear Rental - The Haven Hostel, The Wilderness Supply Co., or Chaltrek, and start exploring.
Sandy Beach

Sandy Beach is located in the City of Thunder Bay, but is actually closer to Fort William First Nation. It’s the kind of hidden gem that only locals frequent. The beach is part of Chippewa Park, which has a campground, cabin rentals, a café in a huge log chalet, and amusement rides (including one of Canada’s oldest carousels). But the beach alone is worthy of the commute from town because of its shallow, warm water and view of the Sleeping Giant—an iconic landform that resembles a giant resting on his back. Launching from Sandy Beach, you can paddle north and explore the shoreline around Chippewa Park—where else can you pull your board onshore for some French fries and a game of bumper cars?