10 Unbelievable Photos of the Winter Ice Caves on Lake Superior

Discover out these 10 photos of a bucket-list winter phenomenon.

This is the perfect time of year to get out and explore the ice formations in Algoma sculpted by the wave action of the Great Lakes. Pack a picnic, put on your layers of clothing and head out to admire Mother Nature's work. Lake Superior, the largest Great Lake north of Sault Ste. Marie is a winter wonderland. There are many areas to explore some more rugged than others.

Pointe Des Chenes

Pointe Des Chenes Park is a nice area to snowshoe or walk out onto the ice. Ice ridges have been formed by sheets of ice colliding and forming ridges out on Lake Superior. You have to watch you do not hit these at night on your snowmobile as the outcome could be deadly.

Point des Chenes
Ice formations at Pointe des Chenes. (Photo credit: Sheri Minardi Photography)

Gros Cap

Gros Cap is a beautiful area to put on your snowshoes and head out along the shore and explore the ice ridges and formations. You will meet many people with their children climbing up the formations and crawling long the ridges. On a beautiful sunny day, what better way to get your exercise and soak in the beauty along Lake Superior?

ExploringGrosCap
Exploring Gros Cap. (Photo credit: Sheri Minardi Photography)
Exploring Gros Cap
Exploring Gros Cap. (Photo credit: Sheri Minardi Photography)

Red Rock

Venture a little further north to Red Rock and find some little ice caves and ice bridges. You can get out onto the ice at the Red Rock Park entrance so that you do not disturb the local home owners. You will find little ice huts for anglers dotting the ice which are a necessity to protect you from the jack hammer winds that come up.

Ice bridge at Red Rock on Lake Superior
Ice bridge at Red Rock on Lake Superior. (Photo credit: Sheri Minardi Photography)
Fishing Hut at Red Rock
Fishing Hut at Red Rock. (Photo credit: Sheri Minardi Photography)
RedRock IceCave
Red Rock Ice Cave. (Photo credit: Sheri Minardi Photography)
Relaxing RedRockIceCave
Relaxing in a Red Rock Ice Cave. (Photo credit: Sheri Minardi Photography)

Coppermine Point

Coppermine Point is a beautiful area to explore with amazing ice ridges and caves along the way. We stayed close to shore on the ridges as you could hear Lake Superior moaning and groaning beneath the ice as this area is known for its huge waves crashing on the shore. We weren't sure of the undercurrents and the ice thickness so we stayed along the shore. This was our favourite spot along Lake Superior with magnificent ice structures.

IceWall Coppermine
Ice Wall at Coppermine Point. (Photo credit: Sheri Minardi Photography)
 
Ice Ridge at Coppermine Point
Ice Ridge at Coppermine Point. (Photo credit: Sheri Minardi Photography)

Alona Bay

Alona Bay has a beautiful scenic lookout for you to enjoy the icy coastline. It is also a good spot to have your picnic lunch while you look out at the frozen Lake Superior.

Alona Bay
Alona Bay, Lake Superior. (Photo credit: Sheri Minardi Photography)

Enjoy your outing making sure you have dressed appropriately for cold temperatures and piercing winds. Travel safely, being cautious of safe areas to travel on the ice and areas not to. Enjoy the beauty of Lake Superior along the ice ridges of the shoreline to be safe. You will be amazed at how spectacular winter can really be just outside your doorstep.

Viewing Ice Caves and Formations

  • You must proceed with caution, and at your own risk
  • It is only safe to walk on ice 4 inches thick or more
  • Never venture out alone into the wilderness

About Sheri Minardi

Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Sheri Minardi is a retired teacher from the Algoma District School Board. Along with a love of teaching, Sheri has a passion for photography. Sheri Minardi Photography captures the magnificent Algoma region through her lens. She loves to set out on adventures to capture wildlife, landscape and still life images. She also does commercial and lifestyle photography. She is a member of the Arts Council of Sault Ste. Marie, the Art Gallery of Algoma, a committee member of the Sylvan Circle Tour, and the admin of Photographers of Northern Ontario and Trading Post for Photographers on Facebook. Sheri is a freelance photographer and writer. To see more of her work, visit www.sheriminardi.com. Sheri is also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, 500px, ViewBug, Flickr, Google+, and Wordpress.

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