A Superior Flying Experience: Aerial Tours of Lake Superior

The thrill of flying over the world's biggest lake—and 4 natural wonders to spot from the air.

From the front seat of a Turbine Otter converted World War I seaplane, it was quickly apparent how big Lake Superior truly is. The body of water is the largest freshwater lake in the world and even from my vantage point a few thousand feet above, I couldn't see land on the eastern horizon. To my left was pilot Guy Cannon, and to my right was an endless view of the world's biggest lake.

A Spectacular View of Superior

It was the start of a seven-day vacation in Thunder Bay and I was on an aerial tour with Wilderness North. The company's fleet of float planes routinely takes guests to remote fishing lodges on Lake Superior, but we were on a one-hour scenic flight. A bird's-eye view of Lake Superior is an epic vantage point and an experience not to be missed. It was my first time riding shotgun in an airplane, so I pushed the window down and hung my head out. Here's everything you can expect to see on a tour of the lake. 

1. Birds Eye View of Kakabeka Falls

Aerial Kakabeka Falls 660
 

The nine-passenger seaplane was originally built in the 1950s, but later rebuilt with a turbine in the 1980s. Normally, Cannon says he flies over areas that cars can't get to, but since recent rainstorms had filled the lakes and streams, the Kaministiquia River was high. It drops 40 meters at Kakabeka Falls creating a spectacular waterfall and was worth the inland detour. Circling back towards the lake, we flew low over the boreal forest and along the river's inlet into the big lake.

2. Hunders of Islands on Superior

Back over the water, we headed south toward the Welcome Islands, Flatland Island and Pie Island. Boats sailed on the sparkling water below. The northern region of Lake Superior is home to the future Lake Superior Marine Conservation Area which will be the largest freshwater conservation area in the world once established, and from my viewpoint, it was easy to see why this place was special.

3. Silver Islet 

Aerial Silver Islet 660
 

The turquoise body of water looks more like the South Pacific than a lake from the air. It's clean and clear, and home to an abundance of wildlife including a few Ontario species at risk. Rocky islands and sandy islets are scattered throughout the lake and along the north shore. We looped around the north shore and circled over the Silver Islet, which was once the location of the world's largest silver mine. From the air, we stared down at the now-defunct mining shafts.

4. The Sleeping Giant

Next we flew over Trowbridge Island, which is home to a fully-operational solar-powered lighthouse, and then we were heading west again towards Thunder Bay and flying low over the Sleeping Giant. The Ontario Provincial Park is home to local lore and named for the giant rock monolith that resembles a giant sleeping on his back when viewed from Thunder Bay. But from the air, the giant is simply a stack of volcanic rock mesas that jut out into the world's biggest lake.

Book an Aerial Tour of Lake Superior 

Aerial Plane WildernessNorth 660
 

Aerial toursstart at $99 per person and can be customized by route and time in the air. For more information, visit wildernessnorth.com.

About Monica Prelle

Monica Prelle is an outdoors, wine and travel writer. She is the camping editor and writer for About.com. Monica’s adventure travels have taken her sailing on the world’s biggest lake, mountain biking in the Colorado Rockies, wine touring in the Napa Valley, road tripping in Mexico and surfing in Fiji. Her writing and photography has been published in Alaska Airlines Magazine, Backcountry Magazine, Bespoke Magazine,  and online at the Matador Network and the Active Times.  Monica lives with her husband and dog in California’s eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Recommended Articles

Anishinaabe Stories

Learn about the Wendigo and Nanaboozhoo the Trickster.

10 Reasons to *NOT* Travel the Lake Superior Circle Tour

Travel this scenic Northern Ontario tour at your own risk: no other destination will ever compare to this journey of a lifetime!

10 Fall Lookouts Near Thunder Bay

The best and most colourful views are all within driving distance!

The Anishinaabe Legends

Learn about the The Crying Woman of Manitou Falls and the Little People of Doghead Mountain

Thunder Bay Halloween Events

Unleash the Halloween Spirit in Thunder Bay: Haunted Fort Night, Pumpkinfest, THE HUNGER, and Terror in the Bay Film Festival

9 Facts About Lake Nipigon

Did you know it's the largest lake fully within Ontario's borders?

10 Amazing Facts about the Northern Lights

Can you hear the Northern Lights? Can you smell them? Find out!

Highway 17 Treasures through Superior Country

A locals' guide to a righteous road trip in Northern Ontario

Get-it-for-the-GRAM!

Insta-worthy spots in Superior Country

Seeing is Believing

Experiencing Lake Superior, the land of the Sleeping Giant and Silver Islet.

11 Things to Do in Silver Islet, Ontario

Submerged mineshafts, Sea Lion Rock, and black sand beaches await in this historic mining town.

Have you climbed a waterfall lately?

Why Northern Ontario ice climbing is having a moment.

Fishing Beteau Lake & the magical Attawapiskat River

A successful week of Pike and Walleye fishing at Gray Wood Outfitters

11 Things to See and Do in Neebing, Ontario

There is so much to discover in this Northwestern Ontario community

6 Amazing Facts About Red Rock, Ontario

Located just off Highway 17 along the shores of Lake Superior, this tiny town is packed full of interesting history!

Gunilda's Life on the Water

Discover the fascinating history of steam yacht Gunilda—from construction to seafaring adventures to its tragic end at the bottom of Lake Superior over a century ago.

5 Interesting Facts about Loons

From their calming presence on the lake to their haunting songs, everybody loves loons.

Whitefish Lake - An Ontario gem

An adventure worth talking about year round

Natural Wonders of Superior Country

Natural attractions that you should cross off your bucket list

Ontario Crown Land Camping

Camping on Crown land (for free) is a right afforded every Canadian citizen. Learn how this incredible experience can benefit your mental health.