Amethyst Harbour: Bay, Rock and Water on Lake Superior

Amethyst Harbour is on Lake Superior, on the northeastern side of Amethyst Bay; Lambert Island shelters the bay to the south. Water, bay and island form the geographical setting for a stay where kayaking or canoeing and striking landscape views offer different points of focus. There is also a prominent landmark on land: The Peak, a rock formation that rises abruptly. If you are choosing a destination based on its scenery and water experiences, you can compare exploring from the water with the view from the summit.

The Peak and the panoramic view

The Peak rises abruptly, with a drop of about 80 or 90 feet. On clear days, the summit offers a panoramic view. The view is therefore specifically dependent on clear weather. If a sweeping view is a particular interest during your stay, this lookout offers a different landscape experience from exploring the bay and island by canoe or kayak. In Amethyst Harbour, a distinctive rock vista and activities on the water sit side by side, offering different kinds of travel experiences.

Harbour and public dock

The harbour is 4.2 m deep; the water depth at the harbour entrance is 3.6 m. Small boats can find a sheltered anchorage in Amethyst Harbour in all winds, but local knowledge is required. The public dock is at the end of the harbour. It is 267 feet (81 m) long and 12 feet (3.7 m) wide; the water depth along the dock is 5 feet (1.5 m).

The figures refer to different locations: 4.2 m for the harbour, 3.6 m for the entrance and 1.5 m for the water along the dock. If your stay focuses on activities with small boats, the information about the anchorage and dock provides useful reference points; the requirement for local knowledge is part of the guidance about the anchorage.

Exploration and sports program

You can explore Amethyst Harbour and nearby Caribou Island to the east by kayak or canoe. The summer sports program of the Amethyst Harbour Campers Association includes activities such as trail cycling and orienteering in the morning. In the afternoon, activities include swimming and tennis. The schedule distinguishes the activities by time of day: trail cycling and orienteering in the morning, swimming and tennis in the afternoon. When planning your trip, you can weigh exploring on your own by canoe or kayak against taking part in the program’s sports.

The August long weekend includes a one-mile swim from the island to the main dock, a water sports day and a children’s triathlon. The swim connects two named points, the island and the main dock; the other two events each have their own focus, with water sports and a triathlon. The weekend brings together three specific sporting events, including a swim route between the island and the dock. If you are interested in events like these when planning your trip, the August long weekend offers a distinct focus alongside the summer sports program.

Discover more destinations

For more inspiration, also explore Nipigon, Thunder Bay, Nolalu, Manitouwadge and Kakabeka Falls.

For the broader travel overview: Thunder Bay District.