How to Get to Bathtub Island, Lake Superior

Have you been wondering how to get to Bathtub Island? You’ve come to the right place.

Bathtub Island is a unique outdoor experience in Northern Ontario. It’s known for its unique rock formation, which creates a natural pool of water resembling an actual bathtub.

Driving from Toronto or Sault Ste Marie, you can easily miss it.

As an avid explorer who’s visited Bathtub Island and many other Ontario gems, I can help you find your way here.

Let’s get right into how to find Bathtub Island, where to park, driving directions, and more.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Where is Bathtub Island Located?

Bathtub Island is located in Lake Superior Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada. Found in the southern part of the park, it’s approximately 150 km from Sault Ste. Marie to reach Katherine Cove.

While it’s not clearly labelled on Google Maps, you can find the coordinates of Bathtub Island: 47°26’10.9″N 84°44’46.4″W

It is the closer of two islands just off the shore. While it doesn’t look like a bathtub from far away, once on the island you can see where it gets its name from.

How to Get to Bathtub Island

To get to Bathtub Island, you first need to drive to Katherine Cove Picnic Area.

From there, you can pick between a 30-minute scenic hike along the Lake Superior Coastal Trail or a quicker 15-minute walk along the highway to the trailhead leading to Bathtub Island.

Whichever route you take, stay on the trail and respect the fragile plants growing in the sand.

Scenic Hiking Route

Head south towards the lake from Katherine Cove Picnic Area. Follow the blue walking man signs on trees and make sure to wear hiking shoes for the forest parts of the trail. This hike is part of the Lake Superior Coastal Trail.

You’ll traverse rocks, boulders, and paths before reaching another sandy beach with Bathtub Island in sight. Walk along the beach until you reach the sandbar.

Quicker Hiking Route

From Katherine Cove Picnic Area, walk towards the beach. Turn left and walk toward the shortest point between the beach and the island.

It may not be as picturesque, but there’s a safe walking area beside the road. Keep an eye out for a trailhead on the right leading to the beach where you will descend along sand dunes.

This is the route I took when I visited and it was easy to follow.

The Sandbar

Once on the beach, Bathtub Island awaits. The sandbar is your access to the island.

Remove your shoes, switch to water-friendly footwear or go barefoot, and wade through the knee-deep water.

Be prepared. The water is chilly but feels refreshing on a hot summer day.

Wear clothes that can get wet and keep any camera gear in a dry bag or hold it above your head while walking so it doesn’t get soaked when walking to the island.

Visiting Bathtub Island

Once you walk over to the sandbar, you can carefully climb onto the rocks and you’ve reached Bathtub Island!

You will see a few small pools and a large pool that is known as the natural bathtub. It’s not very deep, so it’s not as cold as the lake itself.

From the far end of the island, you can jump off the rocks into Lake Superior.

You can also enjoy sunbathing on the rocks. Or pack snacks and enjoy the afternoon checking out the island.

I found the water freezing during early August, so I didn’t jump off the rocks but I did enjoy the bathtub pool. There were only a few others on the island during my visit, which made it very peaceful and relaxing.

I’ve heard some people compare Bathtub Island to a Caribbean Island, and while it’s not comparable to visiting Barbados, it is a nice spot to swim in Ontario.

Where Do You Park for Bathtub Island?

There is a small parking lot available at Katherine Cove Picnic Area. It holds no more than 20 vehicles so go early or close to sunset.

Tip: Park closer to the left side of the parking lot and you will be closer to the start of the trail.

Parking along the highway is not allowed. You might see cars parked there, but it could result in a ticket. So if you park outside of the small parking lot it’s at your own risk.

relaxing in the natural pools on bathtub island

What to Pack for Visiting Bathtub Island

Here are things to bring when visiting:

bathing suit
towel
sunscreen
water shoes or water hiking shoes
snacks
water
waterproof camera or waterproof case for your phone
backpack

driving to bathtub island from sault ste marie

Bathtub Island Directions

Driving Directions from Sault Ste Marie (starting downtown):

Head North on Bruce Street towards King St
Turn Left onto Melrose Ave
Turn Right onto McNabb St
Turn Left onto Great Northern Rd
Continue onto Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-17 N
Katherine Cove Picnic Area will be on your left

Bathtub Island Map

Lake Superior Provincial Park Admission Fee

Lake Superior Provincial Park is open from mid-May to mid-October and there is a day-use fee (except if you are only driving through).

A day pass starts at $15.50 CAD per vehicle. Seasonal passes are also available.

Passes can be purchased online or at the Lake Superior Provincial Park Visitors Centre.

If the park is busy, they may limit entry so it’s best to reserve your daily vehicle permit (up to 5 days in advance) or visit on a weekday. I visited mid-week and the park was pretty quiet.

Things to Do in Lake Superior Provincial Park

Sand River Falls – cascading waterfall close to the highway
Agawa Rocks Pictographs – an Indigenous archaeological site with pictographs
Agawa River Falls – 20km hike to a tall waterfall
Nokomis Trail – 5km hike following Old Woman River through the forest

Places to Stop Along the Way to Katherine Cove

Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Trail – a hike leading to a great lookout over Lake Superior (I did this hike)
Agawa Crafts and the Carver – for souvenirs and ice cream
The Voyageur Lodge – for souvenir shopping
Chippewa Falls – beautiful waterfall along the route (I visited this waterfall)

Where to Stay near Lake Superior Provincial Park

McCauley’s Havilland Bay – hotel in Batchwana Bay near the beach

Starry Ridge Cabin – rustic cabin near Agawa Bay

Marina Bay House – 4-season cottage on the edge of Lake Superior Provincial Park

You can also camp within the park at Rabbit Lake and Agawa Bay. Summer sites book in advance, so plan your stay early.

FAQs about Visiting Katherine Cove Bathtub Island

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Bathtub Island?

The best time of year to visit Bathtub Island is during the warmest summer month of July and August. The water is less cold which is refreshing for swimming, the days are longer, and there’s less rain.

How Far is Bathtub Island from Sault Ste Marie?

The driving distance to Bathtub Island from Sault Ste Marie is approximately 150 km, which takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive. It’s easy to do as a summer day trip from Sault Ste Marie.

Drive the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 17 until you reach Katherine Cove. There is no public transportation, so you will need a car to get here.

How Far is Bathtub Island from Toronto?

The driving distance to Bathtub Island from Toronto is approximately 850 km, which takes 8 hours and 45 minutes to drive.

It makes for a fun road trip in Ontario, perfect for long weekends or a week of camping in the area like I did.

Is There a Bathroom at Bathtub Island Beach?

There is no bathroom on Bathtub Island Beach itself. There is a restroom in the parking area of Katherine Cove Picnic Area. Make sure you use it before you go swimming.

Final Thoughts: Bathtub Island, Lake Superior

Bathtub Island on Lake Superior is a hidden gem in Ontario that more people are slowly starting to discover. The hike to find this spot is worth the effort.

Whether you’re looking for a road trip from Toronto or a weekend getaway from Sault Ste Marie, Bathtub Island is a great place to relax on Lake Superior.

And when you finish swimming, there are so many adventures waiting for you at Lake Superior Provincial Park, including Agawa Rocks Pictographs, Sand River Falls, Nokomis Trail, and more.