Did you know that there was once an active volcano where the coast of Lake Superior is now? Well, there’s a hiking trail in this Ontario park that leads you along the route where it was. Here’s what to know about the Under the Volcano Trail.
Exploring Neys Provincial Park
Neys Provincial Park is famous for its scenic beauty! It’s so famous that it has been the subject of several Group of Seven paintings.
It’s located closer to the Manitoba border than it is to Toronto. It’s an 11-hour drive north of the city.
But it’s full of adventure and home to one of the finest sand beaches on Lake Superior’s north shore, according to Ontario Parks. It’s worth the trip.
It’s not all you’ll find, though. Here you’ll find sub-Arctic plants and possibly see a Woodland Caribou.
But to truly enjoy the sights of the park’s ecosystems, flora, fauna and geological formations, embark on a hiking trail.
The one not to miss is the park’s Under the Volcano Trail, located entirely along the coast of Lake Superior.
Volcanic history
According to Ontario Parks, about 2.6 billion years ago, in the early Precambrian era, the north shore of Lake Superior formed one of Earth’s earliest continental rock formations, which is now part of the Canadian Shield.
Around a billion years ago, these rocks began breaking apart during the Midcontinent Rift. Near Neys, magma rose through the Earth’s crust, forming a large magma chamber that fed a now-eroded volcano.
Ontario Parks continues to share that a few million years after the eruptions, the remaining magma cooled slowly, forming the coarse-grained igneous rocks that now dominate the park’s landscape.
Though most lava flows have eroded, parts of the volcano’s walls collapsed into the magma chamber, preserving large blocks of volcanic rock that are still visible today.
Trailing history
Now let’s get into the trail part of this story! Your journey starts where the Point Trail ends, which begins at Prisoner’s Cove.
It’s not an easy trail; it’ll take you about two hours to complete. It’s a 2.5 km long venture, about 5 km in total when you return.
And the great thing about this is that you get to choose your own adventure along its coastline.
Discover its unique geological, glacial and volcanic history, according to Ontario Parks. But stay aware of your surroundings and watch your step – rocks are slippery when wet.
“Under the Volcano Trail not only holds many cool rock formations and history, but it also holds life,” shares Ontario Parks.
“During your hike, look out for different types of plants that can grow in these difficult locations, as well as critters that have adapted to the landscape.”
You can hike back the way you came, or continue your journey through the Kopa Cove Trail. It’s yours to explore.
This park and its trails have delighted artists and visitors for years, so it’s safe to say that you won’t be disappointed.
When: Open until Oct. 14, 2025
Where: 1004 ON-17, Neys, Ont.
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