Looking for some excellent remote cruising? Lake Superior rewards the patient cruiser with haunting beauty and grand adventure, including coniferous forests, cliffs, waterfalls, and pristine anchorages.

Lake Superior, known as the "Mother of the Great Lakes," stands as the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area, covering nearly 31,700 square miles. It ranks third in volume among the world's freshwater lakes. This majestic lake is renowned for its cold, deep waters, stunning scenery, and evidence of glaciation. 

Cruising Conditions

• Geography: Extends 350 miles west-east and 160 miles north-south, with nearly 2,800 miles of shoreline, including islands.
• Depth: Average depth is 483 feet, with some areas reaching 1,332 feet. Deep waters mitigate the short, choppy seas found in shallower bays but can produce large waves during gales.
• Landscapes: Features a variety from sand beaches to rocky cliffs, with few marinas and services on the eastern and northern shores. Preparation is key for navigating this vast and varied terrain.

Navigation

• Characteristics: Lake Superior behaves like an inland sea with a significant influence on regional weather, including fog and discernible swells.
• Challenges: Includes submerged logs, granite outcroppings, and fluctuating water levels. Navigation tools like radar systems, chart plotters, and familiarity with coastal navigation are essential.

Weather Concerns

• Temperatures: Cool throughout summer, with surface temperatures in the low to mid-60s and deeper waters averaging 39 degrees year-round. Adequate cold-weather clothing is essential.
• Fog: Frequent due to the interaction of warm shore air with cold lake air, requiring careful planning and flexibility in cruising schedules.
• Forecasting: Relatively reliable from May through August, with forecasts available through NOAA and Environment Canada.

Canadian Customs

• Reporting Requirements: Immediate reporting is required upon docking, anchoring, or contact with another vessel, with options including calling CBSA, reporting in-person at a marine reporting site, or enrolling in the NEXUS program for pre-approved low-risk travelers.

Lake Superior offers a unique cruising experience away from the traditional Great Loop Route, demanding careful planning, preparation, and respect for its vast and varied conditions. Its remote beauty, challenging navigation, and cold, invigorating waters make it a rewarding adventure for the patient and prepared cruiser.

Read the full chapter in Waterway Guide Great Lakes Volume 2.