Located at the Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site the Lapointe Point Nature Trail is perfect for a winter snowshoe outing.

Trail Details

Roundtrip: 3 km
Difficulty: Easy
Location: St. Joseph Island, Ontario
Google Map of the Trail

Directions to the Trailhead

Hopefully, you have a navigation system that you can use to direct you to Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site.  If not these are the directions from Sault Ste Marie;

1. Drive South on Highway 17 for about 45 km
2. Turn at the St Joseph Island signs onto highway 548 and follow the highway across the bridge onto St Joseph Island.
3. Continue on ON-548 S until you reach the stop sign at the corner where there is a restaurant and a coffee shop.
4. Turn right onto ON-548 following the signs to Richards Landing and drive for about 5 km
5. At the 4 way stop turn left onto 10th Side Rd and drive for 10 km
6. Turn right onto P Line Rd for 2.1 km
7. Turn left onto 5th Side Rd/ON-548 W for 6.1 km
8. Continue straight onto 5th Side Rd for 4.1 km
9. Turn right onto Concession Rd 4 for 2.0 km
10. Turn left onto A Line Rd for 2.9 km
11. Turn right onto Fort Rd for 1.4 km
12. In winter park near the locked gates.
13. In summer, turn onto Fort Road and park in the first parking lot on the right.

Lapointe Point Nature Trail Details

The park information says that the LaPointe Point Trail passes the site of the temporary fort built to house soldiers working on Fort St. Joseph.  But I really didn’t see it.

The trailhead sign indicates that this area is recognized as a migratory bird sanctuary and there are some informational signs along the way for people who are interested in learning more.

The trail is an easy walk through a beautiful forest trail to the shore of the St. Mary’s River with views of Pirate Island, Janden Island, and Potagannissing Bay.

Once you get to the shore you can return back the way you came.

Or, if you are sure the ice is thick enough, you might be able to snowshoe along the shoreline to the East toward Jocelyn Park and then back to the park entrance where your vehicle is parked.

Disclaimer -Walk on the ice at your own risk.  Walking across the ice is not for beginners. You need to have experience and knowledge before you walk on the ice.  You must use your own judgment to determine if the ice is safe and know what to do if someone does go through the ice.

If you caught the snowshoeing bug, try some of these other winter trails.