Embedded Files
The following are suggested hike options to complete the Shabaqua Trail, which includes section hiking (day hiking), and overnight (back-packing). The trail can be done in one day, however that is typically recommended for very ardent and active hikers. It is suggested that you break the trail length down to more manageable and enjoyable bites, typically 20-30 km./12-18 mi per day.
The Shabaqua Trail official distance is 45 km. This means you could comfortably do the entire trail in 2 days, involving one night of camping along the route. Adding a second night would provide more time to enjoy the sights and explore the area. Most of this trail is located on Crown (public) land, so campsite options can be anywhere along the route. There are no official campsite locations as of yet. Ideally, you would want to select a site at or near water. While this is not always feasible, it is recommended to make sure to bring enough water with you, or filter water where it is available as you go.
The official east trailhead location is located at Highway 590 and Sovereign Road in O'Connor Township west of Kakabeka Falls (48.39838, -89.70080). The official west trailhead location is in Shabaqua, further west of Kakabeka Falls (48.59329, -89.88872). Parking is limited in both locations. In Shabaqua, there is a gas station/store/hotel on the north side of Highway 11/17, so you could ask permission from the owners to park a vehicle there.
The initial 5 km. of trail follows township roads (Sovereign, Fleming Roads) which is not overly exciting in terms of trail experience. Future plans include removing this section from the traveled roadway. From there (Strom Road) is where the trail takes on a more expected natural experience. The trail continues west and north via a combination of snowmobile trails, and old unused/lightly used logging roads, which are connected together with short connector trails.
As you travel along the trail, it will continue to trend uphill from 335 m./1,100 ft, reaching a peak of about 558 m./1,830 ft. (48.46342, -89.83055) at about the 20 km. mark. From there it trends downward to about 400 m./1,300 ft at Shabaqua. For perspective, Mt. McKay in Thunder Bay is 480 m./1,550 ft. Unfortunately, at this time there are no spectacular lookout vantage points. We hope to add those at some time in the future.
Although located in a fairly remote area, cell phone reception is available sporadically along the trail. Always download the trail route to your favourite electronic device, and carry a battery pack and charge cord. Also always have a hard copy map and compass, and know how to use them. As it is part of the Trans Canada Trail, you can view more trail details by going to the Trans Canada Trail interactive map, download the trail from our website, and/or visit AllTrails.
Section hiking (day hiking):
Section hiking allows completion of a long-distance trail in segments, which can be tackled over weekends or vacation days spread out over months or even years. It’s a flexible approach that lets you experience the thrill of a thru-hike without the extensive time commitment.
Back-packing (multi-day hiking):
Backpacking combines hiking with wilderness camping, in which you carry your life on your back as you traverse through diverse landscapes. It requires careful planning and self-sufficiency, as you’ll be spending one or several nights under the stars, far from modern conveniences.
Below is a Trail Mileage Chart for the Shabaqua Trail to assist in your hike planning. You can also access an up to date mileage chart here. You can shorten and adjust your planned hike to suit your needs.
SINGLE DAY THRU-HIKE:
Trail Distance: 45 km.
Start location: east trailhead Kakabeka Falls, ON (48.39838, -89.70080)
End location: west trailhead Shabaqua, ON (48.59329, -89.88872)
Notes:
limited parking at east trailhead (Highway 590/Sovereign Road)
limited parking west trailhead (Shabaqua)
trail follows township roads, snowmobile trails, old unused/lightly used logging roads, and new trails
highest trail elevation 558 m./1,830 ft. (48.46342, -89.83055)
waterfall viewing/swimming at Matawin River
exercise caution - anticipate active logging operations, automobiles, atvs.
2 DAY SECTION HIKE (multi-single day)
Trail Distance: 45 km/28 mi
1st section: 23.2 km/14.4 mi.
Start location: east trailhead Kakabeka Falls, ON (48.39838, -89.70080)
End location: KM 13 Road (48.47923, -89.86288)
Notes:
limited parking at east trailhead
limited parking on Adrian Lake Road at KM 13.6 - trail is 0.6 km. east of Adrian Lake Road
trail follows township roads, snowmobile trails, old unused/lightly used logging roads, and new trails
highest trail elevation 558 m./1,830 ft. (48.46342, -89.83055)
exercise caution - anticipate active logging operations, automobiles, atvs.
2nd section: 21.8 km/13.6 mi.
Start location: KM 13 Road at Adrian Lake Road (48.47923, -89.86288)
End location: west trailhead Shabaqua ON (48.59329, -89.88872)
Notes:
limited parking at KM 13 road/Adrian Lake Road - trail is 0.6 km. from Adrian Lake Road
limited parking west trailhead (Shabaqua)
trail follows township roads, snowmobile trails, old unused/lightly used logging roads, and new trails
exercise caution - anticipate active logging operations, automobiles, atvs.
2 DAY BACK-PACK HIKE (overnight):
Trail Distance: 45 km/28 mi
Day 1: 23.2 km/14.4 mi.
Start location: east trailhead Kakabeka Falls, ON (48.39838, -89.70080)
End location: KM 13 Road (48.47923, -89.86288)
Notes:
limited parking at east trailhead
limited parking on Adrian Lake Road at KM 13.6 - trail is 0.6 km. east of Adrian Lake Road
trail follows township roads, snowmobile trails, old unused/lightly used logging roads, and new trails
exercise caution - anticipate active logging operations, automobiles, atvs.
highest trail elevation 558 m./1,830 ft. (48.46342, -89.83055)
Day 2: 21.8 km/13.6 mi.
Start location: KM 13 Road at Adrian Lake Road (48.47923, -89.86288)
End location: west trailhead Shabaqua ON (48.59329, -89.88872)
Notes:
limited parking at KM 13 road/Adrian Lake Road - trail is 0.6 km. from Adrian Lake Road
limited parking west trailhead (Shabaqua)
trail follows township roads, snowmobile trails, old unused/lightly used logging roads, and new trails
waterfall viewing/swimming at Matawin River
exercise caution - anticipate active logging operations, automobiles, atvs.
Page updated
Report abuse