PHASE I - SHABAQUA TRAIL 45.9 KM (OPEN)

Note: The trail is considered as a moderate difficulty remote recreation hiking trail. Use at own risk. Trail directional arrows, Trans Canada Trail markers, and blue blazes have been installed along the route. Always have a map, compass, and the downloaded trail route which is available to Voyageur Trail Association members. To access downloadable trail routes and to become a member visit the Voyageur Trail Association web page.

This route was chosen as our first phase trail due to it being primarily on Crown lands, as it was anticipated the approval process would be much less laborious than the other proposed trails. Despite delays due to the pandemic, and staffing changes and shortages at the local Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry office, that assumption was relatively correct. We received our MNRF Trail Work Permit approval on August 14/23, which then allowed us to move forward on establishing the short "connector" trails needed to take advantage of existing old roads and trails to make one contiguous trail.

The official east trailhead begins on Highway 590 at Sovereign Road (48.39821, -89.70080) about 7 km. west of Kakabeka Falls. From that point it travels northwest toward Shabaqua using a mix of township roads, old unused logging roads, existing trails, and new trails. Plans for 2026 include extending the trail 15 km. to Kakabeka Falls.

As of 04/26, the route officially stands at 45.9 km/28.5 mi. in length.

SHABAQUA TRAIL ROUTE

The map and spreadsheet below indicate mileage references and elevations from Kakabeka Falls to Shabaqua

The Shabaqua Trail's elevation rises continuously from approximately 335 m/1,200 ft. above sea level at the east trailhead location at Highway 590/Sovereign Road (48.39828, -89.70026) to a maximum approximate height of 560 m/1,840 ft at its mid point (48.46351, -89.83157). From there it begins its descent to around 420 m/1,380 ft as it approaches Shabaqua (48.59364, -89.88823).

To put this in context, Mount McKay in Thunder Bay is approximately 480 m/1,575 ft. above sea level. This means that once you hit the peak of the trail, you would be technically looking down at the top of Mt. McKay. 

Camping is permitted anywhere on Crown land. Although much of the trail is on public lands, Sovereign Road and Fleming Road do have both public and private lands abutting them. It is up to the individual to make sure they are on public and not private lands when they camp. There are several road access points which will benefit "day" or "section" hikers. There are several good campsite locations along the route with water access, but at this point we have not officially designated them as such.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO FULLY EXTINGUISH ALL CAMPFIRES

SHABAQUA TRAIL - TRAIL MAINTENANCE/AUDIT INFO:

NWORTA is committed to providing the best trail experience possible. We are able to provide that through regular trail audits and maintenance outings by our dedicated volunteers. If you experience anything that requires our attention, please notify us via email: nworta@nworta.ca. Thank you!

SHABAQUA TRAIL EXPANSION PLAN

NWORTA plans to expand the Shabaqua Trail by 15 km. from the east trailhead at Sovereign Road to Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park and Kakabeka Falls itself. The expansion route is approximately 15 km. and is shown below. Expected completion date late 2026.