Peary Lake

The Cruiser Lake Trail offers a deep dive into the rugged wilderness of Voyageurs National Park, guiding you through a varied landscape of dense boreal forests, tranquil wetlands, and dramatic rocky cliffs. You'll traverse narrow paths often strewn with rocks and roots, enjoying picturesque views of pristine waters like Agnes Lake and Peary Lake, truly feeling like you're exploring parts of the park less visited by others. This difficult 15.7-mile (25.2 km) hike, with its 852 feet (260 metres) of elevation gain, is a challenging yet rewarding experience that typically takes around 6 hours and 42 minutes.

Planning your visit to the Cruiser Lake Trail requires a bit of foresight, as it's primarily accessible by boat, making it a true backcountry adventure. Remember that pets are not allowed on the trails in Voyageurs National Park, a measure taken to protect the local wolf population. While it can be tackled as a strenuous day hike, you also have the option to extend your trip into a multi-day backpacking excursion, utilizing the available backcountry campsites.

Considered the "crown jewel" of the park's trail system, the Cruiser Lake Trail provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, with chances to spot large mammals like moose, black bears, and even hear the howl of a wolf. The trail's remote access and rugged terrain contribute to its reputation as a genuine backcountry experience, offering a unique perspective on the park's diverse natural features and volcanic bedrock.

This difficult 12.3-mile hiking loop in Voyageurs National Park requires boat access and offers rugged terrain and stunning lake views.

Hike the moderate 10.7-mile Cruiser Lake Trail in Voyageurs National Park, accessible only by boat, for remote scenery and wildlife.