Schreiber combines hiking trails on Lake Superior with reminders of its railway history. The Casque Isles Trail passes through town, alongside shorter hiking options, a beach on the lake and cultural attractions. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to focus on a longer hike spanning several communities, a shorter route or historical themes.
Hiking Between Town and Lake
The Casque Isles Trail is 53 km long and classified as a recreational and wilderness trail. It begins in Rossport, passes through Schreiber and ends in Terrace Bay. Its route therefore spans several communities. If you plan to hike this trail, check trail conditions and access before setting out.
A shorter option is the Picnic Table Lookout Trail at Schreiber’s southernmost end. It is rated easy and covers 2 km each way to a lookout; the round trip makes for a 4 km route. Compared with the 53 km Casque Isles Trail, this is a much shorter, clearly defined hike. Here too, you should check trail conditions before setting out.
The Red Chair Trail is considered the shortest and relatively easiest trail to explore. At the chairs, hikers stand on unique rock formations along the shore of Lake Superior. The lakeshore and its rock formations therefore shape the character of this trail.
At Schreiber Beach, the Schreiber Channel segment of the Casque Isles Trail has an access point; access is via Isbester Drive in Schreiber. Trail access may vary, so it is recommended that you check conditions before setting out. The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail also connects the town area with the water at Schreiber Beach.
Schreiber Beach is a local destination on Lake Superior, with open views of the lake and a quiet shoreline near town. Parking is available nearby; visitor services may vary by season. The beach and trails offer different ways to include Lake Superior in your stay.
Railway History and Community Life
Schreiber was founded in the 1880s as a railway construction camp and later became a Canadian Pacific Railway terminal. The Schreiber Discovery Centre & Railway Museum features a historic locomotive, a passenger car and a freight car. Two restored railway cars are part of the museum; one is a VR car with a video about the history of Schreiber and the Canadian Pacific Railway.
A restored freight car houses a screening room. There, visitors can watch a short film about the Canadian Pacific Railway’s connection to Lake Superior. The museum brings railway history to life through both vehicles and films. Topics range from Schreiber’s development as a railway construction camp to the railway’s connection with the region around the lake.
The Schreiber Cemetery Heritage Tour offers another perspective on the community. It invites visitors to explore the cemetery and learn more about the people and stories that have shaped Schreiber. While the museum features railway artifacts and films, the tour focuses on people and local history.
Discover more destinations: Kirkland Lake, Eganville, Mount Forest, Deep River.
Return to the main travel overview: Ontario.
