Geology

Pukaskwa is best known for its rugged mountainous coast, accented by shores of ancient granite bedrock and isolated sand and cobble beaches. Tip Top Mountain – at 646 metres, is one of the highest points of land in Ontario – adds to the uniqueness of this place. The land mass that includes the park is part of the Canadian Shield, comprising both igneous and metamorphic bedrock. Glaciation some 10,000 to 20,000 years ago is responsible for the shape and features of the land we know today. The rocky and mountainous terrain of the backcountry gives Pukaskwa its characteristic “rocky dome” topography.