Transforming Visitor Access at Pukaskwa National Park
East Coast Docks collaborated with Pukaskwa National Park to design and implement a durable, eco-friendly dock system that withstands Lake Superior’s intense conditions. This modular, low-impact solution enhances accessibility for park visitors, including kayakers and park staff, while preserving the natural shoreline and meeting stringent environmental standards. Despite logistical challenges, including remote access and unpredictable weather, our innovative approaches, like helicopter transport and off-site pre-assembly, ensured seamless installation. The result? A resilient dock that enriches the visitor experience and supports sustainable recreation.
Before: Challenges at Pukaskwa National Park
The existing access to Pukaskwa’s shoreline posed numerous challenges. Visitors faced difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, making exploration dangerous. The existing pathways limited accessibility and were inadequate for inclusive visitor experiences, while fluctuating water levels and high winds presented continuous risks. Parks Canada sought a more resilient, environmentally-friendly solution to enhance accessibility and preserve the park’s beauty.
Designing the Solution: Crafting an Inclusive, Durable Walkway
To address these challenges, our team at East Coast Docks developed a custom EZTrail solution that prioritized accessibility, durability, and environmental preservation. Our modular design allowed for flexible configurations that fit seamlessly into the park’s unique contours while minimizing disruption. This
eco-friendly design was not only aesthetically aligned with the surrounding natural beauty but also engineered to protect and enhance the environment.
PROJECT GOALS
Safety & Accessibility
Our mission was to develop a robust dock system that provided safe and inclusive access for all Pukaskwa National Park visitors, including kayakers, canoeists, and park rangers. This system was designed to enhance visitor experience while maintaining stability amid Lake Superior's fluctuating conditions.
LOW MAINTENANCE
We prioritized a modular, heavy-duty dock solution using marine-grade aluminum and polyethylene, built to endure the high winds, wave activity, and water level changes unique to Lake Superior. Our design ensures exceptional durability with minimal maintenance requirements.
ECO-FRIENDLY
Preserving the pristine environment of Pukaskwa National Park was essential. We aimed to create an eco-friendly dock system that minimized shoreline disturbances, utilized sustainable materials, and adhered to stringent environmental standards, ensuring harmony between recreation and conservation.
Installation: Precision with Minimal Impact
Overcoming Challenges in Pukaskwa National Park
The Pukaskwa National Park project required innovative solutions due to its rugged terrain and delicate ecosystem. Equipment and materials were either hiked over a mile or airlifted by helicopter, while only hand or battery-powered tools were allowed to protect the environment. Respect for sacred land and minimizing wildlife disruption further guided the approach.
Environmentally Friendly Solutions
EZ Dock’s EZ Trail Floating Dock Walkway, made from durable and eco-friendly Virgin Polymer and LLDPE, offered a minimally invasive, low-maintenance solution, well-suited for harsh Ontario winters and easier to install than traditional docks.
Collaboration with Indigenous Knowledge
Local Indigenous team members provided invaluable land insights and cultural respect, ensuring project success. A blessing by a local elder marked the project’s completion, celebrating innovation, tradition, and environmental stewardship.
RESULTS AND IMPACT
The completed project exceeded expectations, delivering a stable, weather-resistant dock system seamlessly integrated with the park’s natural beauty. Visitors enjoy improved access, and park staff benefit from enhanced operational efficiency. The project demonstrated our commitment to environmental stewardship and accessibility, earning praise from Parks Canada and the local community.
Want to Enhance Your Visitor Experience?
Discover how our eco-friendly, accessible walkways can transform your park or site into a destination that captivates and inspires—all while preserving the beauty of nature.