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Simpson Island facts for kids

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Simpson Island
Geography
Location Lake Superior
Coordinates 48°46′N 87°40′W / 48.767°N 87.667°W / 48.767; -87.667
Area 73 km2 (28 sq mi)
Length 16 km (9.9 mi)
Width 10 km (6 mi)
Administration
Canada
Province Ontario
District Thunder Bay
Demographics
Population uninhabited nature reserve

Simpson Island is a large island located in Lake Superior, Canada. It sits off the north shore, near Nipigon Bay in Northern Ontario. This island is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the mainland. It's also around 13 kilometers (8 miles) southwest of a small town called Rossport. Simpson Island is 113 kilometers (70 miles) northeast of Thunder Bay, a larger city in the district.

Simpson Island is the fourth biggest island in Lake Superior. It is also the fifteenth largest in all the Great Lakes. The island covers 73 square kilometers (28 square miles). It is 16 kilometers (10 miles) long and 10 kilometers (6 miles) wide. Even though no one lives there, it's a popular spot for kayakers. It's known for its wild and natural beauty.

Exploring Simpson Island

Simpson Island is a truly wild place. It has been described as a "rugged wilderness." This means it is a natural area that has not been changed much by people. Because it is uninhabited, the island is a peaceful home for many plants and animals.

A Haven for Kayakers

Even without people living there, Simpson Island is a popular place to visit. Many people who love outdoor adventures come here. It is a favorite destination for kayakers. They enjoy paddling around the island and exploring its natural coastline.

Island History: Sandstone Quarries

Long ago, in the early 1900s, Simpson Island had a different purpose. It was home to sandstone quarries. A quarry is a large pit dug into the ground. It is used to get out stone or other materials. The sandstone from Simpson Island was very useful. It was used as building stone. This stone helped construct buildings in cities like Port Arthur and Fort William in Ontario. It was also sent to cities in the United States.

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