Canoeing
For the more adventurous campers who want to leave
civilization behind, the Temagami region contains
over 8,000 square kilometers of interconnecting canoe
routes. Hundreds of rock and pine clad lakes, adjoining
wetlands, and wild rivers provide breathtaking scenery
and a wide diversity of wildlife. Temagami is most
famous for its majestic and rare stands of old growth
red and white pine. These inspiring forests contain
trees up to 350 years old.
The unique and varied features of the
Temagami area have been recognized in the establishment
of several waterway and wilderness provincial parks,
and continues to be a favourite area for canoe tripping.
These parks include the Lady Evelyn
- Smoothwater Wilderness Park, containing scenic look-outs
at Maple Mountain, and Ontario's highest point, the
Ishpatina Ridge (693 meters or 2, 275 feet). Other
popular points include the clear blue waters of Smoothwater
and Sunnywater Lakes, numerous hiking trails, and
several scenic waterfalls. Obabika River Waterway
Park extends southwest along Lady Evelyn Lake, Diamond
Lake, and the Obabika River. Known as "Big Pine
Country", this area boasts pristine lakes lined
with magnificent old pine. The Obabika River contains
wetland communities that are famous with nature photographers
for moose observation, while the Wakimika Triangle
is noted for its old growth pine stands and hiking
trails. Running to the northwest is the Sturgeon River
Waterway Park with over 60 sets of rapids providing
early season whitewater fun! Completing the loop back
to Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Park is the Solace Waterway
Park with its classic flatwater paddling through pristine
lakes. Over 20 canoe routes are well documented in
the map "Temagami Canoe Routes", the best
guide to your canoeing vacation.
Any trip into the wilderness should
be well planned and within your level of skill. Guides
and outfitting services are listed in the accommodations
directory. No-trace camping and conservation of land
and water are practiced and encouraged in Temagami.
Lake Temagami supports a large number of campsites
that can be used by canoeists during their travels.
Some of these have privy boxes, which should be used
when available. Packing out what you bring in is highly
encouraged. By eliminating waste left behind and leaving
a small footprint, we can ensure the use of these
routes for future generations to come and experience
a Temagami vacation.
If you are planning a canoeing vacation,
one of the local outfitters would be happy to give
you their expertise and set you up for an adventure
on a travel route that will match your skill.
You can paddle to either Maple Mountain
and Ishpatina Ridge, Ontario's two highest points
of land. Both have dramatic 360o vistas stretching
to the very edge of Temagami's rugged backcountry.
Here is a picture of one of our Georgetown neighbours
on the mountain.
Temagami has more registered archaeological
sites than anywhere else in northern Ontario. You
will encounter history with every paddle stroke or
snowshoe step, from Anishnabe pictographs to relics
from the olden days of lumbering in Ontario
But for a relaxing afternoon, why not
just take the Stagger Inn canoe out on the lake for
a leisurely paddle. Don’t forget to take one
of our Safety Kits along with you, as well as a PFD
for each person (required by law).
