provincial parks near north bay

North Bay is the surrounded by multiple beautiful Provincial Parks, with most of them within an easy hour’s drive of our beautiful waterfront city.

Whether you are looking for day trip opportunities for a summer hike, paddle or to see northern Algonquin’s fall colours, a provincial park can be found in every direction north, south, east and west of North Bay.

North Bay is your perfect base and has multiple accommodation options to suit any and all budgets.

North Bay also provides the perfect spot to fill up on any needs including fuel, food and camping requirements before heading out to explore beautiful Northern Ontario.

Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin Park is synonymous with Ontario. Known for maple hills, rocky ridges, and thousands of lakes, it is a hiker and a paddlers paradise. It is also renowned for its hiking and biking trails, fishing, wildlife viewing and photography, birding, and year-round activities! Algonquin Park is a must for fall colours as well. North Bay has the advantage of being less than an hour’s drive from two lesser-known Northwestern Access Points, both of which offer an escape from the busy southern access points on Hwy 60.

KIOSK ACCESS POINT

The Kiosk Access Point near Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area is a fabulous day-trip from North Bay. Kioshkokwi Lake offers a small beach, swimming, canoeing, kayaking and is a great fishing spot for Lake Trout. Stop in at the Eau Claire Gorge on your way to Kiosk for a family-friendly hike and stunning views of the rapids and waterfalls tumbling through the steep gorge cliffs.  This full-service campground with flush toilets has a Visitor Centre staffed by a Ranger, and is a great starting point for exploring Algonquin Park by canoe or kayak if you are looking to go further.

KAWAWAYMOG ACCESS POINT

Access Point #1 near South River is the perfect spot for backcountry tripping. Located on Kawawaymog Lake, it is supported by multiple full-service outfitters offering four-season gear rentals and guided trips into the backcountry. If you prefer day-trips with a comfy homebase, Voyageur Outfitting rents cabins and cottages and can satisfy your hunger and thirst at the Broken Paddle Patio.  Kawawaymog is a local favourite for serious backcountry explorers and for guided family-friendly canoe trips.

mattawa river provincial park near north bay<br />

MATTAWA RIVER PROVINCIAL PARK

The Mattawa River was once an important route for voyageurs, trappers, and loggers, not to mention vital for Indigenous people inhabiting the region more than 6000 years ago. A Canadian Heritage River, the Mattawa River stretches from North Bay to the town of Mattawa on the Ontario/Quebec border. The Mattawa River Provincial Park is a non-operating park that features several rapids, an eight-metre waterfall, and channels, lakes, and ponds perfect for canoeing and kayaking. The Stepping Stones Hiking Trails are a great way to explore the park on foot. Located thirty minutes from North Bay, Mattawa River Provincial Park is a terrific area to fish, paddle, hike and soak in the history.

SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN PROVINCIAL PARK

A provincial park rich with history, Samuel de Champlain is located on the historic Mattawa River fur trade route in the Mattawa Valley. Samuel de Champlain is arguably at its best in the fall season, when you can hike amongst and get spectacular views of the fall foliage. You can learn about all the rich Canadian history in this region and even paddle a Voyageur canoe. The park is open for car camping and group camping. In addition to hiking the trail network, paddle Moore Lake and the upriver section of Amable du Fond River to explore views and see wildlife. Long Lake has beautiful cliffs and Pimisi Bay to Samuel de Champlain has exhilarating rapids and scenery, including Parresseux Falls. At around thirty minutes from North Bay, this is a park you’ll need to experience.
Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park Etienne Hiking Trails
Restoule Provincial Park early fall colours in September

RESTOULE PROVINCIAL PARK

The highlight of Restoule Provincial Park is paddling alongside ancient cedars at the base of a 100-meter-high cliff on Stormy Lake Bluff. If that isn’t thrilling enough, then hike the Fire Tower Trail for a terrific summer and fall colours view over Stormy Lake. Paddling isn’t the only thing to do at Restoule, however with over 8km’s of double- and single-track trails, you can mountain bike to your hearts delight. You can choose between car and RV camping, waterfront camping, or back country camping in beautiful maple forests and easy access sites on Restoule and Stormy Lake. Looking for a fall adventure? There are very few places in Ontario which have better fall colours  then Restoule Provincial Park. Located just one hour from North Bay, trust us – Restoule is an experience you do not want to miss out on.

Marten River Provincial Park

A gateway to the Temagami area, Marten River Provincial Park is a terrific base for canoeists, boaters, hikers, and anglers alike. A replica logging camp sits amongst towering, massive pines along the Transition Trail. There are plenty of logging contests and activities to make your day fun. Be charmed by the fiddlers, musicians, and lumberjack carvings on designated Lumberjack Days. Want to relax? No need to worry. Kick back on one of three beaches and soak up the sun or play around with some horseshoes or beach volleyball. Located less than one-hour from North Bay, head up to Marten River Provincial Park to car camp, bike, bird, boat, and paddle.
marten river north bay sunset<br />

mikisew PROVINCIAL PARK

Mikisew Provincial Park is a perfect spot to relax with family and friends on any of the three sandy beaches. Located on Eagle Lake, explore around the numerous small islands by boating or paddling to your hearts delight. You can car camp, or group camp, bike, bird, paddle, fish and hike. Looking for good fun? Take advantage of the 18-hole disc golf course! Located less than one hour from North Bay, you can hike the beautiful hardwood forest through ponds and wetlands. Whether you’re looking for a private campsite in a maple and red pine forest, a dog park and beach where your pup can run free, or a place to break out the beach games, Mikisew Provincial Park is the place for you.

french river PROVINCIAL PARK

There are very few provincial parks which challenge French River Provincial Park when it comes to national historical significance. The French River is the first which was designated a Canadian Heritage River. You can paddle the same route of the Indigenous peoples, French explorers, fur traders, and Voyageurs. 105 kilometres of canoe routes take you through lakes, gorges, and rapids all the way from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay. While you’re there, you have to check out the award-winning French River Visitor Centre on Settlers Road. Backcountry camp in rugged hills, thick forest, Canadian Shield, and rivers, bays and lakes. Fish to your hearts delight, or you can bird, boat and hike! Located less than two hours from North Bay, French River Provincial Park is a must this year.

STAY

STAY

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a family vacation, North Bay has accomodation to suit everyone's needs.
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Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Enjoy some incredibly delicious restaurants and craft breweries with a northern flare.
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SEE & DO

SEE & DO

North Bay offers a delightful array of activitites and experiences throughout Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.

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