A Guide to Paddling in Elliot Lake

A vast network of lakes forms a paddler’s paradise around highways 108 and 639, just north of the town of Elliot Lake in Algoma Country. You’ll traverse clear water lakes with Canadian Shield shores, lush wetlands and some of Ontario’s best fishing. Canoeing, kayaking or paddleboarding at Elliot Lake also gives you access to outstanding hiking trails for a different perspective on the area.

The region has something for every level of paddler: family-friendly day trips, multi-day wilderness trips for experienced paddlers, and short paddle trips from Elliot Lake’s waterfront. Here are some ideas to get your journey started.

Best Elliot Lake Paddling Day Trips For Campers, Families And Hikers

Located barely 20 minutes north of Elliot Lake on Highway 639, Mississagi Provincial Park is the perfect base camp for paddling day trips. The campground boasts 60 secluded, forested sites, a large group campsite and 4 walk-in campsites on picturesque Semiwite Lake. 

Semiwite Lake is impressive with clear water, beaches and views of surrounding undeveloped Canadian Shield hills. Tracing the lake’s diverse shoreline in glassy calm conditions at sunrise or sunset in a recreational kayak or atop a standup paddleboard is pure magic. More adventurous canoeists can tackle the short portage into neighbouring Helebar Lake for a feeling of remoteness and a sense of Elliot Lake’s rugged backcountry. This is a great way to get your family hooked on the challenges and rewards of wilderness canoeing.

Mississagi Provincial Park boasts great hiking, too. You can combine a paddle on Semiwite Lake with a hike on several well-marked trails. An Ontario Parks day use permit (or your campsite permit while you’re not staying in the campground) gives you access to stunning Flack Lake, with a public launch located just a few kilometres north on Highway 639. Paddle across the lake to access a demanding 5-km hiking trail to the historic fire lookout tower atop Old Baldy, with sweeping views of endless forests and Flack Lake’s turquoise waters. 

• A full-service campground is also available at South Bay Park, which offers great access to paddling on Dunlop Lake

Best Elliot Lake Backcountry Canoe Trips For Overnight Adventurers

Flack Lake is the gateway to some of Ontario’s best backcountry canoeing. The scenery and paddling opportunities here are reminiscent of central Ontario’s Algonquin Park, with a tiny fraction of the visitors. Irregular maintenance and rugged, often unmarked portage trails make this area best for intermediate and advanced wilderness canoe trippers.

There are no fees for Canadian residents to paddle and camp in Blind River Provincial Park’s labyrinth of lakes and waterways. (Backcountry camping permits are required to use campsites on Flack Lake, within Mississagi Provincial Park; and non-Canadian visitors must purchase a Crown land camping permit.) Laurentian Lodge, located 25 minutes north of Elliot Lake on Highway 639, offers paid parking and a launch site on Flack Lake, as well as waterfront accommodations and gourmet meals before and after your journey.

Starting from Laurentian Lodge, head south to and make a series of long, steep portages to Astonish and Ezma lakes. From here, you can circle back to Flack Lake via Ten Mile, Boboowash and a handful of other bodies of water for a 3- to 4-day trip. For a longer, 5- to 7-day adventure, continue southwest through Mace and Claim lakes before looping back to Ten Mile via Dunlop Lake. Campsites and portages along these canoe routes are typically unmarked though easily discernible by experienced trippers. Be sure to follow the principles of Leave No Trace to keep the area pristine for future visitors.

Looking for lodge-based experience? 

• Laurentian Lodge is one of northern Ontario’s finest waterfront retreats 
• Dunlop Lake Lodge is renowned among anglers

Best Elliot Lake Urban Paddling For a Quick Escape

You don’t have to venture outside of Elliot Lake to find great paddling. It’s hard not to feel envious of the great opportunities for urban adventures. Launch from the town’s Westview Park or Spruce Beach and within moments you’ll feel like you’re on a wilderness lake. Elliot Lake is ideal for a quick escape by kayak or paddleboard, with several islands to explore and a largely undeveloped shoreline. Elliot Lake itself is part of a 2- to 3-day, 32-km canoe circuit through Depot and Esten lakes.

• Bring your canoe, kayak or paddleboard and make a stop to paddle in Elliot Lake while driving the scenic Deer Trail Touring Route; extend your visit with a stay at a hotel in Elliot Lake

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