Discover the Beauty of Kettle Lakes Provincial Park

In the heart of Northeastern Ontario, Kettle Lakes Provincial Park is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Known for its stunning boreal forest, endless outdoor activities, and, of course, kettle lakes, this park offers something for everyone—from adventure solo enthusiasts like myself seeking their next camping adventure to families looking for a fun weekend getaway.

How To Get to Kettle Lakes Provincial Park

Kettle Lakes Provincial Park is easily accessible by car. It’s located just off Highway 11, about four hours north from North Bay, and an hour east from Timmins.

Tips for Visiting and Camping at Kettle Lakes Provincial Park

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned camper, here are some essential tips that helped make the most of my visit to Kettle Lakes Provincial Park:

Plan Ahead

• Reservations: If you’re planning to camp, especially during peak season, make sure to reserve your campsite in advance. Campsites can fill up quickly, so securing your spot early is essential. With Ontario Parks, you can book a campsite five months in advance. 
• Check the Weather: Check the weather forecast before your visit. The weather can change quickly in the outdoors of Northeastern Ontario, and being prepared with the right clothing and gear can give you a better camping experience (regardless of season).

 Respect the Environment

• Leave No Trace: Follow the Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the park. Pack out what you pack in, including all trash, leftover food, and any personal items. Kettle Lakes has multiple garbage deposits—throw out all your trash and leftover food on your way out.
• Wildlife Safety: Keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Feeding animals can harm them and may lead to dangerous situations.
• Stay on Trails: Stick to marked trails to protect the park's delicate ecosystems. Venturing off-trail can damage vegetation and disturb wildlife habitats.
• Check Park Regulations: Familiarize yourself with park rules, including fishing regulations, fire restrictions, and designated swimming areas.

Camping in Kettle Lakes Provincial Park

Whether you prefer a rustic camping experience in a tent or a cozy spot for a family trailer, Kettle Lakes has all the amenities you’ll need, such as water taps, comfort stations with hot water, showers, and laundry facilities.

This park offers endless car camping sites located between two campgrounds: The Pines and Island Lake. Both campgrounds can accommodate tents to large trailers, with a lot of those sites offering electrical hookups. The Pines is known for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere (where I decided to stay), and the Island Lake campground is located further into the campground and the boreal forest.

During my visit, I chose to camp at The Pines Campground, site number 13. This campsite was surrounded by a canopy of tall jack pine trees and had an incredible view of Bull Frog Lake. It truly felt like an escape from the busy city world, and being surrounded by the calming sounds of nature was just what I was looking for.

The site was spacious, allowing plenty of room for my tent, gear, parking, and included a picnic table. I appreciated the close proximity to amenities like the comfort station, which made it easy to access hot showers and fresh water. Yet there was enough room between neighbours, making it the perfect blend of comfort and adventure and an ideal base for exploring everything Kettle Lakes offers.

Things To Do at Kettle Lakes Provincial Park

Kettle Lakes Provincial Park is a massive park, and offers activities for everyone to enjoy. From scenic hiking trails that wind through the boreal forest to kayaking on the kettle lakes (formed by retreating glaciers), to a huge 14 km bike trail system there’s something for everyone and every preference to explore. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a chance to reconnect with nature, Kettle Lakes Provincial Park has it all. 

1. Hiking Trails

I’m a big hiking enthusiast! I was super excited to visit Kettle Lakes Provincial Park for its many hiking trails and diverse boreal forest. The boreal forest is a region that many Canadians will never see unless they travel to Northeastern Ontario. It is a unique ecosystem that covers half the province’s land area and includes jack pine, balsam fir, red and white pine, and white and black spruce. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife; you might spot deer, beavers, and numerous bird species throughout your visit. The park features four distinct hiking trails:

(Source: Ontario Parks)

• Kettle Trail (2 km, moderate): This trail leads you along an esker (an ancient glacial riverbed) and passes bogs that occupy some of the kettle depressions, offering a fascinating glimpse into the park's geology.
• Tamarack Trail (2 km, easy): Follow this picturesque short and sweet trail around Tamarack Lake. It was the perfect trail that included Northern Bog (because of a poorly drained kettle lake) and through a typical boreal forest environment.
• Wintergreen Trail (1.5 km, moderate): Hikers are rewarded with beautiful views of Island Lake, making it a great choice for those seeking scenic vistas.
• Oh-Say-Ya-Wah-Kaw Trail (3 km, moderate): This trail provides an opportunity to explore more of the park’s natural beauty and wildlife.

2. Canoeing and Kayaking

The calm waters of the kettle lakes are ideal for beginners who are interested in canoeing and kayaking. The park provides canoe rentals and includes paddles and life jackets. Or bring your own and spend a day paddling the waters while soaking in the beauty of the sparkling lakes and sandy beaches! 

3. Discovery Program

Despite the time of year when I was visiting this park, it’s good to note that they do offer a Discovery Program outside of the summer months. The program offers campers interpretive programs that include guided hikes, evening programs and children’s programs. Families can partake in interpretive programs that provide fun and educational experiences for all ages. For more information, I suggest visiting Ontario Park’s website. 

Other Attractions: Fun Things To Do Near Kettle Lakes Provincial Park

When you choose to visit Kettle Lakes Provincial Park, the surrounding area has so many attractions. If you're driving north from North Bay or Sudbury, make a pit stop and visit Temagami and its iconic Fire Tower Lookout (an easy, 0.6km loop). This historic lookout offers panoramic views of Lake Temagami, making it the perfect spot to take a quick break and stretch your legs. If you’re interested in stopping for lunch, I highly recommend the BBQ at The Outfitter or something easier at The Happy Dumpling (open May through October).

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, head to Temiskaming Shores to hike Devil's Rock. This popular hiking trail offers a moderately challenging route that rewards you with stunning vistas of Lake Temiskaming and the surrounding hills.

Campers should also consider a stop at Kap Kig Iwan Provincial Park, another hidden gem that's less crowded than most. This park features Hell’s Gate Trail, a 2.3 km return (1 hour) moderate hiking trail with waterfalls, rapids and deep ravines. 

For animal lovers, don't miss Dream Acres, an adorable alpaca farm located in Matheson, Ontario. Visiting Dream Acres was a highlight for me. The staff was super friendly and they offer tours where you can learn fascinating facts about these gentle creatures. I had the chance to feed the alpacas some treats, stroll through their grazing zones, and even capture some unforgettable photos with them (you can see I even got a kiss!)—this experience is sure to bring smiles to both young and old.

Take an afternoon and drive to Timmins, Ontario, (about 45 minutes from the park) where you can learn about the region's history at the Timmins Museum National Exhibition Centre. This museum is free to enter and showcases the cultural heritage of the area, featuring exhibits on the local mining industry, Indigenous history, and art.

For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to Cedar Meadows should be a priority. Make sure to book a guided tractor-drawn wagon tour through a 100-acre wildlife park, where you’ll have the chance to see bison, elk, and fallow deer up close.

Kettle Lakes Provincial Park offers great experiences for both solo travellers and families. Whether I was hiking through the forest, paddling on the lakes, or simply relaxing at my peaceful campsite, this park was the perfect nature getaway.

So, why wait? Start planning your trip to Kettle Lakes Provincial Park today!

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