Epic Paddling Destinations in Northeastern Ontario

By Jamie McIntyre Jamie McIntyre is an outdoors enthusiast with a passion for travel in the North.

April 12, 2023

Do you hear that? It's the wind tousling the branches of an old pine, and the paddle breaking through calm water. It's a legendary paddling adventure, and it's in Northeastern Ontario.

Imagine, paddling ancient canoe routes the Anishinaabekwe and French Voyageurs did so long ago. Discover yourself on crystal clear waters, surrounded by wilderness in it's purest form. You'll make memories to last a lifetime, reaching locations only accessible to the adventurous at heart.

Find a list of epic Northeastern Ontario's paddling destinations below:

Temagami

Local Outfitter:Temagami Outfitting Company
Provincial Park Nearby:Finlayson Point Provincial Park, Lady Evelyn - Smoothwater Provincial Park, Obabika Lake Provincial Park, Solace Provincial Park
Where to Stay:Full Listing
What to Expect: Over 1200 islands, and red/white pine old-growth forest. The water is deep, and winding. There are many impromptu campsites scattered along shorelines.

Killarney

Local Outfitter:Killarney Outfitters
Provincial Park Nearby: Killarney Provincial Park
Where to Stay:Killarney Mountain Lodge
What to Expect: White granite rock faces, wispy pines and crystal blue waters. The open water of Georgian Bay can be unpredictable, so bring overnight gear just in case. Philip Edward Island is a popular stop and embodies the Georgian Bay coast.

Abitibi River

Local Outfitter:Howling Wolf Expeditions
Provincial Park Nearby:Renee Brunelle Provincial Park, Little Abitibi Provincial Park (unorganized)
Where to Stay:Best Western Swan Castle Inn
What to Expect: Expect little traffic, and fluctuating water levels due to hydro dams further up river. New Post Falls is a popular destination along the river.

Mattagami River

Local Outfitter:D&L Docks & Equipment, Timmins Adventure Tours
Provincial Park Nearby:Kettle Lakes Provincial Park
Where to Stay: Wild Exodus
What to Expect: Old-growth boreal forest, and scenic shorelines perfect for camping. There are minimal portages, and the river winds through many small towns.

French River

Local Outfitter:Hartley Bay Marina
Provincial Park Nearby:French River Provincial Park
Where to Stay:Crane's Lochaven Lodge, Full Listing
What to Expect: It offers miles of twisting shoreline, picturesque islands and hidden back bays steeped in a rich voyageur history.

Mattawa River

Local Outfitter: Algonquin North Outfitting
Provincial Park Nearby: Samuel De Champlain Provincial Park
Where to Stay: Canadian Ecology Centre
What to Expect: The Mattawa River is long, and winding. Follow an original voyageur route, from North Bay to Mattawa, and experience all the region has to offer.