Tour Northeastern Ontario's Premier Paddling Destinations

Discover yourself on crystal clear waters, surrounded by wilderness in its purest form.

By The Seven—Northeastern Ontario Welcome to The Seven, starting three hours north of Toronto and stretching as far as your imagination. We’re the memories you’ve made—and are yet to make—with the people you love. Ready? Let’s go. We’re outside.

December 8, 2024

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 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 its purest form. You’ll make memories to last a lifetime, reaching locations only accessible to the adventurous at heart. Whether you're exploring a nearby Ontario Park, or setting out on your own, this list of outfitters and accomodations is sure to start you off on the right track.

TEMAGAMI

Local Outfitter: Temagami Outfitting Company

Provincial Parks Nearby: Finlayson Point Provincial Park, Lady Evelyn - Smoothwater Provincial Park, Obabika Lake Provincial Park, Solace Provincial Park

What To Expect: Over 1,200 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 quartz sandstone rock faces, windswept 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

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 Home & Cottage, Timmins Adventure Tours

Provincial Park Nearby: Kettle Lakes Provincial Park

Where To Stay: WildExodus

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.

kayakers paddle peacefully down a calm river surrounded by thick green forest.

FRENCH RIVER

Local Outfitter: Hartley Bay Marina

Provincial Park Nearby: French River Provincial Park

Where To Stay: Crane’s Lochaven Wilderness Lodge

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 Wilderness Outfitter

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.

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About The Seven—Northeastern Ontario

Starting three hours north of Toronto and stretching as far as your imagination.

Welcome to The Seven: To the loon call at dawn and sand in your toes. Bug bites, sunburns, and marshmallows charred just right. The stars you forgot existed, and that cozy cabin glow after a midnight swim. We’re festivals, family, and unforgettable moments—rain or shine. We’re the memories you’ve made—and are yet to make—with the people you love. Ready? Let’s go. We’re outside.