Ontario’s Blue-Water Lakes
So blue you won’t believe your eyes.
By Virginia Marshall
A Perfect Park to Develop Your Backcountry Camping Skills
Local outfitters offer exceptional services for guided or self-guided adventures. #PaddleON
Charleston Lake Provincial Park is an easy drive from Ottawa (1 ½ hours) and Kingston (50 minutes). It is a favourite family camping destination offering car camping, backcountry camping and roofed accommodation. It has excellent swimming, fishing and wildlife viewing. Located in the Frontenac Arch UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
- Charleston Lake Provincial Park Store (canoe rentals)
- Sand Lake Campground & Cottages (canoe rentals)
- Kingston Cottage Shop & Outfitters
- Ahoy Rentals (Kingston)
- Charleston Lake Provincial Park
- Frontenac Arch UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve
- The Great Waterway – Regional Tourism Information
Discover more backcountry paddling experiences. For information on park fees and reservations, click here.
Recommended Articles
Ontario’s Blue-Water Lakes
So blue you won’t believe your eyes.
Algonquin Park Canoe Trip Guide
Learn how to plan a backcountry paddling adventure.
The Massasauga Provincial Park Guide
What to know to plan your paddling and backcountry camping trip.
Ontario’s Moose Hotspots
Your best chance of seeing a moose is by paddle.
Temagami Canoe Trip Guide
Expert advice for paddling in paradise.
Spanish River Canoe Trip
Everything you need to know to plan an adventure on this beginner-friendly whitewater river.
Lake Superior Provincial Park Canoe Trips
How to plan a paddling trip to escape the crowds.
Superior Paddling Routes
Enchanting places to canoe, kayak & SUP on the greatest lake.
Hidden Gems: Best New Canoe Routes
Guidebook author Kevin Callan’s favourite picks.
The Steel River
Ontario’s ultimate loop canoe route.
French River Canoe Tripping
Everything you need to know to explore this historic and wild waterway.
Best Kayaking on Georgian Bay
Plan your next kayak trip.
Paddle The Lakehead
Discover the best places to canoe and kayak near Thunder Bay.
more savage than the nahanni
Take the Magnetawan River challenge.
Ultimate Guide to Wabakimi
Find out how to plan a canoe trip in this wilderness wonderland.
Missinaibi River Canoe Trip
Learn how to plan a canoe trip down this famed wilderness river.
Trippers in Training: Ontario’s Best Canoe Camps
Summer camp is more fun in a canoe!
The Missing Link of "the Great Trail"
Find out how it was completed.
Killarney Canoe Trips
Learn about the best canoe routes in this stunning Ontario park.
19 Best Paddling Day Trips
These canoe and kayak outings make it easy to get out on the water.