Paddling Adventures in Northeastern Ontario

Discover hotspots near Sudbury, Timmins and North Bay.

Home to a wealth of pristine parks, old-growth forests, rambling rivers and idyllic lakes, Northeastern Ontario is a true paddler’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly canoe trip, kayak river runs or a lake to explore by stand-up paddleboard (SUP), you’ll find it all here. Explore, have fun and paddle on.


FRENCH RIVER UPPER LOOP

Follow in the wake of early French and English explorers, fur-traders and First Nations people with a paddling adventure on the historic French River, a designated Canadian Heritage River. Often considered the divider between Northern and Southern Ontario, this picturesque waterway and its tributaries are a great introduction to Canadian Shield country and its spectacular rocky shores.


Difficulty: Novice to Intermediate
Distance: 50 km
Duration: 3 days
Portages: 0


KILLARNEY PROVINCIAL PARK – GEORGE LAKE

Killarney Provincial Park is renowned as one of the world’s finest kayak and SUP destinations. Immortalized by the iconic Group of Seven painters, this region is home to an abundance of enchanting lakes, quartz marbled shores and dense forests. Spend a day, explore George Lake and make your own route.


Difficulty: Novice
Distance: Up to you
Duration: 1 day
Portages: 0


TEMAGAMI OBABIKA LAKE LOOP

Blanketed by towering forests, Temagami is a region of exceptional beauty just waiting to be explored. This popular loop takes you past many of its most share-worthy sights, including Devil’s Mountain, Wakimika Lake, Obabika Lake Provincial Park and so much more. There are a few lengthy portages, so it’s perfect for more seasoned adventurers.


Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Distance: 88 km
Duration: 5 days
Portages: 4


MATTAGAMI RIVER - GOGAMA TO TIMMINS

This legendary canoe route begins in the heart of Northeastern Ontario at Lake Minisinakwa, accessible from the quaint town of Gogama. From there, wind your way through some lovely back-country rivers, portage around a dam and end up at the terminus of your journey, Timmins.


Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: 115 km
Duration: 5 days
Portages: 4

 


WANAPITEI RIVER – KILLARNEY ROAD TO HARTLEY BAY

This paddle south of Sudbury is perfect for canoeists and kayaker’s alike. The route traverses some relatively flat terrain down the Wanapitei River with a few chutes and rapids along the way. You’ll find the riverbanks get more interesting as they transform from dense overgrowth to the rocky shores of the Canadian Shield.


Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: 33 km
Duration: 2 days
Portages: 4


MATTAWA RIVER PROVINCIAL PARK

This short two-day route is great for families, beginning at Trout Lake just east of North Bay. Once travelled by voyagers and fur traders, this historic route takes you past stunning landscapes, a Native ochre mine, around the frothy Paresseux Falls and concludes in Samuel De Champlain Provincial Park.


Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: 38 km
Duration: 2 days
Portages: 9

 
About Greg Smart

Greg Smart is an avid traveller, passionate about exploring new horizons, collecting unique experiences and sharing the interesting stories of his adventures abroad.  

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