When the last Ice Age was receding about 10,000 years ago, the whole area that is now Obatanga Provincial Park was covered by glacial meltwaters. As these waters drained away, they left behind the sand and gravel that border the small lakes that remained. Large boulders found throughout the park are also relics of the retreating Ice Age, brought to the area from farther north by the glacier's movement.

A major fire swept through the Obataga area in 1910. In recent decades, naturalists have recognized that fire is a natural part of the life-cycle of the forest, clearing away old growth and allowing the forest to regenerate. One of the first types of tree to return after a forest fire is the jack pine, whose seed-bearing cones opened in the heat of the blaze. Forests in which jack pine predominate -- such as at Obatanga -- are often good indicators that flames raged over the site in generations past.

The vegetation at Obatanga is typical of the northern boreal forest region. Black spruce predominate in the wetland areas, while birch, balsam and poplar trees are more common in the drier uplands areas.

Moose and black bear live here. The call of the loon echoes over the lakes at twilight. Obatanga is a great location for bird watching. Smaller animals living in the park are beaver, mink, otter and weasel, found in and around the lakes and rivers. Hare, squirrel and chipmunk are common around the campground. Wild blueberries can be picked in late summer.