Natural Features

Towering cliffs, unusual green-black sand beaches, and carpets of wildflowers are among the spectacular natural features found in this provincial park, situated on the southeastern shores of Lake Nipigon.

About one billion years ago, molten rock called diabase oozed up through cracks in the earth's crust. The diabase contained a dark green mineral called pyroxene. Broken down into fine granules and dispersed by the elements, much of the diabase eventually settled to the bottom of Lake Nipigon. Today, it continues to be washed ashore by wave action, forming the black sandy beaches for which the park is known.

The highway leading to the park from the Town of Nipigon passes through some of the most stunning scenery in Northern Ontario. Rugged diabase cliffs soar up to 170 metres along the highway which skirts the shores of Lake Helen, part of the Nipigon River system. The cliffs provide habitat for bald eagles and osprey. The double-crested cormorant nests on nearby islands in Lake Nipigon. Great blue herons and ruffed grouse are commonly seen in the park, along with snowshoe hare, beaver, fox, marten, lynx, deer, moose and black bears.

Beginning around 1900, loggers cut down much of the original forest, though there are still untouched pockets of black spruce, red pine, jack pine, fir, poplar, cedar and moose maple. Aspen and birch dominate the new forest growth.

Park Facilities and Activities

There are no visitor facilities.

Location: Highway 11 skirts the park, which is 160 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay.

For more information:
Lake Nipigon Provincial Park
P.O. Box 970
Nipigon, Ontario
POT 2J0
(807) 825-3403