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Makobe-Grays River

Makobe-Grays River Provincial Park

Birding

Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater protects an area of rugged highland watersheds and contains forest that mixes Great Lakes-St. Lawrence and Boreal species of trees, creating many different habitats for birds. Makobe-Grays protects a similar although narrower forest, where many of the same species of birds can be seen. During the nesting season of spring and early summer, many species of warbler, thrush, flycatcher and woodpecker can be heard calling to defend territory. Eagles, osprey and many other birds of prey can be spotted hunting above the forests of the park. Keep an eye open for birds around the campsite in the morning and at the end of the day.

Boating

Motorboat restrictions apply on many of the lakes in the Temagami Backcountry Parks. For specific information on prohibited/permitted activities please see the park management plan

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Canoeing

Canoeists travelling the Makobe River come for challenging whitewater. The river itself is a short trip, two or three days of paddling if flying into Makobe Lake by floatplane, and taking-out at the Town of Elk Lake.

The rapids and drops along the river are technical and require scouting. Water conditions early in the season depend on the snowmelt and early trippers may encounter snowfall and even ice-bound lakes, after very cold winters. Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater and the Makobe River are higher in elevation than the surrounding areas, like Elk Lake and Temagami. A number of cliff-side locations retain ice and snow into late May.

The Makobe route can also be combined with other routes, primarily those of Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater where the Makobe River begins. The Grays River to the south connects to the Lady Evelyn River, and the Makobe flows into the Montreal River. These can be linked to Lady Evelyn Lake, forming a circle route but only when there are high water conditions.

Fishing

Brook trout are the most abundant species on this river.

Hiking

Important Note: All hiking trails in the Temagami Backcountry Parks are remote and generally accessed during multi-day canoe trips.

Hunting

Hunting restrictions apply. Please refer to the Temagami Area Park Management Plan 2007 for zone specific management direction.

Swimming

There are endless opportunities in the backcountry for swimming including both shallow and deeper water entries along rocky headlands.