Biking
Visitors can cycle on all the park roads. There are no designated bicycle trails but there are opportunities adjacent to the park. White Lake rents adult mountain bikes, (helmets are not provided). Note. Cycling is not allowed on any of the trails within the park.
Birding
Spring migrants pass through the park, including warblers, thrushes, shorebirds, loons and kestrels. During the summer season many varieties of songbirds, ducks, Great Blue Herons, eagles, kingfishers and warblers can be found nesting in the park’s expanse of boreal forest.
Boating
White Lake is a very large lake and motorboats are an ideal way to explore it. The lake is nearly 20 km (7- 10 miles) long. The many bays at the north end of the lake are an ideal location to fish, especially if you have a large boat. The south end is narrower and suitable for smaller boats, water skiing and canoeing. Power boats are not allowed on Deer Lake or Clearwater Lake.
Canoeing
Park visitors can paddle and explore the bays and marshes of White Lake or enjoy a leisurely paddle on Deer Lake or Clearwater Lakes located within the park boundary. There are some short overnight canoe trips in the local area. Canoes are available for rent at the park.
Attention : The White River canoe route will be closed for paddling from the current White River dam located approximately 8 kms. downstream of White Lake Provincial Park to the junction of the Oskabukuta River. The temporary closure of this section of the river is due to the construction of two hydro – electric projects beginning early March 2014 and with the completion date set forJuly / Aug 2016.
For more information please contact: White Lake Provincial Park – 807 822 2447
Pukaskwa National Park – www.pc.gc.ca/pukaskwa, 807 229 0801, or e-mail at: ont-pukaskwa@pc.gc.ca
Discovery Program
Join Discovery staff at an Exploration Station during the months of July & August. Bring along your Discovery Activity Book (or pick one up at the Exploration Station), and use the equipment and materials provided to explore the park, observe plants and animals, and discover the wonders of nature. Be sure to share your observations with park staff and to take the Discovery Ranger Pledge! For more information keep an eye out for weekly calendar of events posted throughout the park.
Fishing
White Lake is located within FMZ 7 and offers good fishing opportunities. The main species that attract anglers are Walleye, Northern Pike, Lake Whitefish and Yellow Perch. Deer Lake also has small populations of Northern Pike and Walleye. Clearwater Lake is occasionally stocked with Brook Trout.
Special fishing regulations apply to White Lake. Sport Licence holders can catch/possess 4 walleye, not more than 1 greater then 46cm. Conservation Licence holders can catch/possess 2 walleye, not more than 1 greater then 46cm. Fish sanctuaries operate from March 15 to June 15. For additional information please refer to the Provincial Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary.
A fish cleaning station with power and lights, paved boat launch (lit at night) and a dock for boat launching provides anglers with services to enhance their fishing opportunities. Dock slips are available for rent on a first-come, first serve basis at the gate house.
Hiking
Deer Lake Trail
Length: 1.5km (small loop), 2.5km (full loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Take this self-guided trail to birdwatch, enjoy the sunset and see nature’s greatest engineer, the beaver, at work. The Deer Lake Trail provides ample opportunities for viewing birds and wetland wildlife as it winds through the boreal forest skirting the shores of Deer Lake and a beaver marsh. Located near the Deer Lake trailhead is a viewing platform which is great place to view a sunset, cast a line or just watch nature at its best.
Tiny Bog Trail
Length: 4.5km
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2 – 2.5 hours
The trail loops around two large beaver ponds and then climbs a sandy ridge of Jack Pines before arriving at the bog. A boardwalk crosses the bog where insect-eating plants such as Sundew and Pitcher Plant grow in a carpet of floating Sphagnum Moss. You’ll find a viewing platform at the bog and benches along the trail.
Clearwater Lake Trail
Length: 2km return
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 30min-1hour
This trail leads through a pine forest to the spring-fed Clearwater Lake. Go for a swim, sit back and relax or explore this quiet lake by canoe.
Fitness Trail
Length: 500m
Difficulty: Easy with self-directed fitness stations
Time: 30 minutes
Eight exercise stations make this campground trail ideal for a quick workout. It is also a great place to go for an evening stroll after dinner.
Swimming
There are two beaches for swimming. The main beach is located in the day use area and the second beach is located in Sundew Campground. Both beaches are marked with swimming area buoys and have gradual drop-offs. The day use beach is approximately 200 m of fine sand. With warm, shallow waters it is ideal for family swimming and water sports. Please note there are no lifeguards posted at the beaches and pets are not permitted in the swimming area. Alcohol is prohibited in the day use area.
Winter Activities
The park gate is closed, but visitors can ski or snowshoe at their leisure if they want to enjoy a winter wonderland.