Where can a paddle take you?

In today’s post, Rondeau Provincial Park‘s Chief Park Naturalist Jess Matthews takes us back in time…

There may be a time when you used your paddle to get through white caps. At other times, it leisurely pulled you over still wetlands.

They are a lifeline. Solid, reliable; something that won’t break down on whatever journey you may be on.

But what if we told you that a paddle can also take you through time to the very beginning of the provincial park system? A time when the only two superintendents in Ontario Parks were 600 km away from each other, and correspondence was mainly though letters.

Just two paddles are the tangible pieces of history that connects Algonquin Provincial Park and Rondeau Provincial Park through a story of beginnings, friendships, and marriage.

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5 reasons to visit Pancake Bay Provincial Park

Never visited Lake Superior?

Let us introduce you to this stunning body of water with a park that showcases how great this lake is: Pancake Bay Provincial Park!

If you’re travelling from the east or south, Pancake Bay is the first provincial park with camping you’ll come across on Superior.

Located less than an hour north of Sault Ste. Marie, this park is perfect to start or cap off your Lake Superior adventures.

Check out these five reasons to visit Pancake Bay Provincial Park:

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Spend a day paddling the Mattawa

Today’s post comes from Jess Knowlton, Assistant Discovery Leader at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park.

People travel far and wide to paddle the historic Mattawa River.

For the full experience, most people take 2-5 days to paddle the full the 64 km from North Bay to Mattawa, which can be quite challenging, even with proper research and preparation.

If you want to enjoy this beautiful river but don’t have the time to commit to a multi-day canoe trip, don’t want to portage, or are looking for a nice and easy day trip, you’ve come to the right place!

Here are four of the most popular and breathtaking day trips along the Mattawa River:

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5 reasons to visit Rideau River Provincial Park this fall

Located just 40 minutes outside of Ottawa, Rideau River Provincial Park offers a relaxing camping experience with activities for the whole family.

New this year, Rideau River is open for camping and day use until October 11!

Here are a few reasons why you’ll love to experience this park in the fall season:

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Fall paddling safety

Fall is the perfect time to paddle.

As the temperatures cool there are no bugs and the lakes become less crowded. Plus you can catch some of our beautiful fall colours!

But fall weather can be fickle. Hitting the lake too late, failing to respect weather conditions, or paddling beyond your skill level isn’t just risky — it’s downright dangerous.

We chatted with Paul Smith, Superintendent of Kawartha Highlands Signature Site, to get some top do’s and don’ts for fall paddling safety:

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5 reasons to visit Arrowhead Provincial Park this fall

Located just outside of Huntsville, Arrowhead Provincial Park offers visitors a chance to experience beautiful fall colours within the heart of Muskoka.

Explore 15 km of hiking trails, cool sandy beaches overlooking Arrowhead Lake, and private campsites in covered forests.

Here are five park features you won’t want to miss:

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The ultimate fall adventure destination: paddle, bike and hike at Restoule Provincial Park

Influencer Diana Lee lives for adventure, the great outdoors, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)! Find out what she’s (S)UP to @only1phoenixx on Instagram and Twitter.

Experience the magic of fall at a park that has it all: Restoule Provincial Park!

From tranquil paddling routes to scenic trails for hikers or mountain bikers, there is something for everyone! And this quiet park does not hold back on the vibrant fall colours!

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5 reasons to visit Selkirk Provincial Park

If you’re looking for a quiet campground with private sites and a relaxing atmosphere, put Selkirk Provincial Park on your destination list. Just 15 minutes east of Port Dover, Selkirk is ideal for families with young children, RV owners, and anyone who enjoys the quiet side of life. The park offers sun, space, and plenty to do.

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Paddle like it’s 1796 at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park!

We are excited to bring back the Voyageur Adventure Tour to Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park this summer!

Experience the life of a voyageur at the height of the fur trade by paddling a voyageur canoe on the beautiful Mattawa River.

Our knowledgeable guides will help you discover part of our Canadian heritage.

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Top 6 parks for canoe fishing in northern Ontario

Paddling into the wilderness, fishing from a canoe and then going back to camp to enjoy a backcountry fish fry is a special experience.

If you’re up for a trip like this, check out our recommendations for the best backcountry fishing destinations in our northern parks.  Continue reading Top 6 parks for canoe fishing in northern Ontario