Lake Wakami Provincial Park is located in the heart of the Boreal Forest of northeastern Ontario.
Four hours from Sault Ste Marie and five hours from Sudbury, This park is the epitome of nature.
Lake Wakami is quiet and away from busy highways and city lights. The night skies are filled with stars and off-grid camping allows you to fully immerse yourself in the wilderness experience.
Walking, rowing, boating or fishing – there are many ways to get away from the hustle and bustle!
Here are five reasons why you need to visit:
1. A large and beautiful lake
Lake Wakami is located near “high ground” in northeastern Ontario. That’s where the Great Lakes basins meet to the south, and Hudson and James Bays to the north!
Water from Lake Wakami flows north to James Bay. James Bay and Hudson Bay are technically part of the Arctic Ocean, so Lake Wakami’s water is actually located in the Arctic Ocean basin.
Lake Wakami stretches for 15 km and has several bays to explore. There are no cabins, marinas or lodges on the lake, just a stunning boreal forest.
Rowers, boaters, fishermen and swimmers can spend the day relaxing in the cool waters. Lake’s name “Wakami” comes from the Ojibwe word. wakamin – has clear water.
Experienced paddlers should purchase a map at the park store and spend the day exploring the structures and sandbars along the lake.
Canoes and kayaks can be rented.
2. Casting a line couldn’t be better!
Ask the staff at Ontario Parks and they’ll tell you that Lake Wakami is their favorite fishing spot in the Northeast. That’s right!
Anglers can catch big walleyes, northern pike, and plenty of yellow perch. Those without boats can also find great success fishing from shore!
Park facilities include a boat launch, plenty of dock space, and fish cleaning tables at Birch Hill and Brown’s Bay to clean your catch.
As Scott Gardner of Outdoor Canada recently said: “Lake Wakami is as good as camping, fishing or paddling adventures come in Ontario. In short, it is a treasure.”
Read his full article: “8 Reasons I’ll Return to Lake Wakami Provincial Park.”
The park has two motorized rental boats for visitors who want to go out on the lake. See the park website for more details under the Facilities tab.
3. See the stars
Leave the cities and four-lane highways behind. The dark skies of Lake Wakami are calling!
Relax at your campsite and gaze at the stars. Listen to the sway of the trees and the distant moan of the loon. There really is nothing better.
Interested in doing some amateur astronomy? Read about our “Eyes in the sky” Blog series so you can catch any possible constellations or meteor showers during your visit!
4. Explore the boreal forest
Did you know that the boreal forest is one of the largest ecosystems in the world?
If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting, you’ll find that the forest has a uniquely northern look; Think towering black spruce and lichen-covered balsam fir.
Hikers can enjoy the beauty of the boreal forest on these stunning trails:
- The Transitional Forest Trail (2.5 km, with an optional 5 km) has forests with trees typical of Great Lakes-St. The Lawrence Lowlands, growing alongside boreal forest species
- The Beaver Meadow Trail (1.5 miles) takes you into the boreal forest, where hikers can discover how the hard-working beaver has altered the landscape.
Known as Ontario’s “songbird breeding ground,” the boreal forest is also teeming with wildlife that may not be seen in the south. Bird watchers, don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars and your life list.
5. Truly get away from it all
Visitors to Lake Wakami can choose their own adventure! No matter what type of campsite you choose, you’ll be guaranteed a peaceful stay.
For those who don’t want to lug gear around, check out the Lake Wakami Soft-Side Shelter. This prospector-style canvas is equipped with a propane barbecue, fire pit, and two Adirondack chairs, plus a dining table and two queen beds inside.
RV and tent camping lovers will find solace at one of the park’s four campgrounds: Birch Hill, Pine Grove, Maple Ridge and Brown’s Bay, encompassing 59 campsites.
Many of these sites offer spectacular views of the coast (some even have room to take out your boat, canoe or kayak!).
But don’t expect electric sites! They are not available at Lake Wakami so campers can have their semi-wild experience.
Do you prefer even more privacy? Lake Wakami offers nine backcountry sites surrounding the perimeter of the lake. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table, and outhouse.
Those without boats can rent a canoe or motorboat by the hour or day at the main campground.
Be sure to call ahead at 705-864-3137 to reserve as rentals are in high demand.
Ready to plan your trip?
No matter what you choose to do at Lake Wakami, you’ll agree: it’s surely worth the drive!
Lake Wakami Provincial Park is open until September 24, 2023.
