If you had plans to visit Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park this summer, there is some disappointing news: the park will remain closed for the entire 2025 season. Ontario Parks confirmed that the storm on June 21, 2025 unleashed extensive damage — particularly downed trees and blocked roads — that makes it unsafe to reopen until next year.
During the storm, a downburst—an intense wind event—hit the park and the surrounding Mattawa area, snapping trees, cutting power lines, and trapping campers in flash floods. Several injuries were reported, though thankfully, no deaths occurred within the park boundaries.
Ontario Parks has pledged full refunds for affected campers. If you had a reservation, you can also shift your stay to a different park with no cancellation or change fees. Just be sure to contact their call centre before 9 pm ET on July 30, 2025, or your reservation will be automatically canceled and refunded within about ten business days.
This news is understandably disappointing for campers, canoeists, and hikers who had been looking forward to visiting the park and the Canadian Ecology Centre. However, safety remains the top priority, and the damage is significant. Visitors are encouraged to explore alternative Ontario Parks locations for their camping plans.
Alternative Parks
- Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park
- Biscotasi Lake Provincial Park
- Bissett Creek Provincial Park
- Blue Jay Creek Provincial Park
- Chiniguchi Waterway Provincial Park
- Daisy Lake Uplands Provincial Park
- Fairbank Provincial Park
- Halfway Lake Provincial Park
- Kenny Forest Provincial Park
- Killarney Lakelands and Headwaters Provincial Park
- Little White River Provincial Park
- Manitou Islands Provincial Park
- Misery Bay Provincial Park
- Mississagi Provincial Park
- Mississagi River Provincial Park
- Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Mnidoo Mnissing Provincial Park
- Restoule Provincial Park
- River Aux Sables Provincial Park
- Solace Provincial Park
- South Bay Provincial Park
- Strawberry Island Provincial Park
- Sturgeon River Provincial Park
- Wanapitei Provincial Park
- West Sandy Island Provincial Park
- Widdifield Forest Provincial Park
- Wildgoose Outwash Deposit Provincial Park
- Windy Lake Provincial Park