Ontario Provincial Parks

Five Mile Lake Provincial Park is a small operating provincial park located just north of Wawa, Ontario. The park protects a compact lakeside area along Five Mile Lake and provides a convenient stop for travellers and campers exploring Northern Ontario. Its location near Highway 17 makes it easily accessible while still offering a quiet, forested setting.

Five Mile Lake is the central feature of the park and supports common recreational activities such as swimming, paddling, and fishing. The lake is relatively sheltered, with calm waters suited to canoeing and kayaking. Anglers may find species such as northern pike, smallmouth bass, and walleye in the lake. A sandy beach area and designated swimming zone provide day-use access to the shoreline.

The surrounding landscape consists of mixed boreal forest, with stands of pine, spruce, and birch typical of the Lake Superior region. Wildlife associated with forest and freshwater habitats may be present, including loons, beavers, and small mammals. Short nature trails within the park offer informal walking routes through the forest and along the lakeshore.

Five Mile Lake Provincial Park includes a campground with sites suitable for tents and trailers, as well as picnic areas, a playground, and a comfort station with showers. Day-use facilities are available, making the park suitable for both overnight stays and short visits.

As a modestly sized park with basic amenities, Five Mile Lake Provincial Park serves as a functional and accessible outdoor destination rather than a large recreational complex. It provides a straightforward camping and day-use experience centered on lake access and the surrounding Northern Ontario landscape.

General Information

Location

Five Mile Lake Provincial Park is strategically situated near Wawa, providing accessibility to both locals and visitors looking for a nature escape. The park’s proximity to Wawa ensures that it remains a convenient destination without compromising the wilderness experience.

Latitude: 49.758122 Longitude: -92.653490

Facilities & Recreation

Five Mile Lake Provincial Park is a quiet, family-friendly park for campers and day visitors looking to enjoy classic cottage-country activities without crowds.

The park features a pleasant day-use area with picnic tables, open green space, and a sandy swimming beach along Five Mile Lake. The beach has a gentle entry into the water, making it a popular spot for families. Swimming is unsupervised, so visitors should use caution.

Boating, canoeing, and kayaking are popular on Five Mile Lake. A small boat launch provides easy access for canoes, kayaks, and small motorboats. The lake’s calm waters are ideal for relaxed paddling, shoreline exploration, and peaceful time on the water.

Fishing is another highlight. Anglers can fish for northern pike, walleye, and smallmouth bass, following Ontario fishing regulations and licensing requirements. The quiet shoreline and manageable lake size make it a comfortable spot for both casual and experienced anglers.

For short walks and nature appreciation, the Beaver Pond Trail offers a scenic route through boreal forest and wetland habitat. It’s an easy walk and a good option for wildlife viewing or a break from campsite activities.

The campground is forested and low-key, offering sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs, with both electrical and non-electrical options available. Group camping is not a focus, which helps maintain the park’s peaceful atmosphere.

Visitor amenities include:

• Accessible features, such as barrier-free campsites and comfort stations
• Flush toilets, hot showers, and potable drinking water
• Vault toilets throughout the campground
• A dumping station for RVs and trailers
• A small park store selling firewood, ice, snacks, and basic camping supplies

Pets are permitted and must be kept on a leash. A designated pet exercise area allows dogs to swim and play off-leash in a controlled setting, separate from the main beach.

Nearby Attractions

Potholes Provincial Nature Reserve: This day-use park features a 300-meter trail leading to Ontario’s largest pothole formed by glacial erosion and picturesque waterfalls, with interpretive signs along the way.

Chapleau Crown Game Preserve: Renowned as the world’s largest game preserve, it offers exhilarating wildlife viewing opportunities amidst untouched natural landscapes.

Chapleau Heritage Museum: This museum showcases the rich history of Chapleau, including its significant ties to the Canadian Pacific Railway, offering visitors a glimpse into the area’s cultural heritage.

Nearby Parks

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