Ontario Provincial Parks

Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park is a scenic and historically significant provincial park located near North Bay, Ontario, along the banks of the Mattawa River. This well-loved park combines rich Canadian heritage with diverse landscapes, offering visitors an engaging mix of outdoor recreation, cultural history, and natural beauty. Its accessible setting and wide range of activities make it a popular destination for families, paddlers, hikers, and campers.

The Mattawa River is the heart of the park and a designated Canadian Heritage River. For centuries, this waterway served as an important travel and trade route for Indigenous peoples and later for early European explorers, including Samuel de Champlain. Today, visitors can canoe or kayak the river’s calm stretches, passing forested shorelines and rocky outcrops while following routes that played a key role in shaping Canada’s history.

Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park features an extensive network of hiking trails that showcase the area’s varied terrain. Trails wind through mixed forests, wetlands, and elevated viewpoints overlooking the river and nearby lakes. The Etienne Trail and other routes offer options for both casual walkers and more experienced hikers. Wildlife is commonly seen throughout the park, with opportunities to spot deer, beavers, turtles, and a wide range of bird species.

Camping is a major highlight, with well-equipped campgrounds offering sites for tents and trailers, as well as more secluded backcountry options. Park amenities include comfort stations, picnic areas, beaches, and interpretive displays that explore the cultural and natural history of the Mattawa River corridor.

Conveniently located just off Highway 17, Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park provides an ideal balance of easy access and immersive outdoor experiences. Whether paddling historic waterways, hiking forested trails, or relaxing at a campsite by the river, visitors will find a rewarding and memorable connection to Ontario’s natural landscapes and cultural past.

General Information

Location

Camping

Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a prime destination for camping enthusiasts. The park features two main campgrounds: Jingwakoki Campground and Babawasse Campground, both situated along the scenic northern shores of Moore Lake.​

Jingwakoki Campground

True to its Ojibway name meaning “tall pine forest,” Jingwakoki Campground provides a serene setting among towering pines. This campground offers a mix of non-electrical and some pull-through sites, accommodating both tent and RV campers. Amenities include a comfort station equipped with flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Babawasse Campground

Derived from the Ojibway term for “a lake seen through the woods,” Babawasse Campground boasts 74 campsites, many with electrical hookups. Its proximity to the water and the park’s boat launch makes it ideal for those keen on aquatic activities. Similar to Jingwakoki, this campground also features a comfort station with modern amenities.

Car and RV Camping

Both campgrounds cater to car and RV campers, offering spacious sites with electrical services. The park’s infrastructure supports vehicles of various sizes, with some pull-through sites available for larger RVs. Campers can enjoy easy access to the park’s numerous trails, beaches, and the Mattawa River Visitor Centre.

Group Camping

For larger gatherings, the park provides group camping options. These sites are designed to accommodate multiple tents and offer a communal camping experience amidst the park’s natural beauty. It’s advisable to contact the park directly for specific details and reservations regarding group camping facilities.

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Facilities & Recreation

Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park is a well-serviced, operating park located along the historic Mattawa River, a key canoe route once used by voyageurs. Access is managed through a staffed entrance during the main season, and the park offers accessible campsites and washrooms to support visitors with mobility needs. Treated drinking water is available throughout the campground, along with modern comfort stations that include flush toilets and hot showers.

Water-based recreation plays a central role in the park experience. A boat launch provides access to the Mattawa River and nearby waterways, where boating, canoeing, and kayaking are especially popular. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent, making it easy to explore the calm river sections and scenic shoreline at a relaxed pace. Swimming is also available at sandy beaches along Moore Lake and the river, offering family-friendly places to cool off during warmer months.

Day-use visitors can enjoy shaded picnic areas near the waterfront, along with access to paddling routes and short walks. A network of hiking trails, including the Etienne Trail system, ranges from easy riverside paths to more challenging routes with elevated views, allowing visitors to explore the park’s forested landscape. A children’s playground adds to the park’s appeal for families, and pets are welcome, with a designated off-leash pet exercise area available.

Camping options include a wide range of tent and RV sites, both serviced and unserviced, as well as group camping areas suitable for larger gatherings. Campers have access to a dumping station, laundry facilities, firewood and ice sales, and a small park store offering snacks, souvenirs, and camping essentials. Fishing is available in the Mattawa River and nearby lakes, where anglers commonly target bass, walleye, and northern pike.

Outside the main operating season, the park is quieter and not fully serviced, but experienced visitors may still explore the area for activities such as snowshoeing or winter hiking when conditions allow. These off-season visits require preparation, as facilities and services are limited.

Nearby Attractions

Mattawa Museum: Situated in the town of Mattawa, this museum showcases the region’s history and heritage, featuring exhibits on local pioneers, indigenous cultures, and the fur trade era.

Mattawa River Visitor Centre: Located within the park, this centre provides insights into the natural and cultural history of the Mattawa River area, offering educational exhibits and information for visitors.

Antoine Mountain: A popular destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, Antoine Mountain boasts one of Ontario’s highest vertical drops and offers a range of winter sports activities.

Mattawa Island Conservation Area: This scenic spot offers picnic areas, walking trails, and beautiful views of the Ottawa and Mattawa Rivers, making it an ideal location for family outings and nature appreciation.

Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System: Providing over 200 kilometers of trails, this system caters to ATV riders, snowmobilers, hikers, and mountain bikers, allowing visitors to explore the diverse landscapes of the Mattawa area.

Nearby Parks

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