The Shoals Provincial Park

The Shoals Provincial Park is a quiet, family-friendly campground near Chapleau, offering peaceful lakeside camping, sandy beaches, and great fishing. Enjoy paddling, swimming, and hiking in a relaxed, forested setting. With easy road access and basic amenities, it’s a perfect destination for a restful getaway in northeastern Ontario’s wilderness.

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The Shoals Provincial Park is a non-operating provincial park located on Lake Superior near Wawa in Northwestern Ontario. The park consists of a group of small, rocky islands and surrounding waters shaped by wave action, wind exposure, and the hard bedrock of the Canadian Shield. Its setting reflects the open, coastal conditions typical of Lake Superior’s eastern shoreline.

The islands feature exposed rock, sparse soils, patches of boreal vegetation, and undeveloped shoreline. These environments provide habitat for bird species associated with offshore islands and open water, as well as other wildlife adapted to harsh lake conditions. The surrounding waters are cold, deep, and dynamic, forming part of Lake Superior’s broader aquatic ecosystem.

As a non-operating park, The Shoals Provincial Park has no developed facilities, maintained trails, or designated campsites. Access is typically by private boat, and recreational use is limited to low-impact activities such as paddling, nature observation, and backcountry camping where permitted. Park management focuses on conserving fragile island ecosystems and maintaining the park’s undeveloped, remote character.

General Information

Year Established: 1970

Park Size: 10644.00 ha

Park Classification: Natural Environment

Phone: 705-864-1160 (June to September)

Phone: 705-864-3114 (Park Superintendent)

Location

The Shoals Provincial Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a gateway to untouched wilderness and pristine landscapes. Join us as we delve into the camping options, facilities, and recreational wonders that make The Shoals Provincial Park a hidden gem within the Ontario Parks system.

Latitude: 49.758122 Longitude: -92.653490

Facilities & Recreation

The Shoals Provincial Park is a quiet, welcoming park set along the shores of Anjigami Lake, offering a relaxed camping and day-use experience in Northwestern Ontario. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and uncrowded setting, the park is well suited to families, anglers, and paddlers looking for a laid-back getaway surrounded by forest and water.

The park provides some accessible features, including designated parking and accessible comfort stations, helping ensure visitors with mobility needs can comfortably enjoy the campground and day-use areas. Access to the park is controlled during the operating season, with a staffed entrance and permits required for both camping and day use.

A small boat launch provides convenient access to Anjigami Lake and is ideal for canoes, kayaks, and small fishing boats. Boating is permitted on the lake, and its calm waters make it especially appealing for relaxed paddling and fishing rather than high-speed recreation. Canoeing and kayaking are popular ways to explore the shoreline and quiet bays, offering scenic views and a tranquil paddling experience.

Day-use visitors can enjoy picnic tables, parking, and easy lake access, making the park a pleasant spot for a short visit or an afternoon by the water. Potable drinking water is available throughout the campground and day-use areas, along with flush toilets in comfort stations and vault toilets located around the park. A sanitary dumping station is available for RV and trailer campers, and firewood can be purchased on-site.

Fishing on Anjigami Lake is a highlight for many visitors, with good opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. Anglers must carry a valid Ontario fishing licence and follow local regulations. Short hiking trails wind through mixed forest and along the lake, offering easy walks that are well suited to casual exploration and nature observation.

The park is family-friendly, with a small playground and a designated swimming area featuring a sandy beach. Swimming is unsupervised, so care should be taken, especially with children. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash, with a designated pet area available for off-leash play and swimming.

Camping at The Shoals includes a mix of sites suitable for tents and small trailers. Many campsites are shaded by mature trees, and some offer pleasant views of the lake. A group camping area is also available by reservation, making the park a good option for gatherings that still want a quiet, nature-focused setting.

Nearby Attractions

Potholes Provincial Nature Reserve: Located near Wawa, this reserve features distinctive potholes formed by glacial meltwaters over 10,000 years ago, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s geological history.

Wawa Goose Monument: A prominent landmark in Wawa, this towering statue of a Canada goose stands as a symbol of the town and provides a unique photo opportunity for visitors.

Chapleau Crown Game Preserve: As the world’s largest crown game preserve, this area near Chapleau offers wildlife enthusiasts the chance to observe a diverse array of animals in their natural habitat.

Scenic High Falls: Situated near Wawa, these picturesque waterfalls cascade over rugged terrain, providing a tranquil spot for sightseeing and photography.

Missinaibi River: Renowned for its historic significance and natural beauty, this river offers opportunities for canoeing and exploring the rich cultural heritage of the area.

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