Located on the historic Mattawa River fur trade route in the Mattawa Valley, Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park is the perfect destination for campers, paddlers, hikers, and learners.
This park is a great basecamp to explore the nearby small towns and of course, North Bay.
Located 3.5 hours away from Ottawa and 4 hours from Toronto, Samuel de Champlain is the destination for those looking to experience both natural beauty and tourist hotspots on their next trip out of town.
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Your home base
Samuel de Champlain has 216 campsites on offer between its three campgrounds.
Babawasse Campground has 74 electric sites available alongside a playground at the small private campers’ beach.
Jingwakoki Campground is split into East and West with unique offerings at both campgrounds.
For those looking for a quieter experience, the non-electric Jingwakoki East Campground has generator and radio-free sites, while Jingwakoki West Campground has more electric sites available.
Moore Beach is centrally located between the campgrounds for those looking to enjoy Moore Lake.
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What to do at Samuel de Champlain
There’s plenty to do at Samuel de Champlain, from biking to bird watching, paddling to fishing, and hiking!
The park has seven hiking trails available to explore the park’s cultural and natural wonders, ranging from easy to strenuous hiking.
Paddlers and boaters love exploring Moore Lake, with an extended paddling route available for those looking to trace along the iconic Mattawa River.
More interested in the area’s history? The renovated Mattawa River Visitor Centre provides information about the area’s natural and human history through a variety of exhibits. Don’t forget to check out the large birchbark freighter canoe on display!
If you have more questions about the park, their fantastic Discovery staff is available to provide learning opportunities for all ages.
The park is well known for its Big Canoe Tour, which allows visitors a unique experience to not only paddle the Mattawa River, but to learn about the history of those who have paddled the river for centuries.
The tour takes about 3 hours, with the canoe holding up to 10 participants — it’s a real group effort to keep this canoe moving! This is a paid experience — more information can be found on our blog.
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Destination North Bay
North Bay is known as the gateway to the north and is an epicentre of adventure, leisure, and culture, and only 30 minutes from the park!
Located 3.5 hours north of Toronto and 4 hours west of Ottawa, North Bay is a vibrant city surrounded by the quintessential nature of Northern Ontario.
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Nature lovers
Campers will find plenty of outdoor activities available in the City of North Bay including cycling, fishing, hiking, golfing, paddling, and motor sports. Situated between two beautiful lakes, water lovers will find plenty of beaches and lakes to visit.
Minutes from downtown, North Bay visitors will find Duchesnay Falls, a natural wonder located on Nipissing First Nations Land. The area is great for hikers of all skill levels who can experience the wonder of the falls and river.
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Attractions
Those looking to experience the art and culture of the city should check out their theatres, museums, and galleries.
The North Bay Museum shares the city’s logging, mining, and transportation history as well as displays showing the local Indigenous heritage. Art lovers can head to the W.K.P Kennedy Gallery to experience their rotating contemporary exhibitions.
The Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence is the perfect destination for those looking to learn more about the role of North Bay in defending North American airspace.
Families shouldn’t miss the restored Heritage Railway and Carousel Company, which welcomes over 100,000 visitors each summer.
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Food scene
North Bay has plenty of food and drink options, and even a guide to help find the best spots to try!
Foodies can find plenty to dine on from the gourmet to the essential basics.
If you’re visiting in the summer don’t forget to head to the North Bay’s award-winning Farmers Market with over 100 vendors on offer. Those looking for a cold drink at the end of the day can try one of the city’s microbreweries.
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Ready to explore?
Looking to explore the city on your own? The city has put together great themed walking tours featuring the best North Bay has to offer.
Thank you to North Bay Tourism for the local recommendations.
Samuel de Champlain is 3 hours from Ottawa and 4 hours from Toronto. Visit our online reservation service to book your visit to Samuel de Champlain and North Bay today.
