Paddling

Paddling

The 19th century Scottish explorer, writer, and philanthropist John MacGregor once wrote about the diversity of a canoe because it “can be paddled or sailed, or hauled, or carried over land or water.” MacGregor knew a good thing when he saw one, and recreational canoeing and kayaking has only been growing in popularity since MacGregor first paddled on a camping trip to Canada and the U.S. in 1858.

From the rugged Ottawa, Mattawa, and French Rivers to the mighty Moose, Northeastern Ontario is a veritable playground for paddlers of all levels of experience. Whether you prefer to skim across a surface as smooth as glass on your stand-up paddleboard, or ride the whitewater of some backcountry rapids, Northeastern Ontario is your natural choice.

All you have to decide is where you want to go. Think about your accommodations. Do you want an overnight camping trip? A series of day trips? For your next BIG adventure, see below for just a sample of Northeastern Ontario destinations.

ONT NE ELK LAKE PADDLING 023

Partner Listings

Two Rivers Motel

Two Rivers Motel is located in Papineau-Cameron, Mattawa Ontario. Travelers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Mattawa...

Bay Wolf Camp

Bay Wolf Camp is located on the shore of West Shining Tree Lake in the hamlet of Shining Tree. Our...

Camp Conewango

Camp Conewango is a resort on the north shore of Lake Talon with a seasonal campground that is perfect for...

North River Outfitters

North River Outfitters offers fully guided fishing/ice fishing, small game, black bear, whitetail deer, waterfowl and wolf hunts. ATV/snowmobile tours...

Sid Turcotte Park

Sid Turcotte Park near North Bay and Area in Mattawa. Operates March to October.

Bear’s Den Lodge

We are a family friendly and family owned operation with over 35 years of experience. Bear’s Den Lodge is located...

Booth Landing Camping & Cottages

Booth Landing is a rustic and tranquil vacation destination that offers both cottage and camping experience. Located just 30 km...

Gore Bay Overnight Apartment Hotel

McLAUGHLIN BLOCK GORE BAY OVERNIGHT APARTMENT HOTEL 705 282 3196 OPEN ALL YEAR Gore Bay Manitoulin Hotel has five completely...

Standing Pines Lodge

Our off-grid cabins are located 36 km from River Valley on Manitou Lake. Hwy 805 is a graded gravel road....

Crane’s Lochaven Wilderness Lodge

Crane’s Lochaven Wilderness Lodge is a high-quality wilderness lodge that offers a place to connect with others, eat home-cooked meals...

Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa

More than your average hotel, Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa has all of the amenities you could desire, including comfortable...

Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System

Voyager Multi Use Trail System (VMUTS) provides maps and maintains a variety of trail riding. As a multi use trail...

Elk Lake Wilderness Resort

Elk Lake Wilderness Resort is a 4 seasons resort located just outside of the town of Elk Lake. Our 10...

Mowat Landing Cottages

Mowat Landing Cottages is located at the road’s end, on the banks of the Montreal River, in beautiful Northern Ontario....

Dionne Quints Heritage Board

On May 28, 1934, five identical girls were born to Oliva and Elzire Dionne, a Franco-Ontario family in the tiny...

Mattawa River Resort

Travelers who love the great outdoors will delight in a vacation at the Mattawa River Resort. Located in the heart...

Agnew Lake Lodge

Agnew Lake Lodge offers year-round accommodations and recreational packages. This winter we have new snowmachine trails, guided tours, ice fishing,...

WildExodus Adventures

WildExodus is a hospitality and premier outdoor adventure tour provider in Northeastern Ontario, Canada. Experience the Boreal forest with a...

Saenchiur Flechey Resort

Peaceful, charming, and set against the backdrop of the Northern Ontario’s boreal forest, Saenchiur Flechey is a family-owned business that...

Municipality of Callander

Located 15 kilometers south of North Bay, Callander’s lush trails and parks, sandy beaches and breathtaking sunsets provide a perfect...

Avalon Eco Resort

Avalon Eco Resort is an Off-Grid-Resort offering 6 rustic but cozy lakefront housekeeping cabins and campsites for tenting. We are...

Lazy Rock RV Park & Campground

Jon & Charisma here, and we would love to welcome you to Lazy Rock RV Park & Campground. We offer...

Wikwemikong Tourism

Wikwemikong Tourism, on Manitoulin Island and in Killarney, Ontario, offers authentic Indigenous experiences that reflect the cultural lifestyles and traditions...

Town of Smooth Rock Falls

Smooth Rock falls is a four-season recreation destination made even more welcoming by the hospitality of its friendly people. Home...

City of Temiskaming Shores

The City of Temiskaming Shores (formerly the Town of Haileybury, New Liskeard and the Township of Dymond), one of the...

Docks Plus Temagami

Your summer home for all your Waterfront Fun and Function. We are a custom dock builder/installer with a retail location...

Cochrane Air Services Limited

Situated at Cochrane, Ontario, Cochrane Air Services has been providing remote fishing and hunting vacations for over 40 years. We...

Great Escape Cabins

Surrounded by Crown Land, Great Escape Cabins is a northern cabin and campground resort, situated within the beautiful French River...

Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre

The Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre opened its doors to the public in the spring of 2013 and is owned...

Green Bay Lodge

Green Bay Lodge is a boutique waterfront resort located on the northern tip of Lake Manitou. We offer five, bright,...

Sportsman’s Inn Resort & Marina

Perched atop the pebbled shores of the North Channel, the Sportsman’s Inn is surrounded by the glistening waters and windswept...

Fish Tale Cabins & Campground

Fish Tale Cabins & Campground is located on the Wolseley River flowing into the beautiful French River. We offer tenting...

Cedar Village & Marina

Cedar Village & Marina, the heart of the Pickerel River and Lower French River. Come to stay in, rent or...

Elk Lake Eco Centre

Come enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Elk Lake Eco Centre. A four-season resort ideal for couple vacations, family reunions,...

Killarney Mountain Lodge and Conference Centre

As the sun sets, the warm glow of pink granite radiates off of the water. In the distance, sparkling white...

Big Moose Camp Resort

Big Moose Camp is a family owned and operated four season resort on Lake Nosbonsing, near North Bay. A place...

Mattawa River Cottage

Located on the historic Mattawa River, The Mattawa River Cottage is a private waterfront property overlooking the Ottawa River, nestled...

Mattawa Adventure Camp

We are a year round camp located in up North in the beautiful town of Mattawa Ontario. We are situated...

Municipality of French River

Blessed with incredible natural beauty, French River offers endless adventures and attractions – breathtaking cruises, white quartzite mountains and numerous...

Beautiful Log Cottage

Beautiful Log Cottage – 3 Bedroom (inc Sleep Cabin); Sleeps 6 Adults; Beach, Private, Lovely! A wonderful beach front, southern...

Les Suites des Presidents’ Suites

Vacation rental homes and glamping on Lake Temiskaming. Our historical award-winning homes are the perfect venue for your vacations, family...

The Nuthatch Retreat Cottage

STAR Licensed #2023 – 02 for Billings Township. North Channel waterfront location. Two minutes away from Bridal Veil Falls and...

Rockgarden Terrace Resort

The Rockgarden Terrace is located in the heart of Manitoulin Island on the west side of Lake Mindemoya – family...

Town of Blind River

Blind River is a stunning community located on the world-renowned North Channel. It is a unique community with the benefit...

Bay Lee Mac Camp

Bay Lee Mac cottages are nestled among the trees of the Temagami Provincial Forest and are surrounded by the ecologically...

Two Rivers Motel

Two Rivers Motel is located in Papineau-Cameron, ...

4801 HWY 17 W
Papineau-Cameron, ON

Bay Wolf Camp

Bay Wolf Camp is located on the shore of West ...

104 Lakeshore Road
Shining Tree, ON

Camp Conewango

Camp Conewango is a resort on the north shore of ...

1875 Songis Road
Redbridge, ON

North River Outfitters

North River Outfitters offers fully guided ...

9083 Hwy 63
Redbridge, ON

Sid Turcotte Park

Sid Turcotte Park near North Bay and Area in ...

750 Mattawan Street
Mattawa-Bonfield, ON

Bear’s Den Lodge

We are a family friendly and family owned ...

2870 J Hartley Bay Road
Alban, ON

Booth Landing Camping & Cottages

Booth Landing is a rustic and tranquil vacation ...

437 Golf Course Road
Powassan, ON

Gore Bay Overnight Apartment Hotel

McLAUGHLIN BLOCK GORE BAY OVERNIGHT APARTMENT ...

59 Meredith Street
Gore Bay, Manitoulin, ON

Standing Pines Lodge

Our off-grid cabins are located 36 km from River ...

Hwy 805
River Valley, ON

Crane’s Lochaven Wilderness Lodge

Crane’s Lochaven Wilderness Lodge is a ...

1 Commanda Island
French River, ON

Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa

More than your average hotel, Cedar Meadows ...

1000 Norman Street
Timmins, ON

Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System

Voyager Multi Use Trail System (VMUTS) provides ...

790 John Street
Mattawa, ON

Elk Lake Wilderness Resort

Elk Lake Wilderness Resort is a 4 seasons resort ...

590 Highway 65
Elk Lake, ON

Mowat Landing Cottages

Mowat Landing Cottages is located at the road’s ...

L9, C5, Barr Twp, Mowat Landing Road
Haileybury, ON

Dionne Quints Heritage Board

On May 28, 1934, five identical girls were born ...

181 Oak St W
North Bay, ON

Mattawa River Resort

Travelers who love the great outdoors will ...

6251 Highway 17
Mattawa, ON

Agnew Lake Lodge

Agnew Lake Lodge offers year-round accommodations ...

847 Agnew Lake Road
Webbwood, ON

WildExodus Adventures

WildExodus is a hospitality and premier outdoor ...

7001 Dalton Road
Wawaitin Falls, ON

Saenchiur Flechey Resort

Peaceful, charming, and set against the backdrop ...

513 Lemieux Road
Monetville, ON

Municipality of Callander

Located 15 kilometers south of North Bay, ...

280 Main Street. North
Callander and South Shore, ON

Avalon Eco Resort

Avalon Eco Resort is an Off-Grid-Resort offering ...

476 Hwy 637
Killarney, ON

Lazy Rock RV Park & Campground

Jon & Charisma here, and we would love to ...

28 Taggart Lake Road
Mattawa, ON

Wikwemikong Tourism

Wikwemikong Tourism, on Manitoulin Island and in ...

2098 Wikwemikong Way
Wikwemikong, ON, ON

Town of Smooth Rock Falls

Smooth Rock falls is a four-season recreation ...

Smooth Rock Falls, ON

City of Temiskaming Shores

The City of Temiskaming Shores (formerly the Town ...

325 Farr Drive
Haileybury, ON

Docks Plus Temagami

Your summer home for all your Waterfront Fun and ...

6703 Highway 11
Temagami, ON

Cochrane Air Services Limited

Situated at Cochrane, Ontario, Cochrane Air ...

Box 1893
Cochrane, ON

Great Escape Cabins

Surrounded by Crown Land, Great Escape Cabins is ...

884A Hwy 607
Alban, ON

Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre

The Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre ...

66 Meredith Street East
Little Current, ON

Green Bay Lodge

Green Bay Lodge is a boutique waterfront resort ...

322 Cosby Subdivision Road
Mindemoya, ON

Sportsman’s Inn Resort & Marina

Perched atop the pebbled shores of the North ...

37 Channel Street
Killarney, ON

Fish Tale Cabins & Campground

Fish Tale Cabins & Campground is located on ...

2597 Wolseley Bay Road
Noelville, ON

Cedar Village & Marina

Cedar Village & Marina, the heart of the ...

RR #2
Alban, ON

Elk Lake Eco Centre

Come enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Elk Lake ...

1000 Ontario Street
Elk Lake, ON

Killarney Mountain Lodge and Conference Centre

As the sun sets, the warm glow of pink granite ...

3 Commissioner Street
Killarney, ON

Big Moose Camp Resort

Big Moose Camp is a family owned and operated ...

581 Big Moose Road
Corbeil, ON

Mattawa River Cottage

Located on the historic Mattawa River, The ...

Water Street
Mattawa, ON

Mattawa Adventure Camp

We are a year round camp located in up North in ...

4601 Highway 17E
Mattawa, ON

Municipality of French River

Blessed with incredible natural beauty, French ...

44 Christophe Street
Noelville, ON

Beautiful Log Cottage

Beautiful Log Cottage - 3 Bedroom (inc Sleep ...

492A Moosehead Road, Box 250
Mattawa, ON

Les Suites des Presidents’ Suites

Vacation rental homes and glamping on Lake ...

620 Lakeshore Road
Temiskaming Shores, ON

The Nuthatch Retreat Cottage

STAR Licensed #2023 - 02 for Billings Township. ...

627 CD Newburn Road
Kagawong, ON

Rockgarden Terrace Resort

The Rockgarden Terrace is located in the heart of ...

1358 Monument Road
Mindemoya, ON

Town of Blind River

Blind River is a stunning community located on ...

11 Hudson Street
Blind River, ON

Bay Lee Mac Camp

Bay Lee Mac cottages are nestled among the trees ...

112 Bay Lee Mac Rd, HWY 11 N
Latchford, ON

The Canoe | Canadian Canoe Culture

“If it is love that binds people to places in this nation of rivers and in this river of nations then one enduring expression of that simple truth, is surely the canoe.” – James Raffan, adventurer, acclaimed author and Director Emeritus of the Canadian Canoe Museum.

The film underscores the strength of the canoe and the human spirit and how the canoe can be a vessel for creating deep and meaningful connections. This film is a true reflection of what Canadian canoe culture looks like today.

Where to Go

Cochrane

In the land of the black spruce and rivers that flow into James Bay, the Cochrane area offers some thrilling paddling adventures.

French River

Paddle the route of Indigenous peoples, French and English explorers, the fur traders and the voyageurs. Centuries of history await you on the French, Canada’s first designated Canadian Heritage River.

Killarney

Killarney is like a painter’s palette with its white quartzite hills, green pines, red granite shorelines, and emerald waters.

Manitoulin Island / North Shore

The North Shore is one of the most scenic places to kayak in Ontario. It’s the perfect location when you combine paddling with island hopping.

Mattawa

If you’ve always wanted to be a voyageur and travel in the BIG footsteps of some Canadian legends, the Mattawa River is a good place to start.

Moosonee/Moose Factory

For the sea kayaker, Moosonee is the gateway to the north and a launching point for farther destinations, be it across the Moose River to Moose Factory, or up the west coast of James Bay.

 

North Bay

Situated between Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake, and straddling both the Ottawa River watershed to the east and the Great Lakes Basin to the west, paddlers can take off from North Bay in just about any direction—a great place to start your Ottawa, Mattawa, and French River trips!

Sudbury

It’s no secret that Sudbury is home to 330 lakes, but the “blue lagoon” may be one secret well worth exploring. A seemingly bottomless lagoon surrounded by steep granite and quartz walls make for a paddler’s delight.

Temagami

For canoeing enthusiasts, the word “Temagami” inspires visions of lakes, rivers, and white and red pine, with plenty of access points for an unforgettable paddling adventure.

Temiskaming Shores

Temiskaming Shores offers great canoe access westward to Maple Mountain in the heart of the Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Park wilderness area. And whether it’s seen from the top looking down or from your canoe or kayak looking up, the view of the Devil’s Rock cliff is absolutely striking for its sheer height.

Timmins

Timmins is a great place to start your canoe or kayak overnight or day trips. The famous Mattagami River is a natural choice, as is a route from Gogama to Smooth Rock Falls through Timmins.