Experience the rugged and spectacular shoreline of Lake Superior, the Indian pictographs and outdoor logging museum, or follow the path of Grey Owl's paddle down the Mississagi River. These and other adventures on Northern Ontario's landscape are preserved in the 13 Ontario Parks in the Algoma Kinniwabi area. Provincial parks have been set aside to protect the natural and cultural heritage of Ontario. They also provide for recreation in an often spectacular outdoor setting. No one park can be all of this to all people, so we have different classes of Ontario Parks. We have Recreation parks - where having fun is the thing. Natural Environment parks have large areas to explore, and sometimes, they have naturalist programmes for those who want to learn more about Ontario - and have fun doing it. Waterway parks offer whitewater adventure for you and your canoe.

Batchawana Bay Provincial Park

Free picnicking and swimming at this 1.6 km long beach on Lake Superior. No camping. Regional tourist information centre.

Pancake Bay Provincial Park

On the shores of Lake Superior. 3 km of superb sand beach. Trout fishing. Children's fishing pond and playground. Nature trail. 260 Campsites, 70 with electricity. Group camping. P.O. Box 61, Batchawana Bay, ON P0S 1A0, Phone (705) 882-2209.

Lake Superior Provincial Park

"Human response to a wild rugged coastline and back country" - a fitting theme for the 1,556 square kilometres that is Lake Superior Provincial Park. Historically, man canoed, hunted and fished this land for survival; today, visitors to Lake Superior Provincial Park have the choice to hike, canoe and observe nature for pleasure and recreation. The rugged Algoma landscape was a source of inspiration to members of the Group of Seven. Following WW1, several painting trips were made to the Algoma area and Lake Superior Provincial Park via the Algoma Central Railway. Visitors can experience the exciting Algoma landscape by hiking any of the 11 hiking trails ranging in length from 0.4 km to 55 km (1 hour to 7 days). The trails are varied, ranging from scenic vistas requiring steep climbs to more gentle terrains along riverbeds or lakeshores. The most challenging and demanding trail is the Coastal Trail which traverses the rugged headlands and rocky beaches of Lake Superior. Canoeists will be challenged by the 7 canoe routes which range in length from 1 to 5 days. A brochure describing these routes is available at all park offices. Canoe rental concessions may be available at all three campgrounds. Call the park office for current information on availability. Crescent Lake (25 sites) and Rabbit Blanket Lake (60 sites) Campgrounds are nestled on small inland lakes while Agawa Bay (164 sites) Campground is situated adjacent to Lake Superior. Agawa Bay is the centre of activity for Nature Talks, Film Presentations and Guided Hikes. Both Agawa Bay Campground and Rabbit Blanket Lake Campground have upgraded comfort stations that include showers, flush toilets and laundry facilities. Interpretive programs are available at both campgrounds in July and August. The way of life of the areas earliest inhabitants " the Ojibway Indians " is depicted on the rock face known as Agawa Rock. The site of these red ochre Indian Pictographs and others throughout the province are mysterious in themselves: located in areas "not easily accessible, as on the perpendicular face of a cliff," they have an aura about them that makes one want to return to them again and again, as one might to a favourite shrine. Access to the site today is via Highway 17 where an interpretive trail leads the visitor to the site. If you are just passing through the park, plan to stop at one of the picnicking facilities at the Sand River, Katherine Cove or Old Woman Bay. You may even want to take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of Lake Superior. The broad expanse of Lake Superior can be seen from the lookout north of the Agawa River. For further information write: Park Superintendent, Lake Superior Provincial Park, P.O. Box 267, Wawa, Ontario P0S 1K0. Telephone 705-856-2284.

Obatanga Provincial Park

Located 56 kilometres west of Wawa on Highway 17, Obatanga caters to travellers seeking peace and solitude in a northern forest setting. The park is a haven for canoeing, with 32 interconnecting lakes and rivers and has abundant wildlife for viewing. Facilities and services include: 132 campsites, of which 20 have electrical hook-ups, hot showers, flush toilets, a laundromat, firewood, a boat launch, canoe rentals, a playground and a hiking trail. For more information contact: Ontario Parks, P.O. Box 340, White River ON P0M 3G0.

Potholes Provincial Nature Reserve

Nestled in the boreal forest 55 kilometres east of Wawa on Highway 101, Potholes is a remarkable geological site. The Kinniwabi River was shaped by glacial action 10,000 years ago. Large holes called "potholes" were naturally drilled into the stream bed by rock fragments powered by glacial meltwaters. The water still flows through these potholes and provides a site of great natural beauty and significant geological interest. A five minute walk along a gravelled pathway takes the visitor to the potholes. For more information contact: Ontario Parks, 199 Larch St., Suite 404, Sudbury, ON P3E 5P9

White Lake Provincial Park

Located 35 kilometres west of the Town of White River on Highway 17, White Lake is a popular park for both travellers and locals. It is considered a premier fishing spot in Northern Ontario for walleye and northern pike. Facilities and services include: 187 campsites of which 60 have electrical hook-ups, hot showers, flush toilets, a laundromat, firewood, a boat launch, a playground, hiking trails and canoe rentals. For more information contact: Ontario Parks, P.O. Box 340, White River ON P0M 3G0

The Shoals Provincial Park

Located between Wawa and Chapleau, The Shoals is a quiet, scenic park that offers peace and relaxation. With campsites along the shores of Little Wawa Lake, an excellent beach, wilderness canoeing and fantastic fishing, this may be just the place you have been looking for. For more information contact: Ontario Parks, 190 Cherry St., Chapleau, ON P0M 1K0

Wakami Lake Provincial Park

Situated on secondary Highway 667 near Chapleau, Wakami is a great destination park. With its historic logging museum and annual woodsmen's day events, Wakami runs an interesting and fun interpretive program. Three hiking trails, a three-day canoe loop and outstanding whitefish, walleye and northern pike fishing provide great outdoor opportunities. For more information contact: Ontario Parks, 190 Cherry St., Chapleau, ON P0M 1K0

Missinaibi Provincial Park

As one of the premier waterway parks in Ontario, Missinaibi offers splendid wilderness recreation. Although Missinaibi can be accessed at several points along its route, many visitors use Barclay campground located north of Chapleau. Along with great fishing and wilderness canoeing, you have a chance to view ancient Native pictographs. Since it is situated in the center of the world's largest game preserve, the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve, your chances of seeing moose and bear are greatly improved as you travel the remote gravel road to the campground. For more information contact: Ontario Parks, 190 Cherry St., Chapleau, ON P0M 1K0

Mississagi Provincial Park

Secluded campgrounds on Semiwite Lake. Excellent canoeing or hike on one of the five park trails featuring spectacular lookouts, abandoned copper mines and logging camps. Excellent lake trout fishing in spring and early summer. Visit the nuclear museum at Elliot Lake 16km south of the park. Spectacular fall colours in early-September. 90 campsites. P.O. Box 37, Massey, ON P0P 1P0

Municipal Parks

Point Des Chenes Campground

Nestled among the pines and white birches 20 km west of Sault Ste. Marie via Highways 550 and 565, this fine park is operated by the Sault Ste. Marie Lions Club. Features one mile of sand beach for swimming and sunbathing, 82 sites with 50 electrical hook-ups, store, free showers, flush toilets and a dumping station. Recreational equipment, and special movie nights for children in an indoor theatre are free of charge. Call 705-779-2696 or write: Point Des Chenes Campground, R.R. 1, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 5K6.

Westview Park

Located on the shore of beautiful Elliot Lake. Beaches, playground, barbeque facilities, RV and trailer hook-ups, toilets and dumping station. For information call: Elliot Lake Chamber of Commerce (705) 461-7221.

Bruce Mines Campground

Recently reopened, the Bruce Mines Campground offers a quiet respite for the weary traveller. Private sites are available with 15 amp power and water is located in three areas. Clean, hot showers are part of the package at nightly, weekly, or monthly rates. A dumping station is also available at minimal cost. Open June to mid-September, the number to call is (705) 785-3099. Turn onto Williams Street at the flashing light.

Visit Algoma Country Travel Association's website for more info and a free Summer and Winter Travel Guide.