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For RV camping we recommend Samuel de Champlain
Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park is named for one of this country’s greatest historical figures. Champlain was an explorer, cartographer and the Father of New France and was responsible for establishing a major trade route through the Mattawa region.
Champlain arrived here by canoe but you can come by RV and camp under towering pines, cool off in the clear waters, or catch a glimpse of wildlife on the trails. The two lookouts on the Red Pine Trail give sweeping panoramas of the Mattawa Valley. Enjoy all of this natural beauty, plus action-packed programming all season long. Be sure to join the interpretive campfire programs, ecology programs and renowned voyageur canoe rides.
The town of Mattawa has also gained fame in the Stompin’ Tom Connors hit song ‘Big Joe Mufferaw’ you can visit Joe, Samuel and other notables on Main Street where they are immortalized in unusual, larger than life, wooden statues.
Champlain is located on the Mattawa River, which is the same today as it was when Samuel de Champlain first began exploring the region. The Mattawa valley is home to both the bald and golden eagle. Both have been seen nesting on the cliffs of the Mattawa, along with 200 species of birds that visit or nest in the park.
Located just 45 minutes east of North Bay on the Trans Canada Highway, this park is also home to the Canadian Ecology Centre. The Town of Mattawa lies only ten minutes east of the park gates, while the Eau Claire Gorge and the northern boundry of Algonquin Provincial Park are just south. Your Champlain camping permit allows you free day use access to the trails in Algonquin.
More about Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park reservations
Ask an Expert: Activities to Enjoy
Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park offers many activities. From interpretive tours that include guided spirit hikes, to swimming at the sand beaches, to anticipating your next big catch in Long Lake, you’ll be kept busy all day. And don't forget the Voyageur Heritage Museum, educational programs and riding in a replica fur trade canoe.
Hiking trails criss-cross the park offering insight into the kind of trekking Champlain and his men would have done. These trails will lead you through time as you can literally leave the modern world behind. The echo of Champlain’s voice rings out down the Mattawa valley, as he led his voyageurs and native guides.
The park is fully serviced for RV travellers and the nearby RV-friendly community of Mattawa boasts a range of amenities including charming restaurants, quaint shops and an extensive ATV trail system.
Did you Know? - Samuel de Champlain
The park lies in the valley of the Mattawa River known as a historic travel route for Aboriginal people, explorers and voyageurs. It was also used as a fur-trading route to travel deeper into Ontario, toward the Great Lakes.
The Canadian Ecology Centre is located within Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park. It offers a variety of natural history programs.
Follow in Famous Footsteps: Samuel de Champlain
Champlain arrived by canoe but you can come by the Trans-Canada Highway.
Samuel de Champlain was among the first explorers to travel along the east coast of North America and into the continental interior.
He is often credited as the founder of New France.
Born around 1567 in the town of Brouage, France, he learned about navigation, map-making and chart-reading, with his first major expeditions being to the West Indies from 1601-1603.
His interest spurred, he set sail for New France in 1603. Through an interpreter who translated between Champlain and the native people, he learned about the existence of the Great Lakes.
Around 1615, he was among the first Europeans to see the vast watery expanse of what is now Lake Huron.
When Champlain was nearing 70 years old, he visited Quebec for the last time. His health deteriorated, and he died there on Christmas Day, 1635.
Share a Tale or Say It with Photos
Sure, we'll give you a glimpse of what you can expect on your northern adventure, but the best stories and photos are always first hand.
It might be a story of the lake trout which got away, a picture of the incredible Northern Lights, or even a poem about that first time you heard the call of a loon!
For a chance to have your story or photo featured in an upcoming issue of the Insider, email us your story or photos today! Everyone who makes a submission will also be entered into a monthly draw for great parks gear!
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