Finlayson Point Provincial Park is the gateway to Temagami vast wilderness and unparallel beauty in the Nipissing region of Ontario. This often forgotten about provincial park offers a much need quiet and relaxing getaway whether you come for the day or the week. Finlayson Point is actually a peninsula in the island dotted waters of Lake Temagami making it the perfect base camp for exploring the hundreds of islands and bays nearby.
Camping
Campers flock here in the summer months to stay at one of 117 secluded and beautiful campsites. While some are located right near the lake; the others are just a short walk away from the beach. Make sure to reserve early if you are looking for a prime lake spot. As well as car campsites there are 34 sites with electrical hookups; perfect for a trailer or RV. Amenities for the campground include comfort stations with hot water, showers, flush toilets and laundry as well as a boat launch and park store for anything you might have forgotten. Camping here includes the sound of float planes taking off, beautiful viewing of the stars overhead and necessary facilities close by in case you forget anything. If you wanted to splurge be sure to book the campsites with the included docks; thus feeling more like you are at a cottage rather than a campground.
Canoeing/Kayaking
Finlayson draws a lot of canoe enthusiasts to its park as the region of Temagami offers over 2400km of interconnected canoe routes. The clear and expansive Lake Temagami is the perfect paddle for the canoe adventurer. Many canoeists choose to lay down base camp here as it is the only organized campground on Lake Temagami. Kayak and canoe rentals are on site for those who do not have their own. The best sources of knowledge for canoe routes are the park’s staff and they are more than willing to help visitors out planning their canoe trips. If it is too windy to launch right from the park, there are over hundreds of small lakes accessible nearby. The friendly park rangers will point you in the right direction.
Hiking
Because of the stunning scenery of Finlayson Provincial Park a lot of hikers choose to visit this park and its towering pines, dense forests and largely unchanged nature. This park offers numerous marked trails ranging from easy to advance and up to 7km in length. Families with small children are easily able to hike the 1km Discovery trail that features 14 interpretive stops that describe the parks trees, plants and geology.
Hikers looking for something a little longer should try the Peregrine Trail; which offers a trek along the shores of Cassel Lake and through the heart of the forest. The nearby Caribou Mountain offers stunning views and the chance to climb a historic fire tower. The Red Fox Trail is the most challenging hike in the park at 6.5km which takes hikers through forests offering ample opportunity for wildlife viewing.
Other Park Activities
Along with hiking, canoeing and camping, this provincial park offers excellent fishing opportunities. The lake is teeming with Lake Trout, Lake Whitefish, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye and Yellow Perch. The size of the lake allows for many diverse habitats and if you don’t like what you find in one area; it is easy to paddle a few minutes further and find something completely different. If fishing doesn’t interest you try stretching out on one of two sandy beaches with access to exceptionally clear water. The swimming areas are roped off and feature gradual drops but parents should be aware there are no lifeguards on duty. Swimming is permitted throughout the entire lake and the clear waters makes it is perfect place to cool off. Wildlife viewing is another popular activity around the park as moose, bears, squirrels and foxes are commonly sighted along with numerous species of birds. Visitors to the park can see and hear warblers, flycatchers, hawks, owls and ducks that nest in the surrounding forests each year.
The on-site friendly staffs who love to run children programs combined with the small but informative museum makes this park the ultimate in family-friendly. Couple that with shorter hikes, private campgrounds and the opportunity to rent everything from canoes to life jackets to bicycles and it doesn’t get much easier to visit than here. For visitors near the area; pack a picnic and visit the sandy shores for a day of relaxation and outdoor activity. Out of town visitors can easily spend a week here exploring the many waterways and hiking trails; as well as the surrounding towns and parks. It is no surprise that Finlayson Point Provincial Park has a reputation for beauty, unspoiled nature and friendly staff and we suggest getting there this summer.
Contributors: Lindsay MacNevin
