FAQs About Temagami
So, you’re planning a Temagami canoe trip or cross-country
skiing adventure. Maybe, you’re looking to
hike Temagami’s old growth forests, or just hang out
at Smoothwater.
You’ve got questions about weather,
location, parks, permits, canoe routes, bugs, fishing, logging,
old growth pine forests and more. Well, we’ve got
answers. Read on.
If your question isn’t answered here, call 1-888-569-4539
or just contact us with your query.
Where is Temagami?
Located in northeastern Ontario, Canada, the town of Temagami,
Lake Temagami and the region of Temagami fit together like
nesting pots. Toronto is 440 km to the south. Ottawa,
Canada's capital city, is 465 km to the southeast.
The
town of Temagami is located on Highway 11, a 4.5 hour drive
north of Toronto. Bus and passenger rail service to the
town is provided by Ontario Northland. The closest airport
is in North Bay, 100 km to the south.
Still searching? Okay,
the Smoothwater wilderness lodge is located at:
47 degrees, 10 minutes, 30 seconds North latitude
79 degrees, 44 minutes, 20 seconds West longitude
Of course,
you can paddle to Temagami from just about anywhere in the
world (call us for specific routing).
What's so special about Temagami?
Lots! Temagami is most famous for its majestic and rare stands
of old growth red and white pine. These inspiring forests
contain trees up to 350 years old.
You can paddle to either
Maple Mountain or Ishpatina Ridge, Ontario's two highest
points of land. Both have dramatic 360° vistas stretching
to the very edge of Temagami's rugged backcountry.
Weaving
through an impressive 720,000 hectares of forest, lakes
and rivers is Temagami's 2,400 km (1,500 mile) canoe route
system. This is the largest network in North America. These
routes were established by the Teme-Augama Anishinabe (Deep
Water People) hundreds of years ago...
Temagami has more
registered archaeological sites than anywhere else in northern
Ontario. You will encounter history with every paddle stroke
or snowshoe step, from Anishnabe pictographs to relics from
the olden days of lumbering in Ontario.
Who maintains Temagami's canoe routes?
Temagami's canoe routes and campsites are maintained through
a backcountry partnership involving the Ontario Ministry
of Natural Resources, Ontario Parks, and local conservation
and trails groups.
Where are Temagami’s famous
old growth pines?
The world's last large stands of old growth white and red
pine grow in Temagami. The best known and most accessible
of these include Obabika North, White Bear Forest, Temagami
Island and Blueberry Lake. We can tell you how to get there,
canoeing, hiking or snowshoeing.
What about logging?
Logging is a fact of life in northern Ontario, even in 'protected'
areas like Algonquin Park. The good news is that logging
practices are changing to better reflect ecological awareness
and the values that recreationists hold dear. Still, much
improvement is needed and all Ontarians have the responsibility
to speak up about resource extraction practices they find
unacceptable. In Temagami, canoe routes and trails used
for hiking and skiing receive protection in the form of
viewscapes, reserves and setbacks.
Is Temagami a provincial park?
No, most of the Temagami region is Crown land. However, there
are seven Provincial Parks scattered across the Temagami
landscape: Obabika River, Sturgeon River, Solace, Makobe-Grays,
Finlayson Point, WJB Greenwood, and the 72,000 ha Lady
Evelyn-Smoothwater Wilderness Park.
Hey, what about winter?
There's not much canoeing when Temagami is buried in snow
and ice. But Smoothwater wilderness lodge is open for cross-country
skiing and snowshoeing, cabin-to-cabin skiing,
and a variety of winter programs.
Are there motorboats and cottages?
Several lakes near Highway 11 have cottages and motorboats,
though few people find their presence obtrusive. If solitude
is your goal, you'll want to explore Temagami's many remote
backcountry routes.
What is the best time of year for canoeing?
Ice-out happens in late April and the lakes freeze-up again
in late November, so you can paddle anytime in between.
July and August are the most popular months, but spring
and autumn are beautiful paddling seasons that few people
experience.
When are the bugs at their best?
Late May/early June is the ideal time to experience black
flies. Mosquitoes are best admired mid to late June. Talk
to us about bug shirts and repellant.
Are campfires allowed?
Yes, though dry summer weather can result in government-ordered
fire bans. During a fire ban, only stoves may be used for
cooking.
Is there a ban on bottles and cans in the backcountry?
Currently, no. However, Smoothwater promotes the principles
of low-impact camping, so we actively discourage recreationists
from taking cans and particularly bottles into the backcountry.
While empty cans are easily packed out, canned foods are
heavy. Bottles are unacceptable owing to the danger of
breakage. Broken glass at campsites is unsightly and a
real safety hazard. Food items purchased in glass bottles
or jars must be decanted into plastic bottles and jars.
Is the fishing good?
Temagami has enjoyed a great reputation for fishing since
the early 1900s. Some lakes experience heavy fishing pressure,
but many others do not. All anglers are required to possess
an Ontario fishing license.
Can I obtain supplies locally?
Yes. In addition to Smoothwater's excellent trip food and
full complement of rental gear, the town has an excellent
grocery store, hardware plus assorted restaurants and variety
stores. You can mail order a full selection of maps and
canoe routes books from Smoothwater.
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