TEMAGAMI EXCELLENCE IN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE AND REGIONAL CUISINE

FAQs ABOUT TEMAGAMI

Stuff you'll want to know about weather, location, parks, permits, canoe routes, bugs, fishing, logging, old growth pine forests and more.

Where is Temagami?
Located in north-eastern Ontario, Canada, the town of Temagami, Lake Temagami and the region of Temagami fit together like nesting pots. Toronto is 440 kilometres to the south. Ottawa, Canada's capital city, is 465 km to the south-east.

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 Ecolodge 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 and 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 13,000 square kilometres of forest, lakes and rivers is Temagami's 2,400 km (1,500 mile) web of canoe routes. This is the largest network in North America. These routes were established by the Teme-Augama Anishinabe (Deep Water People) through the millenia...

Temagami has more registered archaeological sites than anywhere else in northern Ontario. You will encounter history with every paddlestroke 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 in part by the Friends of Temagami Canoe Route Maintenance Program. For more information, see the FoT webpage.

Where is the old growth?
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, Whitebear Forest, Temagami Island and Blueberry Lake. We can tell you how to get there, by paddle, ski or snowshoe.

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 reponsibility 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 jewel, Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Wilderness Park.

Are there motor boats and cottages?
Several lakes near Highway 11 have cottages and motor boats, 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 to early May 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?
The first two weeks of June are 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 hazzard. 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 buy supplies locally?
Yes. In addition to Smoothwater's Backcountry Store that's chock full of camping supplies and other neat stuff, the town has an excellent grocery store, hardware and assorted restaurants and variety stores. You can buy your maps and canoe routes books from Smoothwater's Online Store.

Hey, what about winter?
There's not much canoeing when Temagami is buried in snow and ice, but Smoothwater has many terrific winter activities! Interested in cross country skiing, cabin to cabin skiing, snowshoeing and winter camping? See our Winter at Smoothwater page for more details.

Did we miss your question?
Email us, temagami@ontera.net, and we will respond promptly!