Exploring Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park
Tucked away in Northeastern Ontario, Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park is one of those under-the-radar gems that completely stole my heart. With its wide open lake, sandy beaches, and classic Northern Ontario charm, it’s the perfect stop for campers, paddlers, and road trippers looking to slow down and soak up the outdoors.
Things to Know Before You Go
Reservations: Book early during peak season — waterfront sites go fast.
Groceries & Gas: The nearest town is Foleyet (approximately 15 minutes away), which offers basic amenities if needed. Alternatively, Timmins is an hour and a half in the opposite direction if you require anything more than basics.
Perfect Pairing: Ivanhoe makes a great stop if you’re road tripping through Northeastern Ontario — pair it with Wakami Lake or Kettle Lakes for the ultimate nature loop.
Where to Stay: Campsites with a View
Ivanhoe Lake has four campgrounds to choose from: Red Pine, Le Rivage, White Birch Hill, and La Baie. If you’re tent camping or don’t need electricity, I highly recommend La Baie Campground. It’s quieter, close to both Saw Lake and one of the main beaches. I camped on site 105, and it was perfect - enough privacy while still only a 30-second walk to the beach to enjoy the incredible sunsets. Plus, you’re still not far from the comfort station, and the vibe is relaxed and peaceful—perfect if you’re wanting a more chill camping experience.
The Visitor Centre, located at the end of La Baie, is worth a stop. It’s a great spot to learn more about the boreal forest, local wildlife, and the important conservation efforts protecting the land around you.
If you’re looking for electric hookups or easier access to comfort stations, Red Pine and Le Rivage are great options. Both are close to the dog-friendly beach, and many sites have views of the water. Whichever campground you choose, you’ll have access to comfort stations, laundry, water taps, vault privies, a fish cleaning station, and two beautiful beaches—one even has a children’s playground.
Saw Lake Trail
Hiking Trails You Shouldn’t Miss
Ivanhoe Lake has a handful of great trails, but Saw Lake and the Quaking Bog were standouts for me.
Saw Lake Trail (2.8 km loop, moderate to difficult)
This one takes you up and over scenic esker ridges and along the shores of Saw Lake—a stunning glacier lake with greenish hues. Pack a camera and enjoy the quiet views.Quaking Bog Trail (0.8 km, easy)
Don’t let the short distance fool you—this trail is such a cool experience. You’ll walk along what used to be the bottom of Ivanhoe Lake, and there’s a platform that lets you look out over a rare quaking bog. It’s peaceful, fascinating, and great for all skill levels. Make sure to walk out on the bog (where is cleared) to try out the quaking experience (I don’t want to give it all away, just trust me!)Teck Lake Trail (1 km, moderate)
A quiet trail that leads you to Teck Lake, another crystal-clear kettle lake stocked with brook trout. Like Saw Lake, it glows green on a sunny day. It’s short but totally worth it.The Esker Trail (8 km, moderate to difficult)
If you’re up for a longer hike with panoramic views, I heard this one is great! I didn’t have enough time, but I will be back to hike! You’ll climb one of the most representative eskers in Ontario, with gorgeous lookouts, green-hued kettle lakes, and potential wildlife sightings. There are also side trails to Axe and Canyon Lakes if you're craving extra solitude.
And if you’d like to get out on the water, no worries! Canoe and kayak rentals are available right in the park, making it easy to explore Ivanhoe Lake from a different perspective. You can choose to paddle Saw Lake (it’s smaller and quieter), or if you’re paddling along the shoreline or heading out for a sunset float, it’s a great way to appreciate just how peaceful and expansive the lake really is.
Ivanhoe Lake truly surprised me—in the best way possible. The quiet campsites, stunning shoreline, and trails options made it the perfect mix of laid-back and adventurous. It’s one of those parks that feels like a hidden gem, and absolutely deserves a spot on any Northern Ontario road trip.
