Exploring Mississagi Provincial Park
If you’re looking for a provincial park that feels a little more rugged, a little more remote, and a lot less busy, Mississagi Provincial Park is one to add to your Northern Ontario road trip list. Located about 20 minutes north of Elliot Lake, this park has everything to offer: is a quiet campground, canoe routes, and some of the best hiking trails in the region.
Mississagi Provincial Park is easily accessible, yet it still retains a remote feel upon arrival. The drive is approximately two hours from either Sudbury or Sault Ste. Marie, and honestly, it is part of the adventure. You’ll turn North at Highway 108 to Elliot Lake, then follow Highway 639 into the hills on the scenic Deer Trail. It’s a quiet, winding route with rolling views that set the tone for your trip. Explore Elliot Lake before heading into the park. Grab groceries, go for coffee, take in a scenic view, or pick up any last-minute camping supplies before heading into the park.
Camping in Mississagi
What I loved most about this campground is the rustic and remote vibe. The main campground features 60 spacious non-electrical sites, giving the sense of privacy and seclusion that you don’t always find in provincial parks. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit, along with access to vault toilets and water taps scattered throughout the campground. Keep in mind: Rustic & Remote. There are no comfort stations (shower buildings) or laundry facilities at Mississagi Provincial Park. You can often secure a campsite without booking in advance. However, it’s easy to book a campsite and make a reservation online through Ontario Parks.
For the more adventurous, there are also backcountry sites that you can hike in or paddle to if you want to feel like you’ve got the park all to yourself. Perfect if you’re craving a quieter escape.
Hiking in Mississagi
Mississagi Provincial Park has no shortage of trails to explore. From short family-friendly loops to full-on backcountry adventures.
Helenbar Trail (7 km, intermediate): One of the best lookouts in Algoma Country. The hike is worth the steady climb, which rewards you with a stunning lookout, perched about 130 meters above the forest.
Jimchrist Lake Trail (11 km, challenging): A rugged day hike weaving through old-growth white pine and hemlock, with lakeside stretches along Christman and Helenbar Lakes.
Nature Trail at Flack Lake (0.8 km, easy): Quick and scenic, located at the Flack Lake boat launch just off Highway 639.
Semiwite Creek Trail (1.2 km, easy): Perfect for families and/or an easy walk, and a peek at century-old logging remains.
Semiwite Lake Trail (12 km, difficult): A tougher trek with more logging history to uncover and a remote beach that makes for an epic swim spot.
McKenzie Lake Backcountry Trail (22 km, difficult): A multi-day backcountry adventure with campsites along the way. The trail is named after a pilot who survived a 1946 crash and spent 26 days in the outdoors.
Paddling in Mississagi
Semiwite Lake: Launch right from the campground and paddle to two secluded beaches tucked away at the far end. There’s also a little island on the south side that makes for a fun stop.
Helenbar Lake (via portage from Semiwite): Home to a backcountry campsite on the east shore — and a wild bit of history. This is where a Gloster Meteor jet crash-landed in 1946. Lt. Mackenzie, the pilot, survived 26 days in the wilderness on berries before being rescued. Today, the McKenzie Backcountry Trail is named after him.
Flack Lake: A classic day trip — paddle to the base of Old Baldy, check out the site of an old fire ranger’s cabin, and then stretch your legs on the 5 km trail to epic views.
After a full day on the trails or the water, head just down the road (about 10 minutes driving) to Laurentian Lodge. Tucked along the shores of Mikel Lake, this incredible lodge offers hearty, home-style meals in a warm, rustic dining room. It’s the perfect spot to swap campfire cooking for a hot, delicious dinner (paired with wine, obviously). Think comfort food, paired with stunning lake views. I highly recommend popping in for dinner. It’s a must-do experience to round out your Mississagi adventure.
Mississagi Provincial Park offers a perfect balance between rustic and remote settings with just enough amenities to keep things comfortable. With non-electrical campsites, you really feel like you’re out there, but having a picnic table, fire pit, and easy access to the beach and park store means you don’t sacrifice too much comfort of a maintained park. It’s an ideal “true camping” experience for anyone seeking that rustic, remote vibe without going completely off-grid.
Again, for those who are more adventurous, there are backcountry campsites and paddle-access lakes that let you extend your stay into a multi-day wilderness adventure. Pair a day at Mississagi with a stop in Elliot Lake, or one stop into your Northern Ontario camping road trip, and you’ve got a mix of lakeside relaxation, hiking, and paddling that feels like a full getaway into nature.
