If you haven't experienced it before, canoe tripping in Temagami, ON, should be on every canoeist's bucket list. With countless lakes, rivers, and creeks linked together by ancient portages, the area can quickly become overwhelming when deciding which route to choose.

Temagami is a hidden gem. It is accessible within a five-hour drive from Ottawa or the Greater Toronto Area, making it the perfect destination for those seeking an outdoor escape from the city. It is less crowded than the more popular near-north canoe destinations such as Killarney and Algonquin provincial parks.

The Temagami area offers countless route options suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. The interconnected routes allow longer trips with varied terrain, interest points, different types of trips and more. The Temagami area consists of both crown land and Provincial Parks. When planning your adventure to Temagami, carefully determine where permits are required for camping.

A handful of (backcountry) Ontario Parks in the Temagami area require permits for overnight camping. Popular destinations such as:

Don't miss out on our upcoming blog that will provide in-depth information on crown land camping in Temagami.

Here are my favourite Temagami Canoe Trips based on experience level and duration.

Blueberry Lake: Beginner 2-3 days

Blueberry Lake is a beautiful lake surrounded by pristine forest and centuries-old trees. Its Ojibway name is Min Dow-oways-zawning, which means it is a good place to pick blueberries. This route is a perfect weekend canoe route and is easily accessible from the town of Temagami.

Cassels Lake takeout into the portage to Blueberry Lake.

It's a half-day paddle from Cassel's Lake to Blueberry Lake, with an approximately 500 m portage (with a stunning small waterfall and boardwalk!). Four campsites are available on this lake, all of which are good ones. My first option is the 'big site' located toward the back of the lake. It has a perfect rock sunset viewing spot. But you can't go wrong with any of the choices.

If you want to make a longer trip or experience more lakes, I recommend the loop from Cassels into Blueberry, down into Tucker, and Sunrise. This loop returns you to the Northwest arm of Rabbit, which eventually turns back into Cassels.

Blueberry Lake offers three-day hiking options, making it the perfect weekend canoe trip with an afternoon hiking option.

Trailhead of the Old Growth Trail on Blueberry Lake.

The Old Growth Trail explores several distinct forest types. It is the longest trail in the Temagami region and explores a greater diversity of old-growth forests than any other trail. Allow 2-3 hours to hike the entire trail.

Blueberry Trail climbs onto a high red-pine ridge, a rare opportunity to spend time in a pure red pine forest and a nice place to relax and enjoy a great view after the climb. Careful: sections of the trail are steep and rugged.

Charcoal Trail explores an area of mixed red and white pine forest that burned in 1996. Don't miss this opportunity to see a great illustration of red and white pine fire ecology in action, and you can see it in as little as half an hour.

Iceland/ Driftwood/ Wasaksina Loop Intermediate 3-4 Days

This loop is one of the most popular routes in Temagami. With easy access, stunning lakes, manageable portages, and numerous campsite choices, it's easy to see why so many people choose it.

The perfect blend of backcountry camping.
Plenty of opportunities for relaxation.
The chance to experience the true beauty of Temagami's lakes.

This route is an excellent introduction to portaging and backcountry canoe tripping in Temagami. (There are several options, from weekend to weeklong routes.) I suggest starting at the access point by Iceland Lake from the Central Lake Temagami Access Road. There is also an option to begin on Lake Temagami and enter Shiningwood Bay.

From the starting point by Iceland Lake, you'll paddle through intimate channels and make two short portages to arrive at Wasaksina Lake, a stunning lake with tons of campsite options. Enjoy a relaxing evening at your campsite, or choose to paddle the nooks and crannies of the Wasaksina. It is stunning, and you get a remote feeling (even though it was less than a day's paddle to reach).

From Waskasina, you'll have a short and pretty portage with a small waterfall that brings you into Denedus (another stunning lake!). There are two campsites on Denedus, with my suggested option of the island campsite. If you choose to move on, you'll have another short portage into Olier and Shiningwood Bay.

Getting from Waskasina to Shiningwood Bay within a day's paddle is doable, but I highly suggest taking time paddling Denedus and having lunch! When you arrive in Shiningwood Bay, several campsite options will accompany a handful of cottages. Shiningwood Bay can get rough and windy, so check the weather conditions before paddling.

Paddling in Shiningwood Bay, Lake Temagami.

We use The ZOLEO Satellite to stay connected beyond cell phone coverage. 

From Shiningwood Bay, the paddle back to the Central Lake Temagami Access Road can be easy or challenging, depending on weather conditions.

For a more challenging route option and experienced paddlers, you can portage 1500m from Wasaksina to Cross Lake or make a series of portages through smaller, secluded bodies of water to reach Lake Temagami's Shiningwood Arm. Again, be cautious of weather and wind on Cross and back up into Shiningwood Bay—Lake Temagami can get moody!

Matigamasi to Wolf Lake and back Intermediate 2-4 Days

Wolf Lake is popular, and for good reason! Located in the Chiniguchi Waterway, Wolf Lake is considered one of the most beautiful lakes within the Temagami Region.

You park and enter at Matagamasi Lake— off Highway 17 to North on Kukagami Lake Road. Once on Matigamasi Lake, you will paddle through the North Arm and portage into a small creek/waterway at the bottom toward Paradise Lagoon. Although the popularity of Paradise Lagoon has significantly increased over the years (and it is accessible by car), it is 110% recommended that people stop and enjoy it.

The advantage of paddling in from Matigamasi is that you are on the opposite side of the falls and waterway, which confused many people and caused them to ask us how we got onto that side. Plan to stop for lunch, swim, or take a much-needed break after paddling Matigamasi. The waterfalls are so pretty, and the area is a paradise location.

After taking much-needed time to appreciate Paradise Lagoon, it's time to move on to the famous toenail portage (yup, there are a few sketchy sections, especially if you're the one carrying the canoe). The short but mighty portage will take you to Silvester Lake, which has a campsite if, in the worst case, you need to come back.

It's a beautiful paddle from Silvester with a small portage/lift into Wolf Lake. Wolf Lake has four good campsites, all providing views of the lake. My favourite site is the popular option - on the right side of the lake, propped up on a rock cliff.

For a more challenging and longer route option for experienced paddlers, you can portage into Dewdney Lake and into Chinigchi Lake or up and over into McConnell Bay, creating a loop through a series of smaller lakes.

Diamond, Wakimika and Obabika Loop Novice 4-7 Days

This route has two starting/put-in points: Sandy Inlet or Central Lake Temagami. When Alex and I completed this loop, we began from Sandy Inlet. Drive up Red Squirrel Road to Sandy Inlet—your first portage is from the car to the beach! (It is approximately 1000m). Sandy Inlet offers a handful of beach campsites if you need to start from this point. Keep in mind that it gets jam-packed throughout the summer with houseboats.

Once you're paddling in Ferguson Bay up the North Arm of Lake Temagami, you'll complete the Napoleon Portage (very steep incline!) over into Sharp Rock Inlet. There are several good campsites in Sharp Rock Inlet if you run out of time or into bad weather. Sharp Rock Inlet is gorgeous! But please know it can get rough (what a surprise for Lake Temagami), so you will need to consider weather and wind conditions.

Alex and I are very experienced with the NAPOLEON Portage and have completed it about eight times (no lie). 
It roughly takes us 3-4 hours to get into Diamond Lake from the Sandy Inlet put-in with good weather.

Upon arriving at Diamond Lake, there will be a very short but rocky portage. Diamond Lake is one of my favourite lakes within the Temagami region! I highly recommend staying on it for a night to enjoy its beauty. There is a fly-in fishing camp on the lake, so you will see motorboats, but other than that, Diamond Lake is stunning and should be explored.

Morning coffee at our campsite on Diamond Lake.

From Diamond, you will have a small series of short portages that will bring you into Pencil Lake and eventually into Wakimika Lake. Wakimika often gets overlooked because it's sandwiched between Diamond and Obabika, but do not rush through this lake! With a beach, several campsites, and canoe access, this lake is a gem to paddle!

You'll start paddling down the windy Wakimika River, encountering several beaver dams, lift-overs, and fallen trees. This river is a moose paradise, so hopefully, you'll spot one along with other wildlife.

Tip: Fill your water bottle before paddling down the Wakimika River; you will not have access to 'better' drinking water.' 
Of course, always filter or use a tablet.

You'll enter at the north of Obabika and head halfway down the lake to portage into Obabika Inlet (back into Lake Temagami). In Hap's book, he explains that if the lake is rough, do not attempt it. Obabika is a big lake that can get some nasty winds. He suggests staying at the campsites in the north part of the lake until it's safe.

The portage into Obabika Inlet will be easily located and portaged. Now you're back in Lake Temagami and need to head back up the North Arm and over to Sandy Inlet (yay to the Napolean portage for a second time!)

This route is considered novice because of the big open water paddling with many potential weather and wind-bound opportunities, strenuous portages, and river travel. However, several smaller side lakes within this region accommodate different trips.

Exploring the canoe routes of the Temagami region offers an unparalleled experience for paddlers seeking both adventure and tranquillity.

The portage from Diamond Lake into Lain Lake.

Whether you're a seasoned canoeist or just starting your journey into the backcountry, Temagami provides a diverse range of routes that cater to all skill levels. From serene lakes to challenging portages, the area’s natural beauty and rich history make it a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiast.

As you plan your trip, research the specific permits needed for your chosen route, whether on crown land or within the Provincial Parks. With the right preparation, your Temagami adventure will be a memorable escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and a chance to connect with the untouched wilderness of Northern Ontario.

So, pack your gear, choose your route, and get ready to experience the magic of canoe tripping in Temagami—a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

And if you’re new to canoeing and need help getting outfitted - I highly recommend Temagami Outfitters. Located right in the heart of Temagami, they can get you all set up with rentals, gear, food and more!

Tripping in Temagami