Review by Lesley Cassidy, Ottawa
Wooded and green are just a few words that describe this Park. You also won’t get bored, there’s lots of interesting activities!
We booked two campsites in Jingwakoki campground on the west side of the Park. The Park is divided into two campgrounds, the other being Babawasse. Both have their own beaches with play structures for the kids and a sandy waterfront. A beautiful day use beach, called Bagwa, can be found across Moore Lake.
Campsites were flat, backed onto each other, had picnic tables and clean firepits. The lake was just across the road from our site and the tall pines and brush made it feel remote. The outhouses, to our happy surprise, were flush toilets, despite their outward appearance. The store was well supplied even in late July with bug spray, band aids, general bathroom toiletries and campfire wood.
Numerous well-marked hiking trails can be enjoyed that varied in length from 1.5km to 9km. We signed up for the 1.5-hour Voyageur canoe tour down the Mattawa River. The kids loved it and it was definitely worth the $11.00 fee. The guides were informative and kept it interesting for both adults and kids alike. We stopped to enjoy a local waterfall and a quick dip in the River during the trip.
Not advertised, there is a lazy river. The water is swift in places and there may be rocks and other unseen obstacles in the river. With a lifejacket and a large floating tube or mattress, next year, we may try this.
Bring your bicycles… this park is bike friendly and it is a great place to ride around to check out the museum, store, and day use beach.
We will be returning!
What I liked most about the park? The “wilder” feel to it than other parks. They have not trimmed away the brush in many areas, it feels like you are nestled in the bush.
What I liked least about the park? Occasional noise from the highway that echoes across the lake.
Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park