Hiking, waterfalls, views — a recipe for an amazing adventure. Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park is a spectacular wilderness-class park in Temagami, Ont., that boasts amazing backcountry trails and canoe routes, but one of the coolest things you can do here is check out the highest point in the province.

Getting to Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park

Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park is seven and a half hours by car from Toronto in Temagami.

The park is between Sudbury and Timmins, about four hours from both cities.

There is a day fee if you’re heading to the park for the day: $12.25 per vehicle.

Things to see and do

This park is for those who love adventure, so if you’re planning a visit, then just note you’ll be on your feet quite a bit.

Let’s start with the Ishpatina Ridge Trail! This 3.2 km hike is known as Ontario’s highest elevation.

Though the trail is marked as challenging, the views are worth it.

The Ishpatina Ridge and its fire tower are a two-hour linear hike from Scarecrow Lake, which has to be accessed via canoe.

According to Ontario Parks, at one time, the trail was used by fire rangers to reach the fire tower and watch for forest fires.

Speaking of canoes, hit the water before it gets too cold to do so. Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park is connected to a 2,400 km canoeing network consisting of Parks, Conservation Reserves, and Crown lands.

Rent a canoe on-site or bring your own; either way, you’re in for some incredible sights.

Depending on the route you choose, clear lakes, stunning waterfalls, and rushing rivers lie ahead. Park workers are able to help you plan your canoe route if you’re looking for suggestions.

Be sure to visit ASAP as the park closes for until spring on Oct. 27.

Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park

Where: 24 Finlayson Park Rd., Temagami, Ont.

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Taylor Lucas

Associate Editor – Taylor is a Toronto-based journalist with a passion for storytelling. Whether chasing a story, writing, or editing, she brings a creative spin to the media world and has a blast doing it. Taylor brings years of journalism experience in sports, local/national news, and entertainment. In her spare time, you can typically find Taylor trying out a new restaurant or cocktail bar, cooking, golfing or binge-watching true crime documentaries.

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