Thinking of heading to the Great White North for your next RV adventure? Consider a trip to Ontario's Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park. It's a great place for a camping getaway.
Founded in 1957, Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park is located between the two northern Ontario towns of Chapleau and Timmins. An area that rests on the shores of a pristine and beautiful sand beach, the park is home to a campground with many sites that offer breathtaking views of Ivanhoe Lake.
Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park is nestled within an abundant growth of boreal forest. There are a number of unusual plant species which grow within this area including wild rice and six different varieties of orchids.
The geographical features of the region are quite diverse. The hiking trails lead through areas of bogs, eskers, and kettle lakes. One of the most unique natural phenomenons at Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park is what is known as a "quaking bog." Quaking bogs are essentially kettle lakes which have been neglected to become thick with vegetation growth. As time moves on with the kettle lake untended, the plant life above the surface of the water evolves into a floating carpet. When the quaking bog is disrupted by walking nearby, it begins to move. This natural feature is quite delicate, and thus, is only for viewing and not touching.
Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park is a hotbed of fun activities for families to enjoy. From swimming and sunbathing at the beach to hiking, fishing, picnicking, and more, you won't want for interesting things to do during your visit to this amazing park and campground.
If you're in the planning stages of your next RV adventure, think about heading to the Great White North for a camping vacation at Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park. It's an amazing place for an outdoor vacation getaway.
The trip from Chapleau, ON to Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park is 96 km (or 60 miles). Begin the route by travelling along ON-129 S. At the exit for ON-101 E, turn left and follow this highway. Turn right at the sign for Ivanhoe Lake Road. The destination will be found on the right. All the roads along the journey are comprised of two lanes. Traffic moves at a steady pace along these extremely well-maintained highways. Construction does occasionally occur during the summer months.
Travelling to Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park from Timmins, ON, follows a route that is straight and direct. The entire trip covers a total of 113 km (70 miles). To reach the park, take ON-101 W until you reach the sign for Ivanhoe Lake Road. Make a left onto this road. The destination is slightly ahead on the right hand side. All stretches of road along this trek consist of two lanes that are kept in excellent condition. Traffic moves well except during times of road construction. At these times, expect delays.
Parking is available at the entrance to Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park.
Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park houses one camping facility: Ivanhoe Lake Campground. Open from May 17th through September 2nd yearly, this popular campground offers 108 sites for RV and tent camping. Some of these sites include power hookups with others remaining completely unserviced. Reservations are recommended to guarantee a spot suited to your needs.
Generator use is allowed on the premises. Dogs are welcome to join their families but must remain leashed. Group camping accommodations are also available.
There are many amenities at Ivanhoe Lake Campground that make it a favorite camping spot. Among the things you will find here are a beach, toilets, showers, a playground, a watersports equipment rental shop, a convenience store, a boat launch, horseshoe pits, and a visitor's center. There is also a fish cleaning station located along the beach.
The land Ivanhoe Lake Campground sits on is extremely picturesque. Many of the campsites are surrounded by rich expanses of forest while others offer waterfront views. The woods offer the opportunity to glimpse many geological wonders specific to the region including bogs, eskers, and kettle lakes.
The most beloved activities at this campground include hiking, fishing, picnicking, swimming, and boating.
For families who love to swim, the beach at Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park will not disappoint. The clear waters of this picturesque lake are warm and inviting, making them the ideal spot for paddling your cares away. The lake is particularly shallow, an advantage if you plan to hit the beach with your children in tow.
The sandy shores are the perfect place to meander along the coast in search of treasures from the sea to take home as a souvenir. After your day of fun in the sand and the surf, recline on a beach towel and work on your suntan or catch up on the latest best seller.
There is a playground on the beach for children to enjoy as well.
When the sun is shining and the birds are singing, it's the perfect time for a picnic lunch at Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park. Whether you cop a squat in the grass or enjoy one of the tables in the picnic areas, you are sure to have a great time.
Pack a lunch, bring some snacks and drinks, or even just stop by the camp store for some goodies, and you've got a recipe for a party! After your lunch is done, why not try your hand at a game of horseshoes or go for a relaxing hike in the woods?
Watersports are a popular activity at the beach located next to Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park. The boat launch is the perfect place to plunge your watercraft out into the lake's depths or from which to paddle out in your canoe or kayak. The beach is also home to a rental facility where you can borrow watersports equipment for a day for a fee.
The fishing is fine at Ivanhoe Lake, so why not try your hand at reeling in a haul? You can fillet your fish at the on-site fish cleaning station then take it back to your campsite to grill up over an open fire.
There is no public transportation to this park and camping facility.
Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park boasts of an abundance of hiking trails of various lengths and difficulty levels. You will find there is something here to suit the age and activity levels of all members of the family.
Many of the hikes travel through rich areas of boreal forest, treating you to a glimpse of the interesting geographical features that are unique to the area. You may also have occasion to see unusual plant life such as wild rice and one of the many varieties of orchids that grow wild in Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park.
To keep your hydration levels up, bring along some drinking water. Your dog may join you on your hike, but do please keep them leashed at all times.
Most of Ontario's lakes are rich opportunities for catching fish, and Ivanhoe Lake is no exception. Fish from the dock, the shore, or from the comfort of your boat; regardless of your location, you are sure to have a ball.
Bring along some snacks and drinks to enjoy while you're out on the lake. With the waters remaining warm throughout the summer, you can even take a dip if you so choose.
Don't forget to bring along some sunscreen to prevent succumbing to sunburn.
Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park is home to many different species of plant and animal life. Within the boreal forest sections, you may be treated to the sight of deer, raccoons, rabbits, foxes, squirrels, and more. Bring along your camera to record your findings and a naturalist's guide to help you determine what type of animal or plant life you have discovered on your journey.
Plant life is also quite rich at this park. Wild rice is a common plant found in the woods. On occasion, you will also spot several different types of wild orchids. Do take care not to pick any trilliums you come across. They are Ontario's provincial flower, and it is illegal to disturb them.
