Voyageur Provincial Park
RV Guide

Introduction

Known for its multiple beaches and being an RV camping paradise, Voyageur Provincial Park is a sensational holiday destination. Located around an hour from Montreal on the banks of the Ottawa River, Voyageur Provincial Park takes its name from the fur traders (or Voyageurs) who had to portage their fur and canoes around the once dangerous rapids that were found in the park. There are also numerous historical sites in and around the park that relate to the colorful history of the fur trade.

Voyageur Provincial Park is very well equipped to handle the busy summer months thanks to the great facilities and 3617 acres (14.64 sqkm) of useable space. The park has some great recreational activities to entertain visitors of all ages, including canoeing, hiking, swimming, wildlife viewing and fishing.Young visitors to the park have the option of participating in the discovery program that will teach them about the wonders of nature. During the winter time the park stays open and is a very popular cross country skiing location thanks to the six miles (10km) in groomed trails.

The crown jewel for RV lovers at Voyageur Provincial Park are the 400+ camping sites that are spread over three different campgrounds. All three of the campgrounds offers some campsites with electrical hookups and each can also accommodate a wide range of camping equipment due to the large site sizes. Peak season at Voyageur Provincial Park runs from May until October.

RV Rentals in Voyageur Provincial Park

Transportation

Driving

Voyageur Provincial Park is located in the south-east region of Ontario right on the border of Quebec and Ontario. The park has two entry and exit points and it can be accessed from the Trans-Canada Highway or Front Road.

One of the main attractions to Voyageur Provincial Park is how close the park is to any supplies, services or amenities that you would need to enjoy your trip. There are multiple towns located near the park and Montreal is extremely close too at only around an hour and 10 minute drive if the traffic isn't bad. If you want to check out some of the towns near the park we recommend going to St-Eugène (around four and a half miles away or seven and a half kms), Hawkesbury (around 10 miles or 16kms away) and L'Orignal (around 13 miles or 21kms).

Accessing the park is very easy as the main entrance is right off the highway. The park roads are very well maintained and there are plenty of places that will allow for ease of turning. During the winter the park remains open, however due to the weather we recommend calling to make sure that you will have road access.

Parking

There is plenty of parking available at Voyageur Provincial Park.

Public Transportation

There are no public transport options that will take you to Voyageur Provincial Park.

Campgrounds and parking in Voyageur Provincial Park

Campsites in Voyageur Provincial Park

Alternate camping

Iroquois Campground

Iroquois Campground is the largest of the three campgrounds at Sproat Lake Provincial Park and features 10 different loops that includes one that is radio-free and one where no pets are allowed. The sites at Iroquois Campground are known for being quite wide, flat and some of them also have views of the Ottawa River.

Iroquois Campground features a mixture of sites that are primitive and also some that include electrical hookups. Other great amenities in the campground include comfort stations, multiple playgrounds and toilets. If you decide to stay at Iroquois Campground you will also have direct access to the beach and the boat ramp isn't too far away either. Besides the one pet-free loop the rest of the campground is pet friendly and you should be able to get cell phone service on all of the major providers within the campground.

You can book a reservation in advance before you begin your journey to the park or choose a site on a first come, first served basis. Iroquois Campground is open from May-October and then from December-March for the winter season.

Portage Campground

Portage Campground is the middle of the three campgrounds at Sproat Lake Provincial Park in terms of size. The campground features four different loops that includes a mixture of primitive and electric hookup sites. The sites at Iroquois Campground are known for being quite wide, flat and are located in a forested setting.

Other amenities in the campground include comfort stations, multiple water collection points, toilets and overflow parking. If you are looking for a more peaceful camping trip then we recommend this campground since it is set back from the beach. All of Portage Campground is pet friendly and you should be able to get cell phone service on all of the major providers within the campground.

You can book a reservation in advance before you begin your journey to the park or choose a site on a first come, first served basis. Portage Campground is open from May-October and then from December-March for the winter season.

Champlain Campground

Champlain Campground is the smallest of the three campgrounds at Sproat Lake Provincial Park and features nine different loops of varying sizes. The sites at Champlain Campground are known for being quite wide, flat and there is a walking trail at the campground that will lead you to a beach.

Champlain Campground features a mixture of sites that are primitive and also some that include electrical hookups. Other great amenities in the campground include comfort stations, multiple playgrounds, water collection points, toilets and boat ramp access. The campground is pet friendly and you should be able to get cell phone service on all of the major providers within the campground.

You can book a reservation in advance before you begin your journey to the park or choose a site on a first come, first served basis. Champlain Campground is open from May-October and then from December-March for the winter season.

Seasonal activities in Voyageur Provincial Park

In-Season

Swimming

If you love to swim you will be impressed with the swimming opportunities waiting for you at Voyageur Provincial Park. The park has a total of four beaches; two in the main day-use/picnic area and another two close to the campgrounds. One of the nice things about the beaches at Voyageur Provincial Park is that they all have designated swimming areas and feature lifeguards on duty during the peak season.

Boating

Thanks to the Ottawa River there are plenty of chances to get out on the water and enjoy some boating experiences during your stay. Canoeing, kayaking and motor boats are all common to see on the river and the waters are fairly safe since there is no whitewater or rapids. If you want to launch a boat there are two ramps that you can use. If you have a small boat we recommend using the one at Champlain Campground. Canoes, paddleboats and kayaks are available at the boat rental facility located in the day-use area.

Picnicking

Voyageur Provincial Park has a very large day-use/picnic area that has parking available for around 350 vehicles. The day-use/picnic area is the perfect spot to have a lovely relaxing picnic thanks to the multiple picnic tables and BBQs that are available for you to use. If you are traveling with a larger group there is also a larger BBQ that you can rent. There is also a large selection of food available at the park store if you need some last minute picnic supplies.

Off-Season

Birding

Voyageur Provincial Park is a great spot to do some birding thanks to the varied habitats which brings in a diverse selection of bird species. In the spring and fall, the large marshland along the park’s north shore is an excellent place to view migrating waterfowl, including both Canada and snow geese. Osprey and Bald Eagles are also sighted regularly in and around the park, along with great blue herons and warblers. For more information on birding opportunities at the park we recommend you contact the park office.

Hiking

While there are no huge trails for you to explore within Voyageur Provincial Park there are two smaller tracks that will let you see some of the park. The main trail (known as Coureur des Bois Trail) is around a mile in length and winds through different terrestrial and aquatic habitats. The trail also contains interpretive plaques to educate you about the flora and fauna that you will see along it. The other trail in the park links visitor from the Champlain Campground to the day-use area.

Winter Recreation

During the off season at Voyageur Provincial Park (from mid-December to mid-March) the park re-opens to operate and maintain around six miles (10 km) of groomed cross-country ski trails. Trail lengths are arranged in various loops, the terrain is relatively flat and they are can be used by beginner to intermediate level skiers. Along with cross country skiing, snowshoe users are also encouraged to enjoy the winter terrain but they must keep clear of the ski trails.