White Lake Provincial Park lies in the coastal region north of Lake Superior. Its sandy beaches, marshes, and surrounding boreal forest offer visitors some of the country’s most diverse scenic views.
White Lake measures over 16,000 acres (6,500 hectares) in area and is one of the largest lakes in the region. The waters run warm, making it the perfect place for swimming and sunbathing on the beach. It’s also a popular fishing spot with abundant Walleye and Northern Pike.
The park’s trail system features three main nature trails that weave through the boreal forest. Campers can view delicate orchids and traverse past bogs that are home to insect-eating plants. Rangers lead interpretive programs for guests to learn about the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
Be sure to visit the adjacent town of White River, Ontario, famous as the home of a black bear named Winnie, who was the inspiration for A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh. Every year on the third weekend in August, the town hosts the famous Winnie the Pooh Festival, complete with a parade and fireworks display.
The Woodlily and Moccasin Flower Campgrounds feature sites with electrical hookups for RV camping. Campers can use the complete comfort station in the Moccasin Flower Campground that offers flush toilets, sinks, showers, and coin-operated laundry facilities.
White Lake Provincial Park is located near White River, Ontario, and the Mobert Indian reservation. It is a 12 hour drive from Ottawa via the Trans-Canada Highway and four hours traveling by car from Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Visitors coming from the United States can drive to the park from Minneapolis, Minnesota, in just under 10 hours.
Park roads are paved and make traveling with an RV or trailer simple. All campgrounds are laid out on a loop for easy parking and navigation. Parking for vehicles is available at each reserved campsite. Additional parking lots are available at each campground, the park amphitheatre, swimming beaches, and the marina’s boat launch.
Biking is allowed on all park roads. While there are no designated biking trails in the park and bikers are not allowed on hiking trails, bikers can find many trails in the area and towns nearby. All bicyclists under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.
Woodlily Campground offers 24 sites with electrical hookups for RV and trailer camping. Hookups come in 15 and 30 amp. Campers can use the complete comfort station in the Moccasin Flower Campground that offers flush toilets, sinks, showers, and coin-operated laundry facilities. Additional toilets are located throughout Woodlily campground. Each site includes a picnic table, fire grate, and close access to both potable and non-potable water taps. Pets are allowed. The park store — the Gatehouse — sells firewood, ice, and cold beverages. It also has a payphone for camper use. Walk to the swimming area, playground, fish cleaning station, boat launch, and amphitheater. The campground is open May through September.
Moccasin Flower Campground offers 35 sites with electrical hookups for RV and trailer camping. Hookups come in 15 and 30 amp. Campers can use the complete comfort station that offers flush toilets, sinks, showers, and coin-operated laundry facilities. Additional toilets are located throughout the campground. Each site includes a picnic table, fire grate, and both potable and non-potable water taps. Pets are allowed, and can take advantage of the park’s nearby pet exercise area. The park store — the Gatehouse — sells firewood, ice, and cold beverages. It also has a payphone for camper use. Walk to the swimming area, playground, fish cleaning station, boat launch, and amphitheater. The campground is open May through September.
White Lake Provincial Park offers two beaches for guests to enjoy a dip in the water. The first beach is the larger of the two and is located in a day-use area. The second, smaller beach is located near the tent camping site at Sundew Campground. Both beaches are sand with gradual drop offs. The swimming areas are designated by buoys. There are no lifeguards posted on the beach. Pets are not allowed in swimming areas, but they can enjoy the water at the boat launch and at the pet swim area near the Tiny Bog trailhead.
White Lake covers a significant area, over 16,000 acres (6,500 hectares). Motorboats are a favorite mode of aquatic transportation for guests. The southern end of the lake is popular for water skiing. This area is also a great spot for enjoying the lake at a slower pace. Paddle canoes through the bays and smaller lakes like Deer Lake and Clearwater Lake or explore the wildlife-rich marshes. Canoes are available for rent at the park’s day-use area.
Park visitors can explore the pristine outdoors by bicycle or on foot. Bikers can peddle along all park roads with views of the forests and lakes. Biking is not allowed on hiking trails. Hikers, however, are welcomed onto park trails to explore the forests, bogs, and marshes. The trail system features three nature trails and a fitness trail with self-directed fitness stations. Trail difficulty levels vary from easy to moderate. The longest trail is the Tiny Bog Trail at 4.5 km (2.8 miles) long.
The diverse ecosystem at White Lake Provincial Park means that an equally diverse population of wildlife calls it home. Birds especially benefit from the lake, marshes, and boreal forests. During the spring, migrating flocks of warblers, thrush, shorebirds, loons, and kestrels pass through the area. In the summer, visitors can catch sight of a variety of songbirds, ducks, Great Blue Herons, eagles, and kingfishers. These birds nest in the forest and raise their young in the park’s protected borders.
White Lake’s expansive waters are home to a variety of fish, making it a choice spot for both novice and expert fishermen. Anglers can catch Walleye, Northern Pike, Lake Whitefish, and Yellow Perch. Adjacent Clearwater Lake is stocked with Brook Trout. Fishermen coming to cast their line should be aware of the park’s special fishing regulations. There is a catch limit of four Walleye with a split size of three fish under 46 cm (18.1 in) and one fish over 46 cm (18.1 in).
While White Lake Provincial Park is closed to vehicles, water lovers, and campers in the winter months, skiers and snowshoers can venture beyond the park gate to enjoy the area. Snowfall is heavy, creating a winter wonderland on the lakeshore and through the forests. The park gate will be closed, but visitors can proceed with caution. Follow along the nature hiking trails — Deer Lake Trail, Tiny Bog Trail, and Clearwater Lake Trail — for predetermined paths with scenic views.
