ALWAYS check Alerts and other information on the official website, as conditions and facility availability are subject to change.
New Camping Rules for 2023 (14-night max) – new for 2023 are revised rules about the maximum number of nights you can camp. In this park, if you are camping between July 1 and the Saturday of the Labour Day long weekend, you’ll be restricted to no more than 14-nights at this park. Outside of those dates, it’s still the old 23-night maximum. Ontario Parks promises this will be clear when booking.
Rules for backcountry camping and the roofed accommodation haven’t changed.
Day Use Vehicle Permits: Because of this park’s popularity, it will need permits to be purchased in advance to guarantee park access. This process was started in 2021 and will be kept for 2023.
If you’re smart, grab the permit before any visit, even mid-week. We found this out the hard way at our local Provincial Park.
You can buy the vehicle permit up to 5 days in advance, which guarantees you access to the park on that day. If you have an annual or season pass, you should still book your permit online, but there’s no extra charge.
Facebook and Website Links
Pancake Bay’s official website
Pancake Bay’s official Facebook
Pancake Bay’s official Twitter
Information
Phone #: (705) 882-2209
Main entrance co-ordinates: Pancake Bay Gatehouse Latitude: 46.969783, Longitude: -84.702083
Address: 12729 Hwy 17N, P0 box 61, Batchwana Bay, P0S 1A0
Opening seasons: May 5, 2022 to October 10, 2022
Activities
Camping & Accommodation
Car Camping
Pancake Provincial Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed camping expert or are trying it out for the first time, you can find something that suits your needs. About half of the campsites come with electrical service, and there’s a range of sizes for trailers. The Hilltop Campground offers peace and tranquility free from radios, and each site has its own fireplace and picnic table. Plus, drinking water taps, vault toilets, garbage disposal, comfort stations, a trailer sanitation station, and two laundry facilities are readily available throughout the campgrounds. So don’t forget your tent – because Pancake Provincial Park is where camping comes to life!
Group Camping
Pancake Bay Campground is a great group camping destination! There are five group campsites available, so everyone at your party can be close by. Each site varies in size and can accommodate from 15 to 40 people, so regardless of the size of your group, you’ll have plenty of space. Best yet, camping essentials like water taps and vault toilets are nearby, plus there’s a comfort station within walking distance if you find yourself needing any amenities. And add on a 3.5 km nature trail adjacent to the sites for the full outdoor immersion experience! So gather your friends or family and head over to Pancake Bay for an unforgettable group camping trip!
Radio-Free Camping
The Hilltop Campground is radio-free so you can have a nice relaxing camping trip
more info
for more information on what is offered at the park please click here for more information
Hiking, Biking & Paddling
Hiking
The Pancake Bay Nature Trail – 3.5 km (1-2 hours) easy
The Lookout Trail – 14 km (5-7 hours) moderate for the entire trail – 7 km return (2-3 hours) to the lookout
Biking
Trails: Cycling is permitted on the 14 km Lookout Trail.
Paddling
Paddle along the stunning shores of Lake Superior, just as the voyageurs once did. Batchawana Bay offers ample space and some shelter, while to the north of the park, the rugged and rocky Lake Superior shoreline serves as a testament to the lake’s mighty force. It’s important to be prepared for sudden weather changes that may lead to significant swells and waves. Remember to wear your personal flotation device at all times and paddle within your skill level for a safe adventure.
Birding
Nestled in the enchanting transition zone between the Great Lakes and the Boreal Forest, Pancake Bay reveals a rich tapestry of wildlife. Visitors to the campground can delight in the company of Red Squirrels, chipmunks, Red foxes, and an array of avian wonders, featuring the majestic Pileated and Downy Woodpeckers. Meanwhile, those venturing along the park’s trails should keep their senses keen for encounters with moose, wolves, Black Bears, and an impressive avian cast, including Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Sandhill Cranes, flycatchers, Cedar Waxwings, and a multitude of forest warblers like redstarts. Pancake Bay boasts a remarkable roster of over 200 bird species officially recorded within its boundaries.
Adding to the park’s allure, the wetlands nestled within its confines provide a welcoming habitat for a delightful range of amphibians. Among these, the charming Spring Peepers and Green Frogs are certain to capture the hearts of young wildlife enthusiasts visiting the area.
Maps & Resources
Campground and trail maps are available on the official Pancake Bay map webpage
Local Facilities
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