ALWAYS check Alerts and other information on the official website, as conditions and facility availability are subject to change.
Facebook and Website Links
White Lake Official website
White Lake Official Facebook
Information
Phone #: 807 822-2447
Main entrance co-ordinates: 48.713534, -85.649972
Address: P.O. Box 280, 1004 Hwy 17, Terrace Bay, P0T 2W0
Opening seasons: May 19, 2023, to September 24, 2023.
The main park gate is now closed for the season (2022). However, leaving your vehicle outside the park and accessing trails on foot may be possible. Confirming this with the park office would be worthwhile if you travel a long distance. You should be aware that there will be no open facilities and limited staffing.
Park Winter access: in 2020, we asked Ontario Parks about park access out of season when most parks are officially closed. Their reply – “Parks that are closed for the season, and non-operational parks, are gated and access is available by foot. Visitors are permitted to park outside the gates and walk in for day use activities, such as hiking, fishing and picnicking. Please note that all buildings and facilities will be closed, and there is no consistent staff presence to oversee actions in the park.”
Travel, Directions & Distances
Directions: Sault Ste. Marie to White Lake Provincial Park via Trans-Canada Hwy/ON-17 N
Activities
Camping & Accommodation
Car Camping
White Lake offers car camping in Woodlily, Moccasin Flower, and Sundew Campgrounds.
There are 187 campsites, and approximately 1/3 have electrical service. The electrical pedestals offer 15 & 30 amp service. Most campsites are sheltered under the pines, and some skirt the shore of White Lake. Each site has a picnic table and fire grate close to drinking water taps, toilets, and garbage bins. A comfort station with flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities is centrally located in the Moccasin Flower campground. Many sites can accommodate large recreational vehicles.
White Lake also offers a seasonal campsite leasing program during the operating season. Several campsites are selected for this program and are allotted through a draw system.
There are two trailer sanitation stations – one in the campground and one near the gatehouse.
White Lake also has a trailer storage area. There are weekly, monthly and seasonal rates available.
Group Camping
Two group sites are available and can accommodate 50-60 people. Though isolated, the sites have vault toilets and water taps on-site and are a five-minute drive to the comfort station. The sites have their own beach adjacent to the amphitheater, Deer Lake nature trail, and Deer Lake. Reservations can be made online or by phone.
Hiking, Biking & Paddling
Hiking
Deer Lake Trail
Length: 1.5km (small loop), 2.5km (full loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
Take this self-guided trail to birdwatch, enjoy the sunset and see nature’s greatest engineer, the beaver, at work. The Deer Lake Trail provides ample opportunities for viewing birds and wetland wildlife as it winds through the boreal forest skirting the shores of Deer Lake and a beaver marsh. Located near the Deer Lake trailhead is a viewing platform which is a great place to view a sunset, cast a line or just watch nature at its best.
Tiny Bog Trail
Length: 4.5km
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2 – 2.5 hours
The trail loops around two large beaver ponds and then climbs a sandy ridge of Jack Pines before arriving at the bog. A boardwalk crosses the bog where insect-eating plants such as Sundew and Pitcher Plant grow in a carpet of floating Sphagnum Moss. You’ll find a viewing platform at the bog and benches along the trail.
Clearwater Lake Trail
Length: 2km return
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 30min-1hour
This trail leads through a pine forest to the spring-fed Clearwater Lake. Go for a swim, sit back and relax or explore this quiet lake by canoe.
Fitness Trail
Length: 500m
Difficulty: Easy with self-directed fitness stations
Time: 30 minutes
Eight exercise stations make this campground trail ideal for a quick workout. It is also a great place to go for an evening stroll after dinner.
Biking
Trails:
Visitors can cycle on all the park roads. There are no designated bicycle trails but there are opportunities adjacent to the park. White Lake rents adult mountain bikes, (helmets are not provided). Note. Cycling is not allowed on any of the trails within the park.
Paddling
Pukaskwa National Park – www.pc.gc.ca/pukaskwa, 807 229 0801, or e-mail at: ont-pukaskwa@pc.gc.ca
Boating
White Lake is a very large lake and motorboats are an ideal way to explore it. The lake is nearly 20 km (7- 10 miles) long. The many bays at the north end of the lake are an ideal location to fish, especially if you have a large boat. The south end is narrower and suitable for smaller boats, water skiing, and canoeing. Powerboats are not allowed on Deer Lake or Clearwater Lake.
Canoeing
Park visitors can paddle and explore the bays and marshes of White Lake or enjoy a leisurely paddle on Deer Lake or Clearwater Lakes located within the park boundary. There are some short overnight canoe trips in the local area. Canoes are available for rent at the park.
Maps & Resources
Park overview, campground, and trail maps click here for more information
Ontario Crown Land Use Policy Atlas: most Provincial Parks have excellent signage, maps, and marked trails. If you take up back-country adventures, then it’s not always clear. The Ontario Crown Land Use maps are an excellent resource. You might also want to join one or more of these groups on Facebook
Crown Land Camping Group
Crown Land Camping Ontario
Ontario Parks and Crown Land
Ontario Crown Land Campers
Sharing Ontario Crown Land Camping Spots