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Voyageur

Voyageur Provincial Park

Biking

Although there are no formal bicycle paths at Voyageur, there is a paved road system of approximately 5 km for visitors to cycle and explore the park.

Birding

Voyageur’s varied habitats make it a great location to view a diverse selection of bird species. In the spring and fall, the extensive marshland along the park’s north shore is an excellent staging ground for migrating waterfowl, among them both Canada and Snow Geese. Osprey and Bald Eagles are sighted regularly. Great Blue Herons are also common.

Boating

There are two ramped launches for boating at Voyageur. The launch in Champlain Campground is better suited for smaller boats while the Iroquois/Portage launch can accommodate larger watercraft. The Ottawa River offers unlimited possibilities for boating activities including fishing and touring.

Canoeing

There are ample opportunities for canoeing at Voyageur. Since Voyageur is located on the reservoir of the Carillon Dam, the Ottawa River portion of the park is wide and more lake-like in nature. With no rapids or whitewater, canoeing can be a safe and somewhat leisurely activity. The park has many small bays and inlets where visitors can explore and view wildlife.

Discovery Program

Join Discovery staff at an Exploration Station during the months of July and August. Bring along your Discovery Activity Book (or pick one up at the Exploration Station), and use the equipment and materials provided to explore the park, observe plants and animals, and discover the wonders of nature. Be sure to share your observations with park staff! For more information keep an eye out for weekly calendar of events posted throughout the park.

Fishing

Dropping a line in the spring to catch catfish and barbotte (bullhead) is a popular local activity. In the summer, bass, pike, perch and walleye are the most abundant and most sought after game fish.  Fishing from shore for panfish is fun for both the young and not-so-young visitor. The Park Store sells fishing tackle and worms during the spring and summer.

Hiking

Coureur des Bois Trail - 1.5km loop, 45 minutes, easy to moderate
This trail is the main park hiking trail. It winds through several terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Interpretive plaques are located at spots of interest.

A second walking trail links Champlain Campground to the day use area. It is linear and is easy to navigate. A one-way trip takes about 15 to 20 minutes at a leisurely pace.

Swimming

Voyageur has four beaches. The day use picnic area has two beaches, one very close to the park store and the second beach is located near the park boat rental facility.

Champlain Campground has a sandy beach that is a short five minute walk from any of its campsites. Iroquois and Portage share a beach that is located in Iroquois Campground. 

All beaches in the park have sand as well as a marked and buoyed swimming area.

Winter Activities

Voyageur Provincial Park is open through the winter for day use adventures, only an hour away from Ottawa and Montreal. Explore another side of the park when it’s blanketed in snow.

Cross-country skiing
From mid-December to mid-March, the park operates and maintains a 10 km groomed and track-set cross-country ski trail. Trail lengths are arranged in 3 km, 7 km and 10 km loops. The terrain is relatively flat and is generally preferred by beginner to intermediate level skiers.
For the most current trail conditions at Voyageur and other Ontario Parks check out the ,a href="http://www.ontarioparks.com/skireport">Ontario Parks Ski Report.

Snowshoeing
Those on snowshoes are welcome to explore any sections in the park but are not permitted on the ski trails.

Travelling on ice is not recommended.