Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park

Park Wilderness provincial park famed for canoeing and lakes

Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater is classic Canadian Shield country: remote lakes, rock ridges and long canoe routes. Visitors plan multi-day paddles, backcountry camping and fishing among unmarked portages and spruce forest.

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Main image

Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park is a remote wilderness park in northeastern Ontario that protects a network of lakes, rivers and forested terrain typical of the Canadian Shield. It is managed to preserve backcountry values and recreational canoe routes.

The park is known for multi-day canoe routes with portages between lakes, fishing opportunities and dispersed backcountry campsites. Trails and waterways attract experienced paddlers and hikers seeking a backcountry experience rather than developed recreational facilities.

The park was designated to protect lake and river systems and to maintain traditional canoe routes and aquatic habitat. Management emphasizes minimal infrastructure to retain wilderness character.

The park is located in northeastern Ontario within a remote portion of the Canadian Shield; road access is limited and many routes are reached by secondary roads or water. It lies well inland from major urban centres and is approached by planning and preparation for backcountry travel.

  • Recreation focus: The park is primarily used for backcountry canoeing, fishing and wilderness camping with limited facilities and no large developed campgrounds.
  • Access note: Access is generally by secondary roads and logging routes or by canoe; visitors should plan for remoteness and limited services.

What to See #

  • Smoothwater Lake: Smoothwater Lake is one of the larger lakes within the park's network and forms part of canoe routes used by backcountry trippers.
  • Lady Evelyn Lake: Lady Evelyn Lake lies within the park's lake-and-river system and is connected to a series of portages and waterways favored by paddlers and anglers.
Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park
Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park, Ontario (remote wilderness)
47.3835, -80.4998

How to Get to Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park #

Access is by logging roads and secondary highways from towns like North Bay or Temagami, depending on which sector is intended. Many trips start from designated canoe staging areas; detailed maps and permits are recommended.

Tips for Visiting Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park #

  • Plan canoe routes with extra time - portages in this park are often longer and rockier than maps suggest.
  • Expect little to no cell reception in the interior; satellite comms are recommended for longer trips.
  • Fishing is a major draw; check Ontario fishing regulations and obtain the correct licenses.

Best Time to Visit Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park #

Best visited in summer for canoeing loops; fall is excellent for solitude and foliage.

Summer
June-August · 10-25°C
Prime paddling season with long days and open water routes.
Fall
September-October · 0-15°C
Fewer visitors and brilliant fall color; cooler nights and shorter days require careful planning.

Weather & Climate near Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park #

Climate

Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -22°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (828 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
-22°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -10°C and lows of -22°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).

Comfort

-16°
Feels Like Freezing
-16°C
Temperature
-22° -10°

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -20°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-20° -7°

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-14° -1°

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
16°

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 24°

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 22°

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 91 mm of rain.

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-17° -6°

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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