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.
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park #
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).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -10°C and lows of -22°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -20°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 91 mm of rain.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).