Ouimet Canyon

Canyon Scenic Ontario gorge with dramatic rock cliffs

High, rugged quartzite canyon in northern Ontario with boardwalk lookouts, talus slopes and short hiking trails. Visitors photograph the chasm, watch for rare plants and explore the day-use picnic areas.

Main image
Ouimet Canyon
Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park, near Rossport/Marathon corridor, Ontario
48.7834, -88.6668
Day-use (dawn-dusk)
Free (provincial park features and trails - check local visitor centre for any fees)

How to Get to Ouimet Canyon #

Ouimet Canyon is located in northwestern Ontario along provincial routes; the nearest town with services is Marathon. The park has a marked turnout and a short, accessible trail to the main lookout; follow signage from the highway. Expect a drive through remote northern landscapes-plan fuel and supplies accordingly.

Tips for Visiting Ouimet Canyon #

  • Walk the short boardwalk to the main lookout for the best sense of scale-bring wind protection; it's exposed up top.
  • Avoid foggy mornings if the objective is a view; late morning often clears to show the canyon walls and floor.
  • Combine with a visit to nearby picnic spots and interpretive panels that explain the area's geology and glacial history.

Best Time to Visit Ouimet Canyon #

Summer and early fall are best for access and views; winters are dramatic but demanding.

Summer
June-August · 10-22°C
Most accessible with long daylight and clear views; wildflowers on rim meadows.
Fall
September-October · 0-12°C
Brilliant fall colours on the rim; chillier mornings but fewer visitors.
Winter
November-March · -20--5°C
A frozen world-ice forms on the canyon; access can be tricky and requires winter gear.

Weather & Climate near Ouimet Canyon #

Climate

Ouimet Canyon'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 23°C. Moderate rainfall (769 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -11°C and lows of -22°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

Comfort

-17°
Feels Like Freezing
-17°C
Temperature
-23° -11°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -20°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-20° -8°

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).

Comfort

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

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 23°

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 90 mm of rain.

Comfort

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

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-17° -7°

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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