Spanish River Provincial Park 3.31

The Spanish River and Biscotasi Lake Provincial Parks offer canoeists any number of paddling opportunities, from exhilarating white water to a scenic journey through picturesque lakes dotted with many islands. Start your adventure from any one of the many access points, whether it is Duke Lake on the East Branch or the town of Biscotasing on the West Branch. Or take a train ride and get off at The Forks. These provincial parks have something for everyone.


Biscotasi Lake Provincial Park

If lake paddling is more your style, Biscotasi Lake Provincial Park offers endless opportunities. Why not take the VIA Rail Budd Car from Sudbury to the town of Biscotasing? It is a unique experience; the train will drop off you and your gear just a short walk from the put-in by the Biscotasing General Store. Stop in for ice cream or a cold drink before starting your journey. Biscotasi Lake offers many bays and inlets to explore, and opportunities to take in the vast landscape that makes up this incredible park. This area is ideally suited to kayak exploration with many large lakes and deep bays. Come and see for yourself!

Don’t forget your fishing rod; this area has some of the best fishing opportunities in Ontario. For those wishing to travel farther afield a paddle west under the train bridge will take you into Mississagi River Provincial Park. Take the short portage around the dam into Boyuck Bay and Ramsey Lake and go exploring!


Spanish River Provincial Park

Looking for a longer trip? Canoeists can drive up Highway 144 north of Sudbury and put in at Duke Lake. This trip will have you paddling a series of chain lakes interconnected by swifts. The topography consists mainly of tree-covered hills punctuated by rocky outcrops. A rapid at the end of First Lake can change due to fluctuating water levels. It should be scouted prior to running to determine the best approach.

One of the most popular routes for paddlers is from The Forks to The Elbow. This section of river has an abundance of runable rapids, along with calmer stretches of flat water and numerous swifts. Some rapids have no portages and require skill to navigate safely.

From the Elbow to Cedar Rapids, the river is made up of a series of rapids and swifts. Canoeists are advised to exercise caution in this section because it is easy to be drawn into waters that are beyond a paddler’s capabilities. Well marked portages are located along the section known as the Graveyard Rapids down to Agnes Rapids.

Below Cedar Rapids the river moves at a more leisurely pace with calm sections and gentle swifts. Cedar Rapids and Reynolds Creek offer paddlers an opportunity to explore some examples of old growth forest. When crossing Agnew Lake, stiff winds can be encountered; early mornings or evenings are ideal times to cross.

The West Branch of the Spanish River flows to The Forks where it meets the East Branch. It is quite different in nature from the East Branch, with quiet sections of river followed by quick plunging rapids; navigating these requires good technical paddling skills. Paddlers may notice small cabins located along the river. They are owned and operated by tourist operators under agreement with Ontario Parks. Park visitors are asked to respect these properties and refrain from camping near or using these cabins. There are three main lakes associated with the West Branch system, beginning with Biscotasi Lake. It is the largest and therefore the most susceptible to high winds and waves. Caution should be exercised when rounding Windy Point on Biscotasi Lake. The other two lakes are Cavana and Lebell Lakes.

Due to fluctuating water levels, May through June is usually the best time to run the West Branch. For those who wish to experience lower water levels, July and August are recommended.

As of 2008 the Spanish River and Biscotasi Lake have been designated as operating provincial parks. As such, fees for camping overnight in the parks apply. All fees collected are directed back into the parks to cover operating expenses and route maintenance, as well as the protection of park resources.