[AUTUMN 2022, Ontario] I am generally hesitant to point out “hidden gems”, lest they lose their lustre from no longer being hidden. But this one is far enough off the beaten track that I doubt it will be overrun.

Wakami Lake Provincial Park, about 90 minutes southeast of Chapleau, Ontario (2 hrs from Wawa, 4.5 hrs from Sudbury) surrounds a pristine northern lake and offers some awesome drive-in waterfront sites suitable for Teardrop campers. Though be warned that the park road–at least when I visited in autumn–could be punishing to travel trailers and demanded a slow and attentive drive.

But the drive in was worth it! The park is off-grid and needs to generate its own electricity. As such, there are no trailer hookups and no comfort stations with showers. But limited services can also mean limited attraction and fewer people. I arrived, albeit off-season, with no reservation and was able to get a large site with water view and my own private little stone beach and lots of space to manoeuvre the trailer and pitch a screen shelter.

I had a wonderful spot to gaze across the lake at gorgeous scenery which seemed to be constantly morphing with the weather. Hauntingly beautiful loon calls punctuated the day and night. I swam in clear water right from my camp site. And Luna seemed to be entertained by visiting ducks, who have clearly figured out just how close they can get to shore staffed by a dog and not be in danger.

I didn’t have canoe or kayak with me but the lake would be great for paddling. There is some small motorboat activity from seasonal campers who fish but it was pretty quiet. There are backcountry paddle-in camp sites along the far shore which, if unoccupied, would make great day-paddling lunch destinations.Staff are friendly and the place is peaceful.