Hiking the Trails of the Lake Temiskaming Tour

Hiking enthusiasts of all levels will be delighted with the variety of hiking trails available around Lake Temiskaming. Many organizations have contributed to the development of trails in this stunning region.

Voyageur Multi Use Trail System (VMUT) in Mattawa

The Voyageur Multi Use Trail System has more than 300 kilometers of trails for off-road adventurers of all kinds, such as cyclists, hikers, ATVers, horse-back riders, and snowmobilers. Describing these trails is difficult, as you could easily find yourself in a forest crossing, in a wet muddy area, or even facing a cliff you are about to climb. There are also easier trails for those who prefer walking or who are new to hiking.

Discovery Routes in North Bay

Nestled between Lake Nipissing and a 70-metre cliff, North Bay offers an excellent network of trails for hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, rollerblading, and running. The trails vary; some are cobblestone, some are gravel, some are paved, and some are natural. The Kate Pace Way and the Kinsmen Trail, which are both paved trails, are 28 kilometers long and cross North Bay from one end to the other. Also, the Laurentian Escarpment and Education Centre trails offer a spectacular view of the city.

Duchesnay Falls Trail in North Bay

The Duchesnay Falls Trail is considered a medium-difficulty trail. It covers a 3-kilometer loop. The trail begins with a series of waterfalls that flow into the river. It suddenly splits into two channels, each leading to a series of falls where hikers can venture. Be careful—the rocky path is slippery when wet and there is no fence near the falls. The location is also a delight for amateur photographers all year round.

Caribou Mountain/White Bear Forest Conservation Reserve in Temagami

In Temagami, 100 kilometers north of North Bay, the Caribou Mountain and White Bear Forest Conservation Reserve offers eight trails. Hikers have a unique opportunity to cross a virgin forest, where no mining or forestry has ever been established. Its ecosystem of flora and fauna is unique to ancient forests, and its trees are between 150 and 350 years old. This forest is the ancestral home of the White Bear Family, an indigenous tribe of the Temagami First Nation. The White Bear Trail footpath leads to a forest fire tower. Technically considered an easy trail, it is 3 kilometers long and can be trekked in about two hours. From the top of the tower, there is a stunning 360-degree panorama of the ancient forest and of Temagami’s network of lakes.

Nastawgan Trails in Temiskaming, Ontario

Nastawgan Trails is not a footpath, but rather a non-profit organization which is responsible for the planning, establishment, maintenance and promotion of a network of non-motorized trails. A site map includes several local trails that can be explored.

During the last decade, a 134 kilometer linear trail called the Ottawa-Temiskaming Highland Trail (OTHT) has been developed in the Temagami region. This remarkable trail borders the Ottawa River and Lake Temiskaming before turning northwest toward Highway 11 in the Temagami region. The average walking distance between the different access points is about 20 kilometers. You can either hike for a day, stay overnight and travel from one access point to another, or hike the entire route in about 8 to 10 days. All of the campsites are equipped with a good source of water, fireplaces, and a tent site. The trails are well marked.

Devil’s Rock in Temiskaming Shores

The Devil's Rock Trail is on the west side of Lake Temiskaming, 5 kilometers from Haileybury. When you reach the end of the path, the sheer height of the cliff and the spectacular panorama of Lake Temiskaming are breathtaking. From the top of the cliff, looking over the region and being unable to discern any civilization will remind you that the First Nations would have had the same view 1000 years ago. The trail to direct you to this natural beauty is not, however, well marked on Highway 11. Considered a medium-difficulty trail because of the uneven terrain, Devil 's Rock is easily accessible by a short drive on Highway 567 followed by a 20-minute walk to the cliff. If you want a more challenging hike, you can also reach Devil’s Rock by trekking 3 kilometers from Bucke Park, a nearby campground.

Récré-eau des Quinze in Temiscamingue Quebec

“Récré-eau des Quinze” is a non-profit organization that offers hikers a choice of six easy-to-moderate trails, which total 26 kilometers. Visitors can admire the many natural attractions along the trails such as gigantic trees, wetlands, rock shelters, lakes, and rivers. The Récré-eau des Quinze also highlights the rich industrial heritage of the hydroelectric facilities on the Quinze River.

Laperrière Marsh Trail in Duhamel–Ouest

Covering a distance of 2 kilometers, the Laperrière Marsh Trail is considered easy. With its bridges, observation tower and birdhouses, this trail is ideal for observing the flora and fauna of the wetlands.

The Shared Trails of Eastern Témiscamingue

Just 18 kilometers away from the Municipality of Fugèreville, the Eastern trails run from Lake Brisebois to Lake Honorat. The trails are identified by orange ribbons. These trails offer something for every taste: they are shared by horses, mountain bikers, cross country skiers, snowshoers, snowmobilers, walkers, runners, and even hunters. There is a 5-kilometer family trail, and for those who are adventurous, there are 11, 15 or 18 kilometer hikes. By driving 2.5 kilometers, you can access another path leading to beautiful falls, but be careful—the ground on this trail is very slippery when wet.

Pointe-aux-Roche Trails

The Pointe-aux-Roche Trails are 10 kilometers of trails overlooking the beautiful Lac des Quinze. They’re accessible for hiking and mountain biking, as well as for snowshoeing during the winter.