Restoule

Restoule straddles the narrows between two lakes south of Lake Nipissing. Hike or mountain-bike to high granite bluffs and a fire tower where you can see for miles. Watch for heron rookeries, birds of prey and populous white-tailed deer. Embark from here on a five-day canoe trip tracing Samuel de Champlain's original route.

Grundy Lake

From several lakes in this park off the Trans-Canada Highway, you can paddle to the voyageurs' route along French and Pickerel rivers into Georgian Bay. Beaches and smooth rocky shores provide excellent swimming. And mixed forest marks this area as the boundary between north and south. Hiking trails explore the forest.

Mikisew

Three sandy beaches are perfect for a day's respite by the water at this family campground on Eagle Lake. Come for a swim, try some fishing, go for a paddle. Or follow hiking trails through pine, birch, maple and hemlock forests, home of chipmunks, squirrels and raccoons in this little piece of wilderness.

Killbear

This Georgian Bay peninsula is a water lover's paradise for swimming and sailing, fishing and boating. Camp by a sandy beach, on a rocky shore or under the trees. Hike to lookouts for views of Parry Sound, that lonely white pine on a windswept rock or one of Georgian Bay's spectacular sunsets.

Samuel de Champlain

Named for the 17th-century explorer, this Mattawa River park east of North Bay celebrates the voyageurs who tackled portages and rapids here. See a replica birchbark freighter in the heritage centre, shoot the rapids or hike to lookouts for panoramic views of the valley. Trails also impart native and natural history.

Killarney

 Killarney is considered one of Ontario's Parks