These five trails will take you on a path of discovery through bogs, forests and rivers, all while providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Trail conditions can be found online here, but more up-to-date reports will be available at the Visitor Centre in the Waskesiu town site.

 

1. Mud Creek Trail                                

Narrows Road, access at South Bay day-use area
2 km loop
Level of difficulty: easy

This trail follows part of the south shore of Waskesiu Lake, then heads along Mud Creek through spruce and aspen forests. An active beaver lodge and dam can be seen on the creek. Pack a picnic, bring your bathing suit and spend the rest of the day at the beach. Picnic tables, fire pits and a picnic shelter are available for public use.

 

2. Boundary Bog Trail                          

Highway 264 (just past the east entrance gate of the park)
2 km loop
Level of difficulty: easy

Head through the boreal forest to a black spruce bog. As you approach the kettle lake through the golden tamaracks and dwarf birches, keep an eye out for the red-green cup-shaped leaves of the pitcher plant. This carnivorous plant lures, traps and digests insects and is just a small part of the amazingly diverse bog ecosystem.  

 

3. Narrows Peninsula Trail                

Kingsmere Road
3 km loop
Level of difficulty: moderate

This rolling trail follows the peninsula that makes up the narrowest part of Waskesiu Lake. The trail has a few steep sections and moves through a variety of habitats, including a forest of balsam fir, jack pine and a large fern bed that peaks in the early summer. It also passes by a lookout where a busy trading post existed in the 1880s.

 

4. Spruce River Highlands                 

Highway 263
8.5 km loop
Level of difficulty: difficult

Trek though aspen-covered hill tops that overlook the Spruce River in the southern part of the park. These hills were left behind by retreating glaciers and afford amazing panoramic views of the south end of the park, including Anglin Lake in neighbouring Great Blue Heron Provincial Park. A 10 m viewing tower offers an even more expansive view. The many slopes, exposed tree roots and rocks, along with the distance, make it one of the more difficult trails in the park. Expect to spend 3 – 4 hours hiking.

 

5. Grey Owl Trail                   

Kingsmere Road
19.9 km one-way
Level of difficulty: difficult

Make your way along the eastern shore of Kingsmere Lake where the noteworthy naturalist, Grey Owl, paddled his canoe to his home on the shores of Ajaawan Lake. In 1931, Grey Owl was appointed “caretaker of the animals” for the park. He and his wife, Anahareo, lived in a log cabin with their two pet beavers Rawhide and Jellyroll. Tourists flocked to the cabin then to see the famous pair and that tradition continues today. Expect to spend at least one night on the trail at one of the designated backcountry campgrounds. All campers must register at the Visitor Centre before heading out.