Champlain Park Beach
A unique beach with incredibly shallow, clear waters, perfect for families, set against a backdrop of historical significance and natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Champlain Park Beach
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique beach with incredibly shallow, clear waters, perfect for families, set against a backdrop of historical significance and natural beauty.
"This park was amazing! I highly recommend!!"
🚶♀️ Perfect for Little Ones
The super shallow water is a dream for families with young kids. Walk out far and still be knee-deep! :child:
🛶 Kayak & Canoe Launch
Easy access for paddling adventures on Lake Nipissing. Bring your gear! 🛶
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 129 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Expansive Shallow Beach
Main Beach Area
Hundreds of feet of shallow, sandy shoreline perfect for wading and family fun. No weeds, just clear water!
Historic Laronde Trading Post Site
Park Grounds
Explore the grounds where a significant Franco-Indigenous fur trade post once stood, a hub of historical exchange.
Paved Paths and Nature Trails
Throughout the Park
Enjoy leisurely strolls on paved paths or venture onto more challenging hiking trails with stunning natural views.
Boat Launch and Docks
Waterfront
Convenient access for boaters, kayakers, and canoeists to explore Lake Nipissing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Shallow Waters
History Beneath Your Feet
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Perfect for Little Ones
The super shallow water is a dream for families with young kids. Walk out far and still be knee-deep! :child:
🛶 Kayak & Canoe Launch
Easy access for paddling adventures on Lake Nipissing. Bring your gear! 🛶
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
Good spot for fishing from the shore or docks. Enjoy the serene environment. :fishingpoleand_line:
🌳 Shade and Sun Spots
Find a mix of sunny areas and shaded spots under trees for a comfortable beach day. :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Perfect for Little Ones
The super shallow water is a dream for families with young kids. Walk out far and still be knee-deep! :child:
🛶 Kayak & Canoe Launch
Easy access for paddling adventures on Lake Nipissing. Bring your gear! 🛶
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
Good spot for fishing from the shore or docks. Enjoy the serene environment. :fishingpoleand_line:
🌳 Shade and Sun Spots
Find a mix of sunny areas and shaded spots under trees for a comfortable beach day. :sunwithface:
🥾 Explore the Trails
Don't miss the hiking trails! They offer challenging and stunning views of the river and park. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Champlain Park Beach is praised for its unique, exceptionally shallow waters, making it ideal for families with young children. Visitors enjoy the clean, sandy beach and the park's historical significance. Some reviews mention that washrooms could be cleaner and note a desire for improved Indigenous representation in historical displays.
"This is very unique and spectacular park in North Bay. It has a park, small beach and a boat launching point close by. Funny thing is anyone even kids can walk in the water as this part of the lake is so shallow. Calm and quiet. You’ll love it for sure."
B M Adnan
"How do I give this park 4 stars? It's glorious. This truly beautiful and well maintained park has everything: a paved path, several beach accesses with a main one, a boat access for vehicles, two little docs perfect for canoe or kayak access, access to extensive hiking trails, and so much beauty.
So why lose a star?
This is the site of the Laronde trading post. This was a Franco- Indigenous free-trade post that kicked off the Fur Trade relationship with Nipissing and the west. Prior to this, the site has seen thousands of years of habitation. It is the location where the LaVase portages meet lake Nipissing. The depth of history here is palatable.
And yet Indigenous people have such scant representation in this park. Indigenous people are presented primarily as guides to Samuel de Champlain, and perhaps a bookend in the Fur Trade on any of the monuments here. This park and how it represents history seriously needs an update to address this historic revisionism."
Terre Chartrand
"It's a nice clean beach. It is shallow for a long ways so it seems ideal for parents with little kids who don't have to keep their child super close to the beach sand.
If you want to swim deep or have the water up to your chest. You have to walk out a little ways, maybe 400-600ft.
Overall it is still nice. No weeds, just sand, and the water was clear."
Stefan Iserhoff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Champlain Park Beach is located just outside of North Bay, Ontario. You can typically drive there via Highway 17. The park is well-signposted.
Information on direct public transportation to Champlain Park Beach is limited. Driving is the most common and convenient method.
There is a boat launching point and parking available within the park, which serves beach visitors as well.
Yes, Champlain Park Beach has a boat launching point and docks, making it accessible for boaters.
North Bay offers a range of hotels and motels. Champlain Park Beach is a popular day-use destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific entry fees are not always highlighted, Ontario Parks often have daily vehicle permits. It's best to check the official Ontario Parks website for current fees.
Champlain Provincial Park is generally open year-round for day use, but beach facilities and washrooms may have seasonal hours.
Picnic areas are typically first-come, first-served. Arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended.
Yes, washrooms are available, though some reviews suggest they could be cleaner.
Champlain Provincial Park offers camping, but the beach itself is primarily a day-use area.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming, wading, sunbathing, fishing, boating, kayaking, and hiking on the park's trails.
Yes, it's excellent for swimming, especially for children, due to its exceptionally shallow waters that extend far from shore.
Lifeguard services are typically not provided at provincial park beaches. Swim at your own risk.
Reviews generally describe the water as clear and free of weeds, making for a pleasant swimming experience.
Park regulations regarding dogs on beaches can vary. It's advisable to check the official Ontario Parks guidelines for Champlain Provincial Park.
📸 📸 Photography
The shallow water stretching out, the docks, and the scenic hiking trails offer great photo opportunities. The golden hour light is particularly beautiful. +1
Nature photography, landscape shots of the lake and river, and family beach photos are very popular. +1
Drone usage is often restricted in provincial parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check Ontario Parks regulations.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the park's beauty. +1
While the historical trading post is no longer standing, the park's natural setting and the La Vase portage area offer historical context for photos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit