Exploring Ancient Forests in Central Ontario

Temagami

To get to Temagami: Follow Highway 11 North, about 4 1/2 hours from Toronto, about an hour from North Bay. The Chamber of Commerce of Temagami has created a map of the area adjacent to the town of Temagami. Temagami is a world-class canoeing destination. Unfortunately on a sunny weekend in August it may seem like the whole world is there. But don't despair! The Temagami area is huge, and there are many places still to get away if you stay off the most popular routes in peak season. Use Hap Wilson's book Temagami Canoe Routes as a resource. If you want to get out and do some hiking in Temagami's ancient and old growth forests, you need to consult our on-line trail guides.

Temagami Links

Info about Provincial Parks in Temagami and elsewhere in Ontario

Experience Temagami
The Township of Temagami web page

Smoothwater Outfitters is an ecolodge and outdoor recreation centre. We specialize in non-motorized backcountry travel, including canoe tripping and cross country skiing. We also offer a variety of educational courses and workshops each year.

"Northland Paradise Lodge is located directly in front of Temagami's White Bear Old Growth Red and White Pine Forest. An extensive trail system interconnects this 800 hectares (2000 acres) of unspoiled wilderness .

The Lower Spanish Forest

The Lower Spanish Forest can be accessed from the Spanish river, or from Agnew Iake road, which turns north from highway 17 at Webwood. Four 1:50,000 maps cover the area - Cartier, Pogamasing, Mozhabong, and Madawanson

If you choose to paddle the Spanish River, it can be accessed at a number of different points by car, train, or by float plane. The most popular route is from Duke Lake on the east arm of the Spanish, to Agnew Lake, near Webwood (several local shuttle services are available). You can also begin your trip at Biscotasing lake on the west arm, which is accessible by rail service, float plane or car (see services, below). Other access points for shorter trips include the elbow (accessible by car) or Pogamasing lake (accessible by float plane).

You can access some of the interior lakes from logging roads. The best road access point is Rushbrooke Lake; north Shakwa and Marion also have road access. Finding your way on the labyrinth of logging roads can be tricky; bring good maps, and ask local advice if you want to be sure.

To get to Rushbrooke or Marion Lake from highway 17:

• Turn north on Agnew Lake Road, beside the Olco station in Webwood. Set your car's trip meter to 0.
• After 6 km turn left (follow the sign for black bear camp) onto west branch road.
• Drive 50 km, turn right on a major road. This is Charcoal Road.
• After 14.5 km you will come to a bridge. Continue straight across the bridge; about 15-20 km later you will reach a road that leads to Rushbrooke Lake and also to extensive logging around Lower Shakwa Lake. It is the only major turn to the left.
• Make the turn then travel a few kilometres and watch for a small lane to the right which leads to Rushbrooke Lake landing.
• Or drive about a kilometre east past the major left turn and watch for a small lane to the left (north) which leads to Marion Lake. This is also a good landing, and the road is passable, but rough.

It is possible to paddle from Shakwa Lake to the Spanish River. This route is described in exploration report #3

To get to "the elbow" by car, take Route 144 to Windy Lake Provincial Park. From there, travel west on the gravel road that borders the northwest section of the park. Follow signs to Windy Lake and / or Northern Heritage Paddling Co. At the north end of Fox, Lake (approximately 25 kin west of Route 144), go right on the gravel road to the north. From this turn-off, the Elbow is approximately 2.5 kin. Do not attempt to drive this route without careful study and use of the two topographic maps for this area.

Canoeing books that include the Spanish River

Ron Reid and Janet Grand, 1986. Canoeing Ontario's Rivers. Sierra Club Books, San Francisco. 320 pages.

Kevin Callan, 1996. Up the Creek: A Paddler's guide to Ontario. Boston Mills Press, Erin, Ontario. 126 pages.

Outfitters and shuttle services

AGNEW LAKE LODGE LTD
847 AGNEW LAKE RD
ESPANOLA, ON
705-869-2239
Services:
Shuttle to Duke Lake, Biscotasing, the elbow, and interior lakes; Overnight Accomodation; Meals; Parking.

STEWART'S GENERAL STORE
27 MAIN ST, WEBWOOD, ON
705-869-3720
Contact: Bill Stewart
Services: Shuttle from Duke Lake, Biscotasing, or the elbow, to Agnew Lake Lodge

OUTDOOR WILDERNESS LIVING SKILLS CANADA
BLIND RIVER, ON
705-356-4004

The Algoma Highlands

The Wildlands League has headed up the battle to save Algoma. You may wish to refer to their website, which includes an map showing the location of the new park there, as well as the new park in the Lower Spanish Forest, and others on Lake Huron's north shore.

You can consult A Field Guide to Selected Old-Growth Red and White Pine Forests in Ontario for some stands in Algoma, the Lower Spanish, Temagami and Algonquin.