Mikisew Provincial Park sits quietly along the western shore of Eagle Lake, just west of South River in Ontario’s Almaguin Highlands. The park gets its name from the Cree and Ojibwe word for eagle, a nod to the birds of prey that still nest high in the surrounding pine and hardwood canopy.
What makes Mikisew distinct is its intimate connection to Eagle Lake’s intricate shoreline. Unlike large, windswept lakes, the water here is dotted with small rocky islands, narrow channels, and sheltered inlets. This makes it an ideal spot for paddling canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, as you can easily weave between little islands while staying protected from rough waves.
Along the shore, visitors find three shallow, sandy beaches. The lake bottom slopes outward very gently, allowing children to wade far out into warm, calm water. Pet owners love Mikisew for its dedicated dog beach and off-leash park, which even includes wooden agility ramps and hurdles set among the trees.
On land, the park offers an activity rarely found in Ontario provincial parks: a full disc golf course nestled under towering red pines and mixed hardwoods. Hikers can explore several interconnected loops, the most famous being the Beaver Meadow Trail. This trail crosses sturdy wooden boardwalks built directly over lush wetlands, where active beaver lodges, sunning painted turtles, and great blue herons are common sights.
Campers stay beneath a thick forest of maple, birch, and hemlock, creating quiet, shaded campsites that turn bright orange and gold in the autumn. It remains a tranquil, family-friendly retreat that avoids the heavy crowds of nearby Algonquin while offering its own gentle slice of northern lake country.