Nestled atop the Madawaska Highlands with both the Mississippi and Madawaska rivers flowing through it, the North Frontenac Park Lands offer the canoeing and kayaking enthusiast lots of variety. From the tranquility of exploring the numerous streams and tributaries to the inspiring views offered during paddles down long lakes and the thrill of shooting its class I – IV rapids, North Frontenac Park Lands has it all.

While virtually every lake and campsite in North Frontenac Park Lands offers a variety of canoeing options Kashwakamak and Crotch lakes are part of the Mississippi River Canoe Route. Big Gull Lake provides a southern loop alternative to the Mississippi River between Crotch and Kashwakamak lakes.

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Mississippi River Canoe Route

The Mazinaw and lakes of North Frontenac Park Lands are the headwaters of the Mississippi River—a waterway that flows 200km from Mazinaw Lake in the west to the Ottawa River passing through Lanark, Carleton Place, Almonte and Pakenham along the way before it flows into the mighty Ottawa River at Fitzroy Harbour. 

This route offers a mix of river and lake travel with class I – IV whitewater depending upon water levels and flow conditions. 

For more route and portage information visit the Mississippi River Canoe Route page on the Mississippi Valley Conservation web site.

Big Gull Lake Loop

The Big Gull loop is approximately a 70km route from Kashwakamak Lake along the Mississippi River (this section of the river flows through a Provincially designated significant wetlands area) to Crotch Lake then down most of the length of the lake and returning via streams and two portages to the east end of Big Gull Lake.  Travel the length of Big Gull and follow the route back into Kashwakamak Lake.

This entire loop is within the North Frontenac Park Lands and campsites are available along the entire route. 

For more route and portage information visit the Big Gull Loop page on the Mississippi Valley Conservation web site.