The Massasauga Provincial Park

The Massasauga Provincial Park is a 131-square-kilometer area featuring windswept islands, inland forests, and numerous lakes along Georgian Bay. The landscape combines coastal terrain with wooded sections, creating a varied environment across water and land.

The area became a provincial park in 1989, protecting a region with a long history of human use. Calhoun Lodge, dating to the 1930s, shows how visitors came to enjoy the Georgian Bay during that era.

The name comes from the Ojibwe language and means mouth of the river, reflecting the indigenous presence that shaped this region. This connection to First Nations heritage remains visible in the landscape and place names throughout the area.

Coastal camping areas can be reached by motorboat, while inland lakes require canoes or kayaks for travel through the park. Access varies depending on your chosen destination and the season.

The area is home to Ontario's only venomous snake species, the Massasauga rattlesnake, as well as five-lined skinks and map turtles. These reptiles are difficult to spot, but they form an important part of the park's ecosystem.

Location: Parry Sound District

Inception: 1989

Part of: Georgian Bay Littoral

Website: https://ontarioparks.com/park/themassasauga

GPS coordinates: 45.22600,-80.05600

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:59