The best place to appreciate Ontario’s magnificent old-growth white pine forest is Marten River Provincial Park, where you can pitch your tent at the foot of a 100-metre-tall, 150-year-old pine with a trunk too big around to hug. A short drive away is the Temagami White Bear old-growth forest, once the subject of controversy, now protected for future generations.

While tourist and naturalists are the visitors of today, a century ago logging was the regions’ primary industry, and the park has a replica logging camp of over 10 buildings. Good hiking and bird watching, along with swimming, fishing and canoe-tripping opportunities continue to make Marten River a popular park for short or long stays.

Marten River is part of the Temagami canoe-route system that provides access to many lakes and rivers with relatively few portages or difficult sections of paddling. Wilderness outfitters located near the park and in Temagami provide maps, canoes and other supplies. From the park you can enjoy a wonderful three-day paddle that travels Marten River, Marten Lake and Wickstead Lake.