The best camping near Rainbow Provincial Park

It’s a beautiful sight: A dark river rolls out of the boreal forest, crashing into a white cascade, with the cold water falling over rock ledges all the way to the greatest of the Great Lakes. Even still, the allure of this Northern Ontario park doesn’t end with its namesake feature, Rainbow Falls. Relatively small (just five square kilometres), Rainbow Falls Provincial Park includes the warm, calm, protected waters and sandy beaches of Whitesand Lake, plus a rugged stretch of Lake Superior’s shoreline. Drop a line for trout, bass, and even salmon, swim in Whitesand, or enjoy a wild ride in a sea kayak on Superior. Then take a hike—the park features several trails, including the Back 40 with its lake views, as well as sections of the 52-kilometre Casque Isles Hiking Trail, which usually takes five days to traverse.

• For peace-lovers: Whitesand Lake Campground has 100 sites, many of which are buffered by forest on three sides, and some with views of the lake.
• For a little more wilderness: Sites at Rossport Campground are set in a birch grove along the untamed shores of Lake Superior.

1. While this is a relatively remote corner of the province, summers can still get busy, especially with traffic passing through on the Trans-Canada Highway. Weekend campers also come over from Thunder Bay, the nearest city of any size, about two hours away—so it’s best to book ahead, especially if you want a spot with a view.
2. The park offers no first-come, first-served camping options.
3. To snag a lucky last-minute cancellation, arrive around the 2pm check-in/check-out time and hope for the best.
4. Campgrounds are open May to October.

Lake waters in this part of Northern Ontario warm slowly through summer, with July and August being the best time to swim and paddle. Days can remain warm in early autumn, and this season’s changing colours make it a spectacular time to visit, although evenings cool off quickly. Spring can be rainy with ferocious mosquitoes and blackflies, so make sure to pack some spray if you’re overnighting in May.

• While nearby towns like Schreiber and Terrace Bay offer basic supplies, you’re best to stock up on anything major in Thunder Bay, about two hours west.
• Canoe rentals are available in the park and at outfitters in the nearby town of Rossport.
• Kids love the Discovery Drop-in, offered in July and August, which comes with an activity book to help them explore the area’s flora and fauna.
• Fishers must grab a license, widely offered at hardware stores and other retail outlets.