Spanish River Provincial Park

For an amazing canoe tripping experience on a river with rapids, whitewater, and swift watercourses, Spanish River is the ideal destination. It is said that the river’s name originated from European explorers who claimed to have met Spanish speaking Aboriginal people in the area. Legend has it that a group of Ojibwa (Anishnabe), from the North Shore area, travelled to the southern United States on a trade mission. As they travelled back up, they brought back a Spanish-speaking woman, who taught them the language. Historically, the river functioned as a major trading route for both the fur trade and, later, the logging industry. Spanish River flows through tall old-growth forests, filled with pines interspersed with craggy ledges of the Canadian Shield. You can explore the East Branch of the river for some whitewater fun, or start from the wilder West Branch. This river has Class, I, II, and III rapids that will test both intermediate and experienced canoeists. Flatwater canoeing is also possible on the connected Biscotasi Lake, where you can float along calmer waters and fish for Walleye, Northern Pike, Lake and Brook Trout. There are many adventures in this park that it will keep you coming back year, after year.