Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park will remain closed through the remainder of the 2025 operating season, according to Ontario Parks. A severe storm on June 21, 2025 caused extensive destruction—strong winds snapped trees, washed out access roads, and made the park unsafe for camping.
The storm brought a powerful downburst to the Champlain Park and Mattawa area, uprooting trees and downing power lines. Many campers were stranded by flash floods, and several people were injured. Thankfully, no fatalities occurred within the park itself.
Ontario Parks is offering complete refunds for all affected reservations. Guests also have the option to switch to another park at no extra cost. To make changes or cancel, contact the Ontario Parks reservation line by 9 pm ET on July 30, 2025. Any reservations not changed will be automatically canceled and refunded within approximately ten business days.
The closure is a major disruption, but safety remains the highest priority. Campers are encouraged to explore other Ontario Parks destinations until Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park reopens for the next season.
Alternative Parks to Visit
Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park
Biscotasi Lake Provincial Park
Bissett Creek Provincial Park
Blue Jay Creek Provincial Park
Chiniguchi Waterway Provincial Park
Daisy Lake Uplands Provincial Park
Fairbank Provincial Park
Halfway Lake Provincial Park
Kenny Forest Provincial Park
Killarney Lakelands and Headwaters Provincial Park
Little White River Provincial Park
Manitou Islands Provincial Park
Misery Bay Provincial Park
Mississagi Provincial Park
Mississagi River Provincial Park
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Mnidoo Mnissing Provincial Park
Restoule Provincial Park
River Aux Sables Provincial Park
Solace Provincial Park
South Bay Provincial Park
Strawberry Island Provincial Park
Sturgeon River Provincial Park
Wanapitei Provincial Park
West Sandy Island Provincial Park
Widdifield Forest Provincial Park
Wildgoose Outwash Deposit Provincial Park
Sources
- Ontario Parks Alerts
- Timmins Today
- Orillia Matters
- Turtle Island News
- Wikipedia
- David Briggs – Photo Source
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