Set in the lush boreal forest with wide-open skies, there’s a definite “northern feel” to Fushimi Lake Provincial Park.
During the day, Fushimi Lake’s horizons look like prairie skies because they seem so wide. At night, the stars are so bright and so numerous that you feel like you’re in a snow globe.
The Fushimi experience
Fushimi Lake seems remote, even though the big lake is road-accessible. The lake lies between the Great Claybelt and the Hudson Bay Lowlands, but contains rocky Canadian Shield which pops up on some of the islands and shoreline.
The lake itself is wide and sprinkled with islands. Rivers flow in and out of the lake, which is edged by numerous sand beaches, accessible only by water.
Fushimi Lake is also the focal point of any visit to the park. Whether you’re after boating or paddling, fishing or swimming, the lake offers the ultimate camping experience.
Backcountry camping
The backcountry sites are close enough to the access point that you may even consider paddling back for a coffee at the gatehouse during your stay. All 12 sites are water-access-only (by canoe, kayak or motorboat).
On some sites, you’re on your own private island, with sandy beaches and beautiful sunsets you need only share with your group.
Each backcountry campsite has a firepit, picnic table and pit privy. All sites are clearly marked and have obvious places to set up your tent, as well as trees to tie up your hammock and relax.
Park amenities
The park’s small campground (only 50 campsites) has all the amenities:
- electrical sites, as well as non-electrical sites
- comfort station with showers and laundry facilities for a post-backcountry clean-up
- fish cleaning building with running water and lots of working space
- access point that includes a boat launch and dock with plenty of parking
The park’s day use and picnic area sits on the main sand beach. The park rents kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and motor boats.
Each campsite makes a perfect remote basecamp from which you can enjoy any number of activities at Fushimi Lake.
Top activities at Fushimi Lake
- Exploring. The lake has many coves, bays, and little rivers that lead into the boreal forest surrounding the lake — watch for wildlife!
- Hiking. The Fire Tower Trail is accessible by boat or canoe on the north side of the lake. You can hike past the old homestead of the fire ranger whose job was to be up in the tower, look for smoke and warn fire rangers of forest fires
- Fishing. Fushimi Lake provides anglers with good Walleye and Northern Pike fishing opportunities from a boat, canoe, or kayak. Shore fishing from the remote backcountry campsites and surrounding shoreline also yields results
- Beaches. Land on one of the park’s seven sandy beaches, and go for a swim or have a shore lunch with the fish you’ve caught
- Paddling. Fushimi Lake is part of the Valentine River system, and a short section east of the park can be paddled by portaging the rapids at the east end of Fushimi Lake. Note: Although Fushimi itself provides a remote experience, this route passes through several lakes and stretches of river with cottages
Reserve online!
Each site is available for reservation online and is site specific; choose one of 12 sites you want to camp on and book it!
You can reserve your backcountry site five months in advance. Fushimi Lake is open from the May long weekend to the September long weekend.