Mississagi Provincial Park is located in the Penokean Hills, within the Robinson Huron Treaty territory and the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek, about 25 km north of Elliot Lake.
We’re excited to announce that the Ontario government has entered into an agreement with the newly formed Mississagi Park Foundation to maintain and operate the park moving forward.
This exciting agreement between the City of Elliot Lake, Serpent River First Nation and Mississauga First Nation to operate Mississagi Provincial Park, is sure to bring lots of economic benefits to the local area, including employment opportunities for all three partners.
“Our government is proud to partner with the City of Elliot Lake, Serpent River and Mississauga First Nations to support our provincial park system which will help build stronger communities,” said David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Mississagi Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets with a rugged landscape of ancient hills, and valleys with sparkling blue lakes ideal for fishing or canoeing, and I encourage everyone to come and enjoy all it has to offer.”
“Years of hard work and determination have resulted in the formation of the Mississagi Park Foundation, an effort that will allow all three communities to continue to provide recreational activities within this unique landscape both now and for the next Seven Generations,” said Chief Bob Chiblow, Mississauga First Nation. “We will ensure that all those who visit the park will not only experience its great beauty but will also gain a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the Anishinaabe culture when they leave.”
“Serpent River First Nation looks forward to working in partnership with our neighbours and relatives,” said Chief Brent Bissaillion, Serpent River First Nation. “The Mississagi Park Foundation will provide a strong base to strengthen our relationships, and make Mississagi Provincial Park, a premier destination for relaxation and enjoying the natural environment. Visitors will experience the best the North Shore has to offer.”
“The city was pleased to keep the park open and operating efficiently since 2014, but I look forward to this new partnership with our neighbours being recognized by the provincial government,” said Andrew Wannan, Acting Mayor of the City of Elliot Lake.
Celebrating an innovative new partnership
On January 31, 2023, a ceremony was held at the Mississagi First Nation Cultural Centre to commemorate this new partnership.
Mississagi Park Foundation and representatives from Serpent River First Nation, Mississauga First Nation and the City of Elliot Lake, as well as Ontario Parks staff and David Piccini, the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, all gathered to mark the occasion.
The event began with a pipe ceremony from knowledge holder Brent Niganobe, Mississauga First Nation.
Next came a symbolic signing by:
- Minister Piccini
- Acting Mayor Andrew Wannan, City of Elliot Lake
- Chief Bob Chiblow, Mississauga First Nation
- Chief Brent Bissaillion, Serpent River First Nation
- John (Jack) Trudeau, Chair, Mississagi Park Foundation
Then it was time for a special unveiling and an exchange of gifts.
Read more about this announcement here.
Presenting Mississagi’s new park crest!
As part of the celebration, the Mississagi Park Foundation unveiled the park’s redesigned crest.
The new crest predominately features a thunderbird, a creature rooted in Indigenous storytelling and tradition, the park’s iconic Helenbar Lookout, as well as shades of orange, symbolizing the ongoing journey of truth and reconciliation.
Mississagi: a gem you won’t want to miss
If you’ve been to Mississagi Provincial Park, you’ll know the scenery is spectacular, thanks to the geology of the area, which forms a series of hills, ridges and cliffs, and valleys with sparkling blue lakes.
Covering the hills and surrounding the lakes are the forests of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Region. Sugar maples, red maples and yellow birch make up most of the trees in the forest, but white pine and black spruce find places along the rocky ridges and lake shores.
In autumn, these forests light up with red, yellow, gold, and orange, putting on a fall colour display on par with world-renowned Algonquin Provincial Park!
Mississagi has over 40 km of trails to explore. Most of the trails in the system are connected, and can be hiked as individual day hikes or hiked together for a backcountry trip of several days.
The park’s also a great spot for camping, paddling, trout fishing, and more!
Congratulations again to the Mississagi Park Foundation and the supporting communities on this exciting new agreement
They look forward to welcoming you to one of Ontario’s most breathtaking provincial parks!
Planning a visit? Book your campsite here!