The furthest north Ontario provincial park is hard to get to but worth the effort

Tidewater Provincial Park, in the northernmost reaches of Ontario near the salt waters of James Bay and Hudson Bay, offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the raw beauty of Canada’s north.

Managed in partnership with the Moose Cree First Nation, Tidewater Provincial Park spans 2422 acres and comprises five islands within the mighty Moose River. 

As a ‘non-operating’ status park, Tidewater maintains a rugged and pristine landscape that has remained largely untouched by human hands.

Accessing Tidewater is an adventure in itself, as the park has no road access.

Travellers must journey by plane or onboard Ontario’s historic Polar Bear Express, from Cochrane, home of the Polar Bear Habitat to Moosonee, which offers a scenic route through Boreal forests and rivers. 

Once in Moosonee, visitors can board water taxis to reach the park islands, where they may encounter seals basking on the banks or majestic beluga whales gracefully swimming in the waters. 

The Moose River estuary, where the park is, provides a prime vantage point for spotting these oceanic giants, in addition to occasional spottings of polar bears, offering a unique opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts.

Beyond its abundant wildlife, Tidewater is also renowned for its celestial displays. As one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights, Moosonee offers an unparalleled view of this natural phenomenon. 

Thanks to its isolation from light pollution and minimal human footprint, the northern town provides optimal conditions for catching a glimpse of the dancing lights in the night sky.

As the sun sets over the Arctic horizon, casting hues of pink and gold across the landscape, visitors to Tidewater will find themselves reminded of the timeless beauty and untamed spirit of Ontario’s far north. 

With all the once-in-a-lifetime experiences Tidewater offers, like paddling alongside beluga whales, hiking the Riverside Trail on Charles Island, and camping under the Aurora Borealis, every moment spent in this rugged island wilderness is sure to be unforgettable.

In a world filled with bustling cities and modern conveniences, Tidewater Provincial Park offers a glimpse into a pristine and untouched wilderness, inviting adventurers to disconnect from the distractions of big city life and reconnect with the raw beauty of Canada’s north.