Barks and Recreation: Trail Tails Vol. 1 — Nagagamisis
Amanda Morrison
Off the Beaten Path
Nagagamisis Provincial Park is the kind of place most people pass by without ever knowing what they’re missing. Tucked deep in the wilds of Northern Ontario, it’s not a stop along a major highway or a quick weekend getaway—it’s a destination that asks for a little commitment. But maybe that’s what makes it so magical. It feels like a secret shared only with those willing to follow the backroads.
Join us as we wander through this hidden gem, remembering a beloved furry friend who once walked these trails with us, and forging new memories with a new companion by our side.
We first came in 2023, with Luna and Fynn leading the way. This year, we returned—same shores, same trails—but with Fynn and Raven. The contrast was unmistakable: familiar landscapes wrapped in memory, a new set of paws tracing the same paths once walked by the one we lost.
It felt like stepping into two timelines at once—grief and comfort intertwined. Raven’s presence, in so many uncanny ways, echoes the spirit of the girl who came before her.
Shores of Stone and Memory
The rocky spit into Duck Bay has a magic of its own. Hag stones with their hollow eyes lie scattered across the shore if you are lucky enough to spot them, alongside fossilized treasures etched by time. Last time, Luna trotted those rocks, nose pressed to every ancient groove. This year, Raven leaped across the same stones, young energy meeting old earth.
Seeing the dogs in the same place—then and now—was both grounding and bittersweet. Luna is gone, but her spirit lingers in these stones, in the ripples of the bay, in the way Fynn pauses as if remembering.
Days of Adventure
Mornings began with the call of loons rising across the lake. Coffee steam curled into crisp northern air while dogs stretched at the water’s edge, and our daughters braved a cold dip—unable to resist a swim in some of the cleanest waters Ontario has to offer.
Fishing & Canoeing
Early mornings were for fishing—quiet hours on the rocky shore, lines cast into the misty lake as the world slowly woke up. Pike lurked somewhere beneath the glassy surface, and every tug on the line felt electric.
By afternoon, we traded stillness for movement, slipping the canoe into the clear water to explore the lake. Paddles dipped in steady rhythm, dogs and kids perched at the bow, and the shoreline unfolded like a story—one bend at a time.
Paddleboat Misadventures
The kind that become the best stories. Like the day that promised perfect, sunny weather—we rented the paddleboat out on Park Lake, its craggy shores dense with leaning cedars—only to be stranded mid-lake when the wind turned fierce. Paddling hard, dogs wide-eyed on board, kids shrieking with laughter, bow facing the wind—going absolutely nowhere! We laughed ourselves breathless before finally making it back.
Campfire Stories
Flames crackling, marshmallows glowing, our laughter echoing across the evening shores, dogs curled at our feet—tired and content after a full day’s adventures as stars blinked awake overhead.
Nature’s Magic
And then—the sky offered a gift. The Northern Lights danced across the lake, greens and purples shimmering above Nagagamisis and reflecting in the water like a living painting. It felt as if Luna herself had returned for a moment, watching with us, sending me a special birthday gift.
Why Nagagamisis?
Nagagamisis doesn’t make the top-five park lists. But maybe that’s the beauty of it. It’s quiet, raw, and real. A place where stones hold stories, where loons mark the morning, where craggy northern shores loom with untouched wild, and where the sky occasionally splits open with Northern fire.
For us, it’s now a place of continuity—of dogs past and present, of adventures repeated but never the same.
🌲 Park Highlights
Nagagamisis Provincial Park has so much to offer—but first, a quick note: this is a remote northern park. There’s no cell service except at the Park Store, and there are no electrical campsites. If you’re craving an uninterrupted, off-grid adventure, this is the place to be.
🎣 Fishing: The fishing here is some of the best we’ve ever experienced—Pike and Walleye galore! There’s even a fully equipped fish cleaning cabin, easily one of the nicest we’ve seen at any park.
🛝 Playground: The large playground is a hit with our kids—definitely one of the best in their books!
🥾 Trails: There are two easy trails to explore. The northern landscape here is traditionally flat, making them accessible for most hikers. The paths wind through thick evergreens draped in craggy moss known as old man’s beard, giving the forest a wild, enchanted feel.
🛶 Rentals: Forgot your gear? No problem. The park offers everything from canoe to paddleboat rentals—and also fishing boat rentals (which you can park right at your campsite if you can snag a lakefront spot!).
🏕 Seasonal & Accessible Sites: The park has both seasonal campsites and accessible sites available, making it easy to find the right fit for your stay.
🛍 Park Store: Small but mighty! The park store is one of the best we’ve visited for gift shopping, stocked with thoughtful treasures and northern charm.
🌊 The Spit: Don’t miss this unique feature of the lake—a rocky peninsula that juts out into the water, perfect for exploring with pups or catching the sunset.
Trail Tail Notes 🐾
- Best Spot for Dogs: The rocky spit into Duck Bay — perfect for curious noses and paw-powered exploration. Our pups loved hopping from rock to rock and sniffing every crevice.
- Must-See: A clear night sky for a chance to witness the Northern Lights dancing over the lake — it’s pure magic.
- Campground Feel: Spacious, quiet, and tucked just far enough away to feel like true wilderness. Many sites are right on the water, with loons calling at night and the occasional rustle of wildlife nearby.
- Highlights: Some of the best Pike and Walleye fishing in Ontario — anglers, don’t forget your gear.
- Dog Tip: The rocks can be tricky under sensitive paws. Booties are a good idea if your pup isn’t used to rugged terrain, and keep a close eye on footing near the shoreline.
Closing Paw Print 🐾
Returning to Nagagamisis reminded us: the land remembers. Each visit adds a new layer, a new pawprint, a new story. Luna’s trail still echoes here, even as Fynn and Raven forge their own.
Here’s to the ones who walked before, the ones who walk beside us now, and the wild places that hold them all.
