Biking
There are no designated bicycle trails, however cycling is permitted on park roads.
Birding
The park is an excellent place to see and hear Bald Eagles, a nesting pair of merlins and a large variety of warblers. Loons raise their young on Semiwite Lake.
Boating
Motorboats are allowed on Semiwite and Flack Lakes and there are launching ramps and docks near the campground. Canoes can be rented by the day or half-day.
Canoeing
Canoeing Semiwite Lake, right from the campground you will find two secluded beaches near the far end of the lake and an island on the south side.
A short portage from Semiwite takes you across to Helenbar Lake. There is a backcountry campsite on the east shore of Helenbar. Helenbar Lake is the site of a 1946 crash landing of a Gloster Meteor, Britain’s first jet fighter to fly in World War Two. Lt. Mackenzie of the RCAF, ditched the aircraft in the lake after the he lost his way in a storm and ran out of fuel. Stranded in the middle of a roadless wilderness, Mackenzie spent 26 days on the shore of the lake, and survived on a diet of berries until being rescued. The Mackenzie backcountry trail is named for him.
A day trip by canoe on Flack Lake will take you to the base of Old Baldy, site of an old fire ranger’s cabin and a 5 km hiking trail with exceptional views.
There are a number of canoe trips of varying length and difficulty that can originate and end in the park. An area canoe route brochure is available from the park (or by calling Chutes Provincial Park at 705-865-2021) that describes these trips and is useful for planning purposes.
Fishing
Lake Trout fishing is best in spring and early summer. You might also find Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout and Lake Whitefish on the end of your line.
Hiking
Flack Lake Nature Trail - 0.8 km (45 minutes) easy
Interesting geological features and remnants of an old logging camp are features of this trail.
Helenbar Lookout Trail - 7 km (2-4 hours) moderate
Focal points include huge boulder erratics, a spectacular lookout and views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. There is a white sand beach on Semiwite Lake where the Helenbar and Semiwite Lake Trails meet.
MacKenzie Trail - 22 km (3-5 days) strenuous
To test your hiking stamina and get away from it all, try this overnight trail into the backcountry. Campsites are located on the Brush Lakes. From the Brush Lakes Lookout and other lookouts along the eastern edge of the trail, you can look across the vast Stag Lake Peatlands, a provincially significant wetland filling part of the Boland Valley. The Helenbar Lookout and Semiwite Lake Trails can be combined with the Mackenzie for a multi-day backcountry hike.
Semiwite Creek Trail - 1.2 km (1 hour) easy
Follow Semiwite Creek for a chance to see wildlife and photograph picturesque views.
JimChrist Trail – 11 km (6 hours) moderate
Mixed hardwoods and large White Pines tower over this trail which climbs a series of ridges and hills. There is a good view of the base of the Helenbar Lookout ridge at the mid-point of the trail.
Cobre Lake Trail - 11 km (3-5 hours) strenuous
This trail is situated just 11 km north of the park in the Rawhide Lake Conservation Reserve. Look for evidence of last century copper mining exploration, majestic White and Red Pine forests and panoramic views of several lakes.
Swimming
Three beaches slope into the pleasant waters of Semiwite Lake. Two are located in the day use and campground areas respectively, and there is a beautiful sand beach at the end of the Helenbar Trail which can be accessed on foot or by boat. Please note, there are no lifeguards.
Winter Activities
Although you can’t drive into the park in the off-season, you can enter on foot to hike or snowshoe.