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Tidewater Provincial Park is a 980
hectare park in the Moose River that was first
established in 1964. Charles Island supports the
developed area of Tidewater. Butler Island, Haysey
Island, and approximately 60% of Bushy Island, make up
the remainder of the park. Charles Island is actually
split in two by a manmade waterway that permits water
travel between Moosonee and Moose Factory. This man
made “gutway” is causing erosion of the bank by
approximately 2-3 metres per year.
The Corporation of The Town of
Moosonee runs Tidewater Provincial Park. It is one of
the few provincial parks in the province run by a
municipality rather then the Ministry of Natural
Resources.
Tidewater is classified as a
Natural Environment Park. Natural Environment
Parks incorporate outstanding recreational landscapes
with representative natural features and historical
resources to provide high quality recreational and
educational experiences (Ontario Provincial Park
Planning and Management Policies, 1978). Tidewater has
recreational landscapes on Charles Island, such as day
use area, campsites, group camping and trails. The
representative natural features are the forest type,
poplar, white and black spruce, willow, alder, etc.
Also, the tides and fossils show natural features.
History is covered by the Hudson Bay and Revillion Freres
Companies impact on the area.
Tidewater is located on Charles
Island between Moosonee and Moose Factory; it is
approximately 1.5 km from each community. It consists
of 30 unserviced campsites each consisting of a picnic
table and fire pit grill. There are also two double
sites with a picnic shelter, picnic tables and fire pit
grill, a group camping area and large field with a group
picnic shelter.
The park does not have running
water but bottled drinking water is sold at the park for
the convenience of campers. Bags of firewood are also
sold at the park.
The park is staffed with two Park
Supervisors and two Park Technicians. The Park
Supervisors remain at the park during the week when
there are campers on the island and all weekend long.
This provides campers with the availability of a cell
phone and boat on site in the event of an emergency.
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide recreational landscapes
on Charles Island, such as day use area, campsites,
group camping area and trails for the convenience of
local community members and tourists.
Goals
- To provide park visitors with
a high level of customer service.
- To provide outdoor
recreational opportunities to local community
members and tourists, while preserving public land
for future recreational uses.
- To ensure a safe and friendly
camping experience for all park visitors.
Objectives
Tidewater will contribute to the
four objectives of the Ontario Provincial Parks System
(Provincial Park Policy, 1978); (1) protection, (2)
recreation, (3) tourism, and (4) heritage appreciation.
- To protect provincially
significant elements of the natural and cultural
landscape of Ontario.
- To provide outdoor recreation
opportunities ranging from high intensity day-use to
low intensity camping.
- To provide Ontario’s residents
and out-of-province visitors with opportunities to
discover and experience one of the distinctive
regions of the province.
- To provide opportunities for
exploration and appreciation of the outdoor natural
and cultural heritage of Ontario.
PARK ACTIVITIES
Hiking
Riverside Trail
2 km (1 hour)
easy
Fishing
Streams flowing into the river contain brook trout.
Northern pike and walleye are also found near the park.
The best fishing is farther up the Moose River and can
be reached by freighter canoe or motorboat.
Wildlife
Viewing
Red squirrel, muskrat and rabbit and grouse, owl, duck
and shorebirds inhabit the park. Bears live here, too,
but visitors aren't likely to see them.
Boating
The large and stable freighter canoe with 25 to 45
horsepower motor is the preferred means of
transportation in the waters of the lower Moose River
and James Bay.
Swimming
Strong tides and the currents make swimming dangerous
off the park islands. However, there is a shallow,
sheltered area near Moosonee where the water is not too
cold.
PARK FACILITIES
Campsites
Charles Island has 20 campsites,
most of which front on Moose River and offer dramatic
view of the tides and the town of Moosonee. Each
campsite has a picnic table and fireplace grill.
Drinking water is available for sale from park staff and
toilet facilities are conveniently located, as are
firewood, docking facilities, a picnic area and shelter,
and a kitchen shelter. A separate area is designated for
group camping.
Shower facilities are available in
Moosonee at the Arena located on 42 First St., next to
the ONR train station.
Canoeist can make arrangements
with the ONR or Moosonee Arena for overnight canoe
storage.
Picnics
and Day Use – Yes
This park does not take
reservations, but campsites are available on a first
come, first served basis.
For more information contact:
705-494-0566 (Park Phone) or 705-336-2625 (Arena)
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