Chapleau Crown Game Preserve

It's the world's largest game preserve.

When you hear "game preserve" it likely brings to mind safaris with packs of lions lazing about, wild herds of elephants wandering the savannah, and cheetahs chasing down their prey. You may be surprised to learn that the world's largest game preserve is in Northern Ontario–in the heart of Algoma Country.

black bear
The Chapleau Game Preserve is home to a strong population of black bears. (Photo credit: Algoma Country)

The Chapleau Crown Game Preserve encompasses 2 million acres (700,000 hectares) making it the largest crown game preserve in the world. The first thing you should know about the game preserve is that hunting and trapping are banned (fishing is allowed) within its borders making it a place where wildlife abounds.

Wildlife You're Likely to See

Healthy populations of moose and black bear flourish here and you may encounter timberwolf, lynx and beaver, bald eagle, osprey and species of owl. This is the perfect place for nature lovers and photographers who want to view wildlife in their natural surroundings. It's not uncommon for some animals to be oblivious to human disturbances.

Wildlife Viewing Tips

  • Be patient and stay quiet when trying to view wildlife.
  • Binoculars are still the best way to view wildlife at a safe distance.
  • Try not to wear strong perfumes or scents. This may deter wildlife but attract mosquitos and black flies.
  • The best time to view wildlife is morning or evening.
  • Safety First: there's always a risk when viewing wildlife and it's important to respect the animal's boundaries. Never approach a wild animal no matter how big or small.
  • Never feed the animals.
baldeagle
The preserve is home to many species of birds: bald eagle, osprey, owls, heron, ducks and sandhill crane. (Photo credit: Algoma Country)

Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit With a Paddle on the Missinaibi River

Missinaibi canoe trip
Paddling the Missinaibi on a guided canoe trip. (Photo credit: James Smedley Outdoors)

Wildlife viewing is just one of the amazing wilderness adventures in the Chapleau Game Preserve: it's renowned for its historic canoe routes.

Book a paddling trip with MHO Adventures an adventure company with decades of experience in the guiding industry. 

Missinaibi canoeing
There are many amazing moments to capture for the amateur or professional photographer. (Photo credit: James Smedley Outdoors)

Five Things to Bring on a Day Trip to the Preserve

  1. Bring your camera because you want to capture those moments forever.
  2. Bug repellant: a true must in Northern Ontario.
  3. Light, long-sleeved clothing to protect you from bug bites and scratches and sturdy shoes help you keep your balance when hiking along wooded trails.
  4. Map or GPS.
  5. Your Sense of Adventure!
About Algoma Staff Writer

Algoma Country is a spectacular 4-season vacation destination for outdoor and urban adventures. The region borders Lake Superior and Lake Huron and is rich in old-growth forests, and countless waterways.

Recommended Articles

Brennan Harbour Resort

One for the Bucket List

Gargantua Harbour and Warp Bay

Lake Superior Provincial Park Never Disappoints

Group of Seven Touring Route

21 Panels, Mobile App to Experience the Landscape

Vertical Jigging Rivers

Techniques to Target Spring Walleye

Whitefish island

A Rich Cultural Site for Over 2000 Years

Attractor Trolling for Lake Trout

Tips & Tricks You Need to Learn

Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

The Best Song About Lake Superior

A Motorcycle Tale

Wawa to Sault Ste. Marie along Superior's coast

Fishing How-Tos

Troll and Cast for Northern Pike

A Trip into the Past

With the Mennonites of Algoma

Old-Fashioned Shops

List of Trading Posts & General Stores in Algoma

Mosquitoes: They Suck

How to Prevent and Treat Bug Bites

What Does Fishing Have to do With Motorcycle Touring?

Where and how do you strap a seven-foot fishing road to a motorcycle?

Pukaskwa National Park

A Must-Visit for Paddling & Hiking

Fishing How-Tos

Learn to Tie Walleye Spinners

Agawa Fish and Chips Stand

A Popular Hwy 17 North Must Visit Fish and Chip Stand

Family Fishing at Lodges & Resorts

Take your family on the fishing adventure of a lifetime in Algoma Country.

Why Algoma?

The Mystery of the Name is Solved

Winnie-the-Pooh's Ontario origins

Learn the History of World's Most Beloved Bear

Auroras in Algoma

The Best Light Show on Earth