The
park does not solely represent any one type of forest cover.
Instead, the transitional nature of the park includes plant and
animal species found in the Northern Boreal Forest, the Southern
Deciduous Forest, and the Western Prairie Parkland. This
means a wide variety of flora and fauna can be experienced in
a relatively small area. Trees found here include:
spruce, pine, balsam fir, willow, bur oak, elm, Manitoba maple,
and trembling aspen.
Be
aware that some areas of the park contain poison ivy. Know
how to identify this plant, and avoid walking off trails or in
uncut areas.
Many species of animals are common to the park, including over
130 species of birds - great for bird watchers. Some of the parks'
residents that you are likely to see include: white tailed
deer, bald eagle, beaver, ruffed grouse, yellow shafted flicker,
muskrat, white pelican, and great blue heron. With
a lot of patience, and a little luck, there are dozens more wildlife
encounters waiting for you.
Lake
of the Woods is renowned as a world class fishing area.
Walleye, northern pike, large and smallmouth bass, and yellow
perch are all available for the catching, so remember to bring
your rod and reel. (We encourage barbless fishing for those
anglers practicing catch and release fishing. It is less
harmful to the fish, and provides an extra challenge for fishing
enthusiasts!)
The land itself is divided between clay-like soils left behind
from the area's glacial history, and large bedrock outcrops -
a reminder of the park's volcanic origins. Beautiful sandy
beaches are now scattered around the park's more than 6 kilometres
of shoreline.
Weather conditions vary, and are affected by the large body of
water surrounding more than half of the park. Generally,
summer conditions are very warm, with an average July high temperature
of around 25 degrees Celsius. We recommend that you pack
clothing suitable for very warm temperatures during the day, and
sometimes very cool temperatures overnight. And don't forget
your rain gear just in case.
Land
and Life