Our Wildlife and Surrounding Areas
Northern Ontario has some of Canada’s most iconic, captivating wildlife and plant life. Read more about what our guests will fish and hunt while visiting Bear Claw Wilderness Camp, as well as, our other common critters and vegetation that make up this beautiful , incredibly important ecosystem.
Northern Ontario Flora
Common Plants and Wild Berries
The boreal forest region of northern Ontario is rich with these native berry species, many of which have been traditional food sources for Indigenous communities and continue to be popular for foraging and wildlife food today.
Wild Lowbush Blueberry
Edible berries that burst with their signature sweet flavour and ripen from June to August.
Wild Raspberries
Small red fruits that form in the summer, great for jams, pies, or snacking.
Saskatoon Berry
Grows from western Ontario to British Columbia, with sweet, fleshy fruits.
Bunchberry
A shade-loving native plant that was common in Ontario’s forests, spreads by runners
Black Raspberry Plant
Recommended for planting, ripens depending on variety, grows 3-6′ tall and makes good hedges.
Common Hackberry Plant
A small ornamental tree that grows in almost all types of soil, moisture and light conditions.
Common Trees
The boreal forest of northern Ontario is dominated by conifers, with Black Spruce being the most widespread species. The mix of coniferous and deciduous trees creates the characteristic boreal forest ecosystem that covers much of northern Ontario.
White Birch (Deciduous)
One of the most abundant hardwoods in the boreal forest.
Maple (Deciduous)
Maple trees are among the most iconic deciduous trees in northern Ontario.
Poplar (Deciduous)
Poplar trees are fast-growing trees commonly found throughout northern Ontario’s boreal forest.
Black Spruce (Coniferous)
The most common tree in Ontario, primarily found in the Boreal forest.
Balsam Fir (Coniferous)
The dominant tree species in many boreal forest areas.
Pine (Coniferous)
Pine trees are resilient conifers that thrive in northern Ontario’s boreal forest.
Northern Ontario Fauna
Common Birds
The boreal forest of northern Ontario serves as a crucial breeding ground for many North American bird species, making it one of the most important bird habitats on the continent.
Loon
Ontario’s provincial bird, with the most iconic, haunting call of any North American bird.
Canada Goose
With it’s infamous “V” patterns and loud honk it’s no wonder they are Canada’s most well known bird.
North American Pelican
The North American White Pelican is found on large freshwater lakes or shallow wetlands.
Common Robin
Among the most iconic common birds, they are often spotted theoughout Northern Ontario.
Bald Eagle
Once an incredibly threatened species, this majestic bird of prey has made a remarkable comeback.
Downy Woodpecker
A common sound throughout Northern Ontario – natures cute, little lumberjacks.
Common Fish
Northern Ontario’s pristine lakes and rivers provide excellent habitat for both cold-water and cool-water fish species, making it one of Canada’s premier fishing destinations.
Walleye
No species in Ontario garners more angling attention than the walleye – Ontario’s most popular gamefish.
Northern Pike
Found in Ontario’s endless lakes including Lac Seul Lake and Wabaskang Lake.
Smallmouth Bass
Available in the remote northern waters along with other species and an exciting catch for anglers.
Yellow Perch
Easy to locate, plentiful, will bite a wide range of baits, fun to catch, and taste delicious.
Whitefish
A cold-water species common in northern Ontario’s lakes.
Lake Trout
Found in the deeper, colder lakes of northern Ontario and great tasting.
Common Mammals
These mammals represent the iconic wildlife of northern Ontario’s boreal forest ecosystem, with many being key species that wildlife enthusiasts hope to observe in their natural habitat. Even the “pesky” little critters play a crucial role to help maintain a balanced ecosystem.
Black Bear
Black Bears are among the top mammals people hope to see, with Ontario having a healthy population.
Moose
The moose is the largest member of the deer family and excellent swimmers.
Beaver
Beaver are among the most impressive mammals that people hope to see and are under wildlife protection.
Eastern Timber Wolf
Eastern Timber Wolves feed primarily on deer, moose, and beaver, and are a protected species.
Red Fox
Red foxes are small doglike mammals with long bushy tails and are listed as common in northern Ontario.
Woodland Caribou
Woodland caribou are emblematic of the boreal forest and related to moose and white-tailed deer.
Common Critters
