Escape to the Backcountry

Local outfitters and lodges offer exceptional services for guided or unguided canoe adventures.

For world-class wilderness canoeing in the Boreal Forest, look no further than Wabakimi Provincial Park – more than 2,000 km of lake and river routes, including excellent white-water. There are no roads within the park so visitors must arrive by canoe, train or plane. Walleye and northern pike fishing and wildlife viewing in the park are legendary.

Some areas of the park are more easily travelled than others. Portages and campsites are not signed so trip planning and wilderness navigation skills are necessary. 

Trip Planning Outfitters blue banner

If you are not pursuing the Northwest Quest contest and don’t want to camp for all or any of your canoeing adventure, you can stay in rustic luxury at a unique wilderness lodge, cabin, yurt or outpost and do canoe day trips.

Outfitter Air Service

Travel Information Blue banner

Don’t Miss 

Thunder Bay is about 4.5 hours south of Wabakimi Provincial Park. Located on the shore of the Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake, it has everything you need to get outfitted properly for your adventure and all the urban culinary and cultural attractions to complete your memorable epic adventure.

While in Thunder Bay, explore back in time to the year 1815 to experience the fur trade at Fort William Historical Park. There are 42 authentic, reconstructed buildings on the site and actors in period dress to bring it to life.

Backcountry Banner

For information on park fees and reservations, click here.

About Trish Manning

Trish Manning is an adventure travel writer. She is an avid outdoor person who loves to hike, paddle, SUP, snowshoe, cross-country ski and explore Ontario's great outdoors with her golden retriever, Daisy.

Recommended Articles

March Break in Ontario

Discover the best camps, activities and adventures for 2026.

Crown Land Camping

What it is and where you can camp in Ontario.

2026 Triathalons

Swim, cycle and run your way to triathlete status at these Ontario events.

Natural Highs

7 magnificent mountains in Ontario to climb, hike, ride, ski and more.

Top of the Giant Trail

Get tips on this amazing hike at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

Arrowhead Provincial Park Guide

Everything you need to know to plan a trip to this fun-filled park.

Ontario Trail Races 2026

Find out where to test your limits and get out in the woods.

Guide to Grundy Lake Provincial Park

Find out how to plan a backcountry or frontcountry camping trip to this incredible park in Northern Muskoka.

9 of the Most Beautiful Fall Destinations

And they’re all in Ontario.

Can’t get away this winter?

Discover the best winter vacations for retirees.

Go Foraging in Ontario

Learn the basics of how to harvest wild edibles found across the province.

Insider’s Guide to Sleeping Giant

Everything you need to plan a trip to this iconic provincial park.

Dogs Welcome!

Top dog-friendly resorts.

11 Jaw-Droppingly Beautiful Landscapes

Don't miss the splendours of Northern Ontario.

Beach Camping in Ontario

14 sandy places to pitch your tent and swim to your heart’s content.

Call Us Crazy

23 Adrenaline Rushes Found Only in Ontario

Stargazing in Ontario

4 of the best places to see the night sky.

Backpacking Trails in Ontario

7 multiday hiking trips to the province’s most beautiful places.

Backcountry Skiing in Ontario

Here are the best spots to find powder.

Best Backcountry Camping in Ontario

7 destinations that are wild with beauty and fun.