Escape to the Backcountry

Ontario Parks offers incredible wilderness experiences in the Northwest.

Looking for adventure? Ontario Parks offer unparalleled backcountry opportunities for paddling, hiking and camping amidst scenic beauty and remarkable wilderness landscapes. 

Northwestern Ontario's three largest wilderness parks (Quetico, Wabakimi and Woodland Caribou), collectively offer over 5,000 km of canoe routes over 18,000 square kilometres. Each park is special and offers different backcountry experiences.

Quetico Badge 3

Wabakimi badge 3

Woodland Caribou badge 3
 

Backcountry Banner

Ontario Parks has 7,000 backcountry campsites accessible only by canoe or on foot. Backcountry campsites are basic, typically a pit privy, a few tent sites and a fire ring The paddling and hiking are second to none. Trip planning is essential. Get tips here

About Trish Manning

Trish Manning is an adventure travel writer and the content coordinator for Ontario Outdoor Adventures. 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

Crown Land Camping

What it is and where you can camp in Ontario.

Go Winter Glamping

Get cozy at these 11 snowy Ontario getaways.

11 Jaw-Droppingly Beautiful Landscapes

Don't miss the splendours of Northern Ontario

Dog Sledding in Ontario

Your guide to this exhilarating winter activity.

Beyond City Limits

Must-see landscapes in Ontario.

Pancake Bay: Ontario’s Ultimate Beach Escape

Discover the shores of an inland sea.

Want a perfect weekend getaway?

Go dogsledding

Winter Camping in Ontario Parks

Find the best cozy yurts or tents to stay in.

Winter Wonderland Fun

The best winter activities in Ontario.

Ontario's Other Camping Option

10 best private campgrounds in the province.

Backpacking Trails in Ontario

7 multi-day hiking trips to the province’s most beautiful places.

Face Your Fear

If The Planet D can do it, you can too.

Ontario Old Growth Trails

Tall trees await: Ontario’s best old growth trails.

Winter Romance

Fall in love with these exciting getaways.

Beach Camping in Ontario

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

Treetop Trekking

Swing. Climb. Zip. Play in the treetops.

The Best Killarney Hikes

Take to the trails in Ontario’s crown jewel park.

Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in Ontario

11 places where Fido can join in the fun.

Ontario's Best Family Resorts

Your trip planning starts here.

Top Summer Vacations In Northern Ontario

25 places brimming with outdoor adventures.