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

What Inspires a National Geographic Writer?

A visit to the Slate Islands.

Need a quick getaway idea?

Go biking, zipping & climbing

Paranormal Exploration

Visit these 5 haunted hiking trails in Ontario.

Sweet Getaways: Maple Syrup Adventures

Celebrate spring in the most delicious way possible.

Ontario: the Geocaching Capital of Canada

Enjoy these geocaching hotspots.

Ontario's Best Scuba Diving & Snorkelling

Explore beneath the waves at these incredible destinations.

Best Trail Running in Ontario

From forest paths to coastal routes.

7 Reasons to Explore Ontario This Winter

Grab your parka—it’s time to plan a snow-filled adventure.

5 Trails Less Travelled

Amazing day hikes in Northwest Ontario.

Beach Camping in Ontario

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

9 Reasons To Visit Ontario this Fall

Hello all things autumn.

Best Valentine’s Day Ever

Romantic winter date ideas for outdoor adventure lovers.

Family Day Weekend

The best outdoor activities for adventurous families.

FEEL THE RUSH

At Ontario's dog sled races

Need to get the wrinkles out of your soul?

Temagami can help.

How to winter camp

Cool lessons for hardy adventurers

13 strangers, 1 big canoe

Find out what happens.

Like cycle touring?

Our top 3 must-do picks are ...

History, Art, kindness & Adventure

A meaningful journey on the Missinaibi River.

Want to take a pic like this?

You can at Red Rock Eagle Photo Safari in October