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

Want to kayak with caribou?

Go to Slate Islands

Need solitude?

Escape to Quetico

"how to" video

Learn the cross-bow draw

Get Hooked in Algonquin

Plan the ultimate spring brook trout canoe trip

Want a perfect weekend getaway?

Go dogsledding

11 Things You Didn’t Know About Dogsledding

Ontario dogsledder Tanya McCready shares the magic of a winter activity she fell in love with 30 years ago.

Outdoor Photography Workshops

Learn the best tips and tricks from the pros.

Feel the rush

Must-do mountain biking trails in Ontario.

Winter Camping

It’s an easy and safe snow vacation.

SPring Wildflower Glory

Best places to see them

Cold nights

Equals fast trails

White Lake Provincial Park: A Hidden Gem

Camp, paddle, hike and swim in Northern Ontario.

Nighttime at Ontario Parks: The 10 Best All-Season Activities

Nocturnal adventures for the whole family!

Incredible Swimming in Ontario

12 best destinations to take a summer dip.

Hike the Pukaskwa Coastal Trail

Discover awe-inspiring waterfalls, beaches and vistas on this epic 60-km trail.

Learn to Camp

A beginners guide.

Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing During the Pandemic

Learn about the changes you’ll find at trails across the province.

Need Help Travelling?

These apps can turn you into a savvy traveller.

6 Affordable Family Adventures

Have fun without breaking the bank.

What is this animal?

Hint: It's not a reindeer.