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

Take Advantage of the Staycation Tax Credit

15 incredible accommodations that will save you money.

16 Perfect Fall Hikes in Ontario

Add these trails to your bucket list.

Vacation Hotspots

5 budget-friendly destinations for kids.

Canada's Largest Hiking Festival

"Shake your boot-eh" in the Haliburton Highlands in September

Boreal Backcountry

Explore Wild Wabakimi

WANT A PERFECT CANOEING COMPANION?

These tips will make your pup canoe-ready.

What's your limit?

7 days; 60 km

Journey into the Past

Explore the ghost town of Jackfish, famous for CPR's "last spike."

150 canoes for Canada's 150th birthday

A celebration of Canada and the canoe.

Trains, planes & Canoes

Journey into the Boreal Forest

SKILLS VIDEO: canoe essentials

The 7 most important items you'll need.

Need a Father's Day gift?

10 ideas for adventures Dad will love

Teenagers & whitewater?

The Smedleys tackle the Turtle

What's your preference?

High tech or traditional.

What Inspires a National Geographic Writer?

A visit to the Slate Islands.

Need a quick getaway idea?

Go biking, zipping & climbing

Dreamy Snowshoe Getaways

Plan a magical, snow-filled trip this winter.

Sweet Getaways: Maple Syrup Adventures

Celebrate spring in the most delicious way possible.

Agawa Falls Trail

Hike to Agawa Canyon's deepest secret.

Ontario's Best Scuba Diving & Snorkelling

Explore beneath the waves at these incredible destinations.