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

Stargazing in Ontario

4 of the best places to see the night sky.

Adventure Now: Quetico

Your complete guide to the adventure of a lifetime.

Can't-Miss Skating Trails & Outdoor Rinks

15 best places to lace up.

Muskoka Outdoor Adventures

Your ultimate guide for things to do year-round.

Birding Hotspots

Spring Migration Festivals

SKILLS VIDEO: canoe essentials

The 7 most important items you'll need.

Ontario: the Geocaching Capital of Canada

Enjoy these geocaching hotspots.

Ontario Old Growth Trails

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

What You Need to Know about Ticks in Ontario

With the proper precautions, you don't have to let these creepy crawlies ruin your summer fun.

SUP in the city

The top 6 places to paddleboard in Toronto.

Need Help Travelling?

These apps can turn you into a savvy traveller.

6 Affordable Family Adventures

Have fun without breaking the bank.

13 strangers, 1 big canoe

Find out what happens.

Love art & outdoors?

Head to the Haliburton Highlands

Only in canada eh?

Signature Experience Collection

Want to get high?

Go rock climbing.

Hidden Gem: Chutes Provincial Park

Camping, hiking and waterfall-viewing in Northern Ontario.

Outdoor Photography Workshops

Learn the best tips and tricks from the pros.

Best Small Towns in Ontario

These 9 communities are gateways to outdoor adventure.

11 Best Places to Go Rock Climbing

Harness up.