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

Dog-friendly Vacations In Ontario

20 Fall Views Away from the Crowds

Embrace adventure—it’ll be worth it.

Agawa Falls Trail

Hike to Agawa Canyon's deepest secret.

Ontario's Best Scuba Diving & Snorkelling

Explore beneath the waves at these incredible destinations.

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.

16 Perfect Fall Hikes in Ontario

Add these trails to your bucket list.

Adventure Races Ontario

Find out where to go and why you’ll love it.

Canada's Largest Hiking Festival

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

WANT A PERFECT CANOEING COMPANION?

These tips will make your pup canoe-ready.

150 canoes for Canada's 150th birthday

A celebration of Canada and the canoe.

Trains, planes & Canoes

Journey into the Boreal Forest

Need a Father's Day gift?

10 ideas for adventures Dad will love

Teenagers & whitewater?

The Smedleys tackle the Turtle

Want a Leisurely ride?

Top 8 picks for easy exploring

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

GETAWAY: "Kraft Dinner No More"- A Lodge-based Canoe Adventure On The French River

Fall Outdoor Adventures in Ontario

6 ways to enjoy the best of the season.