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

Discover Ontario’s Least Busy Parks

12 incredible off-the-radar destinations.

Take Advantage of the Staycation Tax Credit

15 incredible accommodations that will save you money.

Love Wildlife?

Must see parks and attractions for animal-lovers.

9 Reasons To Visit Ontario this Fall

Hello all things autumn.

Want to go snowshoeing?

Discover Ontario’s best trails and getaways.

classic algonquin

3 day guided canoe trip

Women only

Trips, retreats, and adventures.

Paddle the waters Less travelled

Discover Algonquin's true wilderness

Need an escape?

Go to Woodland Caribou Provincial Park

Paddling "the Pet"

Why it's her favourite Algonquin trip.

Tom Thomson Legacy

Special exhibit at the Algonquin Art Centre

Meet British Celebrity ray mears

At the Temagami Canoe Festival July 2016

SKILLs Video

How to rescue a runaway kayak in whitewater.

Video: Paddle fast, easy & efficiently

Get tips from Ontario Sea Kayak Centre

A journey of discovery

In the footsteps of The Group of Seven

Like Geocaching?

Parks Canada has program for you

Want to see the northern lights?

Come to Gordon's Park Dark Sky Reserve

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

Adventure Now: Quetico

Your complete guide to the adventure of a lifetime.

Windy Lake: Your Travel Guide

Discover year-round outdoor fun in Ontario’s stunning Northeast.