Escape to the Backcountry

Local outfitters and lodges offer exceptional services for guided or unguided canoe adventures.

For world-class wilderness canoeing in the Boreal Forest, look no further than Wabakimi Provincial Park – more than 2,000 km of lake and river routes, including excellent white-water. There are no roads within the park so visitors must arrive by canoe, train or plane. Walleye and northern pike fishing and wildlife viewing in the park are legendary.

Some areas of the park are more easily travelled than others. Portages and campsites are not signed so trip planning and wilderness navigation skills are necessary. 

Trip Planning Outfitters blue banner

If you are not pursuing the Northwest Quest contest and don’t want to camp for all or any of your canoeing adventure, you can stay in rustic luxury at a unique wilderness lodge, cabin, yurt or outpost and do canoe day trips.

Outfitter Air Service

Travel Information Blue banner

Don’t Miss 

Thunder Bay is about 4.5 hours south of Wabakimi Provincial Park. Located on the shore of the Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake, it has everything you need to get outfitted properly for your adventure and all the urban culinary and cultural attractions to complete your memorable epic adventure.

While in Thunder Bay, explore back in time to the year 1815 to experience the fur trade at Fort William Historical Park. There are 42 authentic, reconstructed buildings on the site and actors in period dress to bring it to life.

Backcountry Banner

For information on park fees and reservations, click 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

March Break in Ontario

Discover the best camps, activities and adventures for 2026.

Crown Land Camping

What it is and where you can camp in Ontario.

Natural Highs

7 magnificent mountains in Ontario to climb, hike, ride, ski and more.

2025 Triathalons

Swim, cycle and run your way to triathlete status at these Ontario events.

Ontario Birding Checklist

Keep an eye on the skies for these 10 incredible species.

Explore Ontario’s Hidden Gems

18 destinations you need to visit.

11 Jaw-Droppingly Beautiful Landscapes

Don't miss the splendours of Northern Ontario

Go Winter Glamping

Get cozy at these 11 snowy Ontario getaways.

Girls’ Getaways

21 ideas for an adventurous escape or bachelorette party in Ontario.

Go Foraging in Ontario

Learn the basics of how to harvest wild edibles found across the province.

Tips for 2026 Camping Reservations

Use these best practices to get the sites you want, when you want them.

Insider’s Guide to Sleeping Giant

Everything you need to plan a trip to this iconic provincial park.

Backcountry Skiing in Ontario

Here are the best spots to find powder.

Ontario Trail Races

Find out where to test your limits and get out in the woods.

Best Stargazing in Ontario

Can’t-miss night sky events for 2026

Plan Your Adventure

10 amazing sights you can only see in winter in Ontario.

Where to See Ontario's Coolest Wildlife

Get expert tips on how to spot these iconic species.

Insider’s Guide to Neys

How to plan a trip to this under-the-radar provincial park.

Rise and Glide

X-cross ski races and events this winter.

Explore Underground: Ontario Caves

Perfect for adventurous couples and families.