Trains, Planes and Canoes

This dream trip takes you deep into Wabakimi Provincial Park.

As a child, did you spend your days playing with toy trains, planes and little boats? If so, you will love this "big boy (or girl)" adventure.

Your wilderness trip starts with a float plane ride into the heart of Wabakimi Provincial Park. After unloading your gear from the plane, your wilderness paddling journey begins. 

Canoeing-Wabakimi

As you canoe through the pristine waterways, watch for elusive woodland caribou, moose, beavers and other wildlife.  Drop your line and catch “the big one.” There’s nothing like fresh fish cooked over an open fire.

Sunset-in-Wabakimi

At the end of the day, enjoy the sunset while listening to the haunting call of the loon.  

On your last day, while waiting along the CN line near the Allanwater Bridge, you’ll wonder if the VIA Rail passenger train will really stop in the middle of the forest to pick you up.

Allanwater-Bridge-sign

Yes – it will. After loading up your canoes and gear, the next thing you know, you’ll be sipping a cold beer in the observation car on your way back to Armstrong Station. 

If You Go

Wabakimi’s vast wilderness offers endless paddling possibilities. Contact Wabakimi Wilderness Outfitters or Wilderness North for trip planning advice, outfitting and guiding services.

The trip launching point, Armstrong, is approximately three hours by car north of Thunder Bay. 

While You Are Here

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.

For more outdoor adventure and gorgeous panoramas, head east on Highway 17 and visit the cliffs of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park via its hiking trails.

For travel information, visit Thunder Bay and Northwest Ontario.

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

Crown Land Camping

What it is and where you can camp in Ontario.

2025 Triathalons

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

11 Jaw-Droppingly Beautiful Landscapes

Don't miss the splendours of Northern Ontario

Natural Highs

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

Ontario Trail Races

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

Incredible Swimming in Ontario

12 best destinations to take a summer dip.

Ontario Birding Checklist

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

Go Foraging in Ontario

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

Get Hooked in Algonquin

Plan the ultimate spring brook trout canoe trip

Top of the Giant Trail

Get tips on this amazing Sleeping Giant hike.

Insider’s Guide to Sleeping Giant

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

Backpacking Trails in Ontario

7 multi-day hiking trips to the province’s most beautiful places.

Stargazing in Ontario

4 of the best places to see the night sky.

Explore Ontario’s Hidden Gems

18 destinations you need to visit.

Feelin' the Vibe

Cycle touring on Manitoulin Island

Take Your Dog on Vacation

Find the best pet-friendly trip ideas in Ontario.

Beach Camping in Ontario

14 sandy places to pitch your tent and swim to your heart’s content.

The Best Camping In Ontario

Discover the best car-camping and backcountry locations.

Explore Underground: Ontario Caves

Perfect for adventurous couples and families.

9 of the Most Beautiful Fall Destinations

And they’re all in Ontario.