Canoe and Camp on Your Own Private Lake

Esker Lakes Provincial Park contains 29 pristine lakes, many connected by portages, creating a peaceful canoe route—plus there are local outfitters nearby that offer exceptional services for self-guided adventures. #PaddleON

Esker Lakes Provincial Park is surrounded by Boreal Forest and offers plenty of bird-watching opportunities. Explore the dozens of kettle lakes, formed when glaciers retreated 10,000 years ago.

Find great backcountry paddling experiences at Ontario Parks. 

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

Ontario’s Blue-Water Lakes

So blue you won’t believe your eyes.

Algonquin Park Canoe Trip Guide

Learn how to plan a backcountry paddling adventure.

Easy River Tripping

The French River will delight canoeists of all ages.

Missinaibi River Canoe Trip

Learn how to plan a canoe trip down this famed wilderness river.

The Spanish River

Everything you need to plan your next canoe trip.

Get On The Water

Ontario paddling events for canoeists, kayakers, SUPers, and rafters in 2025.

Best Canoe Maps in Ontario

Find out where to get the best digital and hard-copy versions.

Ontario’s Moose Hotspots

Your best chance of seeing a moose is by paddle.

Best Sites on the French River

Where to stay on your canoe trip.

Canoe Trips in Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater

Expert advice for paddling in this wilderness park.

Paddle the Mighty Moose River

Cross a big river paddling trip off your bucket list!

Temagami Canoe Trip Guide

Expert advice for paddling in paradise.

Mississagi River Canoe Trip

Find out how to paddle this famed wilderness river.

The Steel River

Ontario’s ultimate loop canoe route.

Philip Edward Island Camping Guide

The inside scoop on this Georgian Bay gem.

Killarney Canoe Trips

Learn how to plan a backcountry canoe trip in this provincial park.

Ultimate Guide To Wabakimi

Find out how to plan a paddling trip in this wilderness wonderland.

Train-In Adventure

Take "The Canadian" into the backcountry.

Hidden Gems: Best New Canoe Routes

Guidebook author Kevin Callan’s favourite picks.

Spectacular Rivers

11 easy day trips for canoes, kayaks and SUPs.