A Winter Adventure in Quetico Provincial Park

It's a world-class paddling destination in Summer; explore Quetico in a new way this winter.

Each March, cross country skiers of all abilities descend on Quetico Provincial Park and the nearby town of Atikokan for the Cross Quetico Tour.  Normally known for its world class wilderness canoeing opportunities, Quetico’s interconnected waterways become a venue for a ski adventure like no other in winter. The one-day Cross Quetico Tour is a group event where participants are encouraged to stay together over their choice of 35-, 45- or 60-km routes that stretch from the town of Atikokan south to the Quetico park boundary, then east across the canoe routes of Batchewaung and Pickerel Lakes, to the tours end point at the parks Dawson Trail Campground. The Cross Quetico Tour is a true wilderness experience. All trail grooming stops at the park boundary, and skiers make their own tracks across the portages and pristine waterways of the park.

Path to Artist in Residence

It might be sunny, snowy, blowy, warm, or cold. No matter what the conditions on the day of the tour, the park takes on its own memorable character and skiers get to experience the park in a truly unique way.

snowy people

Instead of heading home after the Cross Quetico Tour, there are now additional opportunities to unwind and spend the weekend (or longer) at Quetico’s Dawson Trail Campground.  We are very excited about our newly renovated Log Cabin. It offers year round accommodations in a well-equipped traditional log cabin. Just imagine, after the Cross Quetico Tour or a day of skiing on the parks groomed ski trails, you could kick back in front of a woodstove in a cozy, snow-covered cabin.

Log Cabin Inside 1

Quetico also rents a smaller lakefront cabin called the Winter Retreat from September through April each year. This one-room cabin offers a view of French Lake Sunsets and a lakefront patio. The Winter Retreat is just a short walk down a private trail from the parking lot. A sled is provided to transport your food and supplies.

Log Cabin Outside

So why not plan a real winter adventure this year and visit Quetico Provincial Park and the town of Atikokan for the Cross Quetico Tour, or plan any winter getaway at one of the parks cozy cabins! There are almost 30 km of maintained ski trails at Quetico’s Dawson Trail campground, and more than 450,000 hectares of backcountry wilderness to explore on ski or snowshoe in winter. The opportunities are endless.

quetico sign

About Trevor Gibb

Trevor Gibb is the Superintendent of Quetico Provincial Park – Formerly he has held positions as the Assistant Superintendent of 29 parks in Northeastern Ontario including Polar Bear Provincial Park, and Backcountry Warden at Killarney Provincial Park. He has also lived in the Canadian Arctic as a high school teacher. In his spare time it is not uncommon find him bobbing around Quetico in his old canoe.

 

Recommended Articles

12 Best Places to Stay in Thunder Bay

A boutique courthouse, art-filled hostel, or a luxe waterfront hotel—TBay has accommodations for every taste.

5 Fantastic Ways to Explore the Water in Thunder Bay

Paddle, sail, SUP, and more along the north shore of Lake Superior.

Thunder Bay Winter Fun Guide 2025

The complete A to Z list.

Uncovering Thunder Bay's Hidden Gems

7 Little-Known Spots to Discover in TBay

5 Reasons to Bring a Conference or Meeting to Thunder Bay, Ontario

It's time to kick your meeting up a notch!

21 Ways to Enjoy Thunder Bay

Why 2024 is your year to visit this fabulous northern Ontario city.

The Remembrance Poppy and its Thunder Bay Roots

How an iconic downtown hotel helped launch this time-honoured tradition.

Why You Should Always Travel With Fishing Gear in Thunder Bay

7 amazing fishing spots right in the city.

This new cruise ship sails into Thunder Bay

There's a new ship in town! Check out the Great Lakes Explorer.

Chill Out in Thunder Bay: Why Cold Plunges Are Hot Right Now

Keep cool in this Northwest Ontario city with cold plunges and cryotherapy.

Experience Your Perfect Summer in Thunder Bay

An A to Z guide to outdoor adventure in this scenic Northern Ontario city

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Thunder Bay

Did you know these weird and wonderful facts about TBay?

Walk This Way: Self-Guided Art and History Tours in Thunder Bay

How the Thunder Bay Tour App and some fun self-guided tours can turn exploring the city into an art and history scavenger hunt.

Family-Friendly Indoor Play Areas for Kids in Thunder Bay

Blustery weather got you down? Here are all the indoor play areas in the city.

Search Thunder Bay