Backcountry

Ontario Parks is a backcountry paddling paradise for canoeists, kayakers, and stand up paddle boarders of all skill levels. Prepare to experience beautiful nights under the stars following a rewarding day of paddling.

Appropriate route planning will make for the most enjoyable backcountry experience. For assistance planning your trip, visit the webpage of the park you plan to visit, or call the park for more information.

Parks that offer Backcountry Experiences

Park	Skill Level	Booking Type	How to Obtain a Permit
Algonquin	All skill levels	Lake Zone/Area	Reserve online
Biscotasi Lake	Intermediate	First-come-first-serve	Register online
Bon Echo	Beginner	Specific Campsite	Reserve online
Charleston Lake	Beginner	Specific Campsite	Reserve online
Esker Lakes	Beginner	Specific Campsite	Reserve online
French River	Intermediate	First-come-first-serve	Register online
Frontenac	Intermediate	Specific Campsite	Reserve online
Fushimi Lake	Beginner	Specific Campsite	Reserve online
Grundy Lake	Beginner	Specific Campsite	Reserve online
Halfway Lake	Beginner	Specific Campsite	Reserve online
Kawartha Highlands	All skill levels	Specific Campsite	Reserve online
Killarney	All skill levels	Specific Campsite	Reserve online
Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater	Advanced	First-come-first-serve	Register online
Lake Superior	All skill levels	Lake Zone/Area	Reserve online
Makobe-Grays River	Advanced	First-come-first-serve	Register online
Missinaibi - (Lake)	All skill levels	Specific Campsite	Reserve online
Missinaibi - (River)	Advanced	First-come-first-serve	Register online
Mississagi	Beginner	Lake Zone/Area	Reserve online
Obabika River	Intermediate	First-come-first-serve	Register online
Quetico	Intermediate	Entry Quota	Reserve online
Restoule	Beginner	Specific Campsite	Reserve online
Solace	Intermediate	First-come-first-serve	Register online
Spanish River	Intermediate	First-come-first-serve	Register online
Sturgeon River	Advanced	First-come-first-serve	Register online
The Massasauga	All skill levels	Specific Campsite	Reserve online
Tidewater	Intermediate	First-come-first-serve	Register online
Wabakimi	Advanced	First-come-first-serve	Register online
Wakami Lake	Beginner	Specific Campsite	Reserve online
Woodland Caribou	Advanced	First-come-first-serve	Register online

Choose a Park that matches your skill level

Beginner: Requires basic paddling, map reading and compass skills. Mostly short distance lake travel, with portages around rapids. Portages are short if present.

Intermediate: Requires developed paddling map reading and compass skills. Longer portages and potential for longer trips. May encounter rapids requiring sound judgement.

Advanced: Difficulty level increases immediately due to remoteness of park. Requires developed paddling, navigation, outdoor survival, and portaging skills.

All Skill Levels: Park offers many backcountry opportunities which can offer you an experience to match your skills. Park staff can assist you with knowing which routes are suitable for you.

Description of Booking Type

Specific Campsite – You will reserve a specific numbered campsite for each night of your trip.

Lake zone/area – You will reserve a pre-defined lake or zone to camp in on each night of your trip. Within your lake or zone, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you arrive at a site that is full, you will continue your journey until you find an available site.

Entry Quota (Quetico only) – You will reserve the access point where you will start your trip. You must start your trip from the reserved access point. When travelling in the park all campsites are available on a first-come, first served-basis. If you arrive at a site that is full, you will continue your journey until you find an available site.

First-Come-First-Served – All campsites are first-come, first-served. If you arrive at a site that is full, you will continue your journey until you find an available site.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Reserve Online
   • A reservation can be made up to five months in advance of your arrival date.
   • If you have a reservation at Algonquin, Kawartha Highlands, or Charleston Lake, your camping and vehicle permits are included with your confirmation letter. Please print your permits in advance of your arrival.
   • Campers holding reservations at all other backcountry parks will obtain their permit upon arrival when you check-in.
2. Register Online
   • Register online to purchase a backcountry permit up to two weeks in advance of your arrival date.
   • Campers registering online will be e-mailed their backcountry and vehicle permit. You are responsible for printing your permit and bringing a copy to the park with you.
   • All backcountry registrations are final. There are no changes or refunds.

Videos

Legend

- General Park Location

- Backcountry Access Point