Category: Backcountry

  • Has spring sprung? Depends where you are!

    Watching winter slip away is a magical thing. Snow is melting, temperatures are warming, and some of our fair-weather bird friends are returning. However, Ontario is a huge province, and the arrival of spring looks very different depending on where you are. Spring comes slowly in many provincial parks. Every year people are surprised to…

  • The Canadian Heritage Rivers System's Bloodvein River — a backcountry dream

    This post was written by Northwestern Ontario Parks Planning Intern Kestrel Wraggett.  We know that Ontario Parks protect some of the most unique and precious natural systems in the province, but did you know we help protect a nationally recognized network of significant waterways called the Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS)?

  • Backpacker’s guide to the Coastal Trail in Lake Superior Provincial Park

    Today’s post comes from Jordan Welch and Bianca Goncz, Discovery staff at Lake Superior Provincial Park. Are you looking for a challenging, multi-day hike with spectacular views? The Coastal Trail has it all! Hike to rocky bluffs, traverse lush forests, and experience the power of Lake Superior. This linear trail traces 65 km of Lake…

  • 5 things I learned on my first hike-in backcountry trip

    In today’s post, Ontario Parks’ Assistant Program Coordinator Megan Birrell recounts her first hike-in backcountry adventure.  Last year, I tried backcountry camping by canoe for the first time. This summer, my camping crew and I decided to take it up a notch and try hike-in camping. We selected Bon Echo Provincial Park’s Abes and Essens Trail…

  • Backcountry vegetarian cooking

    Today’s post comes from Brittany Thatcher and Jill Legault of Quetico Provincial Park. Going meatless on hiking excursions, canoe trips, or any outdoor adventures can be easy, nutritious, and delicious! Vegetables and vegetable-based products can provide you with the energy and protein needed to lead successful trips.

  • Quetico’s backcountry routes without portages

    This post comes from Park Information Specialist Jill Legault of Quetico Provincial Park. “Portaging is like hitting yourself on the head with a hammer: it feels so good when you stop.” — Bill Mason Did you know Quetico Provincial Park’s solitary wilderness experience and pristine nature is available without portaging?

  • Health benefits of backcountry camping

    Today’s post comes from Sarah McMichael, Ontario Parks’ Healthy Parks Healthy People Coordinator. Backcountry camping is known for being a way to experience beautiful, serene landscapes. But a backcountry trip also provides an opportunity to challenge yourself physically and mentally. The combination of paddling, portaging, and hiking through the backcountry is a great all-over workout.…

  • Backcountry routes without portages at Algonquin

    This blog comes from David Legros, a Natural Heritage Education Specialist at Algonquin Provincial Park, and lover of backcountry camping.  There you are, standing on the rocky shore of a lake. A windswept pine sits behind you, and a wild landscape before you. Welcome to backcountry camping!

  • 5 reasons Sleeping Giant is a backcountry paradise

    Today’s post comes from Rachelle Law, Discovery Leader at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Have you been dreaming of finding the perfect park to go backcountry camping? Well, the secret’s out! With over 100 km of hiking trails and 27 backcountry campsites located within seven backcountry zones, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is a backcountry camper’s oasis!

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