Tag: Backcountry

  • Spring paddling safety

    Spring paddling safety

    Itching for ice out? We certainly are. But spring weather can be fickle. Hitting the lake too early, failing to respect weather conditions or paddling beyond your skill level isn’t just risky — it’s downright dangerous. We chatted with Paul Smith, past park superintendent of Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park, to get some top do’s and don’ts for…

  • Backcountry basics: know your limits

    You’ve heard about this fantastic new adventure through a friend, route guide, or Instagram. It looks kind of tough, and you’re pretty new to the whole backcountry thing. Still, you don’t want to miss out, so you decide to go for it. But as you start planning, there’s a little voice wondering if this is…

  • Five friends, five departments, one park

    Today’s post comes from Zuzanna, Alysa, Lyle, Jackson, and Emily: five friends who applied to Ontario Parks across the province and by a twist of fate, all got jobs at the same provincial park, 1,500 km (or 16 hours) from home! Are you interested in joining us for the 2024 summer season? Applications are now open! In…

  • 6 tips for winter camping at Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

    So you’re no stranger to camping but want a new adventure? Or maybe you’ve invested some money in winter camping gear? Congratulations! Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park offers the perfect opportunity for those looking to get into winter camping. Just a couple hours outside of the GTA and three hours west of Ottawa, any weekend warrior looking…

  • 10 ways to enjoy winter at Quetico

    Today’s post comes from Quetico Provincial Park Superintendent Trevor Gibb. Quetico is primarily known for its world class backcountry canoeing opportunities. However, once the lakes freeze and snow blankets the forest, the park transforms into a wilderness winter wonderland.

  • Master Chef: Ontario Parks backcountry edition

    Today’s post comes from Will Oades, Discovery Program Educator at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Eating in the backcountry should be no different than eating at home! Well-planned and prepared backcountry meals can taste amazing, satisfy your hunger, and foster conversations about your long day of hiking or paddling. Tasty outdoor meals are a simple comfort…

  • Fall paddling at Restoule

    Imagine.  You put your canoe or kayak into the lake. The water is smooth and reflective. The sky’s a deep, dark blue, and the clouds are brilliant white. The day is sunny, cool and crisp, and the trees that cover the hills around you…well, they’re a stunning display of red, orange, and yellow. There’s something special…

  • There and back again: a Quetico tale

    Today’s blog comes from Quetico Provincial Park Canoe Route Technician Gavin Morito-Karn. In 2019, I spent my summer paddling across a large chunk of the vastness of one of Canada’s waterways. Brigitte Champaigne-Klassen (also a past member of Quetico’s staff) and I travelled from Cochrane, Alberta (just west of Calgary) to Nym Lake on the border…

  • Say "no" to axe-idents

    You’ve just paddled your heart out to get to your campsite. You put on your flannel and grab your axe to prepare your campfire. Something about being in the wilderness that brings out our inner woodsperson. We know the feeling. However, for the preservation of your toes, please read this before you swing that axe!

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