Explore Northwestern Ontario’s Sunset Country Driving Route

Planning a cross-province adventure? Check out the Ontario Parks Driving Routes.

Considering a road trip in Northwestern Ontario?

Welcome to sunset country! This circle tour driving route will take you to some of your favourite provincial parks or let you discover new ones. Relish days spent hiking, fishing, and paddling through iconic Canadian landscapes.

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Winter adventures at Rushing River Provincial Park

Today’s post comes from Isabella Schives, senior park clerk at Rushing River Provincial Park.

Now that the seasons have changed and snow blankets the ground, the natural beauty of this vibrant and popular summertime park takes on an incredible transformation.

Icicles begin hanging from trees and buildings, fresh snow crunches underneath your feet, and the brisk, cold air provides a refreshing feeling with every breath.

Each step takes you further away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life as you relax into the tranquility and peace of wintertime at Rushing River Provincial Park.

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Winter adventures at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

With its breathtaking, snow-covered landscapes and kilometres of ski trails for all skill levels, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park stands out in northwestern Ontario as a snowy paradise.

Here are four awesome reasons to visit this winter wonderland, only an hour east of Thunder Bay:

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Discover Quetico’s northern entry points

Today’s post comes from Carter Morash, who has worked as a backcountry warden in Quetico Provincial Park since 2015. 

The north end of Quetico is a beautiful place.

There are quiet lakes, great fishing spots, wildlife viewing opportunities, and a variety of routes to try out.

Did you know that the north end is also paddled less than the southern end of the park? That makes it a great area of the park to explore in the fall!

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7 iconic vistas of northwestern Ontario

Ontario Parks is fortunate to be able to both protect and showcase an abundance of natural vistas across the province.

While some locations are relatively easy to access, others will challenge you before rewarding you with their amazing views.

Here are seven iconic vistas to discover and explore this season.

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Batmobiles in the northwest!

Today’s post comes from Ontario Parks’ Northwest Zone.

Did you know that bats play important roles in our ecosystems and are unique in being the only type of mammals that can truly fly?

All bats in Ontario are nocturnal predators that feed primarily on insects like moths and mosquitoes. There are eight different bat species across Ontario, including three species at risk: Little Brown Myotis, Northern Myotis, Eastern Small-footed Myotis, and Tri-colored Bat.

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Sleeping Giant’s new and improved Nanabosho Lookout Trail

Today’s post is from Christian Carl, Park Superintendent at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

I first noticed the prominent buttress on the northeast face of the Sleeping Giant’s chest while hiking the Kabeyun Trail in the spring of 2003.

More specifically, as I enjoyed a break on the sunny, south-facing shoreline of Sawyer Bay, my attention was drawn to a natural lookout on top of an arête (the point where two cliff faces meet).

I immediately imagined the stunning landscapes that would be revealed to hikers who ventured to this natural lookout on the chest of the towering Giant and contemplated how I might make my way up there to take a look for myself.

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Late summer/early fall paddling trips in Wabakimi Provincial Park

Today’s post comes from Sofi Czich, a Canoe Resource Technician at Wabakimi Provincial Park.

Planning a paddling trip during late summer/early fall in Wabakimi will stimulate your senses.

Wabakimi Provincial Park is a wild and raw beauty that will provide an unforgettable experience!

There are a few things to look forward during your paddling trip and also some things to keep in mind.

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Planning a “bucket-list” trip to Quetico Provincial Park

Today’s post comes from paddling enthusiast Dave Caughey who, along with his wife, recently made the trek to Quetico Provincial Park.

For years, my wife and I longed to visit Quetico Provincial Park. We had heard the canoeing there was awesome, through a terrain peppered with countless lakes, and routes that could involve days between portages!

But Quetico seemed mind-bogglingly far from our home in Ottawa—1,600 km to be exact! Who would be compelled to drive that distance, just to go paddling?

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