The extensive network of lakes and rivers at Quetico provide a variety of canoe and kayak wilderness travel experiences. Over 2,200 interior sites through out the park allow fora mix of short, easy trips or extended routes that require skillful paddling, navigation, outdoor living techniques and rigorous portaging.
Quetico is a wilderness park. The backcountry has no facilities, services or signs. Please play your part in the preservation of Quetico Park for future generations by following the principals of “no trace” camping.
Backcountry campsites at Quetico can be reserved online through the Ontario Parks Reservation Service.
Reservations: Backcountry and campground reservations can be made up to five months in advance of the arrival date by visiting our reservations page or by phoning the call centre at 1-888-668-7275, or 1-519-826-5290 (Outside of Canada & U.S.). Verification will be sent by email or mail confirming your reservation for entry into Quetico Provincial Park. Please read it carefully and check your approved entry date, ranger station and entry point. Your reservation is not your permit. The park permit must be picked up in person at a designated ranger station prior to entering Quetico Park. You must travel through the entry point in which your reservation is confirmed. If you need trip planning assistance, please contact the Quetico Park information line at 807-597-2735, weekdays from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:15 pm.
Permits: Interior camping permits are necessary for all overnight trips. Separate reservations and permits are required if your party plans to split up for the purposes of camping or if someone in your group is entering after or leaving before the group. Permits for entry points controlled by Beaverhouse, Atikokan and Dawson Trail Ranger Stations can be purchased at any one of these stations. For Lac La Croix, Prairie Portage and Cache Bay Ranger Stations, you must purchase your permit at the ranger station that controls your entry point. For day trips, you require a daily vehicle permit. A copy of your park permit must be carried with you at all times. During busy time periods please expect to wait at all stations. Visa, MasterCard, and cash are accepted payment methods at all stations.
Check-in-Hours: Park business hours and operating dates vary between stations and operate on Central Daylight Time during the summer months. All park stations generally open the Friday of the Canadian Victoria Day weekend (third Friday in May). Contact park office at 807-597-2735 for station hours.
Self-Serve: During the off-season, park fees are payable through self-serve registration boxes located at each Ranger Station. Rates and instructions for completion are posted. Cash only please, and refunds are not available on self-serve registration. Plan ahead to purchase fishing licenses, maps and Remote Area Border Crossing Permits (if required).
Late Arrivals: Entry cannot be guaranteed after office hours. Note: Allowances will be made for paddlers held up by high winds. You must stop at the Ranger Station to purchase your permits before entering.
Stanton Bay Parking: Overnight parking (from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. CDT) at Stanton Bay is restricted to residents of Canada only.
Lac La Croix Ranger Station: There is road access available to this station at the Hwy 11 turn off at Flanders road, which is 73km (46 Miles) long, or approximately a 1 ½ hour drive. For information on current road conditions and parking facilities please call the Contact the park office at 807-597-2735 or Lac La Croix Ranger Station at 807-485-2555 during the operating season.
Customs: If entering Quetico from outside Canada it is your responsibility to clear Canada Customs. If traveling by water or aircraft to Lac La Croix a seasonal customs station is located at Sand Point Lake (north of Crane Lake, MN) and 47 km from the Lac La Croix Ranger Station. When entering Canada where a Customs/Immigration service is not provided, (Cache Bay and Prairie Portage) pre-clearance to Canada must be arranged well in advance of your trip by applying for a Remote Area Border Crossing Permit. To obtain information and a Remote Area Border Crossing Permit Application, please visit website www.cbsa.gc.ca or For additional information, or to obtain an application form by mail please call the Canada Border Services Agency at 1-877-854-RABC or 807-624-2162.
U.S. Border Services require that all persons entering the United States from Canada must have a valid passport. This includes re-entry into the U.S. from Prairie Portage or Cache Bay. Information is available at http://www.cbp.gov
Backcountry campsites at Quetico can be reserved online through the Ontario Parks Reservation Service.
The protection of Quetico Provincial Park is guided by rules and regulations that backcountry campers must adhere to. While this is not a comprehensive list, the following are a few notable rules to follow.
Please check current boating requirements to ensure regulations are met at http://www.tc.gc.ca
Dawson Trail Campground is located on French Lake in the northeast corner of the park at the threshold of the Quetico wilderness. Over 100 campsites are located in two campground loops: Chippewa and Ojibwa.
Both campground loops have electrical campsites and can accommodate trailers and tents. Vault toilets, flush toilets, showers, laundry and water taps are all nearby. Many campsites are lakefront with direct access to water.
Swimming, hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and picnicking at one of our scenic day use areas, are just a few of the opportunities available at the campgrounds during the summer. The winter months offer groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing and ice-fishing.
Quetico has several backcountry sites with beautiful beaches and clear waters on Pickerel Lake that can be accessed by foot from the Dawson Trail Campground via the Pines Trail.
Site Number(s) / Name: Log Cabin | Winter Retreat | Ojibway Cabin
Check-In/Check-Out Time: 3pm/11am
Quetico offers three rustic cabin options: The Log Cabin at Dawson Trail Campground and the Art Studio Winter Retreat (open Oct-Apr) and the Ojibway Cabin at Ojibway Campground.
Cabin occupants get full use of park facilities such as visitor services activities (seasonal), ski and hiking trails. Ski and snowshoe or swim and canoe from your front door! A centrally located outhouse toilet is conveniently located nearby. Shower facilities (comfort stations open throughout summer months).
Check in time is 3:00 p.m.; Check out time is 11:00 am.
Sleeps: 4 AmenitiesThe Log Cabin (open year round) sleeps 4
Art Studio Winter Retreat (open Oct-Apr) sleeps 4
Ojibway Cabin (open year round - Winter, ski/snowshoe access ONLY) sleeps 4
Bring food, extra water, all cooking utensils, plates, cups and bowls, pots and pans, camp stove and bedding.
RestrictionsPlease note that domestic animals (pets) are not permitted in the cabins and smoking inside is prohibited. Cooking on camp stove or hot plate not permitted inside the cabins.
ParkingParking for one vehicle is included in your rental fee. There is ample space for up to 2 additional vehicles.
Please note: Art Studio Winter Retreat is walk-in access only (less than 100 metres).
How to ReserveReservations can be made online or through our call centre by calling 1-888-ONT-PARK or 1-519-826-5290 outside of North America. When reserving online select “Roofed Accommodation” as your reservation type.
These cabins are available for booking year round.
For Questions about the cabins or general questions about Quetico, please call our trip planning phone line at 807-597-2735