When executed safely, your first backcountry trip forges lifelong memories, opening an immersive getaway into nature.
But the leap from car camping to backcountry requires preparation and learning. New paddlers and hikers can find themselves in serious trouble if they overestimate their skills or choose a too-challenging route.
Here are some recommended trips for backcountry beginners:
Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Grundy Lake is the perfect spot to test the backcountry waters!
The park’s nine backcountry sites are a 10-30 minute paddle away (want to test yourself? Change your launch point to make the trip longer). Grundy Lake is motor-boat free, and travelling doesn’t require any portaging.
Your sites are secluded enough for a true backcountry vibe, but close enough to the main campground that you can paddle back to enjoy your favourite Discovery program. Each site comes equipped with a fire pit, picnic table and thunder box.
Bon Echo Provincial Park
Many visitors don’t know about the 21 canoe-in campsites located on Joeperry and Pearson Lakes. A short canoe trip of 10-30 minutes will get you to your campsite.
At each campsite, you will find a picnic table, tent space and a toilet nearby. Joeperry Lake has the added bonus of a beautiful sandy beach.
Bon Echo also boasts Abes & Essens Overnight Hiking Trail. Five campsites are available along the trail for overnight stays.
Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Experience the best of the Canadian Shield, and hike or paddle your way to ten backcountry campsites.
Travel time can range from 10 minutes to two hours. All sites come equipped with elevated tent platforms, a picnic table, a fire grill, and a privy.
Frontenac Provincial Park
Explore rocky northern landscape in southern Ontario!
Hike or paddle your way to Frontenac’s backcountry sites. Located in clusters, each campsite has its own tent pad, fire ring, bench, and picnic table. An enclosed privy toilet is shared at each campsite cluster.
Restoule Provincial Park
Restoule offers 12 backcountry campsites, all accessible by water. Paddle beside ancient cedars and beautiful maple forests to your site. Your trip can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.
Day paddling routes are more difficult, and are anywhere from one to five hours long. Make sure to know your group’s paddling skill level before arrival.
Fushimi Lake Provincial Park
Explore the lush Boreal forest of Fushimi Lake through these 13 backcountry campsites.
Some of these campsites are located on their own private island with sandy beaches. Each site is accessible by canoe or motorboat, and has a firepit, picnic table, and pit privy.
Plan your adventure today!
Remember: backcountry travel requires careful consideration of packing, route planning, meal planning, safety, and your skill level.
Please make good decisions, and only explore backcountry opportunities that suit your skill and knowledge level.