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 really the best idea.

Listen to that voice.

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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 about paddling in Ontario’s provincial parks in the fall, particularly secluded Restoule Provincial Park.

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Fall paddling safety

Fall is the perfect time to paddle.

As the temperatures cool there are no bugs and the lakes become less crowded. Plus you can catch some of our beautiful fall colours!

But fall weather can be fickle. Hitting the lake too late, failing to respect weather conditions, or paddling beyond your skill level isn’t just risky — it’s downright dangerous.

We chatted with Paul Smith, Superintendent of Kawartha Highlands Signature Site, to get some top do’s and don’ts for fall paddling safety:

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Extend your paddling season at Rideau River Provincial Park

Influencer Diana Lee lives for adventure, the great outdoors, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)! Find out what she’s (S)UP to @only1phoenixx on Instagram and Twitter.

Enjoy land and water activities beyond the summer season at Rideau River Provincial Park, a cozy spot to experience fall.

Located on the traditional territory of the Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin), Anishinabewaki, Wendake-Nionwentsïo, Haudenosaunee, Rideau River Provincial Park’s campground stretches right along the water.

And not just any body of water! Visible from almost anywhere in the park, the Rideau River is part of the Rideau Waterway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Canadian Heritage River System.

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5 reasons to make a midweek visit to Arrowhead Provincial Park this fall

Arrowhead Provincial Park offers visitors a change to experience beautiful fall colours within the heart of Muskoka.

Weekends at Arrowhead are lively with lots of visitors and activity, but if you’re looking for that true serene “nature” experience, try visiting during the week!

Here are five park features you won’t want to miss:

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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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Why backcountry campers should share their equipment details

When making a reservation for a backcountry camping trip, you will be asked to describe your camping equipment in detail.

In the rush to confirm your booking, it can be easy to ignore this request, or to give a quick answer.

But have you ever considered why we ask this question?

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Invader alert! Help us stop the Spiny Waterflea!

This blog comes from Algonquin Provinical Park’s team of biologists and ecologists.

Algonquin is a stronghold of headwaters.

Most of our lakes are fed by cold, clean water that bubbles up from the ground. That water flows out of the park and feeds countless lakes and streams in southern Ontario.

One of the goals in establishing the boundaries of the park was to protect those headwaters…because if headwaters become compromised, so too does everything downstream.

That strategy has worked remarkably well in the park’s 125-year history.

Unfortunately, last summer we made a devastating discovery.

Continue reading Invader alert! Help us stop the Spiny Waterflea!

5 reasons to visit Nagagamisis Provincial Park

Canada’s Boreal Forest Region stretches from the edge of the Yukon in the north, down and across the country all of the way to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Ecologically rich and diverse, the boreal forest ecosystem captures the imagination with its towering trees, shimmering lakes, and breathtaking scenery.

It can be hard to choose where to start exploring a landscape this expansive. But for travelers looking for a quintessential boreal experience, Nagagamisis is hard to beat.

Here are 5 reasons why this hidden gem is worth the trek!

Continue reading 5 reasons to visit Nagagamisis Provincial Park