Quetico Provincial Park
Quetico Provincial Park is a paddling destination of International acclaim with its protected wilderness and sensitive area designation. Renowned for its rugged beauty, majestic waterfalls, virgin pine forests, excellent fishing, abundance of wildlife and its spectacular dark skies that makes it an incredible canoeing destination.
With over 2,000 lakes and 460,000 ha of remote wilderness, it’s world famous for backcountry canoe camping trips. The park is accessible only by water, with the exception of Quetico’s Dawson Trail Center. There are no roads, void of modern amenities and extraction of natural resources is not permitted.
The Park has an extensive system of canoe-portage routes that allow for a mix of short, easy or extended challenging trips. Traveling in the backcountry involves planning, preparation and knowledge about Leave No Trace principles. The campsites have no facilities or services. No signage for campsite or portage locations adds to its exploring charm.
Voyageur Wilderness makes its easy and fun to experience a backcountry canoe trip in Quetico Provincial Park. For over 60 years, we have been providing nature-based, cultural and full canoe outfitting services from Voyageur Island on Nym Lake. We will share with you best practices for backcountry canoeing and camping and will provide all the permits, gear, equipment and meals you need for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Where Is Quetico Provincial Park?
Quetico Provincial Park is located in Northwest Ontario, near the town of Atikokan, the Canoeing Capital of Canada. It is approximately 211 km (2.5 hours drive on Hwy. 11) west of Thunder Bay, Ontario and approximately 155 km (1.45 hours drive on Hwy 11) EAST of Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada.
Voyageur Island and Lodge is the perfect stepping stone for your journey into this pristine Canadian wilderness. Our location on Nym Lake provides easy access to some of the best canoe routes in the Park.
Trip Planning and Quetico Maps
Quetico is a wilderness park and you will need to plan your trip well ahead of time. There are many things to consider – your permits, your route, your ability, local water levels, the gear required, safety equipment, maps, compass, proper food planning, Park regulations and the weather. With endless route options, this can be very time consuming.
Why not let us help you with the planning and outfitting? We have over 60 years experience assisting Quetico canoe trippers. We pay attention to detail and will customize your trip to suit your needs. We provide top quality gear, meals, maps, safety equipment, Leave No Trace backcountry ethics and more.
What’s the Best Time of Year for Canoeing?
Quetico Park is open for backcountry canoe camping between mid-May and mid-October. Typically, July and August are the most popular months, but spring and fall are beautiful paddling seasons as well.
Voyageur Wilderness and Quetico Park
As leaders in responsible and sustainable tourism practices, Voyageur Wilderness is proud to play an instrumental role in the continued protection, advocacy, and partnerships for Quetico—particularly its special “sensitive area designation” and mechanical motorized ban.
