Quetico Provincial Park Travel Guide

A complete guide to Quetico Provincial Park, including places to visit, hiking/biking routes, activities and tours, food and drink scene, accommodation options, local culture and customs, safety, and logistics information.


Introduction to Quetico Provincial Park

Quetico Provincial Park is a vast wilderness area situated in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. It covers approximately 4,760 square kilometres of pristine forest, lakes and rivers, and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including moose, wolves, black bears, and bald eagles. If you are a nature lover, adventure seeker or someone looking for tranquillity, Quetico Provincial Park is the perfect destination for you.

List of Places to Visit in Quetico Provincial Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mount McKay Lookout: provides a stunning panoramic view of Thunder Bay and the surrounding area.
  • Fort William Historical Park: a living history museum relives the 19th-century fur trade era of the Great Lakes region.
  • Atikokan Centennial Museum: tells the stories of early settlers and the region’s mining and forestry industries.
  • Dawson Trail Heritage Trail: an 18-km trail retracing the route of one of Canada’s pioneer trails.

Natural Attractions of Quetico Provincial Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Basswood Lake: one of the biggest and most beautiful lakes to explore in the park, suitable for boating and fishing.
  • Grey Owl’s Cabin: a historical site linked to the park’s forestry history and a tranquil spot for paddling and viewing wildlife.
  • Pickerel Narrows: a scenic area with crystal clear water for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
  • Nym Lake Loop: a stunning 22-km hiking trail composed of serene lakes and streams, rocky outcrops, boreal forests, and impressive views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Quetico Provincial Park

Quetico Provincial Park has over 2,000 km of interconnected routes, making it perfect for hiking, biking, and paddling enthusiasts. The park’s hiking trails are suited for all levels, from beginners to advanced.

Here are some top hiking/biking routes:

  • French Lake to McIntyre Lake Trail
  • Cache Bay Trail
  • Lac La Croix Trail

Best Things to Do in Quetico Provincial Park: Activities and Tours

  • Canoeing and Kayaking: Quetico Provincial Park is renowned for its canoeing and kayaking opportunities, with a vast network of lakes and rivers.
  • Fishing: anglers can catch fish like northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, lake trout, and muskie.
  • Wildlife Watching: opportunities to see moose, black bear, eagles, loons, otters, and beavers.
  • Backcountry Camping: more than 2,000 primitive campsites, only accessible by canoe, give you the chance to immerse yourself in nature fully.

Week-Long Itinerary for Quetico Provincial Park

Day 1: Hike the French Lake to McIntyre Lake Trail Day 2: Explore the Pickerel Narrows area Day 3: Canoe or kayak to Grey Owl’s Cabin Day 4: Go fishing in Nym Lake Day 5: Take a relaxing day on Burntside Lake Day 6: Paddle the scenic Cache Bay Trail Day 7: Camp at Sturgeon Lake and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Food and Drink Scene of Quetico Provincial Park

When it comes to food and drink, Quetico Provincial Park offers a range of options to suit different tastes and preferences.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Walleye: a freshwater fish common in the lakes provides different dishes.
  • Wild Blueberries: the area has wild blueberry fields, and they feature in juice, pies, and other dishes.
  • Bannock: a traditional Indigenous bread made from flour, water, sugar, and baking powder.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: Thunder Bay has breweries like Sleeping Giant and Dawson Trail.
  • Ice Wine: Quetico Provincial Park has some vineyards, and visitors can try some ice wine with the local flavour.

Where to Stay in Quetico Provincial Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options within and around Quetico Provincial Park. Visitors can choose depending on their budget and preferences. In the park, backcountry camping is allowed, and there are designated campsites only accessible by canoe.

Other options include:

  • Lakeside Cabins
  • Family-Friendly Resorts
  • Bed and Breakfasts
  • Riverside Inns

What to Buy in Quetico Provincial Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Quetico Provincial Park can take home a piece of its uniqueness through locally made products and souvenirs. You can find locally crafted items such as:

  • Birch bark baskets and canoes
  • Hand-carved wooden items
  • Local artwork and pottery
  • Wild blueberry jams and syrups

Local Culture and Customs of Quetico Provincial Park

Quetico Provincial Park is steeped in Indigenous heritage, with many cultural sites and landmarks preserving the area’s history. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions when engaging in park activities.

Best Time to Visit Quetico Provincial Park

The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from May to September, with the warmest weather happening in June, July, and August. The fall foliage also makes for a beautiful scenery during September and October.

Do’s and Don’ts of Quetico Provincial Park

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment and wildlife
  • Leave no trace behind
  • Plan and prepare for the challenges that backcountry camping can bring.

Don’t:

  • Feed the wildlife in the park
  • Leave campfires unattended
  • Use soap, shampoo, or other chemicals while swimming in natural bodies of water

Safety and Health

Quetico Provincial Park is a remote wilderness area. Visitors should be aware of safety and health concerns when traveling within the park.

Safety in Quetico Provincial Park

  • Bring a map and compass or GPS.
  • Check weather forecasts before setting out.
  • Let someone know your itinerary and return date.

Health in Quetico Provincial Park

  • Bring adequate medication and a first aid kit.
  • Take necessary precautions against insect bites and sunburn.
  • Boil water or bring a manual filter/purification system before use.

Getting to Quetico Provincial Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Quetico Provincial Park is located in Northwestern Ontario and is best accessed by car, or by a combination of car and canoe. There are also a few other transportation options.

Airports Near Quetico Provincial Park

  • Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT): located approximately 150 kilometres east of Quetico Provincial Park.

Bus Stations Near Quetico Provincial Park

  • Atikokan Bus Terminal: the major bus stop to the park’s western entrance.

Other Options

  • Car Rentals: various car rental companies located at the Thunder Bay airport.
  • Canoe Rentals: visitors can rent canoes from near-by outfitters.

How to Get Around in Quetico Provincial Park

The best way to get around Quetico Provincial Park is by canoe, kayak, or by hiking routes. Visitors who prefer vehicle-driven activities can access the park’s interior by gravel and dirt roads.

Where to Go Next from Quetico Provincial Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The park is surrounded by other exciting tourist destinations that visitors can visit after exploring the park. These include:

  • Lake of the Woods: a vast, beautiful lake shared by Northern Minnesota, Manitoba, and Northwestern Ontario.
  • Pigeon River Provincial Park: situated near the Ontario-Minnesota border, featuring popular hiking trails.

Conclusion

Quetico Provincial Park is a pristine wilderness area offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore Canada’s backcountry. Whether you’re looking for a multi-day canoe trip or a relaxing getaway, Quetico Provincial Park has something to offer everyone. With its natural beauty, breathtaking views, and endless activities, a visit to Quetico Provincial Park is truly an unforgettable experience.

Sarah Lake Sarah Lake Bunchberry plant Bunchberry plant Falls near Pickerel Lake Falls near Pickerel Lake