25 Nature and Wilderness Adventures in Ontario

Looking to unplug this summer? We have the perfect thing for you. Ontario is such a vast province, filled with wonderful opportunities for wilderness adventure. Whether your passion is hitting the water in your canoe or kayak, hiking rugged terrain and wilderness paths, rock climbing, star gazing, letting loose with your more playful side with fun activities like zip-lining or white water rafting, or camping out along the way, this province has everything you need this summer to satisfy your craving for wilderness getaways (whatever your definition of wilderness is).

1. Wilderness Paddling Adventures

Wabakimi Provincial Park is truly vast. Spanning across northwestern Ontario, the park features over 2000km of canoe rates through lakes and rivers. The park features some excellent white water too, for those adrenaline junkies out there. All those bodies of water in the park also boast some excellent fishing opportunities, especially for pike and walleye. If you’re looking for that perfect way to unplug and connect with nature, there’s no better place. If you’re a little too intimidated by the vast size of the park or the remote wilderness, don’t worry. You can take a tour with Wilderness North. Learn all about the First Nation’s traditions and culture in the area while you’re taking one of the many different canoe trip options they offer. You can choose anything from the more rugged self-guided tours to the slightly tamer guided tours that come complete with meals and lodging.
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2. Discover an underwater world

If you haven’t heard of Fathom Five National Marine Park before, get ready to get extremely excited. The park is located Georgian Bay and has been touted as one a top diving destination in Canada. You can rent diving or snorkeling gear or bring your own. You’re going to get to uncover a whole new underwater world. The park has 22 different shipwrecks that you can see, and the scenery above the water is pretty spectacular too. If you’re feeling adventurous, but don’t have the time or desire to get in the water, you can also take a glass bottom boat tour or zodiac tour to see two of the shipwrecks as well.
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3. Getaway to Pure Wilderness

Point Grondine Park, owned and operated by Wikwemkoong Unceded Territory First Nation, is pure bliss of  7000 hectares of scenic natural and wilderness landscape. Hike, explore Wemtagoosh Falls, paddle through traditional routes of the Anishnaabek people and more this secret destination. There are over 22 camping sites located in this fabulous wilderness park. Details

4. Kick it up a notch

Kick the intensity up a notch by trying some rafting this summer. OWL Rafting, located in Foresters Falls, offers something for everyone. From low intensity to pulse-pounding high intensity, day trips to half days, they have rafting trips and packages that take you about as rustic and adventurous as it gets. Experience being on the river like you’ve never seen it before. Get the family together or bring out all the friends. It’s bound to be a memorable experience.
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5. Eco-Adventures

While the super cool cabins might not actually be totally off-grid, the adventures you can have at Long Point Eco-Adventures are. Located in Turkey Point by Lake Erie, you can zip-line through the trees, hike and explore through forests, tour through sparkling waters and so much more! Whatever your passion, you can explore it here and the best part- there’s an emphasis on preserving all the natural landscapes surrounding the resort.
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6. Adventures galore

Experience all sorts of adventures at Scenic Caves Nature Adventures. They’re actually situated in one of Canada’s UNESCO biosphere reserves. The land itself dates back 450 million years! There are so many different things you can do, you’ll want to take a couple days or even a week to explore it all. Zip-line, walk the suspension bridge, our walk among the treetops on the Canopy Walk, explore the caves and caverns, or go on an eco-adventure tour. There are a ton of things that you can do that aren’t exactly off-grid too, like mini-golf, so you could also check that out after your more rustic adventures if you like.
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7. Journey underground

Located near Eganville, the Bonnechere Caves should seriously be on your bucket list. Okay, so this one might be cheating a little bit because it’s not strictly off-grid, but caves are off-grid and there’s a waterfall too, so we couldn’t not have it make the list. Come and explore the most unique caves you’ve likely ever seen. If you don’t believe us, check out the photo gallery on the website. You can even dine underground in the caves! There are a whole host of different tours you can go on and you can even see the Fourth Chute Falls after.
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8. Adventures in Muskoka

If you’ve always wanted to explore Muskoka and area, check out Liv Outside Adventures. Sure you can explore on your own, but if you don’t have your own gear, this is an excellent way to source some for affordable rates. You can rent a canoe, paddleboard, or kayak and explore by water or rent a mountain bike and take on the trails. They also offer different kayak and canoe tours (including a pretty sweet waterfall tour), fishing tours, and mountain bike trail adventures. You get to see the best of Muskoka wilderness all on a budget that you can afford.
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9. Hike a historic trail

The Bruce Trail, running through Southern Ontario, is a whopping 890km long! That means tons of adventure and lots of different spots to explore! The trail, for the most part, follows along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment. If you’ve ever wanted to get out into some beautiful country, you won’t find much better than this! The Bruce Trail is actually the longest marked hiking trail in the country and the oldest too. It would make for a pretty neat adventure to hike the whole thing, even if it takes you years to complete the whole hike, coming back summer after summer to experience different parts of the trail at different times of year. Hike on your own or you can arrange a guided tour as well.
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10. Paddle the canal

The Rideau Canal connects Ottawa to Lake Ontario and Kingston to the St. Lawrence River. It’s just over 200km long. Locals can tell you why paddling the canal is on just about every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list and has been touted as being some of the best paddling in the entire country. The canal doesn’t just offer spectacular scenery- though it’s easy to see why a person would love to paddle it just for the wondrous wilderness- it’s also rich in history and there are a ton of great stops and places to explore along the way.
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11. An amazing punchbowl

Come and take in the amazing Devil’s Punchbowl Falls. It’s been called one of the most stunning natural formations along the Niagara Escarpment, and once you see it, you’ll totally understand why. Devil’s Punchbowl Falls Conservation Area is in Hamilton and has an observation platform that offers spectacular views of the Upper and Lower Falls. The falls themselves aren’t the most spectacular part of the Gorge though. The gorge features layers of different coloured rocks which dates back a million years. Yeah, that’s definitely photo worthy! There are also hiking trails nearby, for those who want to explore further.
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12. It doesn’t get more off-grid than the beach!

Come enjoy all that nature has to offer. Hitting the beach can be one of the most relaxing, cost effective getaways that you can enjoy. Whether you’re bringing the whole family or coming on a solo expedition, it’s pretty much a guarantee that you’ll love the beach at Port Burwell Provincial Park. Located on Lake Erie’s north shore, the beach boasts white sand and that gorgeous jewel tone water that will probably bring to mind tropical destinations. There are a ton of other things to do in Port Burwell that aren’t off-grid, so you can always explore those after you’re done soaking up the sun and getting sandy.
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13. Looking for sandy adventures this summer?

You won’t find better than Sandbanks Provincial Park. The park is home to the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation AND home to THREE impressive sandy beaches. The beaches here have been called some of the best in Canada for their white sand and gentle sloping drop offs into the swimming areas. Oh, and if you love bird watching, the park is a hotspot for migrating birds in the spring and fall. There are also trails you can hike and explore in the park. Nearby, the town of Prince Edward is also a great place to explore. (Yes, we know- it’s not off grid, but the beach is, and we’re just saying…)
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14. Experience true off-grid living

Renting an off-grid cabin is a great way to experience off grid living in its truest form during your getaway. You can get out and connect with nature, but you’d probably also like to have the authentic living experience too. If that’s the case, there are a ton of different places you can book online. Located all throughout Ontario, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something in the area where you want to vacation.
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15. White water adventures

Nothing says off grid and adventure like white water rafting. Many companies offer rafting for people as young as twelve or thirteen. If you’re a true thrill seeker, there really isn’t an experience that can compare to taking your first white water trip. Maybe it’s your second or even third time rafting. Maybe you’re getting up there into the double digits. No matter how many times you’ve tried it, rafting is a different experience every single time. There are a ton of different companies throughout the province on many different bodies of water, so be sure to get out there this summer and have an adventure of a lifetime!
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16. A great network of trails

One of the best rustic, off grid style getaways has to be getting out the hiking boots or dusting off the runners. If you’re an avid hiker, or even if you’re just taking the first baby steps towards becoming one, you should consider the Voyager Multi-Use Trail System. Located around Mattawa, the trails extend for over 300km. That’s a ton of exploring you can do! The trails are renowned right across the country as a great place to come walk, bike, hike, or ATV and dirt bike. Even professional riders often hit the trails. The scenery is some of the most beautiful you could imagine, and you should consider packing your camera too, as you might be lucky enough to spot some wildlife or birds along the way.
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17. An eco-paradise

Gordon’s Park is a great place to host your next off grid style getaway. The eco park has two camp grounds with a wide variety of places to stay. Hammock camp from the trees or treat yourself to a unique stay in one of the tipis in the park. You can also tent or camp in the forest part of the park. The huge bonus of Gordon’s Park besides the awesome camping experience, is that part of the park is also a dark sky preserve. Come see the stars in an exciting new way.
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18. An unrivalled beauty

Quetico Provincial Park has been called an unrivalled beauty, and we definitely agree! The park is a taste of the unspoiled wilderness and is perfect for rustic, off-grid adventures. If you’re looking to experience Northern Ontario in all its glory, Quetico is definitely the place. All those kayakers and canoers are in for a real treat. The park serves as a gateway to over 2,000 lakes. You can backcountry camp along the routes for a true wilderness experience.
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19. Backcountry canoe routes

If you’re looking to do some backcountry canoeing and camping this summer as your wilderness, off-grid adventure, you should consider Wolf Lake. Located just northeast of Sudbury, the Wolf Lake Region is breathtaking. Home to the world’s largest contiguous ancient red pine forest, which is critically endangered, it’s truly an incredible place to explore. Wolf Lake is part of the Chiniguchi Waterway, which is renowned for its backcountry canoe routes. Get out the paddles and prepare to have an experience of a lifetime.
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20. A gateway to the wilderness

Temagami has been called the gateway to the wilderness. It’s not hard to see why, when you get here. The area boasts some of the best opportunities for ATVing, back country camping and canoeing, hiking, fishing, and so much more! Come and see the spectacular white pines, some of which are over 350 years old. The interconnected lakes and rivers are the perfect host for your paddling adventures. You can even camp out along the way to extend your getaway.
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21. Come see the sleeping giant

Sleeping Giant was voted one of the Seven Wonders of Canada. Come see the amazing natural formation. The natural feature sort of resembles a giant on its back, hence the name. The Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is a great setting for outdoor play. There are over 100km of hiking and biking trials, many of which wind through boreal forest. The lake is perfect for canoeing and kayaking. The park is also home to over 200 different species of birds, so be sure to bring your camera.
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22. Islands the caribou call home

If you’re looking for a real adventure this summer, check out the Slate Islands. The islands are located on the northern part of Lake Superior by Terrace Bay. They were formed by a meteor strike, but that’s not the only reason you should go and see them. They’re actually home to herds of woodland caribou. Yes, you read that right. You can go and see the islands for yourself by canoe or kayak, but if you’re not an expert, don’t try it alone. If you are experienced, you can back country camp on the islands. If you’re more of a beginner paddler, you can book a tour with Naturally Superior Adventures. They will take you on a kayak trip so you can hike and camp the island and see all the amazing sights.
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23. Natural wonder beach

Agate Island, located on Lake Superior by Thunder Bay, is home to one of the top seven natural wonder beaches in the country. If you’re thinking that the island is called Agate Island for a reason, you’d be right. Agates actually cover the island’s shore and its beach. The island can only be reached by water, so if you’re looking for a canoe or kayak adventure this summer, this one is definitely the one! The area is inspiring and incredible, as well as being totally unique.
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24. A ton of islands

Thousand Islands National Park is truly picturesque. It embodies everything you’ve ever imagined when you think about pristine wilderness. The granite islands in the park are seemingly innumerable It’s a great place to stay and play. The water is just right for exploring. Find anything from peaceful secluded bays to vast stretches of more challenging, open water. The park also boasts great hiking trails. You can see some pretty neat wildlife along the way, so be sure to bring your camera. If you’re not sure about exploring on your own, book a guided tour. If you’re more confidant on your own, you can back country camp on the islands to extend your trip.
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25. A beautiful gorge

Elora Gorge, located in the Grand River valley, is truly one of those spectacular natural wonders that you can either come to see and enjoy, or you can get right in on the action. If you’re more of a land lover, the area has some incredible hikes that offer the most amazing views of the gorge and area. The cliffs can be pretty high and steep, so it is recommended to stick to the marked trails only. You can actually rent tubes to enjoy the rushing waters in part of the gorge, or try your hand at fishing, if you want to get in on the action right on the water. Details

Rugged adventures turned urban

If you want to unplug this summer, but backcountry camping or extreme hiking just isn’t your thing, consider One Axe Pursuits. Based out of Elora, they offer a ton of fun activities that help you reconnect with your more wild side in a single morning or afternoon. You can zoom down the zip line and land in the Grand River. You can also get your wilderness skills in on a more urban setting by trying out the Urban Rappelling down a 60 foot tall bell tower. The company also offers personalized lessons in rock climbing and so much more, so if you do want to get out to the wilderness, you can! Details