Backcountry Trips
As we enter Year 5, we have identified some remote areas that need more coverage. Most of these areas aren’t easily accessible by road. As a result, we’ve created 14 canoe and/or backpacking trips to target these gaps. The goal is for each one of these trips to be completed once by the end of the Atlas. If you’re looking for a camping trip this summer, consider one of these outlined below!
The google map below shows the route of each trip and Atlas squares. Clicking a route will show a description of the trip, with details about the length and equipment needed.
The trips below vary widely in duration, difficulty, and effort required. Each trip addresses coverage gaps unique to each route, which is why some trips target more squares than others. The intention is to get the minimum level of coverage for each target square – i.e., 20 peak atlassing hours and 25 point counts. Most trips are designed to be completed by four people, but can also be done with a smaller group over a longer period of time. Any trip that requires a certain number of people will say so in the description. Ideally, each trip should have one Atlasser who is familiar with most of the birds of the region by ear and who is able to conduct point counts. However, we can also provide digital recorders for those not able to conduct point counts.
These trips would be run and funded by volunteers – but we’re here to provide guidance and information as needed! The Atlas office may also be able to coordinate free camping permits within Ontario Parks for these trips.
If you’re interested in doing one of these trips, please contact the relevant Regional Coordinator listed below. The Regional Coordinator will provide you with a more detailed itinerary and can answer any questions.
All trips must be completed during the “peak breeding season”, between May 24 – July 10.
Click on a route in the map below to view its name and description.
List of 2025 Trip Itineraries
Kawartha Highlands Northeast
This canoe loop passes through Anstruther, Rathbun, and North Rathbun (optional) lakes and targets Atlas square 17TQK26 (effort required: 2 hours, 6 point counts). The route starts at the Anstruther Lake access point and includes a short portage to Rathbun Lake where you would camp. There is the option of extending your paddle to camp on North Rathbun Lake. The return trip follows the same route. The route has a set of waterfalls off the portage between Copper and Rathbun Lake. Only a short drive from the GTA, this trip is a great opportunity for an easy two-day getaway from the city that contributes valuable data to the Atlas.
Start/End Point: Anstruther Lake access point
Duration: 1 night, 2 days
Number of vehicles: 1 (no 4WD required)
Number of portages: 2 (same one twice)
Total Portaging Distance: 324 m (plus an extra 328 m if continuing into North Rathbun Lake)
Total Trip Length: 13.9 km
Whitewater: No
Camping type: Provincial Park
Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate due to number and length of portages
If you’re interested in taking this trip, please contact Martin Parker, Chris Risley or Don Sutherland (Regional Coordinators Region 16 – Peterborough) at peterborough@birdsontario.org.
Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands South
This canoe route is an out-and-back trip centred on Fishog Lake with day trips to Long and Crooked lakes. This route targets Atlas square 17TPK66 (effort required: 17 hours, 25 point counts). You can camp at Fishog Lake (no portages required) and then do day trips from there to complete the required effort. The long portage to Clear Lake would be an excellent walking route for point counts one morning. This is a great trip for anyone from the GTA as the starting point is just a two-hour drive from downtown Toronto. A group of four (two canoes) could complete this trip in a weekend.
Start/End Point: Fishog Lake access point
Duration: 3 nights, 4 days
Number of vehicles: 1 (4WD not required)
Number of portages: 6 (same 3 done both out and back but none required to get to your campsite)
Total Portaging Distance: 430 m (both ways combined)
Total Trip Length: 8.0 km
Whitewater: No
Camping type: Provincial Park
Difficulty: Intermediate (due to length of portages, though they are developed)
If you’re interested in taking this trip, please contact Brian Pfrimmer or Ed Poropat (Regional Coordinators Region 19 – Haliburton) at haliburton@birdsontario.org.
Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands North
Volunteers looking for a several-day back-packing getaway from the GTA may wish to consider this option in the lesser-known Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park, only a short (~2 hr) drive from Toronto. Since this trip is a backpacking expedition, it would be perfect for someone who doesn’t own a canoe. The route is an out-and-back trek along the rugged and scenic Wilderness section of the Ganaraska Trail, and will target square 17TPK67. Effort required: 19 hours and 25 point counts (discuss with RC).
Start/End Point: Devil’s Lake access point
Duration: 4 to 5 nights, 5 to 6 days
Number of vehicles: 1 (4WD not required)
Number of portages: N/A (no canoes used)
Total Portaging Distance: N/A
Total Trip Length (hiking distance): 25.8 km
Whitewater: N/A
Camping type: Provincial Park
Difficulty: Intermediate
If you’re interested in taking this trip, please contact Brian Pfrimmer or Ed Poropat (Regional Coordinators Region 19 – Haliburton) at haliburton@birdsontario.org.
Temagami River
In just over a week you can complete the requirements for four Atlas squares (17TNM89, 17TNM79, 17TNM78, and 17TNM77), most of which have little to no coverage! Paddle/portage through Iceland, Driftwood, and Wasaksina lakes into the expansive yet secluded Cross Lake, then follow the Temagami River all the way down to Highway 64.
Effort required: 17TNM89 (20 hours, 25 point counts), 17TNM79 (14 hours, 7 point counts), 17TNM78 (20 hours, 25 point counts), 17TNM77 (20 hours, 25 point counts).
Start Point: Lake Temagami Access Road at Iceland Lake access (47.00574,-79.87982)
End Point: Temagami River bridge on Highway 64
Duration: 9 to 10 nights, 10 to 11 days
Number of Vehicles: 2 (Likely no 4WD required)
Number of portages: 2
Total Portaging Distance: 1,369 m
Total Trip Length: 49.4 km
Whitewater: No
Camping type: Crown land and Provincial Park
Difficulty: Intermediate due to the distance covered and atlassing workload
Notes: This trip will need at least 4 people (at least 2 being skilled birders) to complete all the required point counts.
If you’re interested in taking this trip, please contact the atlas office at atlas@birdsontario.org.
Lake Temagami Southwest Arm
Looking for a relaxing way to do loads of Atlassing from a canoe in a relatively short amount of time? This trip may be right for you and your Atlassing friends. Essentially a week-long flatwater paddle on beautiful Lake Temagami, the route targets squares 17TNM79, 17TNM69, and 17TNM68, and features old-growth forest on Narrows Island and other hidden corners of the lake.
Effort required: 17TNM79 (14 hours, 7 point counts), 17TNM69 (15 hours, 25 point counts), 17TNM68 (20 hours, 25 point counts).
Start/End Point: End of Lake Temagami Access Road: 46.96374,-80.01913
Duration: 6 to 7 nights, 7 to 8 days (could be done in fewer days with a team of four)
Number of Vehicles: 1 (No 4WD required)
Number of portages: 0
Total Portaging Distance: 0 m
Total Trip Length: 56.6 km (or 28.3 if doing it as a one-way trip)
Whitewater: No
Camping type: Crown land and Provincial Park
Difficulty: Easy
If you’re interested in taking this trip, please contact the atlas office at atlas@birdsontario.org.
LeGrou Lake
This is a short, easy paddle across LeGrou Lake and into Chartier Lake. It will complete the requirements of square 17TNL87 (effort required: 20 hours, 25 point counts) over a 3-day period, offering a chance to spend a relaxing long weekend in a remote and under-explored part of the southern Canadian Shield, still within a relatively short drive of the GTA and Ottawa.
Start/End Point: LeGrou Lake Landing
Duration: 3 nights (4 days)
Number of Vehicles: 1 (no 4WD required)
Number of portages: 0
Total Portaging Distance: 0 m
Total Trip Length: 13.3 km
Whitewater: No
Camping type: Crown Land
Difficulty: Easy (flatwater paddling, short duration, and modest amount of atlassing)
If you’re interested in taking this trip, please contact Alex Mills (Regional Coordinator Region 28- Parry Sound) at alex.mills3@gmail.com.
Black Oak to Partridge Lake
A short, flat paddle through Rock Island Lake provides quick access to square 17TNL64, where little Atlassing has been done so far due to lack of roads (effort required: 17 hours, 25 point counts). Spend three nights on Black Oak and Partridge Lake to complete this square’s requirements, then paddle back to the car. This area is only a stone’s throw from Round Lake Provincial Nature Reserve and is some of the best backcountry in the Parry Sound area.
Start/End Point: Shawanaga Lodge (45.5602, -80.2659)
Duration: 2 nights (3 days)
Number of Vehicles: 1 (no 4WD required)
Number of portages: 0
Total Portaging Distance: 0 m
Total Trip Length: 24.8 km
Whitewater: No
Camping type: Crown land
Difficulty: Easy (flatwater paddling, short duration, and modest amount of atlassing)
If you’re interested in taking this trip, please contact Alex Mills (Regional Coordinator Region 28 – Parry Sound) at alex.mills3@gmail.com.
Killarney Canoe Loop
Killarney Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s premier backcountry destinations due to its gorgeous quartzite hills and remote undisturbed wilderness. Experience the best this park has to offer by embarking on a week-long trip through O.S.A and Killarney Lakes while completing the Atlassing requirements of squares 17TMM60 (effort required: 16 hours, 2 point counts) and 17TMM70 (effort required: 19 point counts).
Start/End Point: Killarney The Crack Trail parking lot (46.0453, -81.3190)
Duration: 3 nights, 4 days
Number of Vehicles: 1 (no 4WD required)
Number of portages: 3
Total Portaging Distance: 1,220 m
Total Trip Length: 24.6 km
Whitewater: No
Camping type: Provincial Park
Difficulty: Intermediate
If you’re interested in taking this trip, please contact Darryl Edwards (Regional Coordinator Region 32 – Sudbury East & West) at sudbury@birdsontario.org.
Killarney Day Hike
If you’re looking for a way to contribute to the Atlas but only have a day to spare, consider this short and fun hike to the famous “Crack” in Killarney Provincial Park. You will get to see the beautiful and ancient LaCloche mountains while completing the requirements of square 17TMM70 (effort required: 19 point counts).
Start/End Point: Killarney The Crack Trail parking lot (46.0453, -81.3190)
Duration: 1 day
Number of Vehicles: 1 (no 4WD required)
Number of portages: N/A (hiking trip only)
Total Portaging Distance: N/A
Total Trip Length: 8.3 km (4.15 each way)
Whitewater: N/A
Camping type: N/A
Difficulty: Easy (relatively short and mostly flat hike can be completed in a single day, although requires ability to climb steep terrain in some sections)
If you’re interested in taking this trip, please contact Darryl Edwards (Regional Coordinator Region 32 – Sudbury East & West) at sudbury@birdsontario.org.
Michaud Lake
Looking for something a bit more adventurous this summer, but not quite ready for miles of portaging? This canoe route is an out-and-back trip passing through Schkowona and Michaud Lakes in the underexplored area near the north end of Region 32. This trip targets Atlas square 17TMM88 (effort required: 20 hours, 25 point counts).
Start/End Point: 46.8546, -81.3185
Duration: 2 nights, 3 days
Number of Vehicles: 1 (Ideally 4WD but not required)
Number of portages: 2
Total Portaging Distance: 404 m
Total Trip Length: 12.8 km
Whitewater: No
Camping type: Crown land
Difficulty: Intermediate (due to undeveloped portages and the number of point counts)
If you’re interested in taking this trip, please contact Darryl Edwards (Regional Coordinator Regions 31 & 32 – Sudbury East & West) at sudbury@birdsontario.org.
Pickerel Lake
Journey down the hidden Pickerel Lake in the Golden Valley area while completing the Atlassing requirements of 17TNL97 (effort required: 20 hours, 25 point counts). This is an out-and-back trip through a remote part of Region 28 that passes through Pickerel and Raganooter lakes.
Start/End Point: 45.85251, -79.70115
Duration: 2 nights, 3 days
Number of Vehicles: 1 (4WD would be helpful)
Number of portages: Possibly some short portages or lift-overs, depending on water level.
Total Portaging Distance: There may be some short portages or lift-overs depending on water level.
Total Trip Length: 13.2 km (out-and-back)
Whitewater: No
Camping type: Crown land
Difficulty: Intermediate due to remoteness and possibility of portaging (do at high water)
If you’re interested in taking this trip, please contact Alex Mills (Regional Coordinator Region 28 – Parry Sound) at alex.mills3@gmail.com.
Wabagishik Lake
This route is an out-and-back trip targeting Atlas square 17TMM52 (effort required: 8 point counts, 18 hours). Located just south of Espanola, this is a convenient weekend trip for Sudbury atlassers. It could also be done as two single-morning trips from Sudbury or nearby.
Start/End Point: Wabagishik Lake public boat launch (46.3107, -81.5564)
Duration: 1 night, 2 days
Number of Vehicles: 1
Number of portages: 0
Total Portaging Distance: 0 m
Total Trip Length: 13.6 km
Whitewater: No
Camping type: Crown land, private campground (Silver Maple Campground), or hotel
Difficulty: Easy
If you’re interested in taking this trip, please contact Darryl Edwards (Regional Coordinator Region 32 – Sudbury West) at sudbury@birdsontario.org.
Burnt Lake
This route is an out-and-back trip targeting Atlas square 17TNM02 (effort required: 23 point counts, 20 hours). Located just south of Sudbury, this is a convenient trip for Sudbury atlassers or anyone who wants an easy, canoe-based Atlassing weekend getaway.
Start/End Point: Horseshoe Lake boat launch (46.3149, -80.9146)
Duration: 2 nights, 3 days
Number of Vehicles: 1
Number of portages: 0
Total Portaging Distance: 0 m
Total Trip Length: 15.1 km
Whitewater: No
Camping type: Crown land
Difficulty: Easy
If you’re interested in taking this trip, please contact Darryl Edwards (Regional Coordinator Region 31 – Sudbury East) at sudbury@birdsontario.org.
French River
This is an easy out and back paddle from the Hartley Bay Marina (which offers cottages and canoes for rent). This route travels up the French River into Atlas square 17TNM10 (effort required: 25 point counts, 20 hours) before you turn back and retrace your route.
Start/End Point: Hartley Bay Marina (46.03534, -80.76031)
Duration: 2 nights, 3 days
Number of Vehicles: 1
Number of portages: 0
Total Portaging Distance: 0 m
Total Trip Length: 25.6 km
Whitewater: No
Camping type: Provincial Park
Difficulty: Easy
If you’re interested in taking this trip, please contact Darryl Edwards (Regional Coordinator Region 31 – Sudbury East) at sudbury@birdsontario.org.alex.mills3@gmail.com