Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario has cozy pods for camping

Quetico Provincial Park has a winter camping experience that stands out above the rest. The wilderness class park is located in northwestern Ontario about two hours outside Thunder Bay and this time of year, the snow-covered landscapes are so beautiful you’ll want to sleep among them. Quetico’s cozy wooden camping pods were a new addition to the park in 2024 and if you want to snuggle up in them for the night, this winter is the perfect time.

Quetico Provincial Park camping pods

Currently, Quetico Provincial Park has two camping pods. The pods are located in the Chippewa Campground inside the larger Dawson Trail Campground. According to Ontario Parks, “Right now, these are one-of-a-kind buildings in the Ontario Parks roofed accommodation network.” The nightly fee to stay in one of the camping pods is $92.40 and comes with electric heat, bunk beds, a BBQ, a table, a bench, and a rear window.

The washrooms are located outside of the pods and if you’re visiting between Canadian Thanksgiving and the beginning of Victoria Day weekend in May, you’ll need to bring your own water as there is no running water available during that time. Other items you can pack to ensure a comfortable visit include food, utensils, dishes, pots and pans, blankets, linens and pillows.

There is a two-night minimum stay and a three-night minimum stay on long weekends with each pod sleeping up to four people.

Winter activities at Quetico Provincial Park

While you’re camping at Quetico you can make the most of your time in the rugged winter wilderness by checking out all the cold weather activities. Near the camping pods within Dawson Trail Campground, there are 15 km of groomed trails to either cross-country ski or ice skate along. Any of the ski trails can be used for snowshoeing as well as several ungroomed trails, including the Pines Trail. Here, snowshoers can walk through old-growth Red and White Pine “blanketed in snow.”

Ever heard of Skijoring? Ontario Parks says “It is a combination of cross-country skiing and dogsledding — and it’s catching on fast.” Anyone is welcome to try it out on groomed campground trails as long as they have the equipment (and the dogs).

One of the least challenging snowy hikes is to French Falls. You’ll need some snowshoes for this and can start your journey at the French Portage trailhead where you’ll find a plowed parking area. From there, the trail heads east along the French Portage Trail until it joins the French Falls Trail. A beautiful frozen waterfall awaits at the end of the hike.

If you’re heading to Quetico Provincial Park for just the day, the day-use vehicle fee starts at $12.25 per person.

Enjoy your cozy stay, Ontario.