Great video. One issue for finding crown land is the issue of parking your vehicle. Some don't feel too secure leaving their vehicle unattended for an extended period of time. At least where I live, the nearest crown land is a considerable drive so it isn't practical to be dropped off and picked up again. Looking forward to part 2 in this series. Cheers Brian
Thank you for being so kind and sharing such valuable information. I appreciate it. Public land really is our treasure and we should take care of it to keep it that way. 2 safety concerns I have with exploring and camping such land: trappers' live traps and wild animals (bears, wolves). Wish I could hear your thoughts on these.
They may be present in provincial parks as well. Use normal precautions, no food of any kind left around would be the main one. I also carry bear spray. Every bear I have ever encountered runs away as fast as lightning.
Thanks so much for sharing. It’s getting harder and harder to really find good places to camp with less people around. The Algonquins and Killarneys are wonderful but almost impossible to get into these days. I’ve tried deciphering the crown land atlas but it’s not “me” friendly
Thanks for the promo of Crown Land! I too am a Crown land user. I have made many a summer campsite where they don't exist, and gathered fire rocks for a good safe and efficient fire set. I advocate for leaving the new fire rocks in place, because it's a good campsite. I often find signs of campers of the past with charcoal and soot on old rocks. This could be dozens or hundreds of years old. Once a site, always a site-it gets cycled through forest fires, blowdown, etc., but its always there.
Thank you very much for posting this video I am from Regina Saskatchewan and I've been looking for the type of place where I can practice bushcraft without having to actually own the land. This was very informative and I look forward to watching the rest of your videos!
Thanks so much for these videos, they are so informative! To be perfectly honest, I would have kept the knowledge to myself, so it makes it all the more wonderful that you have shared your 'secrets' with us. Thanks again.
Thank you 4 reply. Life took a bad turn after a hit-N-run accident, wife had brain surjury, slow to recover. We made another attempt to return to our love of wilderness canoeing in BWCA, but had to settle for wilderness camping. Eventually sold canoe and tried to forget love of wild. Just me now and am trying to return to be closer to those places that brought so much joy and peace and closer to my Source. Peace and happy trecking.
A true asset to the outdoor community! I totally understand how you hesitated to post this video giving up that special place etc but I agree that we need more people interested in the outdoors to SAVE it! Respect for this video and I'm a subscriber now. All the best.
Thanks for this video. I took a long weekend this weekend with the intention of going camping at the Bruce but when I go there it was SEVERLEY over crowded and no sites available anywhere.. I made my way around the entire peninsula looking for a place and ended up going 5 hours back home in frustration, it was also going to cost me 40$/ night plus I couldn’t bring in any firewood and I love to keep a fire going constantly, that would be another 50/ day. Plus there was an alcohol ban plus the Bruce charges 15/day for friggin parking.. our parks are turning into theme parks and entertainment centres lately.. I don’t even enjoy it anymore.. I going to head to the nearest mnr on my next trip just to be sure because I’m new to this type of camping. Thanks agsin
I feel your pain, Jeff. The reasons are you cited all the reasons I now camp (and hike) almost exlusively on Crown land instead of in provincial parks. Best wishes to you on your future trips. Cheers, - Martin
Thank you for the video. I've mostly driven in to crown land, but you make a good point. You can just drive up, park at the trailhead and hike in. That way you don't need AWD etc. All the best,
Good to hear from you Rod. I haven't been winter camping yet this winter either. But the snow has finally arrived and I'm going snowshoeing today and a few more times this week. I hope to upload a few more videos very shortly. Enjoy the winter. Cheers, - Martin
Thank you kgblade. Part 2 goes into detail on how we use the tools I alluded to in this first part and I say a little bit about how to locate a place to park. But in the end, one just has to drive there first and see if there's a place to safely park or else one has to knock on a nearby door and ask for permission to park on someone's property. That's the cost of finding and having one's own secret camping spots - that, and no thunderboxes. ;-) I'm very glad you're enjoying the videos. -Martin
Thank you for that saradreaming. One of the things I enjoy most about living in Canada is how comparatively 'untouched' it is. I made this video to help people discover how much of a birthright of wilderness they have in this country. Undeveloped crown land is one of those treasures many Canadians don't know they have and not knowing about it leaves it vulnerable to developers who DO know it exists. -Martin
Great content and thanks for the info. I think its crucial we educate people that are coming here to Ontario about the opportunities out there, while being responsible in every manner.
I definitely learned a thing or two thanks for sharing! What originally led me to learning about crown land, was how do you camp in the late fall or winter? when most private campgrounds close by mid October.
Thanks for the video. I also use the crown land locator and have found it valuable. While I'm not too concerned about my car being vandalized, it often is difficult to find a place to park your car as this information doesn't often show up on maps and such. To me, finding an okay parking spot and entry point can be one of the bigger access challenge especially since I usually have to make several hour trips to get there. Keep up the great vids.
hate666tank: We use an old Garmin E-Trex. It's a very simple & somewhat outdated GPS. It has no maps in it, a black & white screen, no bells or whistles, but has served us well. I'e not kept up to date on GPS technology, so I'm really not the person to ask for specific models. Nearly everything on the market today outclasses the old model we have. The advantage of ours is that it's lightweight, waterproof (good for canoe trips and hiking in rain) and has very good battery life. - Martin
Thanks for the video! I plan to put this into practice real soon especially since I am an outdoors person who loves to forage, and build temporary shelters.
Hello-Pine Martin & Wild Treat,agaig as be fore,many thanks for including us on your trek. We look forward to Apr.27/Part-2.with that little brook in the background ,I had a hard time to stay focused.I think we all too-often take for granted what has been created for us.We totally agree with TAKE ONLY PIC'S & LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS.God Willing we will be out this wknd,for a little trek.Agail Tks For Bringing us along for the trip!!!!!! The Milburn's Happy Trails& "GOD BLESS "
patrick Smith: Yes. The regulations which state you must vacate your campsite after 21 days exist to prevent people from squatting on public lands or making permanent base camps and structures, but there is no regulation (I know of) to prohibit you from returning to a former campsite after having left it for a time. But if you build any structures that are not clearly temporary you will be forced to remove them (at your expense) and fined. Returning to a former campsite is just fine though.
Great video, thanks so much for this valuable info. Just a friendly word of advice; maybe update the name of the video to include no.1 in the title. I first found the second one and overlooked this one a few times because it didn't have no.1 in the title.
Thanks so much Martin I'm actually looking to camp in the patch of land you are in, in this video, this video has made planning my trip so much easier.
Jeff Smith: You're quite right that most people favour car-camping in our national or provincial parks or even private campgrounds so they can enjoy the conveniences of a serviced site. Back-country camping is a very different sort of camping with entirely different rewards. And this is all to the good. I wouldn't want to see someone trying to haul their RV along an old logging road onto undeveloped Crown land. ;-) Cheers, - Martin
so much great info. and the video is a little longer than most people's internet attention span. (not for me though) A good content strategy would be to take the good points out of this video and break it down into four videos. You'll get 10,000 hits on each one and likely people will watch the whole thing where in this case they likely are not. Not to be negative, I love what you are doing.
CanoeBeyond That's not being negative at all. It's a very fine suggestions. I will consider re-doing this video when the information needs to be updated. My thanks, - Martin
Yes it is. non-residents of Canada may also camp on crown land, but a permit is required if they are camping on Crown lands north of the French and Mattawa Rivers and there is a fee of $10 per person/per day. But, if they use a "camping unit" (eg: trailer, RV or even just a tent) rented from a commercial outfitter in Ontario or own property in Ontario, they needn't pay any fees or obtain any permits. [more to follow]
Love the video Martin!!! It's winter now, (actually WINTER, finnally) and I was hoping to try igloo camping this year but it isn't working out so I'll wait for spring and find some crown land to explore. Thanks for to tips my friend. Take care and hope to see some new vids from you guys. Take care...Rod (from Bracebridge)
Martin thank you for this. I’m also going to watch part 2 I’m renovating a campervan and looking to relocate in Northern Ontario This info is very useful
Richard Siegler: I'm so sorry to hear about your misfortunes & how they've spoiled your ability to pursue your love of the outdoors. It happens to all of us eventually, but more tragic when it hits happens prematurely. My wife & I have had our own struggles with health & injury in recent years which have greatly hampered our ability to go out as often or as long as we'd like, though nothing so serious as in your case. Our deepest sympathies and best wishes for the future to you both. - Martin
Druetty: You're welcome and thank you in turn for those kind words. Despite my initial apprehensions I had before making this video series, I'm very happy share this sort of information with any and all who will use our Crown lands responsibly for low-impact recreational activities and who will preserve it for others to enjoy it in a similar fashion. Cheers, - Martin
zam200864: Good question.Yes, we were. This wasn't our first visit to this particular place. We'd scouted it on a prior occasion. One doesn't always find a nice logging road or public easement that gives you a right-of-way through private property to get to Crown land. This was just one lucky case. We chose this route to highlight differences in public property (the municipal road), private property, a provincial park, & general use Crown land, and to show what a logging road looks like, Cheers.
I strongly agree. When I am paddling and find a good campsite, it's annoying to see blackened rocks from a fire ring scattered about or dumped into the water at the shoreline because someone felt the leave-no-trace ethic was being well served by creating the illusion no one had ever been there, forcing the next person to gather yet more rocks for yet another fire ring. Birds build nests. We humans make fire-rings. We do well to reuse them and not make new ones every time. Thanks, Martin
Good point Brian. Many are concerned about that, but the only people I've ever heard from who've had their cars broken into or vandalized while out camping had left them in parking areas within a park. Thieves know there are always cars left at a park put-in and they'll be left unattended for long periods, affording lots of opportunity to carry out their crimes. I worry less about leaving my car on the roadside in the middle of nowhere. Leave thecar empty with a wide open glovebox. Thanks.
I know that this is an old video, but I am wondering why you (& others) find it necessary to make a fire when it isn’t needed for cooking and/or warmth? It seems to me to be a waste of resources and less LNT hiking/camping. Wouldn’t it be better to use a Kelly Kettle or other stick stove or even a canister stove? I’m not intending this to be critical, I am just curious.
It's an excellent question. It's not necessary to make a campfire when camping, and a twig stove does use less firewood, which is what I use when camping or need a fire on a day trip in an area that is well-travelled or has limited resources, such as in a provincial park. But when on Crown land, where there is a superabundance of ground litter and the forest's fuel load is high, there's no question of having any significant environmental impact unless one is foolishly building a large fire. The campfires I build, such as the one in this video are built deliberately small, so as not to use resources needlessly or release carbon needlessly. The exception would be the shoulder seasons or winter, when it's quite cold and a warming fire is needed. With respect to cannister stoves, those actually are not ecologically advantageous from the standpoint of carbon emissions when one takes into account the resources needed to extract and refine the fuel in the cannister, the manufacture of the cannister, it's transport, and eventual dumping into landfill. Cannister stoves have their place of course, such as when backpacking or camping in areas that are highly trafficked and the sheer numbers of people going through an area would denude the forest of ground litter and standing dead firewood. In such cases, concerns about fuel emissions take a backseat to limiting impact to the immediate area. They are also useful when a fireban is in effect and then only certain sorts of stoves are permitted. In such case as a fireban, I favour the use of the Trangia alcohol stove and use methyl alcohol (aka methyl hydrate) because it has a lid and so can be snuffed out instantly, unlike a twig stove or campfire. Thanks for the great question, - Martin
crown land camping eh?? I think I'll have to give that a try.. i do love algonquin, but there is a lot more freedom in crown land camping.. I've always wanted to make my own camp, as opposed to "moving in" to a site.. humm.. some food for thought.. perhaps later this year. thanks Martin!
Tacticaalairsoft252: That's a commonly posed question and I will be addressing it at some length in a forthcoming video. The short answer is you have to scope out the area ahead of time and find where you can park. Often there are places to park beside the road, at nearby boat launches, beaches, on someone's property (with permission). We've never had our car vandalized or broken into. Park trail heads are where the window-smash-and-grabs happen because there are vehicles aplenty to rob there.
Beautiful video with a wonderful message. You truly have a wonderful place that needs to be preserved by the free spirits that enjoy it. Sadly, here in California, we have a good example of when neglect has turned into over managed theme parks with expensive fees. The few open places has fire bans, curfews, and other such regulations that make them little more than jogging paths. Thanks a bunch! : o)
The idea is, if you're a non-resident, you have to pay someone (either the government or an outfitter) for the privilege of using the crown land. It's fairly common for northern outfitters to "rent" old tents to camping tourists, anglers, and hunters, so they won't run afoul of the regulations. The rental receipt is what gets one out of paying fees and needing permits. Nobody wants to discourage tourist campers, anglers and hunters. Hope this helps, -Martin
bixbybixby: Yes, some parks are situated because of some interesting natural feature, but any large undeveloped area will have some. Parks make sure their trails go to them. On Crown lands, you have to find the interesting spots yourself. If you watch the next video in this series, you'll see how my wife and I go about doing that. If you watch our very first video, you'll get a sense of what's out there to be enjoyed, since only 2 or 3 photos in that montage were taken in parks. Cheers, Martin
Christine: No doubt neighbours will find it odd to see a car parked for a long period, but we've never had a problem with it. If you're concerned, leave a note on the dash saying "Gone camping. Will return on [insert date]." Or, you can just knock on the door of someone nearby and tell them you're going camping. Most people in rural areas, if asked, will let you park on their property, or you could offer a few dollars if they'll let you park on their property. -Martin
hate666tank: I'm happy to know that our video helped you find a place to explore. Have fun out there and feel free send me a trip report afterward if you're so inclined. Happy camping, - Martin
That looked so amazing! I can hardly wait for part 2. I share Brian's concern with parking. Would the owners of those houses not find it strange if they saw that car there for days? Wouldn't they call the police and have the car towed or at least investigated? - Christine
Yes, we do. If you watch part 2 on how to locate Crown land, I detail how I use a GPS when exploring Crown land. Once we are familiar with the area and have a sense of where the boundaries of the Crown land are, a GPS is not necessary, and one can navigate easily by more traditional methods without worry of accidentally straying out of the Crown land and trespassing on people's private property. Glad you enjoyed the video. We have other videos about Crown land, including a couple of very recent ones which you might find enjoyable. Cheers, - Martin
Hey martyn.. thanks for sharing your videos.. I really enjoy watching ur videos on dehydrating camp meals... I was wondering were I could purchase fruit leather trays.. preferably in the london area.. thanks a bunch.. andrew.
If your hunting on Crown land there is the Gun Licences PAL/FAC etc to obtain, plus the Seasonal hunting licence to pay for. make sure that 400square inches above the waist and all sides are covered in Orange. SLING BOW hunting is illegal however Bowfishing is allowed in its proper season..May 1-July 31st. Well that is enough for now...these rules are subject to change, so stay in touch with the MNR and don't be afraid to ask questions about anything. Cheers ;-))
have found the spot on part two ,thank you helps a lot .the gov sight has changed no legend ,I was looking at Marry lake out of fun and what is showing up as crown land had a building on it via googol map ,I know it well so have to head out for a paddle ,ps thanks for your time posting
Don Sisas: Regarding Sauble beach, I don't know where that is, but if it's southern Ontario, you'll be out of luck. There's virtually no Crown lands left in southern Ontario. Cheers, - Martin
Were you able to find out ahead of time if there was a rd ( in this case a logging rd ) that would give you access to the CL? it would have been a little disapointing to find out you had private land standing in your way...lol...Thanks for the vid
There is 2 types of Fishing Licences required to fish On Crown Land. First you have to pay a seperate Administration Fee, then purchase on or both of the fishing licences. #1 conservation fishing licence which allows you to keep 1-2 fish depending on type of fish, mainly Lake trout/Bass. or #2 which costs 2x more, a Sport fishing licence. Next if you are a NON RESIDENT of CANADA there is a 1 nite Camping fee and more $ if you camp longer. ..Cont..
li1ricky: There can be. That's explained in some depth in the second video in this series, along with the way to find out what restrictions there are, if any. - Martin
Quick question....(Great vids by the way!)...I am Canadian, but if my English friends visit and want to go camping on crown land with me, are they still required to pay these fees?
The quick answer is no. As an Australian, I too can camp for free on Canadian crown land just as I can at home here in Australia or in England, NZ, or any of the other several hundred countries that the Queen has rule over. There are 2 different types of crown land though and you have to be careful. One is crown as in the Queen and the other is Crown as in the business entity. One is capitalised and the other isn't. One you can be arrested for trespass and the other you are classed as a freeman..
Thanks canesser1. I'm wondering if you can help me since you're in Manitoba (I think). Do you know of any online tools or resources for locating crown land in the province of Manitoba? Thanks again, -Martin
Yes, you most certainly can, but you still have to observe all firearms regulations. And remember, a warden, ministry official or law-enforcement officer may think you're hunting out of season depending on when you do this, so take that into consideration. Cheers, - Martin
DonSisas: Legal, if you don't cause damage. But dirt bikes(especially motorized ones) & ATVs are the most destructive recreational uses of Crown lands. They routinely ruin existing trails for campers & hikers. Our dwindling Crown lands don`t need more muddy trails as this encourages them to be used by the partying types who pack in lots of cans, bottles, and the like, resulting in damage to woodlands and sensitive shore lines. Hope this helps, - Martin
sue zaple 5 minutes ago (edited) i love crown land camping in northeastern ontario, I also have a great crown land camp spot not far from the French River in the bush 1/2 a mile . no people just animals, bear spray, and bear proof containers needed, unless you hang the food , it is right on the Pickerel River. REPLY
Great Channel... Hope you can answer this question! I have been viewing areas on the Crown Land Atlas, and came across some areas I am not sure about. On the south side of Lake Nipissing there are some white areas. Do you know what those areas are? Also how wide is the strip of crown land along the shore line between the water and the private land. 46 11' 50.08" N, 79 46' 43.46" W Thank you
Chris, I've never been to that area myself, so I can't really advise you on what the situation is with respect to those lands. All I can recommend is that you read whatever policy reports are to be found on the Crown Land Policy atlas about these areas. If you can't find it there, you'll have to call the municipal office of whatever municipality that is. They will be able to tell you what the status of those lands are. As to how wide those areas are, they look like those are 100 acre parcels, perhaps 300 feet across along the narrow edge, making these quite small areas to explore. Hope this helps, - Martin
Camping on crown land is to be with the bush your way but for not longer than six months try it be prepared thats how I found my second name it just came to me and it is sits with the leaves
Mike Fisher I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with that area, but if you watch part 2 in this video series, you'll learn what you need to locate where (if any) the Crown land is in your area. Cheers, - Martin
hi martin this is patrick. i would like it if you could help me with my g.p.s. . i have a garmin 62 s . i would like to know one thing how do i put gps cord into my gps? do i need a garmin blue chip or not. ps thanks a lot and i enjoy your movies.
Actually it’s the queens land and she lets us use it or it would be called Canadians land , thank for the video I love the near North it’s a place I go to often
Found this URL: govsurplus.ca/crown_land.htm which lists all provincial equivalents, including the Ontario Crown Land Use Atlas that you've outlined. The one that gives me land use classifications though is here and is somewhat similar to Ontario's: //geoapp2.gov.mb.ca/website/mafri/index3.html
+Tyler Newcomb The closest equivalent I can think of in the USA is BLM lands (lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management) and state forests and such, where I have done some desert camping in the southwest, but I'm not really familiar enough with this sort of thing in the USA to be directing you. My recommendation would be for you to contact your state's park services and ask them where there are public/government lands where you can hike and camp.Cheers, - Martin
+PineMartyn thanks! I don't think BLM land allows as free camping, especially cutting down live trees, but I will have to look into it. For non-Canadian folks how could one pay for the fee and plan a trip there?
+Tyler Newcomb If you're looking to camp in Ontario, I'd recommend you contact the MNR (Ministry of Natural Resources) as that is the ministry that oversees the management of Crown lands in this province. I'm not sure how it works in other provinces, but calling or writing to Tourism Canada would be best, I'd think. Let them know what you're looking form, hoping to do, how long you plan to stay, are wanting to know the regulations, fees, etc, and I'm sure they'll connect you to the person or department with the information you need Cheers, - Martin
bixbybixby: I have never been concerned with harm done to my vehicles on Crown lands. Thieves and vandals go where they know there will be many untended vehicles to break into...such as trail heads. Park staff don't have security guards at trail heads, and a thief can quickly break into a dozen cars in such a place. Every year scores of people have their cars broken into just in Algonquin park, which is why every park posts notices to NOT leave valuables in your car. Hope this helps, - Martin
Sadly, no. But camping on Crown land is usually permissible. If you watch part to of this video which explains how to use the Ontario Crown Land Use Policy Atlas I show how to find what rules and restrictions are applicable to any piece of Crown land you may be interested in exploring or camping on. Cheers, - Martin
I'm really pissed every time you go camping without me. Have once owned land on Lake of the Woods, and having canoed Algonquin, Quetico, BWCA, and parts of Maine. It makes me itchen to go.
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Great video. One issue for finding crown land is the issue of parking your vehicle. Some don't feel too secure leaving their vehicle unattended for an extended period of time. At least where I live, the nearest crown land is a considerable drive so it isn't practical to be dropped off and picked up again. Looking forward to part 2 in this series.
Cheers
Brian
Thank you for being so kind and sharing such valuable information. I appreciate it. Public land really is our treasure and we should take care of it to keep it that way.
2 safety concerns I have with exploring and camping such land: trappers' live traps and wild animals (bears, wolves). Wish I could hear your thoughts on these.
They may be present in provincial parks as well. Use normal precautions, no food of any kind left around would be the main one. I also carry bear spray. Every bear I have ever encountered runs away as fast as lightning.
Thanks so much for sharing. It’s getting harder and harder to really find good places to camp with less people around. The Algonquins and Killarneys are wonderful but almost impossible to get into these days. I’ve tried deciphering the crown land atlas but it’s not “me” friendly
Thanks for the promo of Crown Land! I too am a Crown land user. I have made many a summer campsite where they don't exist, and gathered fire rocks for a good safe and efficient fire set. I advocate for leaving the new fire rocks in place, because it's a good campsite. I often find signs of campers of the past with charcoal and soot on old rocks. This could be dozens or hundreds of years old. Once a site, always a site-it gets cycled through forest fires, blowdown, etc., but its always there.
Thank you very much for posting this video I am from Regina Saskatchewan and I've been looking for the type of place where I can practice bushcraft without having to actually own the land. This was very informative and I look forward to watching the rest of your videos!
Thanks so much for these videos, they are so informative! To be perfectly honest, I would have kept the knowledge to myself, so it makes it all the more wonderful that you have shared your 'secrets' with us. Thanks again.
Thank you 4 reply. Life took a bad turn after a hit-N-run accident, wife had brain surjury, slow to recover. We made another attempt to return to our love of wilderness canoeing in BWCA, but had to settle for wilderness camping. Eventually sold canoe and tried to forget love of wild. Just me now and am trying to return to be closer to those places that brought so much joy and peace and closer to my Source. Peace and happy trecking.
A true asset to the outdoor community! I totally understand how you hesitated to post this video giving up that special place etc but I agree that we need more people interested in the outdoors to SAVE it! Respect for this video and I'm a subscriber now. All the best.
Excellent video and perspective, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for this video. I took a long weekend this weekend with the intention of going camping at the Bruce but when I go there it was SEVERLEY over crowded and no sites available anywhere.. I made my way around the entire peninsula looking for a place and ended up going 5 hours back home in frustration, it was also going to cost me 40$/ night plus I couldn’t bring in any firewood and I love to keep a fire going constantly, that would be another 50/ day. Plus there was an alcohol ban plus the Bruce charges 15/day for friggin parking.. our parks are turning into theme parks and entertainment centres lately.. I don’t even enjoy it anymore.. I going to head to the nearest mnr on my next trip just to be sure because I’m new to this type of camping. Thanks agsin
I feel your pain, Jeff. The reasons are you cited all the reasons I now camp (and hike) almost exlusively on Crown land instead of in provincial parks. Best wishes to you on your future trips.
Cheers,
- Martin
Thank you for the video. I've mostly driven in to crown land, but you make a good point. You can just drive up, park at the trailhead and hike in. That way you don't need AWD etc. All the best,
Good to hear from you Rod. I haven't been winter camping yet this winter either. But the snow has finally arrived and I'm going snowshoeing today and a few more times this week. I hope to upload a few more videos very shortly. Enjoy the winter.
Cheers,
- Martin
Thank you kgblade.
Part 2 goes into detail on how we use the tools I alluded to in this first part and I say a little bit about how to locate a place to park. But in the end, one just has to drive there first and see if there's a place to safely park or else one has to knock on a nearby door and ask for permission to park on someone's property. That's the cost of finding and having one's own secret camping spots - that, and no thunderboxes. ;-)
I'm very glad you're enjoying the videos.
-Martin
Thank you for that saradreaming.
One of the things I enjoy most about living in Canada is how comparatively 'untouched' it is. I made this video to help people discover how much of a birthright of wilderness they have in this country. Undeveloped crown land is one of those treasures many Canadians don't know they have and not knowing about it leaves it vulnerable to developers who DO know it exists.
-Martin
thank you sir! i promise if one day i committed to do a crown land trip, i will follow your suggestions to protect it.
Great content and thanks for the info. I think its crucial we educate people that are coming here to Ontario about the opportunities out there, while being responsible in every manner.
I definitely learned a thing or two thanks for sharing! What originally led me to learning about crown land, was how do you camp in the late fall or winter? when most private campgrounds close by mid October.
Thanks for the video. I also use the crown land locator and have found it valuable. While I'm not too concerned about my car being vandalized, it often is difficult to find a place to park your car as this information doesn't often show up on maps and such. To me, finding an okay parking spot and entry point can be one of the bigger access challenge especially since I usually have to make several hour trips to get there. Keep up the great vids.
hate666tank: We use an old Garmin E-Trex. It's a very simple & somewhat outdated GPS. It has no maps in it, a black & white screen, no bells or whistles, but has served us well. I'e not kept up to date on GPS technology, so I'm really not the person to ask for specific models. Nearly everything on the market today outclasses the old model we have. The advantage of ours is that it's lightweight, waterproof (good for canoe trips and hiking in rain) and has very good battery life.
- Martin
Well done, well said! Have had many happy times and trails on crown land over the years, a precious resource indeed.
Thanks for the video! I plan to put this into practice real soon especially since I am an outdoors person who loves to forage, and build temporary shelters.
Hello-Pine Martin & Wild Treat,agaig as be fore,many thanks for including us on your trek.
We look forward to Apr.27/Part-2.with that little brook in the background ,I had a hard time to stay focused.I think we all too-often take for granted what has been created for us.We totally agree with
TAKE ONLY PIC'S & LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS.God Willing we will be out this wknd,for a little trek.Agail Tks For Bringing us along for the trip!!!!!! The Milburn's Happy Trails& "GOD BLESS "
patrick Smith: Yes. The regulations which state you must vacate your campsite after 21 days exist to prevent people from squatting on public lands or making permanent base camps and structures, but there is no regulation (I know of) to prohibit you from returning to a former campsite after having left it for a time. But if you build any structures that are not clearly temporary you will be forced to remove them (at your expense) and fined. Returning to a former campsite is just fine though.
Great video, thanks so much for this valuable info. Just a friendly word of advice; maybe update the name of the video to include no.1 in the title. I first found the second one and overlooked this one a few times because it didn't have no.1 in the title.
Thanks so much Martin I'm actually looking to camp in the patch of land you are in, in this video, this video has made planning my trip so much easier.
Jeff Smith: You're quite right that most people favour car-camping in our national or provincial parks or even private campgrounds so they can enjoy the conveniences of a serviced site. Back-country camping is a very different sort of camping with entirely different rewards. And this is all to the good. I wouldn't want to see someone trying to haul their RV along an old logging road onto undeveloped Crown land. ;-)
Cheers,
- Martin
so much great info. and the video is a little longer than most people's internet attention span. (not for me though) A good content strategy would be to take the good points out of this video and break it down into four videos. You'll get 10,000 hits on each one and likely people will watch the whole thing where in this case they likely are not. Not to be negative, I love what you are doing.
CanoeBeyond That's not being negative at all. It's a very fine suggestions. I will consider re-doing this video when the information needs to be updated.
My thanks,
- Martin
Thank you for sharing.
Yes it is. non-residents of Canada may also camp on crown land, but a permit is required if they are camping on Crown lands north of the French and Mattawa Rivers and there is a fee of $10 per person/per day. But, if they use a "camping unit" (eg: trailer, RV or even just a tent) rented from a commercial outfitter in Ontario or own property in Ontario, they needn't pay any fees or obtain any permits. [more to follow]
You're so welcome MacaroniJustice. I hope you and your kids have fun out there. That would be some genuine quality family time.
- Martin
Love the video Martin!!! It's winter now, (actually WINTER, finnally) and I was hoping to try igloo camping this year but it isn't working out so I'll wait for spring and find some crown land to explore. Thanks for to tips my friend. Take care and hope to see some new vids from you guys. Take care...Rod (from Bracebridge)
Martin thank you for this. I’m also going to watch part 2
I’m renovating a campervan and looking to relocate in Northern Ontario
This info is very useful
Richard Siegler:
I'm so sorry to hear about your misfortunes & how they've spoiled your ability to pursue your love of the outdoors. It happens to all of us eventually, but more tragic when it hits happens prematurely.
My wife & I have had our own struggles with health & injury in recent years which have greatly hampered our ability to go out as often or as long as we'd like, though nothing so serious as in your case.
Our deepest sympathies and best wishes for the future to you both.
- Martin
Druetty: You're welcome and thank you in turn for those kind words. Despite my initial apprehensions I had before making this video series, I'm very happy share this sort of information with any and all who will use our Crown lands responsibly for low-impact recreational activities and who will preserve it for others to enjoy it in a similar fashion.
Cheers,
- Martin
Thank you for teaching me this! I also really enjoyed the photos at the end.
zam200864: Good question.Yes, we were. This wasn't our first visit to this particular place. We'd scouted it on a prior occasion.
One doesn't always find a nice logging road or public easement that gives you a right-of-way through private property to get to Crown land. This was just one lucky case. We chose this route to highlight differences in public property (the municipal road), private property, a provincial park, & general use Crown land, and to show what a logging road looks like,
Cheers.
I strongly agree. When I am paddling and find a good campsite, it's annoying to see blackened rocks from a fire ring scattered about or dumped into the water at the shoreline because someone felt the leave-no-trace ethic was being well served by creating the illusion no one had ever been there, forcing the next person to gather yet more rocks for yet another fire ring. Birds build nests. We humans make fire-rings. We do well to reuse them and not make new ones every time.
Thanks,
Martin
Good point Brian. Many are concerned about that, but the only people I've ever heard from who've had their cars broken into or vandalized while out camping had left them in parking areas within a park. Thieves know there are always cars left at a park put-in and they'll be left unattended for long periods, affording lots of opportunity to carry out their crimes. I worry less about leaving my car on the roadside in the middle of nowhere. Leave thecar empty with a wide open glovebox.
Thanks.
SkoolTheMoon: We're very happy to hear it. Be safe, be responsible, and have fun out there.
Cheers,
- Martin
Great information! Thank you so much
I know that this is an old video, but I am wondering why you (& others) find it necessary to make a fire when it isn’t needed for cooking and/or warmth? It seems to me to be a waste of resources and less LNT hiking/camping. Wouldn’t it be better to use a Kelly Kettle or other stick stove or even a canister stove?
I’m not intending this to be critical, I am just curious.
It's an excellent question. It's not necessary to make a campfire when camping, and a twig stove does use less firewood, which is what I use when camping or need a fire on a day trip in an area that is well-travelled or has limited resources, such as in a provincial park. But when on Crown land, where there is a superabundance of ground litter and the forest's fuel load is high, there's no question of having any significant environmental impact unless one is foolishly building a large fire. The campfires I build, such as the one in this video are built deliberately small, so as not to use resources needlessly or release carbon needlessly. The exception would be the shoulder seasons or winter, when it's quite cold and a warming fire is needed.
With respect to cannister stoves, those actually are not ecologically advantageous from the standpoint of carbon emissions when one takes into account the resources needed to extract and refine the fuel in the cannister, the manufacture of the cannister, it's transport, and eventual dumping into landfill. Cannister stoves have their place of course, such as when backpacking or camping in areas that are highly trafficked and the sheer numbers of people going through an area would denude the forest of ground litter and standing dead firewood. In such cases, concerns about fuel emissions take a backseat to limiting impact to the immediate area. They are also useful when a fireban is in effect and then only certain sorts of stoves are permitted. In such case as a fireban, I favour the use of the Trangia alcohol stove and use methyl alcohol (aka methyl hydrate) because it has a lid and so can be snuffed out instantly, unlike a twig stove or campfire.
Thanks for the great question,
- Martin
might be a good idea to dismantle your camp and fire ring when done to leave the area untouched for the next person
crown land camping eh?? I think I'll have to give that a try.. i do love algonquin, but there is a lot more freedom in crown land camping.. I've always wanted to make my own camp, as opposed to "moving in" to a site.. humm.. some food for thought.. perhaps later this year.
thanks Martin!
Tacticaalairsoft252:
That's a commonly posed question and I will be addressing it at some length in a forthcoming video. The short answer is you have to scope out the area ahead of time and find where you can park. Often there are places to park beside the road, at nearby boat launches, beaches, on someone's property (with permission).
We've never had our car vandalized or broken into. Park trail heads are where the window-smash-and-grabs happen because there are vehicles aplenty to rob there.
Beautiful video with a wonderful message. You truly have a wonderful place that needs to be preserved by the free spirits that enjoy it. Sadly, here in California, we have a good example of when neglect has turned into over managed theme parks with expensive fees. The few open places has fire bans, curfews, and other such regulations that make them little more than jogging paths. Thanks a bunch! : o)
The idea is, if you're a non-resident, you have to pay someone (either the government or an outfitter) for the privilege of using the crown land. It's fairly common for northern outfitters to "rent" old tents to camping tourists, anglers, and hunters, so they won't run afoul of the regulations. The rental receipt is what gets one out of paying fees and needing permits. Nobody wants to discourage tourist campers, anglers and hunters.
Hope this helps,
-Martin
bixbybixby: Yes, some parks are situated because of some interesting natural feature, but any large undeveloped area will have some. Parks make sure their trails go to them. On Crown lands, you have to find the interesting spots yourself. If you watch the next video in this series, you'll see how my wife and I go about doing that. If you watch our very first video, you'll get a sense of what's out there to be enjoyed, since only 2 or 3 photos in that montage were taken in parks.
Cheers,
Martin
Thats great info thanks for sharing! One question, I am having trouble finding the info in BC. Is there a good resource that you know of? take care
Nice to know you have a place you can relax, I can sympathize with you not wanting to tell this story.
Nice vid. I spend almost every weekend out in the bush on Crown Land.
Christine: No doubt neighbours will find it odd to see a car parked for a long period, but we've never had a problem with it. If you're concerned, leave a note on the dash saying "Gone camping. Will return on [insert date]." Or, you can just knock on the door of someone nearby and tell them you're going camping. Most people in rural areas, if asked, will let you park on their property, or you could offer a few dollars if they'll let you park on their property.
-Martin
hate666tank: I'm happy to know that our video helped you find a place to explore. Have fun out there and feel free send me a trip report afterward if you're so inclined.
Happy camping,
- Martin
That looked so amazing! I can hardly wait for part 2.
I share Brian's concern with parking. Would the owners of those houses not find it strange if they saw that car there for days? Wouldn't they call the police and have the car towed or at least investigated? - Christine
I'm really considering trying this. Many thanks
Thanks for leaving a comment. I hope you're able to find a suitable place near you where you can work on your bushcraft skills.
Cheers,
- Martin
Very interesting video. Thank you for the information.
We're glad you found it useful.
Cheers,
- Martin
Do you have to take a GPS unit with you when you hike or camp on crown land? This is fantastic information. Thank you.
Yes, we do. If you watch part 2 on how to locate Crown land, I detail how I use a GPS when exploring Crown land. Once we are familiar with the area and have a sense of where the boundaries of the Crown land are, a GPS is not necessary, and one can navigate easily by more traditional methods without worry of accidentally straying out of the Crown land and trespassing on people's private property.
Glad you enjoyed the video. We have other videos about Crown land, including a couple of very recent ones which you might find enjoyable.
Cheers,
- Martin
Hey martyn.. thanks for sharing your videos.. I really enjoy watching ur videos on dehydrating camp meals... I was wondering were I could purchase fruit leather trays.. preferably in the london area.. thanks a bunch.. andrew.
If your hunting on Crown land there is the Gun Licences PAL/FAC etc to obtain, plus the Seasonal hunting licence to pay for. make sure that 400square inches above the waist and all sides are covered in Orange. SLING BOW hunting is illegal however Bowfishing is allowed in its proper season..May 1-July 31st. Well that is enough for now...these rules are subject to change, so stay in touch with the MNR and don't be afraid to ask questions about anything. Cheers ;-))
Are there restrictions on some Crown lands to keep you from camping on them, or can you camp on all Crown land in Ontario?
have found the spot on part two ,thank you helps a lot .the gov sight has changed no legend ,I was looking at Marry lake out of fun and what is showing up as crown land had a building on it via googol map ,I know it well so have to head out for a paddle ,ps thanks for your time posting
Don Sisas: Regarding Sauble beach, I don't know where that is, but if it's southern Ontario, you'll be out of luck. There's virtually no Crown lands left in southern Ontario.
Cheers,
- Martin
Were you able to find out ahead of time if there was a rd ( in this case a logging rd ) that would give you access to the CL? it would have been a little disapointing to find out you had private land standing in your way...lol...Thanks for the vid
There is 2 types of Fishing Licences required to fish On Crown Land. First you have to pay a seperate Administration Fee, then purchase on or both of the fishing licences. #1 conservation fishing licence which allows you to keep 1-2 fish depending on type of fish, mainly Lake trout/Bass. or #2 which costs 2x more, a Sport fishing licence.
Next if you are a NON RESIDENT of CANADA there is a 1 nite Camping fee and more $ if you camp longer. ..Cont..
Great! Very informative!
li1ricky: There can be. That's explained in some depth in the second video in this series, along with the way to find out what restrictions there are, if any.
- Martin
Terrific info and philosophy. Thanks!
Quick question....(Great vids by the way!)...I am Canadian, but if my English friends visit and want to go camping on crown land with me, are they still required to pay these fees?
The quick answer is no. As an Australian, I too can camp for free on Canadian crown land just as I can at home here in Australia or in England, NZ, or any of the other several hundred countries that the Queen has rule over. There are 2 different types of crown land though and you have to be careful. One is crown as in the Queen and the other is Crown as in the business entity. One is capitalised and the other isn't. One you can be arrested for trespass and the other you are classed as a freeman..
Thanks canesser1. I'm wondering if you can help me since you're in Manitoba (I think). Do you know of any online tools or resources for locating crown land in the province of Manitoba?
Thanks again,
-Martin
nice video...thanks...question for you. while camping can you do any target shooting on these lands?
Yes, you most certainly can, but you still have to observe all firearms regulations. And remember, a warden, ministry official or law-enforcement officer may think you're hunting out of season depending on when you do this, so take that into consideration.
Cheers,
- Martin
PineMartyn thank you, good point. will look into it
Is crown land for "all of us" as you say, meaning non-Canadians included?
Richard Siegler: I know how you feel. I can never get out there as often as I'd like.
Cheers,
- Martin
DonSisas: Legal, if you don't cause damage. But dirt bikes(especially motorized ones) & ATVs are the most destructive recreational uses of Crown lands. They routinely ruin existing trails for campers & hikers. Our dwindling Crown lands don`t need more muddy trails as this encourages them to be used by the partying types who pack in lots of cans, bottles, and the like, resulting in damage to woodlands and sensitive shore lines.
Hope this helps,
- Martin
sue zaple
5 minutes ago (edited)
i love crown land camping in northeastern ontario, I also have a great crown land camp spot not far from the French River in the bush 1/2 a mile .
no people just animals, bear spray, and bear proof containers needed, unless you hang the food , it is right on the Pickerel River.
REPLY
Is it legal to use your dirt bike in this land? any crown land near sauble beach?
Great Channel... Hope you can answer this question! I have been viewing areas on the Crown Land Atlas, and came across some areas I am not sure about. On the south side of Lake Nipissing there are some white areas. Do you know what those areas are? Also how wide is the strip of crown land along the shore line between the water and the private land.
46 11' 50.08" N,
79 46' 43.46" W
Thank you
Chris, I've never been to that area myself, so I can't really advise you on what the situation is with respect to those lands. All I can recommend is that you read whatever policy reports are to be found on the Crown Land Policy atlas about these areas. If you can't find it there, you'll have to call the municipal office of whatever municipality that is. They will be able to tell you what the status of those lands are. As to how wide those areas are, they look like those are 100 acre parcels, perhaps 300 feet across along the narrow edge, making these quite small areas to explore.
Hope this helps,
- Martin
great video. i hope to one day know 1/10th of what you do about camping, hiking, and wilderness.
We hope you will give it a try.
-Martin
Hi martin this is Patrick . If I was to camp on crown land for 21 days can i move on then come back too the same spot in a nother 21 days?
can you hunt and shoot? on crown land at any time? espically target shoot....?
Yes. As long as you have a hunting licence. For hunting. Otherwise target practice is fine also.
If you are not from Canada, where do you pay the “fee” to use Crown Land?
Thanks for those links. I'll check them out.
-Martin
great video and channel man!
Thanks so much for those kind words and for sharing our channel and video.
Cheers,
- Martin
Camping on crown land is to be with the bush your way but for not longer than six months try it be prepared thats how I found my second name it just came to me and it is sits with the leaves
Congratulations for the video!
thanks from italy
Hi nice vid,i was looking for crown land around Oshawa where you can camp for 24days can you help please thanks.
Mike Fisher I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with that area, but if you watch part 2 in this video series, you'll learn what you need to locate where (if any) the Crown land is in your area.
Cheers,
- Martin
where can i take wilderness survival courses?
hi martin this is patrick. i would like it if you could help me with my g.p.s. . i have a garmin 62 s . i would like to know one thing how do i put gps cord into my gps? do i need a garmin blue chip or not. ps thanks a lot and i enjoy your movies.
So I'm thinking about camping on crown land and shooting guns for fun, just target shooting, but my only concern is where would I park my car?
Hi where can I get a map of crownland
Actually it’s the queens land and she lets us use it or it would be called Canadians land , thank for the video I love the near North it’s a place I go to often
Found this URL: govsurplus.ca/crown_land.htm which lists all provincial equivalents, including the Ontario Crown Land Use Atlas that you've outlined. The one that gives me land use classifications though is here and is somewhat similar to Ontario's: //geoapp2.gov.mb.ca/website/mafri/index3.html
Best of luck with it...and lemme know if you do.
-Martin
Do you know if there is anything similar in the US? How would I go about finding it?
+Tyler Newcomb The closest equivalent I can think of in the USA is BLM lands (lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management) and state forests and such, where I have done some desert camping in the southwest, but I'm not really familiar enough with this sort of thing in the USA to be directing you. My recommendation would be for you to contact your state's park services and ask them where there are public/government lands where you can hike and camp.Cheers, - Martin
+PineMartyn thanks! I don't think BLM land allows as free camping, especially cutting down live trees, but I will have to look into it. For non-Canadian folks how could one pay for the fee and plan a trip there?
+Tyler Newcomb If you're looking to camp in Ontario, I'd recommend you contact the MNR (Ministry of Natural Resources) as that is the ministry that oversees the management of Crown lands in this province. I'm not sure how it works in other provinces, but calling or writing to Tourism Canada would be best, I'd think. Let them know what you're looking form, hoping to do, how long you plan to stay, are wanting to know the regulations, fees, etc, and I'm sure they'll connect you to the person or department with the information you need
Cheers,
- Martin
bixbybixby: I have never been concerned with harm done to my vehicles on Crown lands. Thieves and vandals go where they know there will be many untended vehicles to break into...such as trail heads. Park staff don't have security guards at trail heads, and a thief can quickly break into a dozen cars in such a place. Every year scores of people have their cars broken into just in Algonquin park, which is why every park posts notices to NOT leave valuables in your car.
Hope this helps,
- Martin
Are you able to camp anywhere on crown land?
Sadly, no. But camping on Crown land is usually permissible. If you watch part to of this video which explains how to use the Ontario Crown Land Use Policy Atlas I show how to find what rules and restrictions are applicable to any piece of Crown land you may be interested in exploring or camping on.
Cheers,
- Martin
I'm really pissed every time you go camping without me. Have once owned land on Lake of the Woods, and having canoed Algonquin, Quetico, BWCA, and parts of Maine. It makes me itchen to go.
i am sooooo going camping with you sometime. just need to get up there, lol
jwiderstra Now that's what I call a compliment!
Cheers,
- Martin
Nice i don't live to far from here
the Gov't doesn't take crown land over because it is overused, they know they can now capitalize on an established area.