Permits
Not sure if you need a pass or permit? Read below or click on one of the links for more information on the types of passes and permits available on the Ottawa.
What Pass/Permit Do You Need?
Recreation Passes and Permits
Many day-use sites (such as trailheads, picnic areas, and river access sites) and campsites require a pass.
Event/Commercial Permits
Obtain a commercial permit for events, commercial photography, filming, sound recording, outfitting and guides, and road use permits across NFS land to access private property.
Forest Product Permits
Find out more about obtaining a fuelwood/firewood permits.
Do You Need a Permit?
When Don't You Need a Permit?
- When you are gathering edible material (morels, etc.) for your own consumption.
- When you are camping in a dispersed area.
- When you are at a site that doesn't require a Recreation Enhancement Act Fee.
- When you are building a campfire on National Forest System lands you can collect a reasonable quantity of wood for the campfire without a permit.
When Do You Need a Permit?
- For some recreation activities:
- At most day use sites such as trailheads, picnic areas and river access sites
- Reserving a campsite
- When riding an ATV, OHV or Motorcycle on National Forest System motorized trails
- For collecting fuelwood.
- Special Use Permits are required for commercial and non-commercial use of NFS lands, including:
- Easements for electrical and utility lines
- Roads to access private property bound by National Forest lands
- Oil and gas pipelines, wells or holding tanks, etc.
- Minerals