I thought it might deserve a thread of it's own.  First off, I do not participate in this practice or condone it.  I live 5-7 hours away from Algonquin so when I book trips to Algonquin I go to Algonquin.  I can't be a fair weather back country camper and slip into the back country when the weather is nice or when it fits into my lifestyle.  So the question is what would you do or what have you done if you found one of these 'Ghost Tents'?  Dismantle?  Report it to the authorities when you get out?  Maybe this practice of 'ghost tenting' isn't even an issue in Algonquin.  Or maybe it is and the maximum stay of 16 nights on one site is way too many nights?  Maybe they need to cap the max stay like they have at other parks to discourage such practices.    

Anyway, I'm going back to base camping for many years in the future.  So in a few years when I can get the family out for a massive day paddle I hope to return and have all my gear there.  So before leaving for my day trips I need  to keep a clean campsite etc.  Which means I can't leave all my gear scattered around to make sure people would think that the site is actually being used.  But if I put it all away the site may appear to be a 'ghost tent' etc.  So far the only deciding factor on if it is a ghost tent is the cost?  And the cost of gear that's left behind?     

Lukatch.  If you actually read my post it wasn't directed to you at all.  It was directed to nvm.  

If you meet another canoeist at a put in\take out, portage, on the water, or paddling by a site do you chat? or no chat?  ex.  How long you've been in for? How long you going for?  Where you headed?  How do you like that canoe? etc  Or do you find those general inquiries intrusive or disturbing?  The reason I ask is that I found this year there seemed to be a lot of 'no chat' canoeists.   Maybe a Covid thing.  Maybe an age thing.  Maybe a lot of first timers out on the water.  Maybe a lot of unfriendly urban people.  Or maybe I just ran into a whole lot of unfriendly people.           

I stayed at Whitefish Lake in Sept 2018.  There are 2 campsites on the island & also 2 thunder boxes.  Both campsites were marked.  Could Whitefish lake have a 'spare' campsite for emergencies since there are only 3 sites available to reserve via the website.    
Jeff:  The Whitefish sites look right.  

Interesting thread.  I just got back from a 5 day solo trip in Frontenac.  I took both on that trip and I do believe the chance of seeing a bear in that park is fairly slim.  Although,  they do have permanent bear hangs on some sites.  But why not be somewhat prepared?  Having them and having no idea on how to use them compared to having some knowledge is a factor on preparedness.  I usually will shoot a banger off once or twice a year in my backyard either on Canada Day or Labour day.  To make sure everything is still working etc.  I will go into a nearby bush and discharge the expired bear spray for practice.  But I think the choice is totally yours.  If having them helps you feel comfortable on a portage, campsite, or on any trip then its an investment that hopefully you will never have to use.  It goes with the other pieces of equipment that you carry and hope you never use.  First aid kit, emergency rations, the extra quarter you put in your sock so you can phone home in an emergency.  (Did I just age myself?)

I usually premix a litre of margarita.  Pour in tin cup.  Add some lake water instead of ice.  A shot of strawberry mio.  Fins up!   

Yes I realize that.  I was thinking of entering the contest and thought campsite numbers would help.  I'm not sure if I had ever been on that website before.  It's saved now in my favourites.  Thanks

I was wondering if anyone could help me find the maps that appear on this website every now and then.  They look exactly like Jeff Maps, but the backcountry campsites are numbered.