Right you are Charlie,
I have found that many of my American brothers, at least those who do not frequent Canada, are under the mistaken impression that there is a vast area of unpopulated wilderness immediately north of them. What many folks do not realize is that most of our population is concentrated along the US-Canada border and that most of them are vying for the same recreational space within a few hours of the big cities. The result is that a lot of property within reach gets bought up, thus the apparent shortage of free wilderness.
To be sure, we still have vast areas -- a half a continent's worth -- where no one lives, however, this is only accessible to the hardy few who want to take the time, effort and money to get there. No roads in most cases. You have to fly in. I am one of those few, but I chose to live in a remote area full-time, rather than just visit.
I grew up in the Ottawa area. I left 30 years ago but visit often. I am astounded and dismayed by the level of development in those areas that, in my boyhood, were mostly unpopulated wilderness. Ottawa, like other mid-sized to large cities, has grown/is growing exponentially and as it does, the rural areas are being invaded. Not much different from the USA in that respect.
Robert