Ontario Parks | Algonquin

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Biking

The seat of your bike is a great way to see Algonquin’s lakes, rivers, and forests.  Enjoy biking experiences ranging from family-friendly pedals to challenging mountain biking adventures.

Old Railway Bike Trail
Totalling 16km, this flat trail is suitable for all ages with trail access available at the following campgrounds: Mew Lake, Lake of Two Rivers, Kearney Lake, Coon Lake, Pog Lake, and Rock Lake.  This trail follows the bed of the historic Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway and visits beautiful lakes, rapids, crosses multiple bridges and travels through lush forest.  Look for interpretive panels which highlight natural and historic features along the way.  Bike rentals are available at the Two Rivers Store located along the trail.

Minnesing Mountain Bike Trail
This trail offers rugged mountain biking with many hilly sections and rocky terrain and is considered moderate difficulty.  This trail visits lakes and streams, travels through lush hardwood forest and over sections of boardwalk and features two cabins and vault toilets along the way.  Choose your ideal length from loops ranging from 4.7km to 23.4km.  The trail parking lot is located at km 23 along Highway 60.  Please note that some sections may be muddy.

Byers Lake Mountain Bike Trail
This rugged trail offers a 6.5 km (13 km round trip) moderate difficulty ride with numerous steep grades and descents, obstacles and some muddy sections.  Enjoy scenic views of the York River, the Gut Rapids and Byers Lake along the way.  This trail can be accessed east of the Kingscote Access Point on Elephant Lake Road north of Harcourt.

Birding

More than 260 bird species have been recorded in the Park. Many southern and overseas birders make special trips to Algonquin just to see northern specialties such as the Gray Jay and the Spruce Grouse, not to mention the rich variety of warblers or Algonquin’s most famous bird of all—the Common Loon, found nesting on just about every lake.

Boating

Motorboats are not permitted on most lakes within the park, however, there are some exceptions.

(a) Motors of unlimited horsepower may be used on Galeairy and Opeongo Lakes.

(b) Motors of 20 horsepower or less may be used on the following lakes: Bonita, Cache, Canoe, Cedar, Kingscote, Kioshkokwi, Little Cauchon, Rock, Smoke, Source, Tanamakoon, Tea, Two Rivers, and Whitefish.

(c) Motors of 10 horsepower or less may be used on the following lakes: Cauchon, Cauliflower, Grand, Joe, Little Joe, Madawaska, Manitou, North Tea, Radiant, Rain, Tepee, and Travers.

(d) Motors of 6 horsepower or less may be used, from the day following Labour Day to the last Thursday in June, on the following lakes: Big Crow, Hogan, La Muir, Little Crow, Proulx and White Partridge or the Crow River from Proulx Lake to Little Crow Lake.
Waterskiing, jet skiing and other similar activities are not permitted within the park.

Canoeing

Algonquin Provincial Park offers canoeing enthusiasts a canoe route network of over 2,100 km. A detailed map-brochure, Canoe Routes of Algonquin Park, shows the entire park network of canoe routes, portages, and backcountry campsites. Elsewhere on the map, detailed directions are given for 29 different access points, along with information on planning a canoe trip. A copy of this map can be purchased from the Friends of Algonquin Park.

There are two outfitters which offer canoe rentals in the park:

Opeongo Store and Canoe Centre
Located 6 km north from km 46.3 on Highway 60

Portage Store and Canoe Centre
Located at km 14.1 on Highway 60

Permits must be picked up at a designated access point on the day of departure. Please consider your trip details carefully and always plan for the unexpected. Information relating to trip planning can be obtained by calling the Algonquin Provincial Park Information Line at 705-633-5572. When making a reservation, you will select the lake or zone you will camp on for each night of your trip. Within your zone or lake, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Discovery Program

Conducted walks are led by park naturalists every day from late June to Labour Day. These consist of an hour and a half leisurely walk, exploring and learning about some part of the park environment. Times and locations are posted on bulletin boards within the parks.

Algonquin for Kids: Come with your kids (ages 5 to 12) to the Visitor Centre for an hour of discovery with games, stories and animals. Times and topics are posted on bulletin boards within the parks.

Evening Programs begin at dusk every evening at the Outdoor Theatre (at km 35.4) from late June to Labour Day. Each program lasts about an hour and a half and consists of a film, a slide talk about some aspect of the park, a question period and then another film. When bad weather interferes, the programs are held at the Visitor Centre. Times and topics are posted on bulletin boards within the parks.

Special Events are listed in This Week in Algonquin Park posted on all bulletin boards in the park. Public Wolf Howls take place on Thursdays in August if a pack has been located in a suitable location and if the weather is favourable. Check the bulletin boards, call the Visitor Centre (613-637-2828) or check The Friends of Algonquin Park website on Thursday morning to find out if a Wolf Howl is going to be held that day.

Fishing

Algonquin has a reputation for having some of the best trout fishing in Canada. More than 230 lakes have native Brook Trout and 149 have Lake Trout—a fantastic concentration of trout waters that continue to yield good fishing because of the Park’s tradition of wise conservation.

Along the highway, many of the lakes are stocked with Splake (a hybrid of Brook and Lake trout) and fishing is outstanding. Spring is the best season for trout and summer brings on more enjoyment with Smallmouth Bass. Spend a July day with the family at a prime bass location, enjoying the scenery and reeling in the night’s dinner.

Algonquin hosts a Family Fishing Weekend in July at Whitefish Lake, offering a free fish and chips lunch, boats and equipment, prizes, and more. It is fun for the whole family and is scheduled to coincide with Ontario’s licence-free fishing weekend.

Options to target pike are available in lakes accessible through the Shall Lake Access Point.
It is illegal to possess live bait fish anywhere in Algonquin. Please refer to the current Ontario Fisheries Regulations for other restrictions that may apply.

Fish Stocking List for Algonquin Provincial Park — 2013 to 2018

Hiking

Whiskey Rapids Trail located at km 7.2 – 2.1 km (1.5hours) moderate
This looped trail leads along the Oxtongue River to scenic Whiskey Rapids. The trail guide discusses the ecology and history of the Algonquin river.

Hardwood Lookout Trail located at km 13.8km – 0.8 km (1 hour) moderate
This walk introduces the visitor to the ecology of a typical Algonquin hardwood forest and culminates in a fine view of Smoke Lake and the surrounding hills.

Mizzy Lake Trail is located at km 15.4 – 11 km (4-5 hours) moderate.
This trail requires an early start and a full day to do properly. It visits nine ponds and small lakes and affords some of the best chances to see wildlife in the Parkway Corridor. Dogs are not permitted on the trail.

Peck Lake Trail is located at km 19.2 – 1.9 km (1 hour) moderate.
This trail circumnavigates the shoreline of Peck Lake. The trail guide explores the ecology of a typical Algonquin lake.

Track and Tower Trail located at km 25km – 7.7 km (3 hours) moderate
This looped trail features a spectacular lookout over Cache Lake. An optional 5.5 km side trip follows an abandoned railway to Mew Lake.

Hemlock Bluff Trail is located at km 27.2 – 3.5 km (2 hours) moderate.
This trail leads through a mixed forest to an impressive view of Jack Lake.

Bat Lake Trail located at km 30 – 5.6 km (2.5 hours) moderate
This looped trail introduces the hiker to basic park ecology while visiting a beautiful hemlock stand, a fine lookout, and acidic Bat Lake.

Two Rivers Trail located a km 31 – 2.1km (1 hour) moderate
This looped trail includes an easy climb to a pine-clad cliff.

Centennial Ridges Trail located at km 37.6 – 10 km (3-4 hours) strenuous
This demanding loop rewards the hiker with spectacular viewing along two high ridges.

Lookout Trail located at km 39.7 – 1.9km (1 hour) moderate
This trail is relatively steep and rugged but affords the hiker a magnificent view of several hundred square kilometres of Algonquin.

Big Pines Trail located at km 40.3 – 2.9 km (2 hours) moderate
This trail visits spectacularly large, old-growth White Pine and the remains of an 1880s logging camp.

Booth’s Rock Trail located at km 40.5 – 5.1 km (2 hours) moderate
This trail visits two lakes and a spectacular lookout, returning via an abandoned railway.

Spruce Bog Boardwalk located at km 42.5 – 1.5 km (1hour) easy
Several boardwalk sections in the looped trail give you an excellent close-up look of two typical northern Black Spruce bogs. The trail is located right off of the Highway 60 corridor, making it very accessible for bird watching.

Beaver Pond Trail located at km 45.2 – 2 km (1 hour) moderate
This trail provides excellent views of two beaver ponds.

Algonquin Logging Museum Trail at km 54.5 – 1.3km (1 hour)
This trail and exhibits summarize the logging history of the Algonquin area. Features a re-created camboose camp and a fascinating steam-powered amphibious tug called an “alligator”.

SOUTHERN SECTION OF PARK

High Falls Hiking Trail – 1.9 km, 30 minutes 1 way or 1 hour for return
Starting from the High Falls parking area, the trail follows an old road through a Red Pine plantation. It then becomes a footpath northward through hardwood forests on the west side of the York River. The trail connects with the first portage on the river then branches off to a rock point north of High Falls.  From the end of the trail, you have a view of the top of the rapids upstream of High Falls and a view downstream of the falls.

Scorch Lake Lookout Trail – less than 1 km, moderate
Although this 942 m trail is very steep, it’s well worth the 20-minute climb to see the spectacular view of Scorch Lake.

Bruton Farm Hiking Trail
The Bruton Farm Hiking Trail is 2.4 km in length and takes about an hour to walk one way.

EASTERN SECTION OF ALGONQUIN PARK:

Barron Canyon Trail 1.5 km (1 hour) moderate
This trail leads to and runs along the north rim of the spectacular 100m deep Barron Canyon. The trail guide uses six stops to explain the formation and history of the canyon. Caution: This trail travels by an unfenced cliff, keep children close by and pets on a leash at all times. It is located 10 km from the Sand Lake Gate entrance to the park and 35 km in total from the junction of the Barron Canyon Road and the Trans Canada Highway.

Berm Lake Trail – 4.5 km (2 hours) moderate
The trail circles Berm Lake and runs through pine and oak forests typical of the area. A trail guide discusses the ecology of a pine forest. This trail is accessed from the Achray Campground.

NORTHERN SECTION OF THE PARK:

Brent Crater Trail – 2 km (1.5 hours) strenuous
The Brent Crater was formed when a meteorite crashed to earth thousands of years ago. From a wooden observation tower overlooking the crater, the trail descends to the crater floor before looping back to the starting point. Six interpretive stops relate some of the geological and historical significance of this unique feature. This trail is accessed from the Brent Campground.

BACKPACKING TRAILS

The interior of the park offers over 140 km of backpacking trails with designated campsites. More information is available by calling 705-633-5572.

Hunting

Hunting in this park is subject to the Ontario Hunting Regulations. Certain restrictions apply. For more information, contact the park or a Ministry of Natural Resources office.

Swimming

The clear, clean lakes of Algonquin offer endless opportunities for swimming. All campgrounds and picnic areas have designated beach areas.

Winter Activities

Algonquin Provincial Park has as much to offer visitors in the winter as during the summer. Highway 60 is ploughed and sanded all winter and many trails are available for winter visitors. The Algonquin Visitor Centre is open on winter weekends and daily during March break. A valid permit is required to use the park. Permits can be purchased at the East or West Gates or at the self-service station at the Mew Lake Campground. Snowshoeing enthusiasts can go virtually anywhere within the park except on cross-country ski trails. If you prefer a set trail, you might try one of the short walking trails along the Highway 60 corridor or one of the two longer backpacking trails.

Cross-country Skiing – Algonquin has three trail networks for cross-country skiing. They offer trails of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty.

Fen Lake Ski Trail is located at the West Gate of the park. Much of this trail travels through the hardwood bush typical of Algonquin’s west side. You will almost certainly see the tracks of moose on your outing. It offers four loops of 1.25, 5.2, 11.4 and 13 km and offers both easy and more challenging sections. All trails are groomed and track set and a 6 km section also offer a lane for skate skiing. A cabin is located at Fen Lake and privies are available throughout the trail network. Minnesing Trail is located on the north side of Highway 60, 23 km from the West Gate.

The Minnesing Trail has four loops ranging in distance from 4.7 to 23.4 km. The trail is maintained for backcountry wilderness skiing and is not groomed. Wide touring skis and large basket poles are essential for soft snow conditions. Leaf Lake Trail system provides some of the most beautiful vistas and exhilarating skiing available anywhere. These trails are found one km west of the East Gate. As you explore the landscape you may see the tracks of Moose, Otter, Ruffed Grouse, Marten and many other animals.

Leaf Lake Ski Trail offers a wide variety of trail selections ranging in length from 5 to 51 km and ranging from easy to very difficult. The system includes three loops that are groomed for skate skiing. All trails are groomed and many are track set. Cabins and toilets are available at several locations throughout the trail system.

Winter Camping
Highway 60 Corridor
Mew Lake Campground offers camping from mid-October until the end of April, during which time there are both reservable sites and sites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The main parking lot and the roads adjacent to sites 1-76 are ploughed. Sites are ploughed as time and weather permits. Sites 1 to 66 have electrical hook-ups. Firewood can be purchased at the Mew Lake Campground woodlot. A heated winterized comfort station provides drinking water, flush toilets, showers, and laundry.

Backcountry
Camping away from Highway 60 in the backcountry of the park is permitted during winter. You may wish to use one of the groomed ski trails to enter the backcountry. Camping within sight or sound of the trails or in trail shelters is not permitted. Winter camping is also not permitted on designated summer campsites or within 30 metres of a lakeshore, trail or portage. We recommend that you camp in low-sheltered areas where there is a good supply of standing dead firewood for warmth and cooking.

Roofed Accommodation
Seven yurts, located in the Mew Lake Campground, are available for rent during the winter. Accessible by vehicle, these tent-like structures are equipped with basic furniture and electric heat. Reservations are required for the yurts and can be made up to five months in advance of arrival. Reservations can be made online or by phone.

Dog sledding opportunities, offered by commercial operators, are available in two locations in the park – one along Highway 60 and one in the northwest section of the park accessible from the village for South River on Highway 11.

Fishing during winter is not permitted in Algonquin Provincial Park.

Snowmobiling is not permitted within Algonquin Provincial Park with the exception of the hydro line across Clyde Township.

Ice Conditions
We advise against ice travel. Ice conditions may vary due to weather, snow depth, pressure cracks, and many other variables. Hazards are difficult to detect. Ice may be safe in one location and unsafe nearby. Use alternate land routes to avoid ice travel.