ALWAYS check Alerts and other information on the official website, as conditions and facility availability are subject to change.
Day Use Vehicle Permits: Because of this park’s popularity, it will need permits to be purchased in advance to guarantee park access. This process was started in 2021 and will be kept for 2023.
If you’re smart, grab the permit before any visit, even mid-week. We found this out the hard way at our local Provincial Park.
You can buy the vehicle permit up to 5 days in advance, which guarantees you access to the park on that day. If you have an annual or season pass, you should still book your permit online, but there’s no extra charge.
New Camping Rules for 2023 (7-night max) – new for 2023 are revised rules about the maximum number of nights you can camp. In this park, if you are camping between July 1 and the Saturday of the Labour Day long weekend, you’ll be restricted to no more than 7-nights at this park. Outside of those dates, it’s still the old 23-night maximum. Ontario Parks promises this will be clear when booking.
Rules for backcountry camping and the roofed accommodation haven’t changed.
Facebook and Website Links
Algonquin Official website
Algonquin Official Facebook
friends of Algonquin park
Information
Phone #: 705-633-5572
Main entrance co-ordinates:
Address: Hwy 60, P.O. Box 219, Whitney, K0J 2M0
Opening seasons: Algonquin is an all-year-round park but some areas have a different open and close times. Check the official website for more information.
Travel, Directions & Distances
Directions:
Toronto (Pearson Airport):
Ottawa (International Airport):
Public transit:
Uber/taxi:
Activities
Winter Activities
As an all-year-round park, there are many opportunities to snowshoe, X-country ski, hike and even camp.
Snowshoing
Snowshoes are available to rent at this park. But, it’s always best to call ahead to make sure that snowshoes are available.
You can go virtually anywhere within the park. If you are new to snowshoeing or just want a quick trip try one of the short walking trails along the Highway 60 corridor or part of the two longer backpacking trails. Just make sure you stay off of the cross-country ski trails.
Camping & Accomodation
Backcountry Camping
Please refer to Algonquin’s backcountry park page for further information.
Car Camping
There are many different kinds of car campgrounds in Algonquin. Each offers unique experiences and services so guests can choose what they need for their trip at any given time!
The Highway 60 Corridor features eight-car campgrounds including Tea Lake, Canisbay Lake, Mew Lake, Two Rivers, Pog Lake, Kearney Lake, Coon Lake, and Rock Lake.
On the north side of the park are two basic car campgrounds; Kiosk and Brent Lake. Achray Campground is on the east side of the park.
Please refer to the individual park listings for more detail on these campgrounds.
Dog-Free Camping
Several campgrounds at Algonquin have designated dog-free areas including: Canisbay, Mew Lake, Pog Lake, and Achray.
Group Camping
Whitefish Lake Group Campground is located on Highway 60 at km 37. Please refer to the individual campground listing for more details.
Radio-Free Camping
Several campgrounds at Algonquin have designated radio-free areas including : Canisbay, Mew Lake, Pog Lake, and Achray.
Walk-In Camping
Five walk-in campsites are available at Kingscote Lake Access Point. Permits are available from Pinegrove Point Resort.
Hiking, Biking & Paddling
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 an 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 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 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 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 with 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 summarizes 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.
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.
Paddling
Algonquin Provincial Park is a paradise for canoeing enthusiasts. The detailed map-brochure, Canoe Routes Of Algoqinan park shows the entire network to enjoy these great waters with all its beauty – both on land and underwater! There are over 2 hundred kilometers worth showing you how best to get around this wonderful place while teaching newcomers what they need to know before embarking upon their journey into our nation’s largest freshwater lake..
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
Reservations can be made online or by phone. 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.
Maps & Resources
One thing is certain, Algonquin Park is big and it’s easy to get lost. The Ontario Provincial Park’s Store has a wide range of maps. Many of them are waterproof and there’s one specifically for canoe routes.