Algonquin Provincial Park 101 - A Guide To All Things Algonquin

Algonquin Park is Canada's oldest provincial park. Founded in 1893, at over 7,653 square kilometres, it is about one quarter the size of Belgium. This vast park allows users to really get away from urban life and connect with nature. Unfortunately, it's proximity to Ottawa, Toronto and the Muskoka region, makes Algonquin Park the busiest provincial park in Ontario. So, it is important that visitors plan, and make reservations, many months in advance.

The following is a summary of everything visitors needs to know for their first visit to Algonquin Provincial Park:

Algonquin Park Seasons - When to Visit

• Paddling, Biking, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming - May - mid-October
• Snowshoe/Nordic Ski - January - March
• Hiking - Late October, November, December & April

Algonquin Park is open, usable and beautiful year round. Weather conditions can change drastically from day to day, so check current weather and ground conditions before any visit. In May and June, there can be many biting insects and warm weather, but very few people. July and August offer the warmest weather and significantly fewer insects, but there are many park users. September and October offer cooler weather, very few insects, fall colours and fewer park visitors. Fall colour peak weekends can get exceptionally busy with traffic jams and car accidents. Weekends, in general, are always busier, and best avoided.

How To Get Here & Get Around 
In a perfect world, where everyone has unlimited time to travel, bicycle is the best way to slowly explore this beautiful area. Unfortunately, for most travellers, car remains the most practical and cost effective way to get around. There is 4-5x daily bus service from Toronto to/from Huntsville on Ontario Northland. Expensive ($120-140 each way) taxis are available from Huntsville to Algonquin Park. If you are registered on an Algonquin Adventure Tours guided multiday Algonquin Park canoe trip, a private shuttle ($40 each way, only for safaris) from Huntsville, can be arranged.

Remember, it is illegal to stop, unnecessarily, on the side of a highway, or impede traffic in any way. And, that includes even when there is a moose on the roadside. Never block traffic to take a photo. Try to park on a nearby side road, or attraction parking lot, and then walk back on the highway shoulder.

Algonquin Park's highway 60 corridor has little brown 'km' marker signs along the roadside. These signs are useful in locating park attractions. The west gate entrance is km 0. The east gate entrance is km 55.8. The following article lists the km location of many attractions.

Algonquin Park Entry Fees
If you plan on stopping anywhere along the highway 60 corridor, a vehicle permit is required. They can be purchased at either park entrance or access point offices. Vehicle permits are included when camping in park. Current cost, for a day use permit, is $17-20 per car/motorcycle/camper. Bicycles do not require a vehicle permit. Outside office hours, there are automated vehicle permit machines at either entrance office building.

Top 20 Things To Do In Algonquin Park
These are the best activities in Algonquin Provincial Park:

1. Algonquin Park Canoe Camping Trip - If you have the gear and experience, all you need is an Ontario Park's backcountry campsite reservation. Depending on when and where you want to go, reservations should be made many months in advance. If you have the knowledge, but no gear, you can also rent all you need from one of the outfitters listed below. If you are not an experienced Algonquin Park wilderness canoe tripper, or just want a professional to take care of everything, please consider the Algonquin Adventure Tours 3, 4 or 5 day moose and beaver safaris.
2. Algonquin Park Canoe Day Trip (can be free) - With your own boat, you can paddle dozens of easily accessible lakes. If you are a skilled canoeist, without a canoe, there are several outfitters where you can rent a boat. Canoe Lake and Lake Opeongo have rentals on site. But, those big lakes can get unexpectedly windy, wet and cold. If you don't already have good canoeing skills, or just prefer a professionally guided educational canoe adventure, please consider the Algonquin Adventure Tours 6 hour Algonquin Park canoe trip.
3. Algonquin Park Old Railway Bicycle Trail (can be free) - With your own bicycle, or on foot, there is no charge to use this trail. Bicycles can be rented from the nearby Two Rivers Store. For high quality bicycles, gourmet bakery treats, an intimate connection to Algonquin Park, access to secret scenic locations, and included tour photos, please consider the Algonquin Adventure Tours 3 hour guided bicycle tour. The main parking lot and trail access is located in Mew Lake campground (km 30.8)
4. Algonquin Park Minnesing Mountain Bike Trail (always free) - The Minnesing Trail has off-road mountain bike loops of different length and difficulty. There is no charge to use this trail. Located at km 23. Bicycles can be rented at the Two Rivers Store (km 31.4) .   
5. Algonquin Park picnics (can be free) - The following picnic areas can be easily accessed by car along highway 60: Western Uplands Backpacking Trailhead (km 3.0), Tea Lake Dam Picnic Ground (km 8.0), Canisbay Lake Day Use Area, Lake of Two Rivers Picnic Ground (km 33.8), East Beach Picnic Ground (km 35.4), Costello Creek Picnic Ground (km 46.3). For picnics at secluded locations in the park interior, with gourmet treats from Henrietta's Pine Bakery, please consider any Algonquin Adventure Tours' program.
6. Algonquin Park Birdwatching (can be free) - There are 278 species of birds in Algonquin Park. Birders can enjoy good observations on any Algonquin Park hiking trail, side road and even walking along highway 60. For serious birding, consider joining the Algonquin Adventure Tours expert ornithologist on a 3 hour guided birding hike.
7. Algonquin Park Landscape & Wildlife Photography/Observation (can be free) - Dusk and dawn are the best times to slowly explore the highway 60 corridor. Hiking trails, side roads, and just walking along the highway, can result in amazing dusk/dawn encounters. It is best to park at hiking trail or attraction parking lots and explore nearby on foot. It is illegal to stop, if it isn't an emergency, along the highway roadside. For a water based private guided Algonquin Park landscape & wildlife photography day tour, please consider the Algonquin Adventure Tours 3 hour VIP motorized canoe. For the best chances of moose and beaver observation, our guided multiday Algonquin Park canoe trips are the best option.
8. Algonquin Park Bass & Trout Fishing - Algonquin Park has excellent bass and trout fishing. All park offices (and Canadian Tire stores) sell fishing licenses and loan unimpressive fishing equipment for day use. If you are serious about having a memorable Algonquin Park fishing trip, please consider our daily guided 4 hour canoe fishing charter. Multiday Algonquin Park backcountry fishing trips are also possible.
9. Algonquin Park Visitor Centre (always free) - The Algonquin Visitor Centre has educational display's about the park's natural and human history. There is an observations deck, historical movie, restaurant and gift/book shop. Open year round with varying seasonal hours. Located at km 43.
10. Algonquin Park Art Centre (always free) - The Algonquin Art Centre has indoor and outdoors galleries. Some of Canada's finest nature and wildlife artists are showcased at this facility. Open June 1- mid-October, 10am to 5pm daily. Located at km 20. 
11. Algonquin Park Logging Museum (always free) - The Algonquin Logging Museum explores the cultural and natural impacts of the area's rich history in the logging industry. Open late June to mid-October, varying hours. There is also a short hike at this location. Located at km 54.5.
12. Algonquin Park Fall Colours (can be free) - The historical average peak of Algonquin's Autumn colours is September 27th. Two weeks on either side of that date will usually produce varying degrees of colour. Warning: The park can get crazy busy during peak colours, so it is best to avoid weekends. Viewing option 1, drive slowly along the highway 60 corridor. All highways approaching the park can also have great colours. Option 2, get a self guided view from above on the following Algonquin Park hiking trails: Track & Tower, Look Out, Booth's Rock or Centennial Ridges. Option 3 allows for complete immersion into the forest colours on any the Algonquin Adventure Tours guided adventure.
13. Algonquin Park Interpretive Programs (can be free) - Algonquin Park naturalists offer a variety of periodic free programs, throughout the July/August season, at various locations. Please see the park website for details. Daily scheduled & customized nature interpretation educational adventures are offered by Algonquin Adventure Tours naturalist guides.
14. Algonquin Park Snowshoeing (can be free) - You can literally snowshoe anywhere in Algonquin Park, except on the nordic ski specific trails. But, if you are not an experienced backcountry winter traveller, the well marked highway 60 hiking trails provide several opportunities for all levels of fitness. Last time I passed by the west gate entrance, there were a couple of loaner snowshoes. But, I would call the park in advance to ask about that. The Oxtongue Lake outfitter, near the west gate, rents showshoes. Snowshoes, poles, a gourmet trail lunch from Henrietta's Pine Bakery, nature interpretation, much learning, great fun and high quality photos are provided on the Algonquin Adventure Tours guided 3 hour snowshoe tour.
15. Algonquin Park Nordic Ski (can be free) - There are great trails close to, or at, the east and west entrance gates of Algonquin Park. Please see details, on the Algonquin Park website, here. Ski gear can be rented at the outfitter in Oxtongue Lake, near the west gate. Beginner instruction and nature interpretation tours are also provided by Algonquin Adventure Tours.
16. Algonquin Park Ice Skating (always free) - There is a skating rink, at the Mew Lake campground, from December to March. Check with the park for exact dates. There are no rental options. Located at km 30.8. 
17. Algonquin Park Swimming - (can be free) - Hundreds of lakes for swimming in clean Canadian water. Many are accessible right from the highway 60 corridor. Algonquin Park backcountry swimming and cliff jumping is offered on the Algonquin Adventure Tours daily guided 6 hour canoe trip. 
18. Algonquin Park Wolf Howls (can be free) - Details about the famous official Algonquin Park wolf howls can be seen here. Please note the those public free howls have been cancelled, at the last minute, for several years. Algonquin Adventure Tours naturalist guides howl for wolves on all guided canoe safaris. We sometimes get wolves replying.
19. Algonquin Park Wild Berries, Mushrooms And Other Edibles (can be free) - If you know your edibles, especially mushrooms and berries, Algonquin Park is like a free supermarket. Seasonal edibles samples are part of many Algonquin Adventure Tours' adventures.
20. Algonquin Park Hiking (can be free) - The following Algonquin hiking trails are open year round, well marked and accessible from the highway 60 corridor:

• Algonquin Logging Museum - 1.3km - Located at km 54.5
• Bat Lake Trail - 5.8km - Located at km 30
• Beaver Pond Trail - 2km - Located at km 45.2
• Big Pines Trail - 2.9km - Located at km 40.3
• Booth's Rock Trail - 5.1km - Located at km 40.3
• Centennial Ridge's Trail - 10.4km - Located at km 37.6
• Hardwood Lookout Trail - 1km - Located at km 13.8. Closed on weekends during fall colours.
• Hemlock Bluff Trail - 3.5km - Located at km 27.2
• Lookout Trail - 2.1km - Located at km 39.7
• Mizzy Lake Trail - 10.8km - Located at km 15.4
• Peck Lake Trail - 2.3km - Located at km 19.2
• Spruce Bog Boardwalk - 1.5km - Located at km 42.5
• Track & Tower Trail - 7.5km - Located at km 25
• Two Rivers Trail - 2.3km - Located at km 31
• Whiskey Rapids Trail - 2.1km - Located at km 7.2
• If you prefer a guided hike with nature interpretation, gourmet breakfast pastries, HD binoculars and high quality tour photos, please consider the 3 hour guided birding hike offered by Algonquin Adventure Tours.

Algonquin Park Accommodations
Whichever accommodations style you choose, most important is that you make your reservations early, sometimes 5 months to the day before your desired arrival date. Options include:

• Algonquin Park Backcountry Campsites - Algonquin Park's primitive interior campsites are usually quite secluded from any neighbours. 9 campers per site. Each site is equipped with a fire pit and wooden box latrine toilet. Reservations can be made 5 months in advance, on the Ontario Parks reservation website. Algonquin Adventure Tours uses only the finest Algonquin Park backcountry campsites for our multiday canoe camping trips. We can take care of all the canoe trip planning for you. Check out our hassle-free all-inclusive Algonquin Park canoe trip details here.
• Algonquin Park Car Campgrounds - There are several campgrounds (Tea Lake, Canisbay Lake, Mew Lake, Pog Lake, Lake of Two Rivers, Kearney Lake and Rock Lake, Coon Lake, Whitefish Lake) along the highway 60 corridor.  And, there are a few others (Brent, Kiosk, Achray) along the North side of the park. They are all very busy during the summer season. Mew Lake campground is open all year and has a few yurts. Campground sites can accommodate 6 people. Most campground sites do not offer much privacy, but they are close to Algonquin attractions, flush toilets and hot showers. Although a few campgrounds only have outhouses. You can check details here. Reservations can be made, 5 months in advance, on the Ontario Parks reservation website. Algonquin Adventure Tours offers a 2 day glamping extravaganza (canoe & bike tours included) that camps on two excellent water front campsites in one of Algonquin Park's best campgrounds.
• Algonquin Park Ranger Cabins - There are 14 old ranger cabins for rent through the Ontario Parks reservation website. Some cabins can be reach by car, the others can only accessed by canoe. Please see cabin details on the Algonquin Park website.
• Algonquin Park Historic Lodges - There are three historic lodges, operating between May and October, inside Algonquin Park: Arowhon Pines, Killarney Lodge and Bartlett Lodge. If the lodges are full, or you are looking for something a little more educational and active, please consider the Algonquin Adventure Tours Glamping Extravaganza.
• Accommodations Outside Algonquin Park - On the east side of Algonquin Park, Whitney Village and the town of Barry's Bay offer accommodations options. And, on the west side of Algonquin Park, Dwight Village and the town of Huntsville are the best options.

Algonquin Park Restaurants
Algonquin Park dining options are available between mid-May and mid-October. Don't expect any bargains in the middle of nowhere

• Casual Dining - Portage Store (km 14.1), Two Rivers Store (km 31.4), Visitors Centre (km 43.0)
• Fancy Shmancy Dining - Arowhon Pines (km 15.4), Barlett Lodge (km 23.5), Killarney Lodge (km 33.2)

Algonquin Park Outfitters For Equipment Rental

• Inside Algonquin Park - Canoe Lake Store (km 14.1), Two Rivers Store (km 31.4), Opeongo Store (46.3).
• Outside Algonquin Park - Algonquin Bound Outfitters, Opeongo Outfitters and the Oxtongue Lake outfitter.

Algonquin Park Guided Tours
​Tourist oriented educational adventures are run mid-May to mid-October and February to March. Corporate and academic support can be provided year round. Algonquin Adventure Tours has been guiding Algonquin Park since 1996.

• ​Algonquin Park 3, 4 & 5 Day Canoe Trips and 2 Day Glamping Camping Extravaganza
• Algonquin Park Day Trips - 6 hour canoe, 3 hour VIP electric canoe, 3 hour bicycle, 3 hour birding hike,  4 hour fishing charter, 3 hour snowshoe, landscape and wildlife photography.
• Custom & Private programs - Specialized programs can be provided as well. Contact us for details.

What to Bring

• Rain protection (left over Niagara Falls poncho, or similar, is not good)
• Sun protection
• Safe shoes for water and/or land (not flip flops)
• Warm clothes
• Camera/binoculars
• Drinking water
• Swim suit & towel
• For possible insects: loose fitting, light coloured long sleeved clothing; insect repellant in a cream or wipes format.

What Not To Bring

• Black tights or any tight fitting dark coloured clothing (bad for possible insects)
• Flip-flops (better at home or a sandy beach, not in a wilderness setting)
• Cigarettes (health and fire hazards, disgusting in a public setting; vape, if you must, instead)
• Insect repellent in a spray or pump format (the mist spreads serious toxins in the environment; cream or wipes are the only responsible way to apply toxins like that)
• A 'rules don't apply to me or my dog' attitude. Algonquin Park is a communally shared wilderness jewel. The Algonquin environment, and the other park users who share it, must be respected at all times. And, forest fires must be avoided at all costs. The following are rules (#1 & 11 are suggestions, not official park rules) that will keep your fellow park users, and the park wardens, very happy:

1. No smoking.
2. No feeding or baiting wildlife. Wildlife needs to stay wild.
3. No amplified music devices (that's what headphones are for).
4. No excessive noise at any time. Be aware of the many park user who come for the tranquility and wildlife in Algonquin Park. It is never cool to be yelling and swearing with your buddies - do that at home in the city.
5. No noise, at all, after 11pm.
6. Dogs (or any other pets) must be leashed, and under human control, at all times. All waste must be packed out or properly buried.
7. No litter, including food waste, anywhere in Algonquin Park. All garbage should be taken home.
8. No drone flying
9. No glass or cans (ie beer/wine, canned foods) is ever allowed in in the Algonquin Park backcountry.
10. Food must always be securely stored (hung properly in a tree)
11. Get canoes off portage access beaches ASAP. Always clear the portage path, and access, as quickly as you can. If a rest, or meal is required, store gear to the side of the trail, away from the access. Do not let your boats and bags block, or slow down, other travellers.
12. Make small camp fires. And, ensure they are properly doused with water after use.

Important websites

• Algonquin Provincial Park - http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/index.php
• Ontario Parks Reservations - https://www.ontarioparks.com/reservations
• Algonquin Adventure Tours - https://www.algonquinparkcanoetrips.com/