Algonquin Provincial Park is a stunning oasis located between Toronto and Ottawa. Known for its incredible canoeing routes and high population of moose, this provincial park is the ideal place to immerse yourself in iconic Canadian landscapes and interact with local wildlife. Spanning over 7,600 square kilometers (about 2,900 square miles), the park offers an overwhelming amount to see and do. That’s where we come in! As a native Ontarian, I’ll guide you through the essentials, covering everything you need to know before visiting Algonquin. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a week-long exploration, you’ll find all the information you need below.

Brief History of Algonquin Provincial Park
Long before the area became a recognized provincial park, the Algonquin First Nations lived on this land. When European traders entered the booming fur trade in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Algonquin people played a pivotal role as expert navigators and guides, using canoes to transport goods through the dense forests and winding lakes of the region. They traded furs with French and later British settlers, serving as mediators between European traders and other Indigenous groups.
After Britain’s victory over France, the Algonquin people negotiated treaties with the British. Their lands were initially protected by the Proclamation of 1763 and the Quebec Act of 1774. However, these protections were increasingly ignored after the British-American War of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Despite the Algonquin people’s loyalty to the British during the war, their land was gradually taken. Later negotiations resulted in 10 reserves for the Algonquin people, but this was a fraction of their original territory.
In 1893, Algonquin Provincial Park was established as one of Ontario’s first provincial parks, aimed at protecting the land from rampant logging and large-scale clearing for farmland. In the early 1900s, Canadian artist Tom Thomson visited Algonquin, drawn by rumors of its wild beauty. He created some of his most iconic works here, sparking widespread interest in the park’s landscapes, particularly among the Group of Seven artists. Tragically, Thomson died mysteriously in the park at Canoe Lake.
Over time, Algonquin has evolved from a protected wilderness into a major cultural and recreational hub, attracting canoeists, hikers, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Find Your Way Around Algonquin Provincial Park
Algonquin Provincial Park is vast, appearing even larger as it is surrounded by several other parks. While there are four main gates to enter the park (West Gate, South Gate, Sand Lake Gate, and East Gate), many other access points are scattered along its boundaries. You can find a full list of all 29 access points here. Note that although some roads lead into the park, no roads traverse its interior. Visitors must drive around the park to reach different sections. This preserves the tranquility of the park’s interior, which is accessible only by portaging or hiking.
Highway 60 Corridor
The southern area of the park, often called the Highway 60 Corridor, is the most accessible and popular section. This major highway runs year-round from the West Gate to the East Gate, covering 56 kilometers. Along the route, visitors will find scenic overlooks, trailheads, lakes, and the Algonquin Visitor Center.
Many popular hikes are located here, including Booth’s Rock, Centennial Ridges, and the Track and Tower Trail. Canoe Lake, made famous by Tom Thomson’s mysterious death, is a short detour off Highway 60. This area also features canoe rentals, guided tours, campgrounds, and the Algonquin Logging Museum.
While the Highway 60 Corridor is a favorite for visitors, there are few restaurants nearby. It’s wise to pack your own meals and snacks.
Northern Algonquin
The northern region of Algonquin is the park’s least visited and most tranquil area, as it is farthest from Ottawa and Toronto. Popular access points here include Kiosk Campground and Cedar Lake (Brent). Both locations offer canoe and kayak rentals and serve as excellent starting points for multi-day portaging or hiking trips into Algonquin’s interior.
Kiosk Campground is situated on Kioshkokwi Lake, one of the few lakes in the park where motorboats (up to 20 horsepower) are permitted.
Eastern Algonquin
The eastern section of Algonquin is popular with day-trippers from Ottawa, as it is just over a two-hour drive from the capital to the Sand Lake Gate. This gate is only 30 minutes from the town of Petawawa on the Quebec-Ontario border.
Activities in the eastern region include canoeing on McManus Lake and Grand Lake, hiking the Barron Canyon Trail, and camping at Achray Campground.


Best Time to Visit Algonquin Provincial Park
There’s never a bad time to visit Algonquin Provincial Park, as each season brings unique activities and natural beauty. The best time to go depends on what you’d like to experience. For instance, if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the majestic Canadian moose, springtime (May to June) is your best chance.
Those looking to canoe the waterways, swim in crystal-clear waters, or enjoy backcountry camping will find summer the most pleasant, thanks to the warm weather.
If riding a dogsled is on your bucket list, you’ll need to wait for the deep winter snow from January to March.
The busiest time in Algonquin Provincial Park is from July to October, as thousands of visitors flock to experience the world-class fall foliage against the backdrop of rocky ridges and reflective lakes.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Algonquin Provincial Park?
Unless you’ve booked accommodations within Algonquin Provincial Park that include a Day Pass, you’ll need to purchase a Day Pass in advance online. Visitors can buy their Day Pass up to five days ahead and are encouraged to do so due to daily entry limits.
Pro tip: If the date you want isn’t available, try searching for tickets using a different access point, as each access point has its own daily ticket capacity.
Those entering Algonquin Provincial Park via the Highway 60 Corridor will pay approximately CA$21 per vehicle for a Day Pass, while entry from other access points costs about CA$18 per vehicle.
Visitors planning to visit multiple provincial parks within 12 months can opt for an Annual Day-Use Vehicle Permit for CA$111. Seasonal Day-Use Permits are also available, starting at CA$60 for a Winter Day-Use Permit and CA$75 for a Summer Day-Use Permit. The summer and annual permits allow unlimited entry to over 100 provincial parks, while the winter permit provides unlimited entry to just over 30 provincial parks from December 1 to March 31.
Free entry is available on weekdays for Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans residing in Ontario. Discounted rates are offered to seniors aged 65 and older (residing in Ontario) and to people with disabilities.


How to Get to Algonquin Provincial Park
By Plane
There are three nearby airports from which visitors can fly and rent a car to drive to Algonquin Provincial Park. The park is roughly equidistant (255 kilometers) from Toronto Pearson Airport and Ottawa International Airport. Both airports are well-served by several airlines and offer a drive of about two and a half hours to the park. Another option is Jack Garland Airport in North Bay, which operates daily non-stop flights to and from Toronto in approximately an hour. From Jack Garland Airport, it’s under an hour’s drive to the Kiosk Campground access point and just under a two-hour drive to Algonquin’s West Gate.
By Coach
Parkbus is a convenient service offering transit from several major cities to national and provincial parks across Canada. This is an excellent option for those without a car, whether you’re a resident or a tourist. Parkbus operates air-conditioned coach buses that make several stops in and around Algonquin Provincial Park, including the West Gate, Pog Lake, Canoe Lake, and Wolfden Bunkhouse. Round-trip or one-way tickets are available from both Ottawa and Toronto, with the journey taking between three to four hours, depending on your stop. The buses also accommodate pets and bicycles.
By Car (From Toronto)
Driving is the easiest way to get to Algonquin Provincial Park, whether in your own car or a rental. Although the drive from Toronto and Ottawa is roughly the same length, Toronto’s notorious traffic congestion can significantly affect travel times. A two-and-a-half-hour drive can easily stretch to four hours if you leave during peak traffic. To avoid delays, plan to leave before 7 a.m. or after 10 a.m. in the morning, and before 3:30 p.m. or after 7 p.m. in the evening. Traffic is particularly heavy on Friday afternoons as Torontonians head north to cottages.
To reach Algonquin, take Highway 400 North towards Barrie. After Barrie, stay left on Highway 400 North to merge onto Highway 11 towards Orillia/North Bay and continue for 119 kilometers. Take exit 223 to merge onto Highway 60 and drive another 43 kilometers to the West Gate entrance.
By Car (From Ottawa)
Ottawa, Canada’s capital, can also have heavy traffic, so avoid traveling during rush hours (7 a.m.–10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.–6 p.m.). To reach the Highway 60 Corridor of Algonquin Provincial Park from Ottawa, take the Trans-Canada Highway 117 West to Renfrew. In Renfrew, turn left onto Bruce Street/County Road 20 and follow it for three kilometers until you reach Highway 60. Turn right onto Highway 60, following signs for Eganville/ON-60, and stay on it for 147 kilometers to reach the East Gate of Algonquin.
While the Highway 60 Corridor is the most popular route, Ottawa is closer to the Sand Lake Gate. This gate is just over a two-hour drive from Ottawa. Instead of turning left onto Bruce Street in Renfrew, continue straight on the Trans-Canada Highway 117 for another 84 kilometers to Pembroke. Just past Pembroke, turn left onto Doran Road, then make an immediate right onto Barron Canyon Road and follow it to the gate entrance.
By Guided Tour
Several tour operators offer round-trip day tours to Algonquin Provincial Park from both Ottawa and Toronto, depending on the season. For those departing from Toronto, we recommend this Full-Day Adventure Tour with a guide. This tour includes round-trip transportation, a guide, park fees, and snowshoe rentals (for winter bookings).


How Much Time Should I Spend in Algonquin Provincial Park?
While a day trip to Algonquin is possible, we recommend spending three to four days to fully enjoy the experience and the scenic drive. Three days will allow you to complete two or three of the park’s popular hikes and participate in activities like dog sledding, snowshoeing, swimming, kayaking, fishing, or horseback riding.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary
The Highway 60 Corridor is home to Algonquin’s most popular attractions. For a day trip, head to either the East Gate (from Ottawa) or the West Gate (from Toronto). Aim to leave early to maximize your time in the park. Upon arrival, purchase a pass and start with one of the shorter hikes along Highway 60, such as the Beaver Pond Trail or Lookout Trail. In the afternoon, enjoy swimming, kayaking, or canoeing on Canoe Lake.
If time permits, visit the Algonquin Logging Museum to explore its 1.5-kilometer outdoor exhibit trail, which delves into the region’s logging history. For winter visits, consider snowshoeing or ice skating in the morning, followed by an afternoon dog sledding experience with Winterdance Dogsled Tours to explore the park’s interior.


How to Get Around in Algonquin Provincial Park
Car
Using a car is the easiest way to navigate the park, especially given the vast size of Algonquin and the limited road access within its interior. Along the Highway 60 Corridor, kilometer marker posts help visitors locate attractions, as cell phone service is limited. The ‘zero’ kilometer marker is located at the West Gate, the East Gate is at kilometer 55.8, and the Algonquin Visitor Center is at kilometer 43.
Make sure your Day Pass is clearly visible when your car is parked, and always park in designated day-use lots. Avoid parking on the side of the road unless signage permits it.
Bike
While most trails in Algonquin are designated for hiking, there are approximately 60 kilometers of paved and gravel biking trails for visitors to explore. All three biking routes are located near the Highway 60 Corridor, which will be detailed further below.
Canoe/Kayak
Algonquin Provincial Park is a paddler’s paradise, featuring over 200 canoe routes stretching more than 2,400 kilometers, as well as over 1,500 lakes and rivers. Most of the lakes are interconnected by rivers and streams, offering numerous kayaking and portaging routes. Canoes and kayaks are the best way to explore the park’s interior, as motorized boats are not permitted on many lakes, and public roads are scarce. Several businesses around the park provide canoe and kayak rentals by the hour or day.
Skiing/Snowshoeing
Snowshoes and cross-country skis are essential for winter exploration in Algonquin, as walking through deep snow can be exhausting. The park offers over 110 kilometers of cross-country skiing trails, including 85 kilometers of groomed trails and 32 kilometers of wilderness (ungroomed) ski trails.
Dogsledding
Although Algonquin Provincial Park does not directly offer dogsledding, commercial companies such as Winterdance Dogsled Tours provide tours and packages that utilize the park’s trails. The Sunday Lake Dogsled Trail, located in the park’s interior, features over 25 kilometers of trails, offering a unique way to experience Algonquin’s winter beauty.
What to Pack for Visiting Algonquin Provincial Park
When venturing into the Canadian wilderness, packing the right essentials is key to a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Start with a reliable, well-fitted hiking daypack to carry everything you need. Be sure to include a power bank (with charging cords), a first aid kit, binoculars, water, and a headlamp.
Since restaurants are scarce in Algonquin Provincial Park, pre-pack healthy meals and snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day. In summer, bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, bug spray, a swimsuit, a rain jacket, and plenty of water. Even warm days can turn chilly after sunset, so pack long pants and a hoodie or jacket just in case.
If you’re visiting during the cooler months, make sure to bring gloves, a hat, snow pants, a warm down jacket, and waterproof boots. For an extra adventure, don’t forget your skates if you plan to hit the ice!


Where to Stay in Algonquin Provincial Park
Backcountry Camping
Algonquin Provincial Park’s extensive waterways make backcountry camping accessible not only to hikers but also to canoeists. The park boasts over 1,900 backcountry campsites, most of which are “paddle-in” and reachable only by water. Additionally, three backpacking trails feature several campsites, but these often book out weeks in advance.
Ranger cabins are also available throughout the park. A camping permit is required for all backcountry camping and stays in ranger cabins. These permits can be purchased online or by phone when making a reservation. Reservations open five months in advance, and sites book quickly, so it’s best to plan early. There is no need to pick up a permit in person; your confirmation email serves as proof. If you have an overnight camping permit, a day-use permit is not required.
Lodges
Three charming lodges within Algonquin Provincial Park offer unique accommodations:
- Arowhon Pines Resort: Located on picturesque Little Joe Lake, this 50-room lodge is a peaceful retreat a short drive from Highway 60. Guests enjoy watersport rentals, hiking trails, a sauna, and meals included in their stay.
- Bartlett Lodge: Situated on Lake Cache, near Highway 60, this lodge offers accommodations in log cabins, lakeside cottages, and glamping tents. Guests have complimentary access to sporting equipment such as canoes, mountain bikes, and sailboats.
- Killarney Lodge: Located on a private peninsula on Lake of Two Rivers, Killarney Lodge offers one- and two-bedroom lakeside cottages with included canoes. Guests enjoy meals and a private sandy beach.
Campgrounds
Algonquin Provincial Park features 12 developed campgrounds, each offering a unique experience. Due to their popularity, campground reservations often book months in advance, so we highly recommend booking early. Sites can be reserved up to five months in advance, and overnight camping permits waive the need for a day-use permit.
Popular campgrounds include:
- Lake of Two Rivers Campground: Located near Highway 60, this campground offers access to hiking and biking trails, canoe rentals, showers, flush toilets, and laundry facilities. It operates from mid-May to late October.
- Mew Lake Campground: A year-round option, this campground features yurts, access to the Old Railway Bike Trail, and winter trails. Amenities include a camp store, showers, flush toilets, and laundry facilities. Dogs and radios are not permitted.
- Pog Lake Campground: Ideal for families, this campground boasts secluded sites, a sandy beach, volleyball, and proximity to trails like Lookout Trail. Amenities include showers, flush toilets, and laundry facilities.
- Rock Lake Campground: Perfect for boating enthusiasts, this campground on Rock Lake allows motorized boats and is close to Booth’s Rock Trail. Facilities include showers, laundry, flush toilets, and food storage lockers.
- Achray Campground: Located in the park’s eastern region near Petawawa, this campground offers 45 secluded sites and proximity to Grand Lake and Barron Canyon Trail. Amenities include showers, flush toilets, and laundry facilities.
Many campgrounds accommodate trailers and RVs. Electrical sites are available at Canisbay Lake, Lake of Two Rivers, Mew Lake, Pog Lake, and Rock Lake campgrounds. Always verify site dimensions when booking online.
Nearby Hotels
If you’re planning to stay near the Highway 60 Corridor, consider the highly-rated Parkway Cottage Resort and Trading Post. Located in Dwight on Oxtongue Lake, this resort is just a 10-minute drive from the West Gate of Algonquin Provincial Park. The resort features cozy, family-friendly cottages, each equipped with a fully-stocked kitchenette. Guests can enjoy a private beach and complimentary access to sports equipment like canoes and kayaks.
For those seeking accommodations near the quieter northern area of the park, Top of Algonquin Bed and Breakfast is an excellent choice. This charming B&B offers plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, whether you’re soaking in the hot tub, gathering around the outdoor fire pit, or joining one of their guided nature walks.
If you’re exploring the eastern side of Algonquin Provincial Park, the Quality Inn and Suites in Petawawa is another great option. Located just a 30-minute drive from Algonquin’s Sand Lake Entrance, this three-star hotel boasts a range of amenities, including an indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, a fitness center, and a complimentary breakfast.


Tips for Visiting Algonquin Provincial Park
Book Early
As mentioned earlier, Algonquin Provincial Park is a popular destination, which means campsites, lodges, and Day Passes can sell out quickly. To secure your spot, book campsites as early as possible—up to five months in advance. Day Passes can also be purchased ahead of time, up to five days in advance.
Plan for the Weather
Algonquin’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the fall and spring, with significant temperature fluctuations. Check the forecast before heading out and be prepared with extra layers, hats, gloves, or rain gear as needed.
Keep Your Distance and Hang Your Food
The park is home to incredible wildlife, including bears, wolves, moose, deer, and beavers. Always maintain a safe distance from animals, and never attempt to feed or approach them. If you’re backcountry camping, store food in airtight containers and hang it at least 10 feet off the ground to avoid attracting wildlife.
Leave No Trace
Help preserve Algonquin’s natural beauty by leaving no trace of your visit. Dispose of trash properly, avoid disturbing the environment, and take only memories (and your trash) with you when you leave.
Time Your Visit
If you plan to visit during peak seasons like summer or fall, try to go on weekdays instead of weekends when the park is less crowded. Weekends, especially in summer, are busy due to traffic from locals heading to their nearby cottages. Alternatively, consider visiting in spring or late fall when the park is quieter.


Best Things to Do in Algonquin Provincial Park
Visit the Algonquin Logging Museum
The Algonquin Logging Museum is an excellent pitstop along the Highway 60 Corridor. This free museum is included with an Algonquin day pass and features a small indoor exhibit covering the history of logging in the region. Visitors can then explore a 1.5-kilometer interpretive loop trail outside, which leads to some old miner cabins and other fascinating displays and buildings.
Explore the Waterways on a Canoe, Kayak, or Boat
The best way to explore the park is undoubtedly on its famous waterways! There are several companies and businesses offering day or multi-day rentals all around the park. The two primary rental locations within the park are the Opeongo Store and Canoe Centre, and the Portage Store and Canoe Centre.
Lake Opeongo, the park’s largest lake, is a favorite for its stunning scenery and convenient access points. Other excellent canoeing areas include Canoe Lake, Smoke Lake, Rock Lake, and Kioshkokwi Lake (Kiosk). Kiosk is particularly appealing for those seeking fewer crowds, as it is located in the park’s northern region.
Enjoy Some Bird Watching
Birdwatching in Algonquin Provincial Park is fantastic year-round, with the park being home to approximately 272 bird species. The diversity of species varies between the north and south regions, with the Gray Jay being one of the park’s more notable residents. These fascinating birds brave the harsh winters instead of migrating south.
Birders often encounter Boreal Chickadees, woodpeckers, and the Common Loon while hiking or canoeing. Raptors like Golden Eagles can also be spotted during spring and fall. Popular birdwatching spots include the Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road.
Fish the Lakes and Rivers
Fishing in Algonquin is legendary. With over 1,500 lakes and rivers, the park boasts an impressive concentration of trout habitats. Native Brook Trout inhabit 230 of these lakes, while 149 others are home to Lake Trout.
Each July, the park hosts a Family Fishing Weekend, where visitors can borrow gear for free, compete for prizes, and enjoy fresh catches. Popular fishing spots include Lake of Two Rivers, Opeongo Lake, and Canoe Lake. Backcountry areas like Big Trout Lake and Burnt Island Lake are also renowned for fishing. Remember, a valid Ontario fishing license is required, and live bait is prohibited in the park.


Join a Discovery Program
Algonquin Provincial Park offers a variety of activities through its Discovery Program, detailed on its events page. Popular events include evening movie nights at the Outdoor Theatre (at kilometer marker 35.4) from late June to Labor Day, featuring short films and Q&A sessions.
Guided 90-minute leisure walks are also offered during the same period, providing insights into the park’s natural environment. Additionally, the Visitor Centre hosts hour-long activities and games for kids aged 7–12. Activity schedules are posted on bulletin boards throughout the park.
Hit the Bike Trails
Algonquin has roughly 60 kilometers of paved and gravel biking trails. The Old Rail Bike Trail is a family-friendly, 16-kilometer (one-way) path with minimal inclines and hard-packed soil, running from Rock Lake Campground to Cache Lake. This trail is also popular for winter fat biking, with rentals available from Algonquin Outfitters in Huntsville.
For a moderate challenge, Byers Lake Mountain Bike Trail offers 13 kilometers (round trip) of hilly, rocky terrain. Expert riders can tackle the Minnesing Mountain Bike Trail, a rugged 32.2-kilometer trail (with shorter loop options) featuring steep inclines, exposed roots, and soft sand.
Take a Ride on a Dogsled
Dreaming of a dogsled adventure? While Algonquin doesn’t offer dogsled rides directly, it features trails like the Sunday Lake Dogsled Trail, a 25-kilometer route perfect for scenic sled rides. Tours can be booked through commercial companies such as Winterdance Dogsled Tours.
Go Ice Skating
Pack your skates and head to the Mew Lake Campground, home to Algonquin’s only outdoor ice rink. The rink includes a warming hut, campfire pit, hockey nets, and lights for evening skating so you can keep warm and skate all day. Unfortunately, ice skate rentals are not available, so bring your own gear.
Try Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing
The easiest way to explore Algonquin Provincial Park in winter is by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. The park features over 85 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails and various snowshoeing paths that wind through serene forests and along frozen lakes. Cross-country skiing lets you glide through a picturesque winter wonderland, with popular trails including the Fen Lake Ski Trail and the Old Railway Trail. Snowshoeing, on the other hand, offers a slower, more tranquil pace, allowing you to fully appreciate the quiet beauty of the backcountry. Scenic routes like the Spruce Bog Boardwalk and other backcountry trails are particularly popular for snowshoeing, as the untouched snow creates a breathtaking setting. Equipment rentals are available at several locations, including Algonquin Outfitters, both in and near the park.
Attend the Winter in the Wild Festival
The Winter in the Wild Festival, held annually on Family Day Weekend in mid-February, celebrates winter with a variety of activities, including guest speakers, guided snowshoe excursions, winter camping demonstrations, bird walks, skiing, and skating. Most events take place in the Highway 60 Corridor and are free with a Day Pass or Camping Pass.
Go on a Hike
Algonquin Provincial Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails for all skill levels—from family-friendly boardwalks to challenging multi-day treks. In the following section, we’ll highlight the park’s top hiking trails to help you discover the best options for your adventure.


Best Hikes in Algonquin Provincial Park
Booth’s Rock Trail
The Booth’s Rock Trail is a popular 5.1-kilometer loop that combines natural beauty with historical interest. Located 9 kilometers south of Highway 60, this moderately difficult trail features breathtaking views of two lakes, a spectacular lookout, and an abandoned railway. Although rated as difficult, the trail is accessible to families with children over six years old. It takes roughly two hours to complete, especially if hiked clockwise to avoid steep climbs.
Spruce Bog Boardwalk
For an easy and family-friendly experience, try the Spruce Bog Boardwalk. This 1.5-kilometer loop takes about an hour to complete and provides an excellent opportunity for birdwatching. The boardwalk meanders through two northern black spruce bogs, offering close-up views of the unique wetland ecosystem.
Centennial Ridges Trail
The Centennial Ridges Trail is an iconic 10.4-kilometer loop known for its challenging terrain and stunning panoramic views. This three-to-four-hour trek ascends through the rugged Canadian Shield, leading hikers past forests and high ridges. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking overlooks of Whitefish Lake, which is particularly stunning during the fall. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended, as the trail includes elevation changes and rocky, muddy sections.
Track and Tower Trail
The Track and Tower Trail is perfect for those seeking a more challenging hike. This 7.5-kilometer loop, rated as difficult, typically takes two to four hours to complete. Highlights include remnants of an old railway and a former fire tower, as well as steep staircases and bridge crossings. The trail’s lookout point offers a spectacular panoramic view of Cache Lake, making the effort worthwhile.
Whiskey Rapids Trail
For a moderately rated trail, explore the Whiskey Rapids Trail, located at kilometer marker 7.2 along Highway 60. This 2.1-kilometer loop follows the Oxtongue River, with interpretive signs detailing the park’s ecology. While the exposed tree roots and rocks add a bit of challenge, the trail remains suitable for families with young children. The powerful rapids and scenic river views are the trail’s highlights. Note that the parking lot fills up quickly, so arriving early is advisable.
Lookout Trail
To experience Algonquin’s fall colors, try the Lookout Trail, a two-kilometer moderate loop. Despite its steep and rugged sections, this hour-long hike rewards visitors with one of the park’s most expansive views.
Beaver Pond Trail
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Beaver Pond Trail is an excellent choice. This two-kilometer moderate trail features a boardwalk that provides a glimpse of beavers and their lodges in their natural habitat. The hike takes about an hour and is ideal for families.
Highland Backpacking Trail
Experienced hikers seeking a multi-day adventure can take on the Highland Backpacking Trail, the park’s longest hiking route. Starting at kilometer marker 29.7 on the Highway 60 Corridor, this overnight trail offers two loop options: a 19-kilometer route or a 32-kilometer route, which takes three to five days to complete. Rated as difficult, the trail includes steep climbs, sharp turns, and side slopes. However, the effort is rewarded with stunning views of lakes, rivers, and forests from scenic overlooks.


Algonquin Provincial Park Rules and Prohibited Items
Being a responsible visitor means following the rules and regulations of the park, many of which are in place to help preserve its incredible natural beauty. Below are some of the most important rules and prohibited items:
- No Live Bait: Visitors are not permitted to fish with live bait anywhere in the park.
- Noise: Loud tools such as chainsaws, generators, or fireworks are prohibited to prevent noise pollution and reduce fire risks.
- No Snowmobiling: Snowmobiling is not allowed anywhere within Algonquin Provincial Park.
- No Firearms: Firearms, including rifles, slingshots, air rifles, shotguns, air guns, crossbows, pellet guns, and paintball guns, are strictly prohibited.
- No Cans or Bottles: Cans and bottles are not allowed in backcountry areas.


FAQ About Visiting Algonquin Provincial Park
Do I need a Day Pass if I’m just driving through the Highway 60 Corridor?
No, a permit is not required if you are just driving through.
Do I have to purchase my Day Pass in advance?
No, you can purchase a day pass at one of the gates if passes for the day have not already sold out. However, we recommend purchasing in advance online to streamline your visit.
Where can I get a canoe routes map and/or backpacking map of the park?
Canoe and backpacking maps of Algonquin can be purchased online or in person at one of the entry gates or access points. Some retailers outside Algonquin Park also offer paper copies.
Is Algonquin Provincial Park pet-friendly?
Yes, but pets must be leashed at all times on a lead no longer than two meters. Some areas, such as certain beaches, the Mizzy Lake Trail, yurts, and ranger cabins, do not allow dogs.
Do I need to bring bear spray for hiking or camping?
Bear spray is not required, but it can add a layer of safety and comfort when hiking. Alternatively, whistles and horns are also effective black bear deterrents.
Algonquin Provincial Park is a place of special magic that draws visitors back time and again. Wherever your adventures take you in the park—whether on a canoeing trip or a dog sledding excursion—we hope you experience that same magic!