Algonquin Provincial Park Travel Guide

 
by Faiza-Ifrah
  •   Algonquin Provincial Park
    by Faiza-Ifrah
  •   Algonquin Provincial Park
    by Faiza-Ifrah
  •   Algonquin Provincial Park
    by Faiza-Ifrah
  •   Algonquin Provincial Park
    by Faiza-Ifrah
  •   Algonquin Provincial Park
    by Faiza-Ifrah

Pro

sim1 profile photo

 Beautiful nature, lots of wildlife 


Con

NC_Ziggy profile photo

 Not enough time for Nature, Nature, Nature! 


In a nutshell

epicult profile photo

 Backcountry wilderness at its best! 

 

Explore Algonquin Provincial Park

Things to Do  

Algonquin Portage - Store and outfitters.

Algonquin Portage - Store and outfitters., Algonquin Provincial Park

 Regina1965 Says:  I will add this tip under things to do even though this is a store, as this is the last opportunity for fuel before you enter Algonquin park. At this store they rent out canoes and kayaks and sell canoes. They have camping supplies and food and souvenirs. And they sell... 

The Grand Lake and Achray Campground.

The Grand Lake and Achray Campground., Algonquin Provincial Park

 Regina1965 Says:  After our hike on Barron Canyon Trail Greg and I went to Grand Lake where the Achray campground is located. I found this place to be heaven on earth, I had no idea that there were golden beaches in Algonquin park. And this beautiful lake, where people were canoeing and... 

Sand Lake Gate - entrance to the park.

Sand Lake Gate - entrance to the park., Algonquin Provincial Park

 Regina1965 Says:  We entered the park at Sand Lake Gate, which is where you pay the entrance fee and get info on the park. We only wanted to stay for one day so we paid CAD 15 for a day permit for two people. But of course here people also pay for camping, canoes etc. The day permit allowed... 

The Barron Canyon.

The Barron Canyon., Algonquin Provincial Park

 Regina1965 Says:  Our goal was to hike on the Barron Canyon trail. It is an easy trail, marked by a blue dot on some trees, but it is really not possible to get lost on this trail. Only at the very beginning does it go a bit upwards, after that it is a all smooth. It leads you by the amazing... 

Fall Colours

Fall Colours, Algonquin Provincial Park

 Babzz Says:  Southern Ontario has arguably the most beautiful autumns of all of Canada. Algonquin is one of the recommended places to experience this beauty in (roughly) late September to mid-October. Check out the park's webpage regarding the status of the foliage. 

Opeongo Store & Access Point to the Interior

Opeongo Store & Access Point to the Interior, Algonquin Provincial Park

 mim95 Says:  There is a boat launch, canoe and other equipment rentals, water taxi service, a gift shop and an interior camping registration office.Algonquin has over 2000km of canoe routes! Lake Opeongo is the largest lake in Algonquin and it is one of the many access point to the... 

Dorset

Dorset, Algonquin Provincial Park

 sim1 Says:  We made another stop in the village of Dorset, to get a cup of coffee and stretch our legs. During a cold winter day like this there is not so much to do and see in Dorset. But if you come here in the autumn it will be crawling with people. Dorset is known for its... 

Algonquin Park

Algonquin Park, Algonquin Provincial Park

 sim1 Says:  The most likely way that you enter the park is through the West Gate. And the first thing you will see is this welcome sign:You are now entering Algonquin, the oldest and most famous Provincial Park in Ontario. Since 1893, this vast expanse of forest lakes and rivers has... 

Rent a canoe and paddle on out.

Rent a canoe and paddle on out., Algonquin Provincial Park

 heitzenrater Says:  So you can do a day paddle and cone the sorounding lakes, or you can go on an overnight trip.If you plan on camping overnight you will need a back country permit. They come on first come first serve so book early. Once you have booked you permit you get that at canoe lake,... 

Hotels  

Arowhon Pines

 1 Review and 52 Opinions  Arowhon Pines Lodge (at km 15.4), Bartlett Lodge (at km 23.3) and Killarney Lodge (at km 33.2) are... 

Transportation  

bus to Algonquin from Toronto or Ottawa

bus to Algonquin from Toronto or Ottawa, Algonquin Provincial Park

 Suzanne123 Says:  Cheaper travel close to the park. Twice a week service. It takes you to the wolf Den Lodge Hostel which is at Oxtongue lake. (15 minute drive to the park) Takes highway 11 north to highway 60 than east. 

Driving to Algonquin park by car.

Driving to Algonquin park by car., Algonquin Provincial Park

 Regina1965 Says:  We drove to Algonquin park by car from Ottawa. The drive takes ca 1 hour and 45 minutes. To get there from Ottawa you proceed west along Highway 417, pass through the town of Pembroke and make a left turn into Doran road, which is marked as Renfrew County Road 26. Then make... 

Warnings and Dangers  

Dramatically changing weather

Dramatically changing weather, Algonquin Provincial Park

 Faiza-Ifrah Says:  We were driving towards Opeongo Lake (3 kms north of Km 46.3 mark) when the rain started falling. Before we know it, it turned into a massive down pour with visibility becoming almost zero. We saw some kayakers drastically pedaling to get back to the launching deck. When we... 

Algonquin Park

Algonquin Park, Algonquin Provincial Park

 opeongo66 Says:  I've been going there for 25 years. Number one problem is noisy people. They RUIN it for everyone. This is not a wilderness park as often described. It is a daycare for teenagers and five year olds. Crank up the volume big time. Going into the interior by foot or canoe for... 

Watch for Logging Trucks

Watch for Logging Trucks, Algonquin Provincial Park

 mim95 Says:  Even though Algonquin is a provincial park, it doesn't mean that all of its land is protected. In fact, only about 20% of the land is saved from the chainsaw. If you are only travelling around Hwy 60, you will likely even not know about this fact, as most of the logging... 

What to Pack  

Going for a hike

Going for a hike, Algonquin Provincial Park

 sim1 Says:  When you go on a day hike it's good to take a few things along with you. * First of all the bug repellent (see the next tip for more info).* Sunscreen! The sun can be suprisingly strong and a sunburn is easily caught.* Water! Hahaha, when you've done a climb uphill you... 

Protecting against mosquitos

Protecting against mosquitos, Algonquin Provincial Park

 sim1 Says:   As you could read in my warning tip it's best to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes because of the West Nile Virus. Here are some useful tips to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes: Pack light coloured and long-sleeved clothing that includes long sleeved shirts or... 

Sports & Outdoors  

If you're prepared you can enjoy the park by water

If you're prepared you can enjoy the park by water, Algonquin Provincial Park

 CdnJane Says:  I didn't partake this time, but years ago as a camper, we set out to our summer camp from Canoe Lake Portage Docks (which is much fancier now then it was 35 yrs ago!). From here you can rent a canoe, and the gear, to go canoeing for the day, or for several days. This time,... 

Gunnel Bobbing

Gunnel Bobbing, Algonquin Provincial Park

 epicult Says:  This is a foolish watersports game played by those looking to 'literally take a load off' and get stupid after some serious portaging and canoeing - or - you just happen to be near a lake and have a canoe. The name of the game?... Gunnel Bobbing -or- dump your competitor... 

Favorites  

GENERAL TIP WITH A BEGINNERS ITENERARY

GENERAL   TIP  WITH A BEGINNERS ITENERARY, Algonquin Provincial Park

 RACCOON1 Says:  Try Algonguin Outfitters for equipment. Seeing animals is not guaranteed. Fot three to four day trips you do not need a guide as long as someone can read maps and you have some camping experience. Paddling across a lake into the wind can be tiring so take breaks at the... 

CANOEING INTO ALGONQUIN

CANOEING  INTO  ALGONQUIN, Algonquin Provincial Park

 RACCOON1 Says:  UNDER CONSTRUCTIONAlgonguin Park has an interconnected waterway system ( lakes, rivers, etc) which totals some 2000km in length making it probably the premier canoeing/camping area in the world . If you visit Algonquin Park you have to go canoeing . 

Comments

 
Map of Algonquin Provincial Park