Algonquin Provincial Park

A vast wilderness park spanning nearly 7,600 square kilometers with pristine lakes, forests, and wildlife including moose and wolves. It is a paradise for camping, canoeing, and hiking with hundreds of backcountry routes.

Things to do

• Canoe the backcountry lakes — Paddle through over 2,000 kilometers of interconnected waterways, portaging between pristine lakes to experience the heart of Algonquin's wilderness.
• Hike the Barron Canyon Trail — Trek through boreal forest to dramatic 100-meter cliffs overlooking the Barron River, one of the park's most scenic day hikes.
• Wildlife viewing at dusk — Position yourself near lakes and meadows during early morning or sunset to spot moose, wolves, and beaver in their natural habitat.
• Camp on an island site — Reserve one of the park's remote island campsites accessible only by canoe for an isolated backcountry experience surrounded by water and forest.
• Rock Lake picnic area visit — Day-trip to this accessible spot featuring sandy beaches, picnic facilities, and excellent swimming in a scenic lake setting.
• Attend the Wolf Howl event — Join park rangers on summer evenings for an interpretive program where wolves are encouraged to respond to howling, offering unforgettable wildlife encounters.
• East Side Trail hike — Walk this moderate trail through old-growth forest along Highway 60 corridor, featuring interpretive signs about boreal ecosystems and logging history.

Food to try

• Backcountry campfire-cooked fish — Freshly caught lake trout or whitefish grilled over a campfire using foraged wood and camp cookware is the quintessential Algonquin dining experience.
• Beaver tail pastry at the visitor centre — A sweet fried pastry treat shaped like a beaver's tail, sold at the East Side visitor centre and a nostalgic Canadian park snack.
• Trail mix and jerky provisioning — Stock up on high-quality beef jerky and custom trail mix at the Algonquin Park General Store before heading into the backcountry for sustained energy.
• Wild blueberry picking — In late summer, forage for abundant wild blueberries along portage routes and lakeshores to supplement camp meals with fresh berries.
• Camp stove bannock bread — Prepare this simple fried dough over a camp stove or fire and top with jam, cinnamon sugar, or savory toppings—a traditional Canadian camping staple.

Local customs & good to know

• Obtain a backcountry permit in advance — Reserve your campsites and obtain overnight permits well ahead of travel, especially during peak summer season, as popular sites fill quickly.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles — Algonquin's preservation depends on visitors packing out all waste, using designated campsites only, and minimizing impact on this sensitive wilderness ecosystem.
• Respect wildlife from a distance — Observe moose, wolves, and other animals from at least 100 meters away and never approach or feed animals, as close encounters disrupt their natural behavior.
• Check weather and water conditions — Always consult park staff about current lake conditions, portage difficulty, and weather forecasts before departing, as backcountry conditions change rapidly.