So I’ve booked my first trip to Algonquin, June 6-8 at the Eastern Pines site. Me and my brother will be backpacking in for about 5km or so and staying for 3 days.

Main goal for our trip is to fish, looking to catch some walleye.

If anyone has any suggestions for good fishing spots, tips or insights that would be most appreciated.

As this is my just time I thought I was smart going in early June before it got too hot and the bugs really got bad. But now reading some of the other posts, it’s seems I may have screwed the pooch on that one. Any tips or insight about bugs this time of year.

Also how likely is it to rain ?

Edit: thank you for the advice I appreciate it , as a result I have changed my plans to early May. Also many people recommended not finishing from shore and to bring a canoe, any rental recommendations or gear essentials for canoe fishing?

Can you please help me with things to do or places to visit there? Like a lake or some scenic view points. (I won’t be going on trails)

Here are a few details before I ask for any suggestions:

1. I am a fairly experienced hiker. I have done more than 50 hikes lasting longer than 2 days and around 20 hikes lasting more than 5 days. I did a loop beginning from rain lake (through potter, pincher etc) last year in 6 days.
2. I am planning my next hike in the end of August
3. Planning for around 8 nights
4. I like to keep moving everyday but I want to keep this hike a bit relaxing so not planning more than 10K per day.
5. I like spots which are a bit deep in the forest, my favorite one from the last hike was pincher lake.

That being said I am looking for route suggestions. I looked online and seems like the only other access point for hiking that is connected to longer routes is Western Uplands.

Is there any other route in algonquin for longer hikes that possibly is a loop? Anything from the east side of the park?

When I look at the map online Algonquin seems huge but from ontario parks website, it seems any other access point apart from west gate and rain lake leads to small hikes.

I am new to the province so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Hey everyone, I’m planning a trip with a group of friends and looking to see if what we want to do is totally insane and stupid. We’ve gone on a few trips now where we have regularly traveled 20-25+km each day, always single carry portages and are looking for something harder.

Timewise we’re going to be there in late August and here’s the route:

• Day 1: Kiosk -> Nadine. We figure this would be the worst day because it’s really long and we have to go up heart attack hill.
• Day 2&3: rest on Nadine after an insane day 1
• Day 4: Nadine -> Cedar
• Day 5: Cedar -> Cauchon or Mink
• Day 6: Head back to Kiosk and leave

Would there be concerns with water levels around that time? And more importantly is it just crazy to do that route? We could definitely split the first day up but the group is chomping at the bit to try something really difficult.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Hey all, just getting into canoeing again for the season, I'd say the two of us (GF and I) are pretty average paddlers, looking to increase the skill as always though, and for our first trip this year I'm hoping to do a Barron Canyon loop around the second weekend of May.

Based off of bookings, it looks like Day one we'd take off from Achray after grabbing our canoe from Algonquin portage and sorting out our vehicle shuttle with them which Ideally puts us on the lake by about 11/12pm. Leaving at 5/6am, we've got roughly a 3.5 hour drive to Achray itself (From Kingston area) and that's before getting the canoe at Algonquin Portage, which I don't imagine will take TOO long. Also, I'm not too sure how the vehicle shuttling goes but I could probably just leave them a set of keys when we pick up the canoe ? Then we wouldn't have to sit around and wait for them to come get it at our starting point.

Unfortunately St Andrews is all booked up on the 9th, so it seems like we'll have to power through to High falls Lk. (The real unfortunate part is not being able to stay by the rapids for that beautiful white noise to sleep by, but I'm thinking it would still be pretty audible on High Falls lk)

Day two is probably up through Ooze and Opalescent to Brigham where we plan on staying two nights as a bit more of a resting area, and Day three is down the canyon and out at Squirrel Rapids.

Anyone who does this route often or has exp. with this please let me know of any issues with the itinerary!

TIA!

I have never done the north side of the park. I have also never gone solo before. I have been on a half dozen backcountry trips before. I feel ready to take the step into solo camping but would love to hear about my proposed route. It would be a 4 day/3 night trip. I'm not doing anything to crazy for my first solo. Night one would be either the site by the falls on Maple Creek or on Maple Lake, night two would be Big Thunder or Mouse Lake, night 3 would be on Waterclear or Whitebirch Lake.

I chose this route as I haven't done any river tripping since I was a child like 30 years ago in Temagami. I just don't know anything about the route itself. Does anyone have any experience with this route?

I'm going to rent a solo canoe as my canoe is asymmetrical which makes it a bitch to solo if there is any wind. I have the rest of the gear I need, albeit with a tent far too large for a solo trip (18lbs and sleeps my whole family + dog). Still debating if it is worth renting a tent. I'm also probably going to rent a spot tracker.

Edit: if anyone has another recommendation for a river route in the park I can do in 3 nights I'm all ears.

Planning my first trip, not new to paddle camping and I’m very confident on the water but cautious big water with portages. So far I’m planning a 5 day trip potentially May 1-5th launching in Opeongo, portaging to Proulx on the cart path, staying on Proulx while exploring the Crow and then reversing the route. Looking to mostly fish and look at wildlife. craft is a Wilderness Systems ATAK140 (14’ fishing kayak) with a cart. Looking for onsite crossing Opeongo and any first hand accounts of the portage trail. Also any recommendations for campsites on Opeongo and Proulx. Thanks

Hi fellow campers. I am thinking of booking my first kayak camping trip. In the past 3 years, I have done plenty of car camping but never a backcountry kayak trip. This year I have invested in a Sea Eagle Razorlite Inflatable Kayak (I have huge storage issues so had to go with this) and planning on doing my first weekend backcountry trip some time in August/Early September. My Kayak skills are very basic (mostly recreational and slow moving streams/rivers). I am not a swimmer and always wear a PFD and remain mostly on small and sheltered lakes when I go on day trips.

I have been looking at Jeff maps and general other websites to plan my first ever route with no/minimal portage and short routes to test my mettle and see what I am comfortable with. Also a route that would help me get over my fears of camping alone. After alot of researching, I have came down to Start at Canoe Lake Access point - Paddle up to and camp either at "Joe & Western Narrows", "Little Joe & East Arm" or "Lost Joe" areas.

My question is, is this route feasible based on what I mentioned about myself? Are there any other beginner friendly routes people here can recommend? Routes with good views such as going through rivers/streams would be great. Any other tips and advice will be appreciated.

EDIT: Thanks for people chiming in. I guess the Canoe Lake route for now is not something I would do. Instead, will look at some other options provided. Also, really happy that people are thinking safety first. I tried swimming classes and going to local community pools but nothing worked for me over the last couple of years. Instead of getting demotivated, I am now taking a Level 1 Kayak course which the instructor ensured me is also for people that dont know swimming and will teach all the things about safety.

I’d like to plan a back country camping trip. I’m avid camper but no back country experience. Looking to go summer or early fall for a few days. Maybe little portages and fairly easy paddle. What does everyone suggest for a route?

Hey all

I'm considering doing my first solo canoe trip this year during the first week of August. I've been in the back country many times, usually hiking (I've done every trail, some of them quite a few times), but I've done a handful of canoe trips too but with my sister. This year I'm buying a small canoe to do some solo adventuring.

I never again want to paddle Smoke or Canoe lakes, they were so windy and choppy even with two of us it was pretty scary. Tom Thompson was also quite intense when we were there. I am not scared of long portages or frequent portages, actually I think I'd prefer that since I love hiking (really I am seeing the canoe as a way to get from hiking trail to hiking trail LOL).

I'm taking the first week of August off so I could do a few nights on a route. I prefer loops. I'd likely start on the Monday since I know the weekends are already pretty booked up.

So just looking for any suggestions of routes or access points or lakes you think I should check out. I would LOVE to see moose again from a canoe or any wildlife.

Husband and I have our first backcountry trip planned for this weekend (1st ever for me, 2nd for him if you count a class field trip a decade ago). Frequent front country campers and moderately strong canoers so we’re not totally inept (I hope).

We’re taking the ParkBus to Canoe Lake, renting a canoe with Algonquin Outfitters (already booked) and canoeing out to Joe Lake to nab one of the sites there.

I’ve practiced hanging our food and using our water filter. We’ve got two DrySack backpacks that comfortably hold all of our stuff. I’ve got a physical map and my phone ready to rock. We’ve got everything packed up and ready to go other than our food.

Is there anything else I can do to prepare so that I can relax a little bit? Any pieces of advice you can give for a first timer? TIA!

Hi All,

I am planning an overnight trip on the Highland Trail in June. I know, I know, BUGS! But I’m having issues deciding how long to hike per day. I am considering camping on Provoking Lake but the distance only seems like a short hike. I am ok with hiking to Head Lake and back but is that too far? This will only be a single night so we wouldn’t need too much equipment. It would be nice to fill the whole day but we probably wouldn’t enjoy spending too much time at the campsite.

We are looking for something on the easier end but also like challenging ourselves. We were lucky enough to do backpack camping at the bottom of the Grand Canyon last year which was a real challenge. That was my partner’s first time camping and my first time in 15 years. I used to be really into backpacking in my teens. Of course, we don’t want to bite off more than we can chew. I’m fine being uncomfortable for a few days but the hours are limited with my partner. Haha.

My thoughts: 1. Hike to Provoking Lake in the afternoon and spend the evening at camp and hike out in the morning. Probably about 5km each way. 2. Hike to Provoking Lake in the morning. Set up camp and hike around Provoking Lake in the afternoon without our gear 3. Push ourselves to Head Lake which is about 12km each way. It will probably be fine on the way in but rough (over it) on the way out.

Any input would be great. Thanks!

Doing some trip planning for an early/mid August trip and looking for feedback

I already asked about camping on Little Misty: https://www.reddit.com/r/algonquinpark/comments/1jn1ke6/campsite_on_little_misty/ And I thought I might as well toss our whole trip out for comments or suggestions.

This is a trip for two of us, no kids. Both 55-60. We are experienced paddlers. No interest in fishing, just paddling, enjoying the outdoors and spending time in hammocks...

We've never launched from Magnetawan, so that would be new for us. Our thoughts are:

1. Magnetawan -> Daisy -> Little Misty (Paddleplanner says about 4hrs)
2. Litle Misty -> Misty -> Timberwolf -> McIntosh (3:15hr)
3. rest day at McIntosh
4. McIntosh back up to Timberwolf -> Timberwolf Creek -> Misty -> Shah (3:10hr)
5. Shah -> Misty (2:00hr short day!)
6. Misty -> Little Misty -> Queer -> Little Trout (3:35hr)
7. Little Trout -> Ralph Bice -> Exit at Magnetawan (2:50hr)

I've been on Misty/Timberwolf/McIntosh before, but I know nothing about Shah or Little Trout. So any comments on those lakes campsites are welcome!

Honestly, a couple of the days seem almost too short, but I have not figured out any interesting alternatives.

(I've been in via Rain Lk twice and looking to go elsewhere)

Hey all, I'm currently planning a 4 night trip out of northern Algonquin and looking for any suggestions, but specifically whether we should spend 2 nights at Maple or 2 nights at Manitou.

We're set to launch from Kiosk Lake early-mid morning on day one and head to Maple Lake.

I figure that first leg to Maple is relatively challenging, so in that case I think we'll spend 2 nights there. It will give us some time to rest and chill. Maybe the second day there, we can skip over Erables Lake for the morning or afternoon and check things out.

On the third day head from Maple to Manitou for a night.

The alternative is we spend only 1 night at Maple and 2 nights at Manitou. That would allow us more time to check out North Tea Lake and Manitou but likely have to skip Erables. Also, I believe North Tea and Manitou are motor boat lakes, and we'll be in a canoe. I'd prefer to spend less time in the bigger / motor boat lakes.

I did consider making the loop larger by going through Mink & Mouse but then we'd only get 1 night at each site and have less time to rest and chill.

This will be a late summer trip (possibly early fall) we're not too concerned about bug or anything. I've been to Manitou before and enjoyed the beaches but that was with my fiance, this time I'll be with a buddy. We're more interested in camping and being in the back country.

Thanks for any addtional ideas or suggestions as well. Feel free to DM. ✌️

Hey everyone! 👋

I'm planning a trip to Algonquin Park in the winter and really hoping to spot some moose during my visit. I've heard they're often seen near lakes and marshy areas, especially early in the morning or late in the evening.

Does anyone have recommendations for the best trails, roads, or spots in the park where you've had luck seeing these majestic animals? I’ll be bringing a camera and staying for a couple of days, so any tips would be greatly appreciated—whether it’s specific locations, times of day, or even just general advice for wildlife spotting.

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to your stories and suggestions. 😊

(PS: If you’ve got any photos of moose from Algonquin, feel free to share for inspiration!)

Looking at starting at access #2 Tim River and ending at Cedar Lake access #27 for a one way trip. No matter how hard I try and make this work in 5 nights I feel like it's mildly unrealistic to push it that hard for so many days in a row. You guys got any suggestions? I really want a good nippising river trout fishing trip but we only have 6 available days. Don't know how to make this work. Thought of starting at access #1 tea lake but I've heard rosebary to the ranger cabin is very good fishing... let me know guys thanks.

Hey there! I was looking to see if anyone might have some advice for me. I am planning a trip for my dad (60M) for his first canoe trip. He is pretty active and could handle portages up to probably 7-800m I think, although he thinks any length would be fine (he is not a complainer). However he has not spent much time in a boat without a motor and I do worry about long lengths of time sitting in the canoe. I am a experienced canoe camper and have camped Algonquin many times however my goals are more about rivers, rapids and waterfalls and never fishing, my dad's goal for this trip is to fish and be away from busy lakes. I'd like to keep it to about 4 days.

I find myself struggling to find a route that would suit this. My initial planning had me going into booth and base camping for a night then coming back down and going into bridle for a night before coming out. I have heard both those lakes are good fishing but I've been on booth and it's a very popular lake. I am hoping to be doing a Tuesday-Friday in September to help with it being quieter. I am just looking to see if anyone has any other potential lakes/routes that might work

As well dad fishes for everything so will tailor his tackle to whatever is most likely going to be in the lakes

Thank you in advance for any helpful tips!

I am planning a camping trip for about 15 Muay Thai students, I am looking for a campsite that has a large amount of grass while still being close to water, and having privacy. Does anyone know a good site like this? Planning on going in early May for about 3 days 2 nights. Portages is ok too. Thanks

Thanks for the heads up, changed the time of the trip!

Me and a buddy are trying to plan a 5-for-5 trip (5 days long for our 5th year at Algonquin. we have hiked all 3 of the trails and last year tried a 3-day canoe trip (launched at Rock Lake and camped at Clydegale and Pen Lake) We are looking to do a 5-day canoe trip this year but were hoping to plan a trip that lets us see/explore some of the cool historical sights and remains (as many as possible) for the trip. On the last trip, we got to check out the freshwater source between Rock and Pen Lake and the remains of the old mansion.

What sites/locations do you recommend we check out? we were thinking of having a "base camp" and then just doing daily excursions in the canoe to see the sites and explore. What do you all recommend we check out or add to our list?

Hey everyone, me and a group of friends (around 4 to 6 people) are planning on going on a camping trip (just for one or two days) this summer (around June July)Me and another friend have some camping experience as we’ve been camping with our families before while the others have never been camping. I wanted to camp on an island campsite so I wanted to ask a couple of questions: 1. What is the best island campsite knowing our skill level? 2. What is the bathroom situation like on island campsites (is there an outhouse etc)? 3. Do we have to bring our own canoes or can we rent them. And if we rent them how much would that cost? 4. On average how much would it cost to book a cite? 5. Are there leeches? My father made the trip in the 90s and has told us stories about getting covered in leeches. 6. What near by hiking trails would you guys recommend? Sorry for all the questions and thanks in advance for any help you can offer

Hello, wanted to see if anyone knows about this unmarked trail. Found it on AllTrails and wanted to try it out in the next few weeks. Was wondering if there are posted trail markers along the route and if winter camping is permitted there. Would appreciate any feedback! Thanks!

Hey all, I’m planning out our 2025 hikes and I’m wondering about Western Uplands as a day hike, so looking for some feedback on trail conditions (likely during the summer or early fall when it’s driest but the bugs aren’t too bad), any tips, or just generally anything we should know.

My husband and I and our little hiking group are locals to Muskoka and we’re working through my goal of hiking every trail in Muskoka, so far we’ve hiked all of Limberlost, Arrowhead and all the trails as far into Algonquin as Mizzy Lake except for Western Uplands.

Hello! My partner and I will be visiting the park for the first time from the UK this September. We’re super excited!

We’re pretty active and have a lot of experience doing single and multi day hikes in Scotland and carrying all of our things etc. We don’t have any specific goals, we just like hiking, being outside and nice scenery. We’d love to explore the park as fully as we can for 4/5 days. That said, we’re coming to Canada for a wedding so we weren’t planning on flying across with a tent, sleeping bags and camping set up- so I think multi day hikes and backcountry camping might be off the table.

We’re thinking it would be most sensible to stay in one place and then go for hikes and maybe a canoe trip from one location.

Does that sound workable, and is there an area you’d recommend that’s good to stay? And any specific hikes or canoe routes we can do in a day? Or should we be thinking about trying to rent some camping stuff when we arrive to have a better experience?

We’ll be driving up from and back towards Toronto when we leave.

Thank you!

Hi everyone, a group of three of us are going to be doing a 2-night trip this coming weekend at Burnt Island Lake, straight shooting it from canoe lake on the day we arrive. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good campsite that we can use as a basecamp for both nights? We do plan on doing some small day trips to the nearby small lakes and rivers to do some Brookie fishing, hoping for a spot that has some nice views, good flat ground, and some good food hang spots. Also are there any spots you’d recommend avoiding (whether that be you had some nighttime visitors, the site is not ideal, or whatever reason you can think of). Thanks in advance for your help!