When the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) handed down a ruling in August 2020, standup paddleboard racers worldwide expected it to be a turning point. For nearly five years, two governing bodies had been squabbling over who should control the sport at the international level—the Switzerland-based International Canoe Federation (ICF) or the America-based International Surf Association (ISA). Each organization believed it could do the best job of governing SUP and creating an international framework to expand paddling’s fastest growing sport.
“My initial take on it was, ‘It’s finally over. We have a decision,’” said Tamás Buday Jr., a former sprint canoe Olympian for Team Canada who now races SUP and won a master’s world championship in 2019. “Going back and forth between the two major organizations was just harmful to the sport.”
Both the ISA and ICF have a long history of governing their respective disciplines. The infighting over whether paddleboarding is a surf-based sport or a canoe and kayak-based sport has only led to confusion. Both organizations run events dubbed world championships, which makes for a boxing-style system without a unified world champion. Both federations also have ideas about what standard race lengths and rules should be, which has created the Wild West of racing.
While a SUP Olympic program might not matter much to the average recreational paddleboarder, its inclusion would mean press, prestige and higher pay for athletes, which could raise the profile of the sport and make it more competitive.
Some paddlers believe the tug-of-war over who has authority delayed SUP’s inclusion as a new sport in the next Olympic Games. Its inclusion was floated as a possible addition alongside sport climbing, skateboarding and surfing—all of which will debut at the rescheduled 2020 Olympics. However, without an official governing body, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had no one to work with.
Many racers hope the CAS’s August ruling will end the discord so they can focus on paddling, not politics. “The CAS Panel has decided the ISA shall be the International Federation governing and administrating the sport of SUP at Olympic level, but has dismissed ISA’s request to be recognized as the sole governing body of SUP at the world level,” the decision read. “The ICF remains entitled to conduct all types of SUP activities outside of the Olympic movement.” So, both the ISA and ICF can hold standup paddling events worldwide, but the ISA is to govern at the Olympic level.
“At the end of this long and difficult paddle, we are both relieved and gratified by this important decision by CAS,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre in an online statement. “The global SUP community can now look forward with clarity in continuing the building of an exciting future for SUP and its athletes.”
Let the games begin. | Photo: Lech Dolecki
Aguerre began discussions with the IOC to feature SUP at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after the CAS decision was made. Ultimately, the December deadline for inclusion was too tight. The next possibility is the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
ICF President José Perurena also declared the CAS verdict as a win stating: “We are pleased and feel vindicated that the Court of Arbitration for Sport has recognized the important role the International Canoe Federation has played in the development of standup paddling and that it is free to continue this role worldwide.”
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With the 2021 racing season quickly approaching, the ICF will hold its next SUP World Championships in Balatonfüred in Hungary in June 2021. With a verdict on Olympic governance declared, racers hope the ICF and ISA will move past the conflict to collaborate on a pathway to the ultimate podium.
“Regarding the longterm future, we are working with athletes, event organizers and national federations to put together an events calendar convenient to everyone involved, including the ISA,” says ICF communications manager Ross Solly. “We are hopeful that as two members of the Olympic family, we will be able to have fruitful discussions which will help SUP continue to grow as a sport.”
This article was first published in Paddling Magazine Issue 63. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions here, or browse the digital archives here.
Algonquin Park is just a few hours’ drive from Ontario’s largest urban centres, yet this celebrated outdoor recreation and adventure destination feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Toronto and Ottawa.
You don’t have to be a rugged outdoors person to experience the majestic lakes, serene forests and abundant wildlife of this iconic park. Algonquin’s diverse hiking trails, canoe routes, visitor attractions and winter recreation opportunities are easily accessible from the park’s scenic central artery, Highway 60.
Whenever you choose to visit, each season offers something special in Algonquin Park. Spring boasts peak wildlife viewing, summer is the most popular season in the park, fall colours are spectacular and winter is the quietest time of year, when dazzling white snows blanket park forests and frozen lakes.
With a wonderful range of accommodations—from campgrounds to luxury lakeside suites—Algonquin Park is a perfect staycation destination for travelers of all types.
Looking to experience the magic of an overnight visit to Algonquin Provincial Park for yourself? Camping is one of Algonquin Park’s most popular activities, and camping opportunities are grouped into two main categories: drive-to campgrounds and backcountry campsites. Algonquin offers over 1,300 developed campsites accessible to vehicle and RV campers, as well as more than 1,900 canoe camping and backpacking sites spread across the park’s vast interior.
Drive to campgrounds in Algonquin Park
Each of Algonquin Park’s 11 developed campgrounds is situated beside an unspoiled lake and nestled amid the park’s famous hardwood and pine forests. Services vary by campground, with camping experiences for tent, RV and yurt campers. Eight of the park’s vehicle-accessible campgrounds are centrally located along Algonquin’s popular Highway 60 corridor. The lightly traveled north side of the park offers two developed campgrounds, while visitors to the east side of Algonquin will find one option for vehicle camping there. Learn more about the most Breathtaking Campgrounds in Algonquin Park.
Find the solitude you are craving. | Photo courtesy of: Destination Ontario
Backcountry camping in Algonquin Park
Experience Algonquin Park at its most rugged and wild—enter the backcountry by paddle and portage to sample a vast landscape of maple hills, rocky ridges, spruce bogs and thousands of lakes, ponds and streams. Additionally, Algonquin has three backpacking trails that await those seeking seclusion in the park on foot. Learn more about the best backcountry camping areas and how to Plan Your Dream Algonquin Backcountry Camping Trip.
Hiking trails in Algonquin Park run the gamut from easy rambles for first-time hikers, to demanding multi-day circuits for the most ambitious backpackers. Along the park’s Highway 60 corridor, you’ll find 14 interpretive hiking trails exploring different aspects of Algonquin Park’s diverse landscapes, geology, ecology, history, plants and animals.
Day hiking trails in Algonquin Park range from less than 1 kilometre to 11 kilometres in length. The park’s three backpacking trail networks offer a total of 140 kilometres of backcountry hiking.
For a terrific introduction to hiking in Algonquin Park, don’t miss these top trails:
Lookout Trail – This moderate, 1.9-km trail is relatively steep and rugged but affords the hiker with a magnificent view of several hundred square kilometers of Algonquin Park. Especially gorgeous in the fall when the park’s hardwood forests blaze with color.
Barron Canyon Trail – Located amid pine forests on Algonquin Park’s east side, this moderate, 1.5-km trail leads to and runs along the north rim of the spectacular 100-meter-deep Barron Canyon. The interpretive trail guide explains the formation and history of the canyon.
Track and Tower Trail – For a longer day hike with a spectacular lookout as your reward, lace up your boots and tackle this moderate, 7.7-km looped trail.
Visit Ontario Parks to discover more hiking trails in Algonquin Park.
Paddling is the best way to experience Algonquin. | Photo courtesy of: Destination Ontario
Canoeing in Algonquin Park
Whether you have single day or a whole week, canoeing in Algonquin Park is the definitive way to experience this iconic destination. Paddle around a misty lake at dawn, or venture deep into the park’s interior by paddle and portage. The longer your trip and the more portages you cross, the fewer other park visitors you’ll see.
First time paddling a canoe? Not to worry—many of the best Algonquin canoe routes are also offered as guided canoe trips by experienced park outfitters.
Alternatively, Algonquin Park Canoe Rentals are available at popular backcountry access points to make your journey from parking lot to paddling route quick and easy. Many outfitters also offer delivery to other access points or even right to your Algonquin Park campground. Shuttle service, camping equipment rental and full outfitting packages for self-guided canoe trips are also available.
With over 2,000 kilometres of canoe routes, the paddling possibilities in Algonquin Park are almost infinite. Take the guesswork out of planning—discover the Best Canoe Routes and Trips in Algonquin Park for paddlers of every ability and appetite.
No less than 54 different species of fish have been recorded in Algonquin Park, but it’s the world-class trout fishing that draws many anglers from across Ontario and beyond. Algonquin is home to the highest concentration of native brook (speckled) trout lakes in the world.
Algonquin’s outstanding fisheries owe their existence to the park’s rare combination of headwater lakes and rivers, seclusion and protection from development. Many of Algonquin Park’s more than 1,500 lakes and 1,200 kilometres of streams and rivers lie in the backcountry, and see only a small number of anglers each year. Lakes along the Highway 60 corridor, where fishing pressure is higher, have special regulations to ensure their populations are not overfished.
Feel the thrill of catching a big (or small) one. | Photo courtesy of: Destination Ontario
Anyone can enjoy an Algonquin Park fishing trip—whether you’re a first-time fisher feeling the tug of summer smallmouth on your line, or an avid angler targeting wary brook trout in secret backcountry streams. Learn more about Algonquin Park Fishing: Everything You Need to Know.
Winter is a special time of year in Algonquin Park, when frosty temperatures and heavy snowfall bring solitude to park trails. Spectacular winter vistas and intimate wildlife encounters reward warmly dressed photographers, while enthusiasts of winter activities will find plenty to do and explore. Highway 60 is ploughed and sanded all winter and many trails are available for winter visitors.
Cross-country skiing
Three Algonquin Park ski trail networks offer over 110 kilometers of some of Ontario’s best cross-country (Nordic) skiing. These trails are groomed and trackset on a regular basis throughout the winter season, and feature warming cabins equipped with woodstoves. Backcountry skiers will also find an ungroomed trail network for wilderness skiing adventures. Ski rentals are available from Algonquin Outfitters locations in Huntsville and Oxtongue Lake (Dwight).
Explore Algonquin on snowshoes. | Photo courtesy of: Destination Ontario
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing enthusiasts can go virtually anywhere within the park except on cross-country ski trails. Try one of the short hiking trails along the Highway 60 corridor for an easy winter outing. Snowshoe rentals are available from Algonquin Outfitters locations in Huntsville and Oxtongue Lake.
Fat biking
Algonquin Park’s Old Railway Bike Trail is groomed approximately 12 km from Pog Lake to Cache Lake throughout the winter as a multi-use recreation trail that is popular for fat biking. Fat bike rentals are available in Huntsville at Algonquin Outfitters.
Dogsledding
Dogsledding opportunities, offered by commercial operators, are available in two locations in the park—the Sunday Lake Dogsled Trail network accessed from Highway 60, and the North Algonquin Dogsled Trail accessible from the town of South River on Highway 11.
Winter camping
Algonquin Park offers a variety of winter camping experiences, including backcountry camping and developed vehicle, RV and heated yurt camping at Mew Lake Campground.
Visit Ontario Parks to learn more about winter recreation in Algonquin Park.
Day trips and tours in Algonquin Park
Get closer than you imagined possible to Algonquin Park moose, photograph the park’s most stunning autumn scenes, or discover cultural treasures hidden deep in the forest. From Algonquin canoe tours to photography workshops, driving and bus tours, you’ll be amazed by how much you can see and learn on an Algonquin Park day trip.
Join a guided Algonquin Park canoe tour for a great introduction to paddling in the park. Perfect for first-timers, these day trips include canoes, paddles, safety equipment, park permits and a tasty shore lunch. Enhance your Algonquin canoe tour by choosing a themed day trip based on your interests—wildlife watching, artists in the park, fishing and more.
Whether you’re an avid photographer looking to expand your knowledge of wildlife and landscape photography, or a novice shutterbug wanting to capture quintessential images from your time in the park, there is an Algonquin Park photo tour that is sure to develop your skills.
Algonquin Park driving and bus tours
An Algonquin Park bus tour or driving tour can be a great introduction to the park for first-time visitors. Highway 60 traverses Algonquin from east to west, a twisting two-lane road that winds through nearly 60 kilometres of amazing scenery, past sparkling lakes and vibrant forest.
Autumn is a spectacular time to visit Algonquin. | Photo courtesy of: Destination Ontario
Most bus tours make several stops throughout the day at some of Algonquin Park’s top attractions. Many tours include time for easy, optional hikes on scenic lookout trails. There are even adventurous Algonquin bus tours for active travellers that include canoeing excursions, swimming in a pristine lake and longer hikes.
Experience the beauty and tranquility of Algonquin Park’s wild interior on a guided multi-day tour of the park with an esteemed local outfitter. Learn paddling, portaging and camping skills while traveling one of Algonquin’s spectacular backcountry canoe routes on a guided multi-day canoe trip.
In winter, a lodge-based tour offers an immersive yet comfortable snow-season experience. For the ultimate winter adventure, join a multi-day dogsledding tour across the frozen backcountry, staying in rustic winter camps.
Places to visit in Algonquin Park
Wet’n’wild in Algonquin. | Photo courtesy of: Destination Ontario
Algonquin High Falls
Take a wild ride on a natural water slide! Algonquin Park’s High Falls is the perfect place to cool off on a hot day. Pack your swimsuit and a picnic lunch for an exciting afternoon of sliding and splashing down this natural rock water slide.
The High Falls water slide is located on the eastern edge of Algonquin Park, accessible from Barron Canyon Road and Achray Access Point on Grand Lake. There are a number of ways that hikers, canoeists, kayakers and paddleboarders can reach the slide, including an easy walking trail or a short paddle down Stratton Lake. Interior backpacking and canoeing campsites near the falls invite a longer stay.
With more than 1,500 lakes to choose from, shortlisting Algonquin Park’s finest lakes is no easy task. Sandy beaches, perfect rock points, unbelievable fishing, stellar swimming holes and private island camping—Algonquin Park lakes have it all.
To create this bucket list of 21 Stunning Lakes in Algonquin Park, we factored in each lake’s exceptional scenic value, as well as its ease of access for paddlers and hikers, and what else you can see in the surrounding area. We also selected lakes with above-average campsites, so you can spend as much time soaking up those lakefront views as you like.
Barron Canyon
Algonquin Park’s Barron Canyon is so jaw-droppingly beautiful, it’s well worth seeing from every angle. For a brief period after the end of the last ice age, the Barron River carried the entire outflow from Lake Aggasiz (the precursor of today’s Great Lakes) and a spectacular canyon was cut by this tremendous flow of water.
To experience the 100-meter-deep canyon from its depths, paddle up the Barron River from eastern Algonquin’s Squirrel Rapids access point. Towering white pines on the gorge’s rim appear like toy trees from this vantage point. This 1-day canoe trip requires two short portages and is suitable for both novice and expert paddlers.
Retrace your paddle strokes back to your vehicle, and then hike the Barron Canyon Trail to catch the equally breathtaking view from the top. This moderate, 1.5-km trail runs along the north rim of the canyon beside precipitous cliff tops—watch your step.
Algonquin Park backcountry
The best way to experience Algonquin Park’s vast backcountry is by undertaking a multi-day trip into the park’s interior, staying at canoe campsites, backpacking campsites or one of a handful of backcountry ranger cabins within the park.
Together, Algonquin Park’s 11 developed campgrounds offer more than 1,300 campsites accessible to tent, vehicle and RV campers. Algonquin Park campgrounds are located beside lovely lakes, with a wide range of amenities including electrical hook-up, comfort stations with hot showers, swimming beaches and even yurt rentals. Eight of the park’s vehicle-accessible campgrounds are centrally located along Algonquin’s popular Highway 60 corridor. Learn more about Camping in Algonquin Park: 9 Breathtaking Campgrounds.
Hotels near Algonquin Park
A diverse selection of comfortable and affordable hotels is located within minutes of Algonquin Park’s west, east and southern access points. Algonquin inns and hotels are ideal for those wanting modern amenities and comforts while enjoying easy access to Algonquin Park’s outdoor recreation opportunities. Plus, many hotels offer the convenience of a room or fully equipped suite that is steps from the shops and restaurants of the region’s welcoming communities. Discover 13 Algonquin Hotels For People Who Don’t Want To Camp.
Rent a restored Algonquin log cabin for an authentic heritage experience in the park’s interior, or choose a modern Algonquin cottage rental for a family staycation everyone will love. Whether you’re after an off-grid getaway or something more deluxe, these stunning properties make inviting and convenient bases for exploring the park’s breathtaking natural beauty. Find 25 Charming Cottage And Cabin Rentals Near Algonquin Park.
Stay in rustic to classic lodges and resorts. | Photo courtesy of: Destination Ontario
Algonquin Park lodges & resorts
An Algonquin lodge stay offers flexibility for couples, friends, families and solo travellers. Book an all-inclusive package where every detail of your experience is exquisitely crafted. Or go independent—exploring the scores of trails, lakes and attractions just a short drive from your doorstep, and then returning to your peaceful refuge to recharge for the next adventure. Choose from a wide variety of lodges and resorts located within the park’s boundaries or on its periphery. Base yourself at an Algonquin lodge or resort for a true holiday feel with a comfortable cocktail of rustic luxury and wilderness vibes. Discover 19 Rustic to Classic Lodges and Resorts Near Algonquin Park.
Algonquin Park weather
Weather in Algonquin Park varies greatly depending on which season you are planning to visit. During peak summer season (late June through early September), Algonquin Park enjoys hot, humid days, warm nights and plenty of sunshine. Afternoon thunderstorms can bring heavy rain, but are usually short-lived. The average daily high is 20–30°C.
Spring (May–June) is generally cooler and wetter, while fall (mid-September through October) offers a mix of bright sunshine, chilly rains and crisp nights.
If you are planning to paddle during your visit, water temperature is just as important a consideration as air temperature. In summer, Algonquin lakes are a comfortable swimming temperature, while water temperature in spring and fall is dangerously cold.
Winter (December–March) can be a magical time to visit Algonquin Park—for those equipped for frigid weather. In February, the coldest month in the park, the average daily high is just -10°C and overnight temperatures can drop below -30°C.
It’s time to unplug and really ‘LOL – laugh out loud’. | Photo courtesy of: Destination Ontario
Algonquin 14-day, 7-day and hourly weather forecast
Get hourly, weekend, 7-day and 14-day weather forecasts for Algonquin Park at The Weather Network. Their forecast also includes a handy Bug Activity Report—so you can avoid visiting the park when biting insects are at peak activity.
Environment Canada offers two Algonquin Park forecasts: one for Lake of Two Rivers along the Highway 60 corridor, and one for Brent access point in the northern portion of the park.
For detailed weather trends, conditions and webcams in Algonquin Park visit the Friends of Algonquin Park.
Algonquin ice-out history
Over 50 years of record keeping in Algonquin Park show the average ice-out on Lake Opeongo—the park’s largest lake and usually the last to open up in the spring—is April 28, with dates ranging from late March to mid-May some years. Algonquin “Ice-out” refers to the day when a boat can travel the length of Lake Opeongo unimpeded by ice.
Generally, lakes on the lower and warmer east side of the park, and those with substantial water flow, are the first to shed their ice cover. The last lakes to melt are those in the higher elevation areas of the west side of Algonquin and the park’s largest lakes.
For current ice conditions in Algonquin Park and Algonquin Ice-out history, visit the Friends of Algonquin Park.
Algonquin Park’s West Gate is the closest park entrance to Toronto, located some 260 km (160 miles) north of the city.
Traveling by car, the most direct route is a 3-hour drive on Highway 400/Highway 11 north to the Huntsville area, and then east on Highway 60 to the West Gate park entrance.
The best way to get to Algonquin Park from Toronto without a car is to travel by bus. Parkbus offers one-way and return service from Toronto to popular locations along the park’s Highway 60 corridor. Travel is aboard a coach bus and takes around 4 hours to reach the West Gate. Find pricing and a detailed schedule here.
There are no options for air travel from Toronto directly to Algonquin Park.
Ottawa to Algonquin Park
Algonquin Park’s East Gate offers the closest entry point to the park’s popular Highway 60 corridor from Ottawa, a distance of 240 km (150 miles).
Most travellers from Ottawa arrive by car via Highway 417/Highway 60 West to the East Gate park entrance—a 2-hour and 45-minute drive. The eastern edge of the park is also popular with visitors from Ottawa. To reach Algonquin’s Achray/Grand Lake access point by car, drive 208 km (130 miles) on Highway 417/17 West to the Petawawa area and continue west on Barron Canyon Road.
The best way to get to Algonquin Park from Ottawa without a car is to travel by bus. Parkbus offers one-way and return service from Ottawa to popular locations along the park’s Highway 60 corridor. Travel is aboard a mid-size coach bus and takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes to reach Algonquin’s Lake Opeongo access point. Find pricing and a detailed schedule here.
There are no options for air travel from Ottawa directly to Algonquin Park.
Although black bears are reasonably common in Algonquin Park, with the population thought to be around 2,000, bears are normally shy of humans and you will have to be very lucky to see one. However, careless food storage or improper disposal of garbage may attract bears looking for an easy meal, leading to “problem” bears that can become persistent and destructive nuisances. As a visitor camping in bear country, you have a responsibility to follow black bear safety rules and to know what to do if you encounter a bear.
For many visitors to Algonquin Park, seeing a moose is at the top of their park wish lists. Fortunately, Algonquin’s long-legged mascot is one of the most commonly seen large mammals in the park. In spring, moose are attracted to roadsides along Highway 60 to feed on the new sprouting plants in the ditches and open areas. Increase your chances of seeing moose by concentrating on low-lying, wet areas such as bogs, ponds and beaver meadows, and visiting these areas in the early morning and evening. Spotting a moose from your canoe while exploring some of the park’s waterways is a highlight of any visit.
With over 270 bird species recorded in Algonquin, there is no shortage of bird watching opportunities. For those wishing to learn more about the biology and ecology of 77 of the most striking birds that you can expect to find in Algonquin Park, pick up a copy of the Birds of Algonquin Provincial Park. Order this publication from The Friends of Algonquin Park or purchase it at various locations within the park.
Algonquin park maps
Every Algonquin Park visitor wants to experience the park’s iconic lakes, trails and campgrounds, but Algonquin’s sprawling geography makes it challenging to know where to start. Add to its immense size the fact that only a small fraction of the park is accessible from the main Highway 60 corridor, and a detailed, easy-to-use Algonquin Park map becomes just as essential as a good pair of hiking boots.
Google Maps and other mapping apps can give you a general idea of where to find Algonquin Park access points and specific attractions, but aren’t suitable for navigating in the backcountry. To explore on the ground, find the best maps by reading Don’t Get Lost In The Woods: A Guide To Algonquin Park Maps.
The same ingredients that make Algonquin Park an incredibly diverse haven for fish also make the park an outstanding destination for anglers. Algonquin offers a rare combination of headwater lakes and rivers, seclusion and protection from development. Many of the park’s more than 1,500 lakes and 1,200 kilometres of streams and rivers lie in the undisturbed backcountry, and see only a small number of anglers each year. Lakes along the Highway 60 corridor, where fishing pressure is higher, have special regulations to ensure their populations are not overfished.
No less than 54 different species of fish have been recorded in Algonquin Park, but it’s the world-class trout fishing that draws many anglers from across Ontario and beyond. Algonquin is home to over 25 percent of Ontario’s remaining native brook trout lakes and streams—the highest concentration found anywhere in the world—and about 10 percent of the province’s native lake trout lakes.
The Algonquin Park fishing season opens on the last Saturday in April and ends September 30th. Spring offers the best Algonquin fishing opportunities for lake and brook (also known as speckled) trout, when these cold-water fish are found closer to the surface. Bass season opens in late June, and both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are popular summer targets. Other Algonquin game fish include walleye, northern pike and muskellunge. Many experienced anglers say the best fishing is found deep in the heart of Algonquin Park’s backcountry, accessible only by paddling and portaging the park’s fantastic canoe routes.
Everyone can enjoy Algonquin Park fishing trips—whether you’re a first-time fisher feeling the tug of summer smallmouth on your line, or an avid angler targeting wary brook trout in secret backcountry streams.
Ontario residents over 65 years do not require a fishing license. | Photo courtesy of: Destination Ontario
Algonquin Park fishing license
Most people fishing in Algonquin Park need to purchase and carry a provincial Outdoors Card and Ontario Recreational Fishing License. Ontario residents under 18 and over 65 years of age do not require a fishing license. Prior to your trip, be sure to check the current Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary to ensure all specific rules are followed.
Ontario Outdoors Cards and Recreational Fishing Licenses are available for purchase online or in Algonquin Park at the West Gate, East Gate, Canoe Lake Access Point and Lake Opeongo Access Point. Learn more about Ontario fishing license requirements and fees here.
Canadian residents are provided four opportunities throughout the year to fish without having to purchase a license: Ontario Family Day weekend (February), Mother’s Day weekend (May), Father’s Day weekend (June) and Ontario Family Fishing Week (July). Find upcoming license-free family fishing dates here.
If you are just getting started in the world of fishing, check out Ontario’s Learn to Fish Guide for a host of helpful tips and techniques on everything from tackle and equipment to species identification and fishing responsibly.
Algonquin Park promotes the use of artificial lures; live baitfish are prohibited. | Photo courtesy of: Destination Ontario
Algonquin Park fishing rules
Algonquin Park is a very special fishery and thus has special fishing regulations to ensure the protection of the park’s fragile and irreplaceable native fisheries. These restrictions include:
Possession, capture or use of live baitfish is prohibited in Algonquin Park
Possession of any amphibian or reptile—such as frogs or salamanders—is prohibited at all times
No fishing within 100 meters of any dam in Algonquin Park
No winter fishing in Algonquin Park (designated fish sanctuary from December 1 to late April)
Harvested fish should be packaged individually in clear plastic. A large patch of skin must be left on all fish fillets for identification purposes.
Worms are permitted as bait in Algonquin Park, but anglers are encouraged to dispose of unused worms in garbage containers (not on the ground) as worms are not native to Algonquin Park and may negatively impact soil communities.
Several excellent speckled (brook) trout lakes have been established where only artificial lures may be used and lower catch limits apply. Slot size limits and designated voluntary catch-and-release lakes are also having positive effects on the Algonquin Park fishery. A recent trout fishing survey showed that conscientious park anglers were releasing over 60 percent of the fish they caught.
These special Algonquin Park fishing regulations are in addition to all applicable provincial regulations—see the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary for more details. Algonquin is located within Ontario’s Fisheries Management Zone 15; refer to the summary for zone-wide seasons and limits, as well as species exceptions and waterbody exceptions.
Ice fishing in Algonquin
Algonquin Park is a designated fish sanctuary during the winter months, ensuring the park’s fish populations continue to thrive for future generations. Since fishing in the park is closed from December 1st through late April, ice fishing Algonquin Park is effectively prohibited.
Algonquin Park fishing is excellent all summer long. | Photo courtesy of: Destination Ontario
Algonquin Park best fishing spots
There are good fishing opportunities just about everywhere in Algonquin Park. Ask park staff or drop by a local outfitter like Algonquin Bound or Algonquin Outfitters to find out what’s hot and get expert advice to increase your fishing success.
The quieter lakes near the park’s East Gate are always a good bet, but there are just as many hidden gems near Algonquin’s West Gate and Sand Lake Gate. Canoe-in-only interior lakes offer the absolute best brook trout fishing in Algonquin Park. If you are unwilling or unable to travel into the park’s interior, most road-access lakes in Algonquin Park offer fantastic smallmouth bass and lake trout fishing.
Canoeists compete with powerboat anglers for Canoe Lake’s smallmouth bass. | Photo courtesy of: Destination Ontario
Fishing Algonquin’s Canoe Lake
Algonquin Park’s busiest lake, Canoe Lake is home to smallmouth bass and lake trout, as well as hundreds of eager paddlers on sunny summer weekends. Canoe Lake is also open to boats with motors of 20 horsepower or less, so it experiences more fishing pressure than no-motor lakes. Access is from Highway 60 near KM 14, at the Canoe Lake Access Point. The Canoe Lake permit office sells fishing licenses and has fishing rods, reels and tackle boxes available for free loan as part of Ontario’s Tackle-Share program.
Fishing Algonquin’s Smoke Lake
Just across Highway 60 from Canoe Lake, Algonquin’s Smoke Lake is also patrolled by “smallies” and “lakers”. Algonquin Park smallmouth bass have a reputation as a hard-fighting sportfish; these feisty football-shaped fish gravitate to underwater drop-offs and rocky shoals or shorelines. Like its neighbour, Smoke Lake has a 20-horsepower motor limit and is another of Algonquin’s busier cottage lakes. Portage south into Ragged Lake to target the same species with less fishing pressure.
Fishing Algonquin’s Lake of Two Rivers
Lying right alongside Highway 60 between KM 32–35, Lake of Two Rivers is one of Algonquin Park’s most accessible lakes. Stay at Lake of Two Rivers Campground or Killarney Lodge and fish for lake trout and smallmouth bass. Troll for lakers near the surface in spring (May to June)—as the water warms, the fish go deeper. Boats with motors up to 20 horsepower are permitted on Lake of Two Rivers.
Fishing Algonquin’s Pog Lake
Just downstream from Lake of Two Rivers along the Madawaska River system, Pog Lake’s small size makes it easy to fish the whole lake from the Pog Lake Campground. You can even borrow free fishing rods, reels and tackle from the campground office as part of the Tackle-Share program, making Pog Lake a great destination for first-time anglers. Test your luck for smallmouth bass or lake trout.
In the northwest corner of Algonquin Park, accessible from the Kawawaymog Lake Access Point and a short paddle down the Amable du Fond River, North Tea Lake boasts loads of portage-free paddling, nearly 70 gorgeous backcountry campsites and tons of great fishing. North Tea Lake’s two distinct arms are home to lake trout and brook trout, as well as smallmouth bass. Trout season opens on the fourth Saturday in April, with the best fishing generally being in May or June. Boats with motors up to 10 horsepower are permitted on North Tea Lake.
Fishing Algonquin’s Cache Lake
Cache Lake is another of Algonquin Park’s popular Highway 60 lakes, found south of the highway near KM 24. Summer camps, a lodge and cottages dot the shores and islands, but Cache Lake’s numerous small bays nevertheless offer rewarding fishing for smallmouth bass and lake trout. Boats with motors up to 20 horsepower are permitted.
Northern Pike are a toothy adversary for Algonquin anglers. | Photo courtesy of: Destination Ontario
Fishing Algonquin’s Booth Lake
In eastern Algonquin, Booth Lake is accessed from the park’s Shall Lake Access Point, north of the village of Madawaska. Regarded as one of the most picturesque Algonquin Park interior lakes, Booth Lake is among the park’s best, easily accessible lakes for anglers. The lake’s varied shoreline of sand beaches, rock points, many bays and extensive wetlands is mirrored by a great diversity of fish species.
Booth Lake is one of Algonquin Park’s top destinations for lake trout fishing, and the upper reaches of the Opeongo River just north of the lake offer excellent brook trout habitat. Plus, the rocky shorelines of Booth and the smaller lakes en route—Crotch Lake, Farm Lake and Kitty Lake—are perfect for smallmouth bass and northern pike. Northern pike are an aggressive, fast-striking fish with a relatively limited range inside Algonquin Park. Identified by their long slender bodies with large mouths and sharp teeth, pike can often be found in the calm, weedy bays of Booth Lake or Shall Lake.
Fishing Algonquin’s Radiant Lake
A relatively recent addition to the Algonquin Park fishery, walleye (also known as pickerel) are found primarily in the northern part of the park. Anglers in pursuit of this elusive sportfish should head to Algonquin’s Brent/Cedar Lake Access Point. While you can troll for walleye in this large lake, paddling and portaging down the rapid-choked Petawawa River to Radiant Lake offers greater seclusion. Base yourself at a backcountry campsite on Radiant to fish this lake, the Petawawa River and smaller pickerel lakes downstream. Walleye season opens on the third Saturday in May and continues through November, with the best fishing in late May and early June.
Each year, Algonquin Park fisheries management stocks thousands of fish into dozens of lakes. Stocked fish are either a native strain of brook trout or splake. A fast-growing hybrid produced by crossing female lake trout and male brook trout, splake are specifically used to provide Put-Grow-Take fisheries in lakes that will not support populations of either parent fish.
Nestled in the hills southwest of Lake Opeongo and north of Highway 60, Sunday Lake and Sproule Lake are two small, adjacent interior lakes stocked with splake that can be found to 50 cm (20 inches). Access is easy from the lightly used Sunday Lake Access Point, off Highway 60 near KM 40. A handful of backcountry campsites on both lakes provide splake anglers with an ideal basecamp.
Brook trout—or “Specks”—are among the most sought-after game fish in North America, and the chief draw for experienced Algonquin Park anglers. Speckled trout are extremely sensitive to invasive species and pollution, making the remote, clean interior lakes of Algonquin Park a critical refuge for naturally reproducing brood stocks of these beautiful fish. Found in both streams and lakes, brook trout are widespread throughout Algonquin but can be elusive to catch.
The best Algonquin Park fishing for brook trout is found in the park’s isolated interior—both the northwestern corner of Algonquin and the east side of the park are good bets. For an excellent early season trip (May through early June), start at the Achray/Grand Lake Access Point in east Algonquin, paddle out of Carcajou Bay into the Spectacle Lakes and then portage, paddle and fish your way north to Carcajou Lake. Each of the small lakes en route offers fine opportunities for brook trout, and the interior campsites at Carcajou Lake entice anglers to spend a few nights deep in the park before returning to Grand Lake.
Guided fishing trips in Algonquin
Excited to fish Algonquin Park but not sure where to start? Booking a guided private or group fishing trip is a sure-fire way to get on the fish while learning more about Algonquin’s unique ecosystems and the fish that inhabit them. Experienced fishing guides will show you their secret fishing holes, share their favourite fishing gear, and teach you how to fish Algonquin-style.
[ Paddling Trip Guide: View all paddling trips in Algonquin ]
Guided half-day, day trips and multi-day Algonquin Park fishing trips can be catered to every level of experience, from newbie angler to master fly fisher. If you’re after Algonquin’s world-famous brook trout, a wilderness canoe trip into Algonquin’s backcountry is the best way—and in most cases the only way—to access the park’s great trout fishing lakes and rivers. Your guide will plan the route, take care of logistics and prepare meals so you can spend more time fishing!
Enjoy fresh-caught fish cooked over the campfire. | Photo courtesy of: Destination Ontario
Based in the northwest corner of Algonquin Park on Kawawaymog Lake, Voyageur Quest offers guided trout fishing canoe trips in the spring (late April to early June). Learn how to fish for trout and how to travel in Algonquin’s backcountry on a 3-day, all-inclusive guided canoe trip. This private adventure is perfect for those interested in doing their own trout fishing canoe trips in the future.
Specializing in the rivers and lakes of eastern Algonquin Park, Algonquin Fly Fishing is the region’s premium guide service offering unique, customized fly fishing adventures. Hike or paddle into one of Algonquin Park’s native brook trout lakes, learn to fly fish in just a couple of hours, or float one of the park’s big whitewater rivers from the comfort of a fully outfitted oar rig raft. Enjoy outstanding fishing for walleye and lunker smallmouth bass all summer long. All-inclusive guided adventures include canoe camping, raft trips and kayak fishing, from half-day to multi-day. Algonquin Fly Fishing guided experiences are suitable for beginner and advanced anglers.
Join Algonquin Adventure Tours for guided trout and bass fishing canoe trips from 3 hours to 3 days or more. Offered daily from May 1st to September 30th, their 3-hour Algonquin Park sunrise fishing trip is perfect for one or two anglers. Take to the park’s misty morning waters in a customized fishing canoe equipped with electric motor and fish finder. Lead by lifetime fisherman and Algonquin Adventure Tours’ founder, this intimate adventure targets trout or bass depending on season and angler’s preference.
Groups, families and individuals looking for a longer Algonquin Park fishing trip can check out Algonquin Adventure Tours’ 3-, 4- and 5-day guided canoe camping safari trips. These trips enjoy a 90-percent success rate for fishing (and moose-spotting!) in Algonquin Park. Algonquin Adventure Tours trips are suitable for first-time canoeists, campers and anglers. Rental fishing rods are available for trip guests.
The Hobie Cat Company, a pioneer and market-leader in pedal-drive kayaks, was sold in January to an investment group led by Taso Sofikitis with other senior officials of Detroit-based Maynards Industries. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
Sofikitis now serves as Hobie Chairman, and the investors have brought on a new CFO and COO to complement Hobie’s core leadership team, which otherwise remains intact. “The existing management team has over 150 years of experience with the Hobie brand and the surrounding paddling and watersports industries,” according to a company statement released exclusively to Paddling Business.
The new owners’ immediate priority will be to fill a backlog of orders built up during the Coronavirus pandemic. Hobie has announced 65 new open factory positions at its headquarters in Oceanside, California, with the goal of ramping up production to fulfill inventory needs as quickly as possible.
“Our initial focuses are to efficiently increase production while maintaining employee safety,” Sofikitis said. He pledged to continue Hobie’s rich history of innovation.
“The Hobie story is unique and we feel a deep sense of responsibility to build and grow this legacy,” Sofikitis said. “In addition, the company’s growth is rooted in innovation and by extension the future is limitless.”
[ Discover the best gear of the year from Hobie in the online Paddling Buyer’s Guide ]
Sofikitis made his fortune in the industrial auction business, but says he and his partners view Hobie as a long-term investment. “We believe the outdoor recreational consumer products industry represents an opportunity that not only excites us as active individuals, but also promises near- and long-term growth in the booming kayak fishing market, improvement in product distribution processes, and expansion of the brand’s global reach,” he said in the statement, provided in response to written questions from Paddling Business.
The company says specialty retailers can expect the same quality of product and commitment to research, development and innovation that has always been prioritized at Hobie. “Primary enhancements will include a larger investment in production efficiencies, product development, and the overall business, focusing on continuing to deliver product to our dealers,” according to the statement.
Reaction from retailers who spoke to Paddling Business ranged from skeptical to guardedly optimistic. Oklahoma City Kayak owner Dave Lindo said that from his perspective, the true test of the new leadership will be how Hobie partners with specialty stores like his in an era of industry consolidation and competition from big box and direct sales. That’s on top of the immediate question of how soon Hobie can fill orders.
In a January 19 bulletin to dealers announcing the sale, the company’s new leadership acknowledged delivery delays caused by production shutdowns and other pandemic-related challenges at the Oceanside facility.
“First, we are dedicated to delivering your orders, as quickly as we possibly can. We know we are behind, and we are exploring all options to get this done without compromising quality,” Sofikitis and fellow investors Mike Suzuki and Aaron Stewardson wrote in the January 19 letter. The acquisition was finalized on January 25.
The three describe themselves in the dealer bulletin as a small private team of entrepreneurs who have known each other since high school. All hold leadership roles in the Maynards group of companies, an international enterprise whose core businesses include industrial liquidation auctions and financial services. Sofikitis, based in Michigan, is the Maynard group’s chairman, CEO and majority shareholder. Suzuki is president of Maynards Industries USA, based in Phoenix, Arizona. Stewardson is Chief Operating Officer at Maynards Industries, based in Vancouver.
According to Maynards’ websites and his LinkedIn profile, Sofikitis has managed more than $1 billion in sales projects worldwide, including auctioning the industrial equipment from 24 shuttered GM and Chrysler plants.
While the new ownership team has yet to work in the paddlesports market specifically, their expertise spans equipment, machinery, automotive, education and high-performance sport (Sofikitis played on the University of Alabama at Huntsville’s NCAA Div II championship hockey team). Their stated game plan is to stick with the formula underpinning Hobie’s success in the surf, sail and paddlesports industries. “Hobie is committed to leading the team with the same principles that led Hobie Alter over 70 years ago: quality, innovation, values-driven business, and fun,” according to the company statement.
Founder Hobart “Hobie” Alter was an iconic figure in surfing and sailing who died in 2014. Alter started the company out of his father’s California garage, where he began shaping balsa surfboards as a teenager in 1950. In his mid-twenties, he revolutionized the surf industry with new fiberglass and foam core boards. In his thirties, he upended the sailing industry with his iconic Hobie Cat, which quickly became the world’s most popular sailing catamaran. Private investors have owned Hobie Cat Company for the past 25 years.
The company’s tradition of innovation carried into the kayak business with the 1997 introduction of the Hobie Mirage Drive. The patented pedal-drive system made Hobie the undisputed leader in high-end pedal kayaks for a generation, with iconic models such as the Mirage Outback, introduced in 2001, and the Pro Angler in 2009. The Mirage Drive patent expired in 2017, leading to new competition from lower-priced overseas brands.
Mike Ong, owner of Southwind Kayak and SUP Center in Laguna Beach, California, said that Hobie’s best defense is a good offense.
“Once you lose your patent and people can copy you, you need to innovate,” said the longtime Hobie dealer who transitioned from retail to rentals last year.
Sofikitis signaled Hobie will do just that under his ownership.
“Our engineering and design teams are fired up and already working to develop new Hobie experiences for 2022, 2023, and beyond,” he said. “We’re inspired by and committed to carrying on our founder Hobie Alter’s example as a legendary innovator who made watersports accessible to the masses while keeping fun his guiding principle.”
As a new national brand ambassador for Kokatat, whitewater paddler Antoinette Lee Toscano says she’s happy to see many in the paddling community embracing diversity, even if there’s still a long way to go.
“I am thrilled. And not just for myself, I’m thrilled I can be a mirror for some boys and girls to see this is possible in their own lives,” she says.
Toscano is a former IT exec, contributor at Paddling Magazine and Culturs magazine, the producer of WhitewaterTV and co-founder of Diversify Whitewater. Toscano joined Kokatat’s ambassador team on February 26, on the heels of being named a Badfish SUP team rider earlier this year.
On a mission to create a more inclusive paddling community for everyone, Toscano says representation is crucial to attracting new paddlers from minority communities. Representation is also vital to making everyone feel welcome in adventure sports, as the lack of existing diversity can be perceived as exclusive and unwelcoming.
“Representation matters. In mirror marketing, a phrase I created from a style used in children’s book writing, I see myself represented because I see people who look like me. Maybe they’re women; maybe they’re a person of color. I can see my own life and what’s possible for me,” she says. “But if I never see someone who looks like me in advertisements or in brand representatives, then I only ever see through window marketing. I can only see what someone else’s life looks like and what’s possible for them.”
Toscano points out that in being a brand ambassador for Kokatat and Badfish SUP, she’s representing more groups than the BIPOC community. She’s also a veteran, and at 53, she’s part of a demographic not often tapped to be in front of the camera in the outdoor adventure industry.
“Amongst the various groups I represent, I also represent the middle age group. It used to be when you turn 50, everyone expected you to get in your rocking chair and be a grandma. I’m certainly not ready to be in anybody’s rocking chair,” she says. “As a person of color and someone older than 25, I am not your typical poster girl for a brand ambassadorship or to be a paddle team member. And generally, when advertisers are looking for a person of color to appear in marketing messages, I am not who they look for. They’re not looking for someone who’s 5’5” and built like Wilma Flintstone.” Toscano is a former competitive bodybuilder and powerlifter, and represented the United States Army while assigned to the 10th Mountain Division as an Air Assault qualified Expert Field Medic in Fort Drum, New York.
“We are very excited to have Antoinette as a Kokatat Ambassador,” says Lisa Kincaid, Kokatat’s Promotional Marketing Manager. “Antoinette and fellow co-founder Lily Durkee introduced more than 100 people to paddlesports in 2020 through free Diversify Whitewater paddling skills events. In 2021, they will train hundreds more at regional events around the nation. We felt that her passion as a kayaker, fisherwoman and standup paddleboarder inspires others to take up paddlesports.”
In February, Kokatat also welcomed Ugandan paddler Sadat Kawawa as a Global Team Member. Kokatat’s addition of Kawawa and Toscano as representatives is underscored by the announcements coming during Black History Month.
“I’m proud to be a part of the Kokatat Global Ambassador Team and hope other Black men and boys around the world will see me and know that paddlesports are possible for them too,” said Kawawa in a statement. He also shared the news in a video on Toscano’s XOTV channel WhitewaterTV.
Toscano recently profiled Kawawa on WhitewaterTV and connected Kokatat with him. “I watched him in Red Bull’s The Way Of The Wild Card and, though Kawawa was a stranger to me, I knew I needed to interview him,” she says.
“Sadat had been on our radar for a while, but thanks to our partners at Diversify Whitewater, we learned he was in the market for partnerships and we moved quickly,” said Kincaid in Kokatat’s press release.
“The little media coverage of Sadat prior said to me that he probably just did not have a platform or opportunity to say, ‘Please consider me for your brand.’ He just didn’t have a way of getting in front of enough companies to notice him. I think that happens a lot to athletes of color,” says Toscano, adding she’s stoked to have played a role in bringing more awareness to Kawawa.
“There’s not enough of us: images of dark-skinned people of color represented in marketing messages as brand ambassadors and the like. And that’s unfortunate because it leaves a lot of boys and girls of color unable to see themselves in that adventure sport,” says Toscano. “The adventure sports community has been welcoming and supportive to me, and I want other people of color to have this same experience—the joy of the wild, a sense of accomplishment, and meeting new people. Representation in media, industry and in ambassadorships is part of that.”
PARK CITY, UTAH – The Big Gear Show is proud to announce the hire of Nisa Meineke, who will serve as the show’s Marketing and Project Director. Nisa brings a decade of digital marketing, brand strategy and project management experience in the cycling and outdoor markets to the newly-created role.
The Big Gear Show is North America’s first ever open-air trade fair, expo and demo, taking place August 3-5, 2021 in the world-class mountain sport mecca of Park City, Utah. An invitation-only event, 500 leading retail buyers from the outdoor, cycling and paddle communities will be joining The Big Gear Show’s testing and buying experience.
“I’m very humbled to have this incredible opportunity.”
“I’m very humbled to have this incredible opportunity to build what I view as the future of doing business and community gathering within the outdoor, bike and paddle specialty markets,” Meineke said. “Our retailers and brands are operating through significant challenges that could lead to incredible growth opportunities. Innovative solutions are needed for brands and buyers, and The Big Gear Show’s time is now.”
In this pivotal role, Meineke will be leading the multi-channel, educational content resources and marketing and show logistics. Additionally, she is responsible for community growth and engagement, which is already well underway among the specialty retailers and brands who have signed on for the show. She brings years of experience from brands like Diamondback Bicycles, Smith Optics, Dew Tour, and has supported several leading specialty brands with multi-channel content and digital campaigns.
“Nisa brings a depth of experience, relationships, and creative solutions to our core team that further enables us to serve our incredible retail buyers and exhibiting manufacturers,” said Sutton Bacon, founder of The Big Gear Show. “The Big Gear Show is 100-percent retailer centric. Our goal is to deliver business success and fun not only in our open-air format but also through our tailored education and resources that are already bringing value to our community. I am confident that Nisa will deliver excellence and service to our stakeholders and community before, during, and after The Big Gear Show.”
To learn more about the Utah-based Big Gear Show, visit thebiggearshow.com and to request information and an invitation, please reach out to Lance Camisasca, Bike Show Director, or Kenji Harotunian, Outdoor and Paddle Show Director.
ABOUT THE BIG GEAR SHOW:
The Big Gear Show is North America’s first open-air trade show taking place in Park City, Utah, August 3-5, 2021. The show is built by and for retailers and offers an integrated, best-in-class demo-driven buying experience serving a curated group of 500 hand-selected retailers and hundreds of brands across the outdoor, cycling and paddle communities. The Big Gear Show is endorsed and co-presented by the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, National Bicycle Dealers Association and People For Bikes. There is simply no better place to discover new brands and products and drive your specialty business forward.
Put Barron Canyon on your Algonquin Park bucket list. | Photo courtesy of: Destination Ontario
Algonquin Park’s vast landscape of unspoiled lakes, rivers and rugged hills is home to more than 2,000 kilometres of canoe routes. To narrow that down to just 13 bucket-list canoe trips, our experts combined hours of poring over Algonquin canoe route maps with weeks of travelling the park’s backcountry by paddle and portage.
No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find a trip to your liking amongst these routes cherry-picked for their breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, superb camping and wonderful diversity. The longer your trip and the more portages you cross, the fewer other park visitors you’ll see. First time in Algonquin Park? We have you covered—many of the best Algonquin Park canoe routes are also offered as guided 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 day canoe tours by experienced local outfitters.
Read on to discover the ultimate Algonquin Park canoe trips for paddlers of every ability and appetite.
Hailstorm Creek via Lake Opeongo water taxi | 1 day
The action-packed journey across the vast waters of Algonquin’s mightiest lake to the moose-filled marshlands of Hailstorm Creek is, without a doubt, one of the park’s most rewarding 1-day canoe trips. Offered as a self-guided or guided excursion by Algonquin Outfitters, your day begins at their store on Lake Opeongo where you’ll board a water taxi for the scenic, 20-minute ride to the lake’s North Arm. Here, you’ll switch to canoes to explore Hailstorm Creek Nature Reserve and enjoy some of the park’s best chances to see beavers, herons, loons and Algonquin’s long-legged mascot lurking amongst the lily pads.
This 1-day canoe tour is suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. Contact Algonquin Outfitters for reservations.
Visit two of Algonquin Park’s most stunning lakes on this day trip in the park’s quieter east side. This linear route ends at Algonquin Access Point #13 in the village of Whitney, so your day begins with a vehicle shuttle to Rock Lake (Access Point #9) to start your trip. Get an early start—this route requires a full day and rewards with some of the park’s finest scenery. Don’t miss canoeing beneath the steep cliffs of Rock Lake, listening as Echo Bay returns your best loon call, and lingering on the sun-warmed rock points of Galeairy Lake. Even better, there’s only one short portage (100 meters), so you don’t have to worry about packing light.
This 1-day canoe route can be enjoyed by novice and experienced paddlers alike. Contact Opeongo Outfitters to reserve a canoe rental and shuttle package for this linear (one-way) canoe trip.
The leisurely paddle from Oxtongue Lake to spectacular Ragged Falls is one of the most popular canoe day trips in Algonquin Park—although, technically, this tour is just outside the park’s western boundary. Combining easy lake and river paddling, most paddlers can make the return journey in 3–4 hours, but we recommend allowing a full day to savour these magnificent falls. Park your canoe (or kayak) at the base of the falls and hike the Ragged Falls Trail to the top of the cataract for a breathtaking view downriver, especially stunning in autumn when the hardwood forest explodes with colour.
This 1-day canoe or kayak trip is suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. Rent canoes from Algonquin Outfitters and depart right from their dock on Oxtongue Lake.
Much of Algonquin Park’s beauty is subtle, but Barron Canyon is the opposite of understated. For a brief period after the end of the last ice age, the Barron River carried the entire outflow from Lake Aggasiz (the precursor of today’s Great Lakes) and a spectacular canyon was cut by this tremendous flow of water.
This day trip on the park’s east side leaves from Squirrel Rapids Access Point, just past the Sand Lake Gate, and travels up the dark waters of the Barron River into the canyon. As you paddle upstream, sheer cliffs rise from the river until you find yourself embraced by 100-meter-high (330-foot) canyon walls. Towering white pines on the gorge’s rim appear like toy trees from this vantage point. Retrace your paddle strokes back to your vehicle, then hike the easy 1.5-km Barron Canyon Trail to catch an equally breathtaking view from the top.
This 1-day canoe trip requires two short portages and is suitable for both novice and expert paddlers. Canoe rental and delivery is available from Algonquin Portage and Algonquin Bound. Guided Barron Canyon trips are also available upon request from Algonquin Bound.
Be sure to take your camera. | Photo courtesy of: Destination Ontario
Shall Lake to Booth Lake | 2 days
Travelling up the Opeongo River through a series of small lakes and short portages, this easy overnight canoe trip reaches scenic Booth Lake. The lake features an excellent beach area on its eastern shore, and 18 west-facing campsites where you can settle in to watch the sunset. Wake up early or head out after dinner to paddle up McCarthy Creek for prime moose-viewing.
This 2-day Algonquin Park canoe tour departs from and returns to Shall Lake Access Point (#17) on the park’s east side, making it a less busy option than routes beginning on the park’s main Highway 60 corridor. Canoe rental and delivery is available from Algonquin Bound in the nearby village of Madawaska.
The Rosebary Lake canoe route is an easy 2-day trip on Algonquin Park’s west side with a beautifully unspoiled lake as its reward. After crossing Tim Lake, canoeists enjoy a slow, relaxing paddle down the meandering Tim River with only one easy portage (120m) around a set of falls. The hills surrounding Rosebary Lake comprise a Nature Reserve zone within the park, meaning these mature hardwood forests have a special natural significance to the region and are protected from logging. This lake makes for a particularly stunning autumn canoe trip destination. Rosebary’s six well-spaced campsites include sand beaches and one of the oldest known Indigenous campsites in Algonquin Park.
This 2-day canoe trip begins at the Tim River Access Point (#2) and returns the same way. Canoe rental and delivery is available from Algonquin Basecampor Canoe Algonquinin the Town of Kearney.
For intermediate canoeists with some moving water experience, the York River route offers a more challenging option for an adventurous overnight in the park. Located in Algonquin’s southern panhandle, the river is best known for its spectacular High Falls, which you’ll visit on the second day of this trip. From Kingscote Lake, two portages and a short lake crossing bring paddlers to Byers Lake and the entrance to the York River. Stay at the secluded campsites on Byers Lake to get an early start on the river, which includes five short portages around dams, rapids and the magnificent High Falls.
Although this 2-day canoe route is a one-way trip, the start and finish are just a short drive apart. Begin at Kingscote Lake Access Point (#15) and take out at Pine Grove Point Resort on Benoir Lake. The resort offers parking, shuttle service and canoe rental.
The cultural heart of Algonquin Park, Canoe Lake has been a centre of residence, recreation and industry since the park’s inception in 1893. Observant paddlers on this easy 3-day loop can discover a wealth of fascinating history—from ruins of a century-old town site, to possibly the most debated gravesite in Canada. In 1917, celebrated landscape artist and Algonquin Park guide, Tom Thomson, died under mysterious circumstances while paddling on Canoe Lake. Today, a memorial cairn and totem pole mark one of his favourite campsites on the lake.
Continuing north from Canoe Lake, this route travels through Teepee and Littledoe lakes to Tom Thomson Lake, where 18 scenic campsites make for an ideal first night’s pitch. The second day of this loop involves eight short portages over hilly terrain to reach Burnt Island Lake. The 50-plus, well-spaced campsites on this large lake attest to its popularity as a last night’s stop. From here, it’s an easy paddle through the string of Joe Lakes back to Canoe Lake.
Algonquin Outfitters at Canoe Lake Access Point (#5) is a convenient spot to rent canoes and equipment for this 3-day trip. A word of caution: Canoe Lake is the most popular access into Algonquin Park’s interior—if you’re looking for solitude, avoid this route during busy summer and fall colour weekends.
For a scenic basecamp canoe route with a taste of Algonquin Park’s more challenging portage trails, try this 3-day “lollipop loop” from Smoke Lake. Paddlers travel south through Ragged Lake before tackling the Devil’s Staircase, a very steep 590-meter portage that climbs to Big Porcupine Lake and a smattering of secluded campsites. Basecamp here for two nights, and on your second day pack a picnic lunch and make a loop through Little Coon, McGarvey and Bonnechere lakes. There’s plenty of beautiful scenery and several more shoulder-burning portages—but at least you’ll be travelling light.
Access for this 3-day canoe route is at Algonquin Park’s Smoke Lake Access Point (#6). Rent canoes and equipment from Algonquin Outfitters across Highway 60 at Canoe Lake.
This 3-day loop makes for an action-packed weekend itinerary, although solitude-seekers should plan to visit this popular area during mid-week or in the fall. Three lengthy portages make this a challenging route for novice paddlers. Rent an ultralight canoe and travel the loop clockwise to save the longest carry for your final day when your food pack is lighter. Camp on Welcome or Harry lakes your first night, then snag a gorgeous rock point or island campsite on lovely Lake Louisa for your last night out. Wake up refreshed to tackle the 3,000-meter portage back to Rock Lake.
This 3-day canoe trip begins and ends at Algonquin Park’s Rock Lake Access Point (#9). Algonquin Outfitters and Opeongo Outfitters offer canoe rentals and delivery to Rock Lake.
The northwest corner of Algonquin Park is famous for its rolling hills, great trout fishing and beautiful lakes. This laid-back 4-day canoe trip travels one-way, west to east, through some of the more remote sections of the park. Canoeists will enjoy diverse paddling on large lakes and narrow, wildlife-filled rivers, with only a couple very manageable portages each day (the longest is 1,355 meters). Rock point campsites on North Tea, Manitou and Kioshkokwi lakes feature outstanding swimming and spectacular sunsets.
Begin this 4-day canoe route at Kawawaymog Lake Access Point (#1). Contact Voyageur Quest or Northern Wilderness Outfitters for canoe rental, outfitting and a return shuttle from your finish at Kiosk Access Point (#29). Voyageur Quest also offers this route as an all-inclusive, guided 5-day trip that is perfect for first-time canoe trippers.
Looping off the North Arm of Lake Opeongo, this moderate interior canoe trip visits some of Algonquin Park’s most scenic large lakes and is a great choice for intermediate canoe trippers who enjoy a stout paddle between portages. The route can be completed in 5 days if you take a Lake Opeongo water taxi to the Proulx Lake portage, eliminating a substantial paddle up the park’s largest lake on your first day.
Sandy beaches, old-growth white pine and a stunning cliff-top overlook await campers on Big Crow Lake. From here, you’ll spend the next three days looping back to Opeongo through Hogan Lake, Lake La Muir, Big Trout Lake (plan to overnight on one of the stunning island campsites here), Merchant Lake and Happy Isle Lake. En route, expect nearly 11 kilometres of demanding portages (packing for a single-carry is strongly advised), abundant moose-spotting opportunities and a splendid sense of isolation. Make your final camp on Lake Opeongo, allowing time to explore wildlife-rich Hailstorm Creek before paddling south on the big lake.
[ Paddling Trip Guide: View all paddling trips in Algonquin ]
Lake Opeongo Access Point (#11) is the start and finish for this 5-day canoe trip. Arrange water taxi service and canoe/equipment rental through Algonquin Outfitters or Opeongo Outfitters.
Perhaps the best-known—and certainly the most thrilling—river in Algonquin Park, the Petawawa travels from one side of the park to the other, gathering volume and taking on a different character with every kilometre. From its marshy and meandering beginnings in the west to the rushing rapids of the east, the “Pet” is a dynamic and breathtaking river for adventurous paddlers.
Unless you’re an expert whitewater canoeist, the rigorous class II-IV whitewater between Cedar Lake and Lake McManus is best experienced on a guided trip. Voyageur Quest offers this route as a 7-day trip lead by highly skilled guides who will ensure you navigate the river safely, as well as prepare fabulous meals, share their knowledge of Algonquin Park history and ecology, and handle the daunting logistics of a cross-Algonquin canoe trip.
This all-inclusive, 7-day canoe trip is offered in late August when water levels on the Petawawa River are optimal. Paddlers should be comfortable steering a canoe, but no whitewater experience is necessary. Contact Voyageur Quest for reservations or more information.
How does canoe rental and delivery in Algonquin work?
Can you rent canoes in Algonquin Park and have them delivered right to your vehicle campsite or access point? Yes, in fact it is very easy and affordable to do so! Most of the outfitters mentioned above offer delivery with your canoe rental reservation, to either the access point of your choice or to select Algonquin Park campgrounds (either to your campsite or to the campground beach).
Generally, expect the cheapest delivery fees ($15–$20) for locations along the Highway 60 corridor, with some outfitters offering free delivery to the park’s most popular access points and campgrounds. In peak summer season, outfitters pick up and drop off twice daily from busy access points/campgrounds. Simply let your outfitter know when you are booking your canoe rental where you’d like to pick it up, and they can provide you with a quote.
How much will it cost?
The cost of an Algonquin Park canoe or kayak rental depends on two factors: 1) How many days you are renting (outfitters offer a lower per day rate for longer rentals), and 2) The material and style of the rental canoe or kayak. Remember to ask whether your rental package includes essentials like paddles, lifejackets/PFDs, safety kit, etc.
Rental rates vary from $30/day for a durable, heavier plastic canoe to $45-$50/day for a featherweight Kevlar canoe, specialized whitewater tripping canoe or 3-person canoe. Kayak rentals range from $25-$30/day for a solo recreational kayak to around $40/day for a solo touring kayak or tandem kayak. When it comes to rental period, expect a 15 percent discount for canoe and kayak rentals of 5 days or more, 25 percent for more than 7 days.
Most outfitters also offer complete outfitting (including backcountry meals) or individual camping equipment rental for reasonable rates. Tents, sleeping pads, cooking gear, canoe barrels, packs and more are available for a modest daily fee.
Backcountry reservations and bookings
Backcountry campsites in Algonquin Park can fill up quickly, especially during summer and fall colours season—reservations are strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Reservations can be made up to five months prior to your arrival date (for example, you can book February 1st if you plan to arrive July 1st). Note that backcountry campsite reservations are for a particular lake area or river section, not a specific campsite.
Before making your reservation, you’ll need to know your intended Algonquin Park access point and have a good idea of your route, including daily mileage that’s reasonable for your group. Keep a backcountry canoe routes map handy while making your reservation, in case modifications have to be made to your trip.
Backcountry camping fees are charged per person: around $12 for each adult, $6 each for those under 18. A maximum of nine campers is allowed per backcountry campsite.
Campsite reservations for your backcountry trip can be booked online at www.ontarioparks.com, or by calling 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275).
Put Barron Canyon on your Algonquin Park bucket list. | Photo courtesy of: Destination Ontario
Paddle and steam in Voyageur Quest’s floating sauna. | Photo courtesy of: Ontario Tourism
Think of your perfect vacation—fresh air, serene lakes, pine-scented forest and a cozy, ‘gram-worthy sanctuary to end each adventure-filled day. Now think Algonquin Park. The park is practically in the backyard of Ontario’s large urban centres, yet this staycation destination feels worlds away from the gridlock of Toronto and Ottawa. At nearly 2 million acres (7,653 square km) in size, it would take a lifetime of vacations in the park just to scratch the surface of Algonquin’s stunning natural beauty.
You don’t have to be a fan of camp food and sleeping in tents to experience this iconic park—there are plenty of lodges and resorts located within Algonquin or on the park’s periphery. Base yourself at an Algonquin lodge or resort for a true holiday feel with a comfortable cocktail of rustic luxury and wilderness vibes.
An Algonquin lodge stay offers flexibility for couples, friends, families and solo travellers. Book an all-inclusive package where every detail of your experience is exquisitely crafted. Or go independent—taking guided day trips in Algonquin or exploring the scores of trails, lakes and attractions just a short drive from your doorstep, and then returning to your peaceful refuge to recharge for the next adventure.
[ Paddling Trip Guide: View all paddling trips in Algonquin ]
Fancy more of an off-grid vacation? Get back to nature at an Algonquin eco-lodge, where you can step right from your backcountry bolthole into a leafy world of birdsong and lapping waves. Four of the lodges listed below are located within the park’s boundaries, tucked beneath towering pines and beside beautiful lakes where wilderness is just a few paddle strokes away.
Nestled on a pine-clad peninsula in the heart of Algonquin Park, Killarney Lodge boasts both a fabulous lakeside location and an elegant, rustic ambience. Each of the lodge’s secluded log and pine cabins includes a personal canoe and a waterfront porch with intimate views of Lake of Two Rivers. Explore paddle-and-portage routes, cycle the Old Railway Bike Trail and enjoy casual or ambitious hikes—all right from your cabin door. Or simply settle in to listen to loon calls, stargaze from your deck and savor three delicious daily meals and famous home baking in the lodge’s old-timey dining room.
An Algonquin Park landmark since 1917, Bartlett Lodge is an oasis of luxury and fascinating history set amid the wild beauty of Algonquin’s Cache Lake. Whether your idea of the perfect vacation is a lakeside deck and a comfy reading chair, or an ambitious paddle-and-portage adventure to a remote lake, Bartlett’s log cabins, glamping tents and artist studio suites ensure you’ll end each day in total comfort. And the lodge’s gourmet, five-star meal plan guarantees you’ll be well fuelled for each new experience. Located near the mid-point of the Highway 60 corridor, the magic begins the moment guests park their vehicles at Cache Lake and board Bartlett’s freighter canoe for the short ride to the lodge.
Located on the southern border of the park, Algonquin Eco-Lodge is a wilderness enthusiast’s paradise. Entirely self-sufficient and off-grid, this award-winning Eco-Lodge creates its own alternative energy from an onsite waterfall so guests can enjoy all the finer comforts, including a carbon-neutral hot tub. This is one of the most secluded places you can stay in Algonquin—walk, cycle, horseback ride or ski a 2.3 km trail to reach the lodge (don’t worry, they’ll transfer your luggage). The eco-lodge has the feel and atmosphere of a European mountain lodge, with 17 private bedrooms, communal dining and social areas and an extensive trail network (over 40 km) right out the door. Canoe to secluded beaver lodges and meandering creeks, then relax in the eco-lodge’s lakeside sauna.
The nine cozy log cabins and cottages at Adventure Lodge Algonquin create a romantic setting for this couples-only, pet-friendly retreat on the eastern edge of the park. Guests enjoy a jacuzzi and wood-burning fireplace in each cabin, with all-inclusive gourmet breakfasts and dinners served right to your door. The Adventure Lodge is just a 10-minute walk from the town of Whitney, and an even quicker drive to the East Gate of Algonquin Park. Use of canoes and kayaks to explore the adjacent Madawaska River and Galeairy Lake is included with your stay.
The Wolf Den Nature Retreat is a beautiful log cabin lodge situated on the Oxtongue River, just a few minutes’ paddle from Oxtongue Lake. Conveniently located 9 km from Algonquin’s West Gate, the Wolf Den offers something for every budget with two distinct types of accommodation. Their independent, fully equipped eco-cabins are perfect for private getaways, with one to three bedrooms and gorgeous square-log construction. Across Highway 60, the Wolf Den’s family hostel-style bunkhouses, cabins and bedrooms share kitchen and lounge facilities in the main lodge. These are ideal for solo travellers and shoestring vacations—as well as being a fun, unique way to meet other outdoor enthusiasts and share stories about your experiences in the park.
Hidden in the heart of Algonquin Park’s backcountry, yet accessible by dirt road from the Highway 60 corridor, Arowhon Pines offers luxury without compromising on location. Experience Algonquin’s world-famous lakes, trails, wildlife and tranquility while “un-roughing” it with a king-size bed and chef-prepared meals at Arowhon Pines’ heritage lodge overlooking Little Joe Lake. From your lakefront log cabin, grab a canoe, kayak or paddleboard off the beach and paddle the portage-free chain of lakes north through Teepee, Littledoe and Tom Thomson lakes. Spend a morning hiking the lodge’s trail system, try your hand at sailing on Little Joe Lake or simply sit back in a Muskoka chair and take in the resplendent fall colors.
Voyageur Quest combines unique off-grid accommodations, exceptional outdoor guides and outstanding local cuisine to create award-winning Algonquin Park experiences from their location on Kawawaymog Lake at the park’s northwest corner. In addition to lodge-based adventure packages and independent cabin rentals—including a canoe-in, private island retreat—they offer guided canoe trips and park activities in all four seasons.
Book a stay at their Algonquin Log Cabin to enjoy rustic charm, delicious gourmet meals and a peaceful wilderness setting with daily guided excursions on foot and by canoe. Perfect for family gatherings or groups of friends, their Algonquin Cottages offer modern lakefront comfort, a stunning floating sauna and use of canoes, kayaks and SUPs for independent paddling adventures.
Another fantastic option for a one-of-a-kind Algonquin lodge vacation on Kawawaymog Lake is this acclaimed Ontario Retreat Center. Participants in Northern Edge Algonquin’s all-inclusive, unplugged retreats sleep comfortably in cozy accommodations nestled in the woods, enjoy organic and locally-sourced meals, and participate in a variety of tailored experiences which make use of their lakeside studio, indoor and outdoor workshop spaces, gorgeous cedar sauna and lovingly restored log cabin. Paddleboards, canoes and kayaks encourage exploration of the island-studded lake and nearby Amable du Fond River, while the center’s forest trails inspire quiet contemplation and nature appreciation.
Situated in the village of Kearney, Algonquin Basecamp is a convenient stopover for those beginning a canoe trip on the west side of Algonquin Park at Tim Lake (Access #2), Magnetawan Lake (Access #3) or Rain Lake (Access #4). This friendly, family-run outfitter offers simple, comfortable rooms and hostel-style communal kitchen and lounge areas in their Basecamp Lodge for paddlers utilizing their complete outfitting services. Staying at Algonquin Basecamp before your canoe trip gives you a chance to prepare and relax before heading into the backcountry, as well as an opportunity to review your route and gear with the outfitter.
Located on Kawawaymog Lake at the northwest corner of Algonquin Park, Northern Wilderness Outfitters offers rustic chalet accommodation and canoe rentals for paddlers on a budget. For less than $40/person/night, guests receive accommodation and use of canoes and lakefront sauna. Explore the moose-filled meanders of the Amable du Fond River or make a longer day trip into the West Arm of Algonquin’s lovely North Tea Lake.
Planning a canoe trip to the breathtaking Barron Canyon, mighty Petawawa River or Grand Lake area on the east side of Algonquin Park? Algonquin Portage is located right on your route into the park, just 15 minutes from Sand Lake Gate, making this comprehensive outfitting service and lodge a convenient one-stop shop. Book one their simple, cozy rooms and get an early start on your Algonquin Park adventures. Additional services include: canoe, kayak and SUP rentals, equipment rental, trip planning, vehicle shuttles, canoe delivery/pick-up and a camper’s store.
Perfect for families, couples and friends, Algonquin resorts deliver on all the amenities you could desire during a stay on the edge of the park. Take a guided paddling day trip or rent a canoe from a nearby Algonquin outfitters.
From romantic packages with just-for-adults perks to family resorts that kids and parents will love, these are great choices if your dream vacation features a mix of mini adventures and stay-and-play. Also included in this selection are classic cottage resorts, which offer a comfy, low-key “home away from home” in a peaceful setting.
This couples-only, five-star luxury resort is situated on the shores of Galeairy Lake and the Madawaska River with direct access to the east side of Algonquin Park. Both the lake (most of which lies within the park) and river offer superb canoeing and kayaking, but it’s the Couples Resort’s opulent rooms—all of which feature an outdoor hot tub and in-room jacuzzi next to a wood-burning fireplace—and gourmet dining experiences that make a stay here truly one-of-a-kind. This all-season resort is also home to an organic spa so you can pamper weary muscles after a day of paddling, hiking, biking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing the nearby trails.
This classic cottage resort near the village of Madawaska is just a 20-minute drive from Algonquin Park’s East Gate, and equally close to the park’s quieter Shall Lake access point, popular with canoeists and anglers. Algonquin’s Edge Resort offers accommodation in private, self-contained cottages on the banks of the meandering Madawaska River. Rent a canoe and paddle to scenic waterfalls right from the resort docks, or get equipped at nearby Algonquin Bound or Opeongo Outfitters for paddling adventures in the park.
Kids and adults love the family-oriented atmosphere and sandy swimming beach at Little Hawk Resort and Marina. Set on five wooded acres on the shores of Halls Lake, this all-season resort offers suites and cottage accommodation as well as complimentary canoes, water trampoline, playground, hot tub and an on-site restaurant. Situated in the Haliburton area of the Algonquin Highlands, the resort is a convenient option if you’re looking to explore both the park’s West Gate area and southern panhandle. Little Hawk is also on the doorstep of the Haliburton Forest, a year-round destination for paddling, hiking, wildlife viewing and winter activities.
Just minutes from Algonquin’s West Gate, this fully equipped housekeeping resort boasts comfortable lakeside cottages and a superb, on-site trail network for hiking or cross-country skiing/snowshoeing. With cozy, wood-burning fireplaces and lake views, the cottages here are perfect for a couples getaway or a family vacation. Situated on Oxtongue Lake, Blue Spruce Resort guests enjoy use of the resort’s canoes, kayaks and paddleboards to tour the lake or make the half-day trip to spectacular Ragged Falls on the Oxtongue River. Algonquin Outfitters is just next-door if you’re planning a longer paddling adventure in the park.
Another option on Oxtongue Lake, Cloverleaf Cottages offers a traditional, family-oriented Algonquin resort experience with 13 beachfront and lake-view cottages to choose from. Enjoy a 450-foot sand beach, paddle to Ragged Falls or head into the park along Highway 60. Canoe and Smoke lakes access points, as well as the Whiskey Rapids and Hardwood Lookout trails, are nearby.
Located in the village of Dwight and just 15 minutes from Algonquin’s West Gate, Spring Lake Resort offers a convenient home base with easy on-site amenities including a restaurant, complimentary canoes and kayaks for exploring tranquil Spring Lake and 52 wooded acres with hiking trails. The resort’s tidy, motel-style rooms feature lake views and are steps to a sandy beach and canoe dock.
Choose from comfortable rooms, romantic suites or cozy cottages on the shores of Oxtongue Lake at this resort near the park’s West Gate. Enjoy hot breakfast and dinner with Algonquin Lakeside Inn’s lodge-and-dine packages, and then head down to the resort’s sandy beach and borrow a canoe or kayak to paddle Oxtongue Lake or journey to Ragged Falls.
Situated on the shores of Benoir Lake at the southern tip of Algonquin Park, Pine Grove Point cottage resort and campground is just five minutes from the park’s Kingscote Lake access, and a perfect departure point for day trips to the spectacular natural water slides at High Falls. Guests can launch canoes right from Pine Grove Point’s dock and paddle up the scenic York River to the falls. Pine Grove Point offers a family-oriented camping and cottage resort experience, including four self-catering cottages, a sandy swimming beach, children’s playground, canoe and kayak rentals, restaurant, ice cream bar and camper’s store.
Escape the shore. | Photo courtesy of: Ontario Tourism
Whether you are planning your first visit to Algonquin Park, or you are an experienced tripper looking to rent an ultralight canoe for an ambitious backcountry adventure, these Algonquin Park outfitters make the journey from parking lot to paddling route simple and affordable.
Some Algonquin outfitters canoe rentals are located at popular backcountry access points so you can leave directly from their dock. Many outfitters also offer delivery to other access points or even right to your Algonquin Park campsite. Kayak rentals are also available in some locations.
From featherweight Kevlar canoe rentals to SUP and kayak rentals, as well as a full line of camping gear for hire, Algonquin Outfitters has everything you need to head out into the park for two days or two weeks. Their well-stocked retail shops are excellent places to pick up last-minute camping essentials.
Established in 1961, Algonquin Outfitters also offer guided day trips and overnight canoe trips in Algonquin Park, and their local experts can help you plan your own canoe trip from start to finish. When you’ve decided on a destination for your paddling adventure, choose from one of Algonquin Outfitters’ convenient rental locations in or near Algonquin Park.
The Algonquin Outfitters stores at Oxtongue Lake (near the West Gate) and Lake Opeongo (in the Park at Access Point #11) both offer access point delivery along Algonquin Park’s popular Highway 60 corridor. The Opeongo base also provides free campsite delivery to select campgrounds.
New in 2023, Algonquin Outfitters will be running the store at Canoe Lake (Access Point #5). For canoe and kayak rentals on the Park’s west side, check out Algonquin Outiftters’ downtown Huntsville store. The outfitters’ in-the-park Brent location (at Cedar Lake Access Point #27) is perfect for canoe trips originating on Algonquin’s north side.
Finally, if you’re looking to rent canoes or kayaks to explore the south side of Algonquin Park, visit Algonquin Outfitters’ Haliburton or Minden stores.
Oxtongue Lake location
1035 Algonquin Outfitters Rd., Dwight, ON, P0A 1H0
Phone: 800-469-4948 / 705-635-2243
Lake Opeongo location
Lake Opeongo, Hwy 60, Algonquin Park Access Point #11
Phone: 888-280-8886 / 613-637-2075
Canoe Lake location
Canoe Lake, Hwy 60, Algonquin Park Access Point #5
With three convenient locations, Algonquin Bound provides all of the canoe, kayak, camping and fishing equipment and expertise you need to explore Algonquin Park. The outfitter offers contactless canoe, kayak and gear rentals for quick, easy pick-up.
Algonquin Bound also specializes in access point and campsite delivery/pick-up to over 30 locations throughout Algonquin Park, as well as vehicle shuttle service to every access point in the park for those planning a linear (one-way) trip. Once you’ve decided where you want to paddle, contact the outfitters’ nearest location for assistance: Algonquin Bound stores are based in Dwight (West Gate), Madawaska (East Gate) and Pembroke (Barron Canyon/Achray access points).
New to Algonquin Park? Algonquin Bound’s introductory course in canoeing and interior camping is designed to enable those who have little or no experience with canoe tripping to enjoy a safer, more enjoyable adventure in the park. Self-guided and guided trip packages from one to five days are also available.
Formerly known as The Portage Store, which operated the store on Canoe Lake, The Portage Outpost is “the last stop before the Park,” just outside the West Gate on Hwy 60. The outfitter offers canoe rentals, gear rentals and complete outfitting.
They also offer shuttle services, campground and access point delivery, and guided day trips.
[ Paddling Trip Guide: View all paddling trips in Algonquin ]
If you are looking to explore the northwest corner of Algonquin Park and the large, lightly traveled lakes of the Park’s north side, Voyageur Quest Outfitting makes for an easy, full service departure point. Situated on Kawawaymog Lake at Algonquin Access Point #1, this Algonquin Park canoe trip outfitter offers canoe, SUP and kayak rentals, overnight cabins, shuttle service, meals and accommodation, and guided canoe trips led by Algonquin wilderness guides and naturalists.
Along with providing your Algonquin canoe rentals, Voyageur Quest Outfitting is also a one-stop shop for arranging permits, parking and complete outfitting packages. First-time canoe trippers should ask about Voyageur Quest’s Algonquin Starter Package. This quick yet comprehensive package includes trip planning guidance and an on-water lesson when you arrive, so beginners enjoy a safe and rewarding trip.
This third-generation Algonquin Park canoe outfitter has been helping visitors experience the park since 1936. Based near the East Gate on Highway 60, Opeongo Outfitters is a convenient rental location for those approaching Algonquin from the east, or for any trips beginning on the Park’s east side. They are a full service outfitter, providing canoe rentals and sales, complete outfitting packages, canoe delivery to park campgrounds and access points, shuttle service, guided day trips and a well-stocked campers’ store for last-minute essentials.
Opeongo Outfitters also operate a water taxi service on Lake Opeongo, shuttling canoes and trippers across this vast lake in beautiful, traditional wooden boats. The water taxi service is perfect for inexperienced paddlers and anyone short on time, reducing your travel on Opeongo’s sometimes windy and rough waters from several hours to just a few minutes.
Situated in the village of Kearney, Algonquin Basecamp is a convenient one-stop shop for those beginning their canoe trip on the west side of Algonquin Park at Access Points #2, #3 or #4. This friendly, family-run outfitter provides canoe and kayak rentals, gear rentals, complete outfitting, canoe delivery, trip planning, shuttle service, a retail shop and accommodations for canoe trippers.
Algonquin Basecamp is located across from the park permit office in Kearney, directly en route to Tim Lake (Access #2), Magnetawan Lake (Access #3) and Rain Lake (Access #4). The owners are passionate about the park’s less-traveled “wild west” side and eager to assist with making your dream canoe trip a reality.
Just up the road in Kearney, Canoe Algonquin is another great option for those heading to Algonquin’s Tim Lake (Access #2), Magnetawan Lake (Access #3) and Rain Lake (Access #4). With over 35 years of experience outfitting Algonquin backcountry adventures, Canoe Algonquin offers competitive canoe, kayak and SUP rentals and sales, gear rental, trip planning assistance and rental delivery to the above access points.
Situated on Kawawaymog Lake at Algonquin Access Point #1, Northern Wilderness Outfitters is a convenient departure point for journeys into the northwest corner of Algonquin Park. This is the nearest outfitter for canoe trips to lovely North Tea Lake, with on-site parking and canoe rentals that leave right from their dock. Founded in 1968, Northern Wilderness Outfitters also offers equipment rentals, guided weekend trips and complete outfitting packages with chalet accommodation.
Planning a canoe trip to the breathtaking Barron Canyon, mighty Petawawa River, High Falls or Grand Lake area on the east side of Algonquin Park? Algonquin Portage Store & Outfitters is located right on your route into the park, just 15 minutes from Sand Lake Gate, making this comprehensive outfitting service a convenient one-stop shop. Services include: canoe, kayak and SUP rentals, equipment rental and sales, trip planning, vehicle shuttles, canoe delivery/pick-up, camping supplies, on-site hot showers and lodging.
Known for their exceptionally light and beautifully crafted composite canoes and kayaks, Swift Canoe & Kayak offers canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals from their South River location near Algonquin Access Point #1 (Kawawaymog Lake). Known as Swift Canoe & Kayak’s “Factory Outlet”, you can also purchase canoes and kayaks from this store.
Deep Roots Adventure‘s Kingscote Outpost provides equipment rentals at Algonquin’s south gate. Outfitting includes canoe, kayak, paddleboard and camping equipment rentals. They also have a retail shop where you can pick up last-minute items before your trip. Delivery and shuttles are also available.
Can you rent canoes in Algonquin Park and have them delivered right to your campsite or access point? Yes, in fact it is very easy and affordable to do so! Most of the outfitters listed above offer delivery with your canoe rental reservation, to either the access point of your choice or to select Algonquin Park campgrounds (either to your campsite or to the campground beach).
Generally, expect the cheapest delivery fees ($15–$20) for locations along the Highway 60 corridor, with some outfitters offering free delivery to the park’s most popular access points and campgrounds. In peak summer season, outfitters pick up and drop off twice daily from busy access points/campgrounds. Simply let your outfitter know when you are booking your canoe rental where you’d like to pick it up, and they can provide you with a quote.
How much will it cost?
The cost of an Algonquin Park canoe or kayak rental depends on two factors: 1) How many days you are renting (outfitters offer a lower per day rate for longer rentals), and 2) The material and style of the rental canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Remember to ask whether your rental package includes essentials like paddles, lifejackets/PFDs, safety kit, etc.
Rental rates vary from $30/day for a durable, heavier plastic canoe to $45-$50/day for a featherweight Kevlar canoe, specialized whitewater tripping canoe or 3-person canoe. Kayak rentals range from $25-$30/day for a solo recreational kayak to around $40/day for a solo touring kayak or tandem kayak. For a standup paddleboard (SUP) rental, you’ll pay $30/day for a plastic beginner board and $40/day for a deluxe fibreglass SUP. When it comes to rental period, expect a 15 percent discount for canoe and kayak rentals of 5 days or more, 25 percent for more than 7 days.
Backcountry camping & canoe campsites
Experience Algonquin Park at its most rugged and wild: a vast landscape of maple hills, rocky ridges, spruce bogs and thousands of lakes, ponds and streams. Now that you know where to rent canoes in Algonquin Park, you can enter the backcountry by paddle and portage to sample more than 2,000 kilometres of canoe routes and over 1,900 canoe campsites. Discover some of our favourite Algonquin backcountry sites here: Plan Your Dream Algonquin Park Backcountry Camping Trip Now.
Escape the shore. | Photo courtesy of: Ontario Tourism
*Contains only natural ingredients. | Photo: Ontario Tourism
Experience Algonquin Park at its most rugged and wild: a vast landscape of maple hills, rocky ridges, spruce bogs and thousands of lakes, ponds and streams. Enter the backcountry by paddle and portage to sample more than 2,000 kilometres of canoe routes and over 1,900 canoe camping sites. Additionally, Algonquin has three backpacking trails that await those seeking seclusion in the park on foot. As there are no backcountry campgrounds, Algonquin offers excellent solitude at individual backcountry campsites. Read on for 13 of our favourite Algonquin Park backcountry camping areas for paddlers and hikers.
Joe Lake is justifiably popular with first-time canoe trippers. | Photo: Ontario Tourism
Joe Lake backcountry campsites
There are plenty of good reasons that an overnight at Joe Lake is a milestone for many first-time Algonquin Park backcountry campers. For starters, the lake is an easy paddle and even easier portage from popular Canoe Lake. Add to that a liberal selection of spacious campsites, diverse scenery and fascinating park history scattered around the lakeshore and along the neighbouring Arowhon Pines Trails.
[ Paddling Trip Guide: View all paddling trips in Algonquin ]
Choose from 20 backcountry campsites on Joe Lake and the lake’s East Arm. Launch from Algonquin’s Canoe Lake Access Point #5, located on the north side of Highway 60 near KM 14. Rent canoes and equipment from The Portage Store, and depart right from their docks.
The best part about canoe camping at Parkside Bay is how remote it feels, yet paddlers only have to traverse a single, short portage (240 metres) to reach here. Parkside Bay is actually an out-of-the-way offshoot of Ragged Lake; paddlers must navigate a series of narrow twists and turns to find the entrance to the bay. Once there, choose from 16 backcountry campsites peppered around the bay and perched on its islands. Wherever you decide to nestle in, the night sky here is simply magical.
Launch from Algonquin’s Smoke Lake Access Point #6, located on the south side of Highway 60 near KM 14. Canoe and equipment rentals are available across the highway at The Portage Store.
Spend a couple of nights on this gorgeous lake and you’ll quickly see why many Algonquin Park regulars return to Rock Lake year after year. From the launch on a narrow bend in the Madawaska River, campers paddle directly out onto the open waters of Rock Lake—no portaging required. Eighteen backcountry campsites are scattered around the lake’s southeastern shore and central islands. Choose your view: dramatic cliffs, spectacular sunset or serene bay—there’s a site to suit every taste.
Algonquin’s Rock Lake Access Point #9 is located south of Highway 60 near KM 40.
Out of the more than 1,500 lakes in Algonquin Park, Lake Opeongo is the largest and among the most beautiful. These are vast waters—there’s plenty of diverse shoreline here for a week or more of canoe (or kayak) tripping. Because of its size, when booking backcountry campsites on Lake Opeongo, paddlers will need to specify on which part of the lake they’ll be staying: the South Arm, North Arm, East Arm or Annie’s Bay. Camping at one or more of the 30 sites spread around the North Arm, paddlers can choose from island or mainland campsites and make early morning and evening wildlife-watching forays into the wetlands of Hailstorm Creek—moose sightings here are common.
Algonquin’s Lake Opeongo Access Point #11 is located several kilometres north of Highway 60 past KM 47. The launch is at the south end of the South Arm, making for a long and potentially treacherous paddle to the North Arm if it’s windy out on the lake. A water taxi service is available to shuttle paddlers to any point on Lake Opeongo in just 15 minutes—contact Algonquin Outfitters or Opeongo Outfitters. Both outfitters also offer canoe and equipment rentals.
In the northwest corner of Algonquin Park, North Tea Lake boasts a rare combination of breathtaking sandy beaches, loads of portage-free paddling and picturesque islands, and tons of gorgeous backcountry campsites. With two distinct arms and nearly 70 campsites to choose from, it’s possible to find privacy and seclusion even on busy summer weekends. Enjoy stunning sunsets and swimming, and stay alert for wildlife along the Amable du Fond River—this winding waterway is a moose-watching hotspot.
Use Algonquin’s Lake Kawawaymog Access Point #1, accessible from Highway 11 at South River. There are only two short, easy portages en route from here to the West Arm of North Tea Lake.
For adventurous hikers seeking an overnight route through challenging terrain and superlative scenery, Algonquin Park’s Highland Backpacking Trail is an absolute gem. Spend a weekend hiking the shorter of the trail’s two loops: a 19-kilometre circuit of Provoking Lake. There’s ample camping—and no other traffic aside from your fellow backpackers—at this lovely backcountry lake cradled by pine-clad ridges.
The Highland Backpacking Trailhead is located near Mew Lake Campground, east of KM 29 on Highway 60. Hikers reach Provoking Lake—and the first backcountry campsites—after about 4 kilometres. Sixteen hiking campsites are scattered along the north and west sides of this rugged lake.
For a truly remote backpacking experience that will test your mettle while simultaneously elevating your spirit, extend your hike on the Highland Backpacking Trail past Provoking Lake to complete the longer 35-kilometre loop. Lofty lookouts, deep wilderness and your choice of five secluded backcountry campsites on Harness Lake are your reward.
Travelling from Provoking Lake, hikers will reach Harness Lake after about 11 strenuous kilometres. Five hiking campsites are situated on rocky points along the lake’s east side.
Even if you don’t subscribe to the notion that a bit of straining and suffering makes your backcountry campsite all the sweeter, Lake Louisa’s stunning natural beauty and isolation makes it worth the effort to get here. Before you can settle into one of the 23 canoe camping sites nestled amid the lake’s windswept pines and panoramic rock points, you’ll need to carry canoes and packs an arduous 3,000 metres across the portage from Rock Lake. To get back to your vehicle, either retrace your steps or carry on paddling and portaging through Welcome and Pen lakes to loop back to Rock Lake.
Launch from Rock Lake Access Point #9, located south of Highway 60 near KM 40.
In late September and early October, the hardwood forest hillsides cradling Rosebary Lake are ablaze with breathtaking fall colour. Situated on the west side of Algonquin Park, the lake has fewer visitors than routes accessible from Highway 60—late-season campers may find they have Rosebary’s six backcountry campsites all to themselves. Choose a site with southeast exposure for early morning sunshine to warm up after a chilly night, or pick one of the lake’s west-facing points for stunning sunsets. The paddle down the meandering Tim River to Rosebary Lake often rewards with intimate moose sightings, especially during autumn when these iconic ungulates are particularly active.
On the west side of Algonquin Park, launch from Tim River Access Point #2 near the hamlet of Kearney.
Shirley Lake is a beautiful and easy-to-reach weekend canoe camping destination that is not too far from Algonquin Park’s well-travelled Highway 60 corridor, yet sees far less traffic. There are just eight backcountry campsites sprinkled around this mid-sized lake, including a few with picnic tables (a rare luxury in the Algonquin backcountry!). Choose from spacious pine-rock points, or a private island site.
Use Algonquin’s Shall Lake Access Point #17, located north from the village of Madawaska. There is just one well-maintained portage en route from here to Shirley Lake.
Lying in the heart of the Algonquin backcountry, Burntroot Lake takes several days’ travel by paddle and portage to reach. But its isolation is what makes this large, island-studded lake so special. All 25 campsites on Burntroot remind paddlers why Algonquin Park backcountry camping is world-renowned. And, if you’re a fan of pitching your tent offshore, this lake has no fewer than 11 island campsites. Explore the varied shoreline for artefacts of Algonquin’s early homesteading, farming and logging eras.
Burntroot Lake can be reached from access points on Algonquin Park’s north and west sides, as well as from the Highway 60 corridor. For a somewhat shorter trip, consider taking a Lake Opeongo water taxi from Access Point #11 to the North Arm, and then travelling through Happy Isle, Merchant and Big Trout lakes.
Comprising a series of stacked loops ranging from 32 to 88 kilometres in length, the Western Uplands Backpacking Trail is the longest developed hiking trail network in Algonquin Park. Most hikers are content to trek as far as Maggie Lake (11.3 km), and then spend a couple nights here circling this pretty lake before returning the same way.
Maggie Lake has 15 backcountry campsites available for hikers, spaced at private intervals along 8.4 kilometres of trail looping around the lake. Access to the Western Uplands Backpacking Trailhead is at KM 3 on Highway 60, across a footbridge over the Oxtongue River.
Algonquin Park is home to a number of cascades named High Falls, but this particular cataract is located on the park’s east side along the Eastern Pines Backpacking Trail. The four backcountry campsites tucked on Stratton Lake’s High Falls Bay are the farthest from the trailhead—making for an 18- to 20-kilometre loop. To get here, hikers will skirt several small lakes and a peat bog, whilst scrambling over and around huge boulders deposited by glaciers during the last ice age. The best part? Cooling off in High Falls’ natural swimming holes and waterslides.
The Eastern Pines Backpacking Trail is accessed from Algonquin’s Grand Lake – Achray Access Point. Note that the road beyond Sand Lake Gate is unpaved and can be rough; total travel time to this access point from the Toronto area is nearly 7 hours.
Unique to Algonquin Park, paddlers can choose to stay in one of the nine Ranger Cabins scattered throughout the park’s backcountry. These are rustic, wooden structures equipped with a woodstove but no electricity or running water. Ranger Cabins were built by early park rangers, and have been carefully restored to offer visitors a fascinating heritage experience—and a cozy place to escape bad weather. For history buffs, each cabin’s story is detailed inside. For example, fire rangers used the Ranger Cabin on Big Crow Lake until the 1970s—hike up to the panoramic fire tower lookout behind the cabin. For an authentic log cabin stay with another scenic lake view, the Kitty Lake Ranger Cabin is nestled among mature white pines and was built in 1935 with materials salvaged from abandoned pioneer lumber camps.
Cabins are available to rent from late April to October; reservations can be made online at www.ontarioparks.com or by calling 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275).
Car & RV campgrounds
Algonquin Provincial Park’s beautiful, fully serviced vehicle campgrounds make it easy to enjoy a few nights in the park without backcountry camping. Eight of the park’s developed campgrounds are centrally located along Algonquin’s Highway 60 corridor, while three more campgrounds service visitors to the park’s northern and eastern access points. Discover car and RV camping in the park here: Camping in Algonquin Park: 9 Breathtaking Campgrounds.
Fees
Ontario Parks charges fees for all developed and backcountry camping in Algonquin Park. Expect to pay around $42–$48 per night for a vehicle campsite, or $54 for an RV site with electric hook-up. This covers one vehicle and a maximum of six people per campsite. Backcountry camping fees are charged per person: around $12 for each adult, $6 each for those under 18. A maximum number of nine campers is allowed per backcountry campsite.
Backcountry reservations and bookings
Backcountry campsites in Algonquin Park can fill up quickly, especially during summer and fall colours season—reservations are strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Reservations can be made up to five months prior to your arrival date (for example, you can book February 1st if you plan to arrive July 1st). Note that backcountry canoe and hiking campsite reservations are for a particular lake area or river section, not a specific campsite.
Before making your reservation, you’ll need to know your intended Algonquin Park access point and have a good idea of your route, including daily mileage that’s reasonable for your group. Keep a backcountry canoe routes or backpacking trails map handy while making your reservation, in case modifications have to be made to your trip.
Campsite reservations for your backcountry trip can be booked online at www.ontarioparks.com, or by calling 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275).
This article was first published in Paddling Magazine Issue 63. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions here, or browse the digital archives here.
