Biking
Old Railway Bike Trail
The Old Railway Bike Trail between Rock Lake and Mew Lake Campgrounds was extended in 2011. The extension adds 6.2 km of bike trail that runs west from Mew Lake Campground to the Track and Tower Trail. You can now plan a combined adventure by biking to the most westerly end of the bike trail and then hiking up the “Tower” portion of the Track and Tower Trail to take in a premier vista of Algonquin Provincial Park. The full bike trail is now 16.2 km in length and is accessible from Rock & Raccoon Lake, Pog Lake, Mew Lake Campgrounds. This leisurely trail runs along the abandoned rail bed of the historic Ottawa, Arnprior, and Parry Sound Railway built across the park in 1895. The trail has several interpretive panels along the route which explain Algonquin’s history.
Birding
Algonquin is a famous birding destination with it being one of the most southern locations to get northern specialty birds such as Canada Jay, Spruce Grouse, and the Black-backed Woodpecker. With over 260 species recorded within the park, Algonquin has an incredible mix of southern and northern species. In winter Algonquin can be one of the best places in the province to view exciting and colorful winter finches like the Evening Grosbeak, Redpolls, and Crossbills. Some of the best birding locations include the Mew Lake Old Airfield, Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail, and the Mizzy Lake Trail.
Camping - Winter (including Roofed Accommodations)
Algonquin Provincial Park has as much to offer visitors in the winter as during the summer. Highway 60 is ploughed and sanded all winter and many trails are available for winter visitors.
A valid permit is required to use the park. Permits can be purchased at the East or West Gates or at the self-service station at the Mew Lake Campground.
Cross-country Skiing
Algonquin has three trail networks for cross-country skiing. They offer trails of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty.
Fen Lake Ski Trail is located at the West Gate of the park. Much of this trail travels through the hardwood bush typical of Algonquin’s west side. You will almost certainly see the tracks of moose on your outing. It offers four loops of 1.25, 5.2, 11.4 and 13 km and offers both easy and more challenging sections. All trails are groomed and track set and a 6 km section also offers a lane for skate skiing. A cabin is located at Fen Lake and privies are available throughout the trail network.
The Minnesing Trail is located on the north side of Highway 60, 23 km from the West Gate. It has four loops ranging in distance from 4.7 to 23.4 km. The trail is maintained for backcountry wilderness skiing and is not groomed. Wide touring skis and large basket poles are essential for soft snow conditions.
Leaf Lake Ski Trail offers a wide variety of trail selections ranging in length from 5 to 51 km and ranging from easy to very difficult. The system includes three loops that are groomed for skate skiing. All trails are groomed, and many are track set. Cabins and toilets are available at several locations throughout the trail system. Leaf Lake Trail system provides some of the most beautiful vistas and exhilarating skiing available anywhere. As you explore the landscape you may see the tracks of Moose, Otter, Ruffed Grouse, Marten, and many other animals.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing enthusiasts can go virtually anywhere within the park except on cross-country ski trails. If you prefer a set trail, you might try one of the short walking trails along the Highway 60 corridor or one of the two longer backpacking trails (Western Uplands Trail and the Highland Trail).
Skating
Part of the parking lot in the Mew Lake Campground is turned into a skating rink in the winter weather permitting. And in case you forget a stick, net, or pucks, Algonquin offers some on loan at the rink.
Dogsledding
Dog sledding opportunities, offered by commercial operators, are available in two locations in the park - one along Highway 60 and one in the northwest section of the park accessible from the village for South River on Highway 11.
Fatbiking
Algonquin’s Old Railway Bike Trail is groomed approximately 12 km from Pog Lake to Cache Lake throughout the winter as a multi-recreation trail. Many people use fatbikes to explore this trail in the winter.
Algonquin Outfitters’ Huntsville location offers a range of fatbike makes and models for rental and sale. Mew Lake Campground offers the best access point.
Snowmobiling is not permitted within Algonquin Provincial Park with the exception of the hydro line across Clyde Township.
Winter Camping
Highway 60 Corridor
Mew Lake Campground offers camping opportunities year-round. From mid-October until the end of April, there are both reservable campsites and campsites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made online or by phone. The main parking lot and the roads adjacent to sites 1-66 and 83-131 are plowed. Sites are plowed as time and weather permit. Sites 1 to 66 have electrical hook-ups. Firewood can be purchased at the Mew Lake Campground summer office in the self-serve firewood shed. A heated winterized comfort station provides drinking water, flush toilets, showers, and laundry.
Backcountry
Camping away from Highway 60 in the backcountry of the park is permitted during winter. You may wish to use one of the groomed ski trails to enter the backcountry. Camping within sight or sound of the trails or in trail shelters is not permitted. Winter camping is also not permitted on designated summer campsites or within 30 metres of a lakeshore, trail or portage. We recommend that you camp in low sheltered areas where there is a good supply of standing dead firewood for warmth and cooking.
Roofed Accommodation
Six yurts and four cabins, located in the Mew Lake Campground, are available for rent during the winter. Accessible by vehicle, these roofed accommodations are equipped with basic furniture and are heated. Reservations are required for the yurts and cabins and can be made up to five months in advance of arrival. Reservations can be made online or by phone.
Dog sledding opportunities, offered by commercial operators, are available in two locations in the park - one along Highway 60 and one in the northwest section of the park accessible from the village for South River on Highway 11.
Fishing during winter is not permitted in Algonquin Provincial Park.
Snowmobiling is not permitted within Algonquin Provincial Park with the exception of the hydro line across Clyde Township.
Ice Conditions
We advise against ice travel. Ice conditions may vary due to weather, snow depth, pressure cracks, and many other variables. Hazards are difficult to detect. Ice may be safe in one location and unsafe nearby. Use alternate land routes to avoid ice travel.
Canoeing
There are canoeing opportunities available on Mew Lake at the campground. In addition, there are many other lakes nearby where visitors may put in their canoe. Rentals are available at the Portage Store and Opeongo Store in the park.
Discovery Program
The Park’s Discovery program is focused on enhancing the park visitor’s experience through the exploration of the park’s incredible nature, wildlife, and history. Check out our “Events” page for an up-to-date list of Discovery programs aimed to inspire and excite. During your stay, check out our infomation boards for the Discovery Poster of scheduled events, such as:
Guided Hikes:
Guided hikes are led by Park Naturalists throughout the year. These consist of a guided hour and a half hike on one of the parks many beautiful trails, exploring wildlife, plants, insects, and historical sites through the eyes of the park’s most keen wildlife and history experts.
Algonquin for Kids: Come with your kids (ages 5 to 12) to the Visitor Centre theatre for an hour of discovery with games, stories, and animals that will both entertain and educate.
Evening Programs:
Evening Programs begin at dusk at the Outdoor Theatre (at km 35.4) from July to Labour Day. Each program lasts about an hour and a half and consists of a special program, play, or talk about wildlife from the parks team of Naturalists. When bad weather interferes, the programs are held at the Visitor Centre.
Special Events:
Throughout the year special events are hosted in the park such as live music, wildlife shows, and special guests at the Visitor Centre and Outdoor Theatre.
Fishing
Algonquin has a reputation for some of the best trout fishing in Canada. More than 230 lakes have native Brook Trout and 149 have Lake Trout—a fantastic concentration of trout waters that continue to yield good fishing because of the Park's tradition of wise conservation.
Along the highway, many of the lakes are stocked with Splake (a hybrid of Brook and Lake trout) and the fishing is outstanding. Spring is the best season for trout and summer brings on more enjoyment with Smallmouth Bass. Spend a July day with the family at a prime bass location, enjoying the scenery and reeling in the night's dinner.
Algonquin hosts a Family Fishing Weekend in July at Whitefish Lake, offering a free fish and chips lunch, boats and equipment, prizes, and more. It is fun for the whole family and is scheduled to coincide with Ontario’s licence free fishing weekend.
Options to target pike are available in lakes accessible through the Shall Lake Access Point.
It is illegal to possess live bait fish anywhere in Algonquin. Please refer to current Ontario Fisheries Regulations for other restrictions that may apply.
Hiking
Algonquin offers many opportunities for hiking. The following trails are located near the Mew Lake Campground.
Track and Tower Trail located at km 25km - 7.5 km (4 hours) moderate
This looped trail features a spectacular lookout over Cache Lake. An optional 5.5 km side trip follows an abandoned railway to Mew Lake.
Hemlock Bluff Trail located at km 27.2 - 3.5 km (2 hours) moderate.
This trail leads through a mixed forest to an impressive view of Jack Lake.
Bat Lake Trail located at km 30 - 5.8 km (3.5 hours) moderate
This looped trail introduces the hiker to basic park ecology while visiting a beautiful hemlock stand, a fine lookout, and acidic Bat Lake.
Two Rivers Trail located a km 31 - 2.1km (1 hour) difficult
This looped trail includes an easy climb to a pine-clad cliff.
Hunting
Hunting in this park is subject to the Ontario Hunting Regulations. Certain restrictions apply. For more information, contact the park or a Ministry of Natural Resources office.
Swimming
A sand beach and swimming area is centrally located in the Mew Lake Campground.