Biking
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.
Boating
Outboard motors are limited to 20 hp on Rock Lake. A boat launch is located at the Rock Lake Campground.
Canoeing
Rock Lake offers a boat launch and is also a main access for interior camping on Rock Lake. There are excellent canoe opportunities available throughout Algonquin and Rock Lake is one of them. Although Rock Lake does not provide canoe/kayak rentals on site, there are outfitters in the area that will deliver your rentals to the campground. If you have a canoe but forgot your lifejacket, do not worry. Rock Lake carries a small selection of personal floatation devices (PFDs) that you may borrow.
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
Centennial Ridges Trail located at km 37.6 - 10 km (3-4 hours) strenuous
This demanding loop rewards the hiker with spectacular viewing along two high ridges.
Booth's Rock Trail located 9km south of highway 60 at km 40.3 on the Rock Lake road - 5.1 km (3 hours) difficult
This trail visits two lakes and a spectacular lookout, returning via an abandoned railway.
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
Rock Lake Campground has two expansive beaches within a short walking distance of all campsites. Please note that pets are not allowed at the beach and the beach does not have lifeguards.