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
Powerboats with 20 horsepower motors or less are permitted on Tea Lake.
Canoeing
Tea Lake is one of many beautiful lakes in Algonquin with great canoeing opportunities. From Tea Lake, you may travel to Canoe or Smoke Lake and explore even more of the park my canoe!
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 Canisbay Campground.
Whiskey Rapids Trail located at km 7.2 - 2.1 km (1.5hours) moderate
This looped trail leads along the Oxtongue River to scenic Whiskey Rapids. The trail guide discusses the ecology and history of an Algonquin river.
Hardwood Lookout Trail located at km 13.8km - 1 km (.75 hour) moderate
This walk introduces the visitor to the ecology of a typical Algonquin hardwood forest and culminates in a fine view of Smoke Lake and the surrounding hills.
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
Tea Lake has one beach for swimmers to enjoy.