One of Ontario’s most popular parks is not one to miss this summer. Although you can enjoy the area in any season, nothing beats a summer hike within Ontario’s wilderness. That being said, if you’re still looking for a fun summer activity and have yet to make a trip to the first provincial park in Ontario, this is your chance. With over a hundred kilometres of hiking trails that guide you past unique and abandoned vistas, here’s what to know about Algonquin Provincial Park.
Located about three and a half hour northeast of Toronto is Algonquin Provincial Park, one of the most notable parks in the province. Known for its camping fishing, boating, canoeing and wildlife spotting opportunities, Algonquin is a must-visit if you have not yet explored it.
Not only is it the first provincial park in Ontario but it is one of the largest. It’s an all-season park that stands out due to all the activities it offers year-round. According to Ontario Parks, the ” essence of Algonquin is in its vast interior of maple hills, rocky ridges, and thousands of lakes – 7,635 square kilometres of forests, bogs, lakes and rivers.” And if you want to explore it to the fullest, the only way to do so is by paddle or foot.
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Algonquin Provincial Park has eight campgrounds, over 20 trails, a Logging Museum and Art Centre, among many more things to do. We’re going to focus on the hiking trails for now and leave the rest for you to discover when you arrive at the park.
Several paths connect with each other leading to the park having 14 interpretive trails, but over 20 individually named trails. They range from easy, short walks to hours-long, strenuous commutes.
Peck Lake Trail, for example, circumnavigates the shoreline of Peck Lake; Big Pines Trail guides past the remains of an 1880s logging camp; Scorch Lake Lookout Trail is a 20-minute climb that takes you to a beautiful view of Scorch Lake and Booth’s Rock Trail visits two lakes and a lookout. On its return, this trail takes you via an abandoned railway. Spooky!
On the topic of railways, if you bring your bike, you can also venture along the self-described Old Railway Bike Trail. According to the official website of the Friends of Algonquin Park, it is a leisurely family bicycle trail during spring, summer and fall, and a multi-purpose recreation trail during the winter.
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“For most of its 16-kilometre distance the trail follows the abandoned bed of the historic Ottawa, Arnprior, and Parry Sound Railway, opened in 1896 and decommissioned in 1959,” states the site.
One thing is for certain, you’re in for some nature fun at Algonquin.
Fees
According to Ontario Parks, the cost of a Day Use permit depends on the time of the year whether it be on or off-season, and by park. Entry fees for vehicles start at $12.25, but for Algonquin Provincial Park in the summer season, the cost is $18.58 plus tax. And for park-specific fees, contact the park directly.
If you’re still itchin’ to discover more beautiful Ontario experiences, why not check out hidden turquoise lakes and the almost endless number of beaches in the province? It’s never a dull moment in Ontario, especially in the summer time.
Enjoy it while it lasts!
Algonquin Provincial Park
Where: Hwy 60, P.O. Box 219 – Whitney, ON
