Length of stay: 3 days
Visited: March 2026
Out of all the provincial parks in Ontario, we’ve been to Algonquin the most. It was the first provincial park created and it’s one of the largest in the province. We used to go backcountry camping there every summer by canoe. But now that we have a toddler, we’ve traded in our tent for a roofed accommodation. And instead of visiting in the summer, we’ve been taking advantage of the quieter offseason when it’s less busy and buggy.
Day 1: Spruce Bog Boardwalk
It was finally starting to look and feel like spring. Except not so much in Algonquin. While most of our snow back home had finally melted, there was still a decent base layer in much of the park. We arrived at the Mew Lake Campground just before 3pm and made a beeline for our cabin. Technically we’re not supposed to check in until 4pm, but the cabin was open and had already been cleaned, so we figured it was fine. After unpacking the car and eating a snack, we went for a short hike to stretch our legs.
The Spruce Bog Boardwalk (1.5km loop, rated easy) is one of the shortest and easiest trails in Algonquin. And it’s one of our favourites. It was perfect for our little one who wanted to hike on her own. The path was wide and well travelled. It was a bit slick in places, but thankfully it was flat so we could just slide and shimmy around.
Despite the sun, the wind was relentless, stealing what little warmth was provided. By the time we wrapped up it was time to get started on dinner so we headed back to the campground. It lightly snowed throughout the evening, but we stayed warm and dry inside the cabin.
Day 2: Bat Lake and Logging
It was much warmer the next morning and the sun was shining. It was supposed to go up to a high of 10°C this afternoon. So after eating breakfast, we went for a longer hike before the trails warmed up and became a slushy sloppy mess.
Bat Lake (5.6km loop, moderate) is conveniently located right around the corner from the Mew Lake Campground. The trail winds through a variety of forests, including a dense cedar grove and hemlock stand, features a lookout of the surrounding area and two viewpoints of Bat Lake, a naturally acidic lake.
Toddler M walked for the first kilometre, which was relatively flat. But then the uphills began so we pulled her along in her little red sled. We’re sure glad we had our microspikes. We got into a pretty good rhythm with the sled and dealing with the ups and downs. But the sharp twists and turns, especially around trees, were a bit tricky. The dense forest opened up into a valley where the trees were spaced out, allowing more sunlight to pour through. The snow was warming up quickly.
Our favourite part about this hike in the winter is that the trail passes an impressive frozen waterfall.
We made our way up a ridge where the overlook is located. And what comes up must come down. We then passed through a bog and checked out the two lookouts of Bat Lake. From there it was still another kilometre and a half to get back to the parking lot. But at least it’s mostly flat.
We returned to the cabin for lunch followed by a nap for M. But after 30 minutes of trying to get her down, we went with plan B, a drive. We headed towards the East Gate and passed through a few of the small towns before turning around at Barry’s Bay. On the drive back through the park, we stopped at the Algonquin Logging Museum.
The outdoor museum features a 1.3km loop that passes by a series of interpretive panels and old logging buildings and equipment that explain more about the logging in Algonquin and how it’s changed over time with muscle being replaced with machinery. Algonquin is the only provincial park in Ontario where commercial logging is still permitted in two-thirds of the park.
While there are a few indoor exhibits, which were closed during the winter, the majority of the logging museum is outside and is open year-round. The path is wide and the snow was borderline slushy, but it wasn’t too bad. I guess M enjoyed being pulled around on her sled earlier so she decided to give her bunny a ride this time.
Day 3: Back Where We Started
It was supposed to be another warm and sunny day. The road through the campground was already quite slushy when I woke up this morning and it would only get worse as things warmed up. I took the long way to the comfort station to enjoy the sunrise. It also gave me an opportunity to see more of the campground. It was noticeably quieter this morning as many of the weekend visitors had already left the day before.
Check out time is at 10am so that’s when we planned to leave. We decided to end things similar to how we started our visit with a hike along the Spruce Bog Boardwalk. This way M could stretch her little legs before the drive back home too. To shake things up, we hiked the trail in the opposite direction for a change of perspective.
It was already 8°C by the time we set out. We wouldn’t need our hats or mittens. The trail typically takes us 15-20 minutes to hike. But with our little one, it ended up taking just under an hour. It was nice to take things slow and just enjoy the day though.
Once we wrapped up our hike we started the long and uneventful drive home.
L
I loved this post. The moments: (1) the second I read babyM’s red sleigh I was looking for it to be the next photo (thankfully it came later in the post) — as cute as I imagine it would be. (2) frozen waterfall —speechless. (3) the family photo —beautiful. (4) spring forgot to notify Algonquin it was her season, or ol’ man winter just bullied his way past his seasonal date. Lovely post!!! Thanks for sharing Linda!!!
Thanks for your lovely comment, Dawn. Little M got a lot of use and enjoyment from that little red sled this past winter, which seemed to drag on forever! It was very cute to see how much fun she had pulling her bunny around in it too. The frozen waterfall is the highlight of that trail. And it can only be viewed during the winter as it’s typically not there during the other seasons. I guess it’s one of the benefits of braving the outdoors when it’s cold outside! That and having the trails all to ourselves! Thanks for reading. Hope you’re enjoying the summer so far.
It sounds like Toddler M is getting a real feel for the forest and hiking. So nice that she wanted to hike with Mom and Dad, but always good to have the red sled ready. Winter in the forest in the off season is a real gift and Algonquin looks like the perfect place to go. Nice to get up close and personal with the frozen waterfall too. We used to take our boys along the floor of Maligne Canyon in Jasper to the frozen water fall there. Thanks for sharing Linda and have a great Sunday. ALlan
She probably loves being outside more than us! She gets easily distracted when hiking though. On one had it’s a good reason to slow down and just enjoy our surroundings, but sometimes we just want to get some exercise in. So the sled was a nice option to help speed things along. Algonquin is a wonderful park to visit throughout the different seasons and it’s nice that there’s a range of hiking trails depending on how much time you have and your level of fitness. Sounds like Jasper is that way too. No wonder you keep returning so often. Thanks for reading. Enjoy the rest of the week.
What a great family weekend. The frozen waterfall is very pretty. Love the shot of the three of you. M is not longer a baby, but a little girl! Maggie
The Bat Lake Trail is even more special in the winter because of the frozen waterfall. It’s nice that we were able to get so close to the base for a closer look. And you’re right, M is no longer a baby. When did that happen!?
What a lovely picture of you gamily. I still read all your stories . The last time in 2022 when we visited Algonquin park we also did the spruce board walk. Momentarily I am making a photobook of our visit to Algonquin Canada in 2022. I do hope to visit again some day but we are getting older. That is why I love to read your stories because you are so young and adventurous! Greetings with love from Marianne in Holland
Thanks for your kind words, Marianne. Glad to hear you’ve been to Algonquin and have hiked the Spruce Bog boardwalk too. It’s a short trail, but it’s one of our favourites. We hike it every time we visit the highway 60 corridor part of the park. Love the idea of making a photo album, it’s something I should do too! I hope you’re able to return someday. And I hope all is well on your side of the pond. Cheers. Linda
Loved this. The mix of winter stubbornness and family moments made it such a sweet read.
Thanks for your lovely comment! This was our last big winter adventure and chance to use the little red sled before all the snow melted. We had a really nice time.
Such a beautiful park! I am familiar with the name but have never been there. Yay for no bugs! Skeeters and deer flies have no mercy do they. That’s a beautiful family portrait, you must frame it! God bless your beautiful family. 🙏🏻😊🇨🇦
Thanks John. There’s a good reason we keep returning to Algonquin every year. And it’s great that it’s open year-round. While the hiking can be more challenging in the winter, there are no bugs around. You’re right, the mozzies and bite-y flies show no mercy!
The trail looks really nice especially with the frozen waterfall. I can already see that your little one will be following your footsteps of being outdoor and hiking. She already has a lot of hiking experience.
We’ve hiked Bat Lake Trail in every season and the winter is hands down the best time to enjoy the scenery, largely because of the frozen waterfall. We’ll soon be running after little M on the trails to try to keep up with her energy!
I have a friend’s son who once led us on a family hike. The son was around 8 years old at that time. He took the wind out of my lungs with that hike! He would hike his merry pace, stop when he got tired, then continued hiking when we caught up to him.
That’s hilarious! It’s amazing how much energy kids have! I’m super jealous. It’s too bad we lose a lot of that as we get older. C’est la vie.
What a wonderful family trip. I love how you embraced the slower pace and made special memories together. Love the photos, especially the last one, seeing your wonderful smiles… Those simple adventures often become the ones we treasure most. 😊 God Bless you all and keep you safe in His warm and loving embrace…
Thanks for your kind words, Willie. The nice thing about visiting in the winter is that the park is much quieter and everything feels way more relaxed and peaceful. You’re absolutely right about how it’s the simple moments that sometimes bring us the most joy and are what we treasure the most. Enjoy the rest of the week. Linda
When I was a young child (in the 1960’s!) my family traveled to Algonquin from our home in Wisconsin. There we met up with cousins, aunt, uncle traveling from their home in New Hampshire. That experience made a powerful impression on me and has stayed with me through my life. It was the first time I saw deer and tall conifers, slept in a tent, sang around a campfire!
I really appreciate your post-seeing Algonquin today…amazing waterfall, wonderful trails, family enjoying each other and being in nature together!
Thanks for your lovely comment. Sounds like you have fond memories of visiting Algonquin and reconnecting with family there. That must have been a long drive from Wisconsin though! We’re hoping camping and spending time outdoors will leave a similar impression on our daughter
Another very nice park that we have visited only in the summer so it is good to see images of it in the winter. I agree that it would be less buggy…(Suzanne)
Algonquin is one of our favourite parks and it’s neat that you can visit throughout the year. While the hiking is more challenging in the winter, the trails are quieter and there are no bugs around. We’ve been meaning to return in the summer for a backcountry canoe adventure. Perhaps next summer when our little M is a bit older.
A wonderful travel reflection! Returning to a favorite place time and again shows its lasting beauty and charm. Some destinations never lose their magic—they simply create new memories with every visit. 🌲✨
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. It’s always nice and a bit comforting to return to a familiar place. You’re right, some places never lose their magic. And if anything, become even more magical when you get to visit in a different season and see how much the landscape changes.
Your little girl is doing very well with her walking now, managing 1km along the trail. The frozen waterfall looked spectacular and it was sweet to read that M’s bunny got a ridge on the sledge.
I know! She gets distracted easily though so walking anywhere takes so much longer. But, it’s way better than having to carry her in the backpack carrier!
I haven’t visited Algonquin in such a long time but I recall it fondly. I love the pictures of the frozen waterfall and including M’s curiosity about it. That age is so marvellous! Everything is new and interesting. A wonderful picture of the three of you. M is a very cute little girl, Linda.
Thanks Lynette! There aren’t many parks that are open in the winter and offer roofed accommodations, but Algonquin is one of them. It’s neat how the trails can look so different depending on the time of year. We had a wonderful time in the snow, even if it was a tad on the warmer side. And yes, it’s so wonderful to see the excitement and wonder in M’s eyes as she explores her surroundings. I’m very biased and think she’s pretty cute too!
I love the frozen waterfall and the sunrise photos. Sounds like a great trip. Adorable family photo!
Thanks! It’s funny how there’s actually no waterfall during the spring, summer or fall. It only really appears during the winter, which I guess makes this hike more appealing when it’s cold outside.
Even more than an hour of hike for supposedly just 20 minutes of hike is worth it with M. That would be so enjoyable with her reactions and little conversations.
I looked at the photos last night, and the family photo made me smile. Very cute M. And I managed to read it this morning.
The cabin looks great, too and the sunrise is spectacular!
Absolutely! We go at a much slower pace while hiking with M. It’s been nice to just slow down and appreciate the moment. And it’s been so special to see the wonder, curiosity and excitement in her eyes as she explores her surroundings.
All beautiful, as always. The frozen waterfall is amazing.
Thanks! The snow looked magical. The frozen waterfall was the highlight of that hike.
I can’t believe how fast M is growing, she’s a toddler already!! These posts are such a joy to read, they’re so refreshing. What lovely hikes. The frozen waterfall was impressive. And your family is beautiful, absolutely love all the smiles! 🥰🥰🥰
Thanks for your lovely comment Rose. I can’t believe how much M has grown either. She’s already changed so much from when we visited Algonquin in the winter to now. She’s able to do even more hiking now. Soon we’ll be running to keep up with her!
a frozen waterfall!?!? As an Australian this sort of thing blows my mind!! great post! Linda 🙂
Ha! Well if you want to experience the snow, Canada has no shortage of it during our winter from December to March! It’s funny because there isn’t typically a waterfall along this trail during most of the year, it only appears in the winter.
Such fun family memories to make! It is funny how much longer everything takes with a toddler, but it’s good for us to slow down. The frozen waterfall would be my favorite too.
Very true. And soon enough it’ll be us running to keep up with them! The frozen waterfall was definitely the highlight of the trail. And it only appears during the winter, so it was a real treat to see.
There is so much to see and do in Algonquin and I do think it’s time for a return trip for us. We haven’t been back since pre-pandemic. I can imagine experiencing this park in the winter – the frozen waterfall makes it sound so appealing!
Hope you had a nice weekend and look forward to catching up next Monday!
Algonquin is one of my favourite parks and it’s neat to see how the landscape transforms throughout the different seasons. Many of the trails along the Highway 60 corridor are well travelled in the winter. Hiking is more challenging in the snow, but it’s a good way to explore a quieter side of the park. We’re hoping to return next summer to explore a bit of the backcountry, something we haven’t done since M was born. Hope you’re able to return at some point.
Hope you had a wonderful time in NB. We left the Gaspé a couple of days ago and are currently in NB for the rest of the week. Heading to Fundy National Park today.
We’re doing Killbear later this summer, weather pending, but yes, Algonquin is on our wishlist. 😊
Enjoy your time in NB! We got back yesterday. Back to work Monday!
Hopefully the weather cooperates and you’re able to go to Killbear for one last camping adventure of the summer! I’m not looking forward to returning to work today, but I am looking forward to lunch!
It looks like a good weather but cooler weekend ahead. 🙏 See you in a few hours! I hope I’ll be more awake than I am now. 😊
Stunning scenery, particularly the frozen waterfall. Love the family photo, little M is darling!
Thanks! Hiking to the frozen waterfall was one of the highlights of our trip. And remarkably there’s not even a waterfall there during the other seasons, which makes it more special to visit in the winter
How cool that it was the first park created. I can see why it is such a family favorite and that you get to experience it in different seasons and chapters of your life. Beautiful trails and a logging museum- I would definitely want to check that out
Algonquin has a bit of something for everyone and it’s awesome that they have such a range of different camping options including backcountry camping, car camping, yurts and cabins. It’s been nice to visit every year. Maybe next summer our little M will be ready to do some canoeing!
The weather looks so nice! But the photos of the frozen waterfall particularly caught my attention since it’s something we don’t have here in my part of the world. Little M giving her bunny a ride is cute!
The sunny weather was lovely, even if it meant that the snow became slushier later in the day. It’s funny because that waterfall only actually appears during the winter, which makes it extra special.
Oh, that looks like a pretty thick layer of snow to walk in – I think if I lived in Canada, I’d spend most of the time sitting in front of a fireplace drinking wine 😂. I just love that frozen waterfall and what a beautiful sunrise. Beautiful family photo of the three of you (four if I include the bunny 😉). I see you’re talking about little M as a toddler now – it’s incredible how fast she’s grown.
The winter isn’t so bad as it generally means the trails are quiet and there are no bugs. Hiking in the snow can come with its own set of challenges, but it’s worth it for the quietness. And it’s a good excuse to relax by the fire afterwards, preferably with some wine or even hot chocolate! I can’t believe how much M has grown since the winter. But bunny still comes with us on all our adventures!!
Algonquin is magical in the winter and visiting the logging museum without swarms of mosquitos chasing you is a real treat 🤣
You bet. That and there’s no crowds around in the winter. Sometimes I don’t know what’s worse: people or mosquitoes!
Haha, so true!
Love the family photo at the end, how beautiful. And the frozen waterfall is so cool!! I’m with Corna below that I’d be by the fire with the wine instead 🙂
Thanks! It’s funny because we’ve hiked this trail before at other times of the year and have only ever seen a waterfall there in the winter.
Beautiful ❤️ well shared
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. It’s always nice to spend time in nature and with those you love.
😊
Algonquin’s wintry landscape looks very beautiful and inviting. The sunrise shot is gorgeous, the frozen waterfall is the highlight of the first walk, and what a lovely family photo at the end. We have come to appreciate winter hikes and national park visits more over the years: no bugs, lesser crowds.
Thanks Leighton. We couldn’t think of a better place to enjoy the final moments of winter than at Algonquin. We’ve become big fans of hiking in the winter too and now wonder why we didn’t try it sooner. Hope all is well. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Linda
Alconguin is massive, with only a tiny part of it accessible by road and the paths leading off it. I’ve explored several of them, but all this snow is a bit of a deterrent.
It’s tough to explore much of Algonquin during the winter as most areas are inaccessible. But, there are fewer crowds and no bugs. We’ve been talking about taking another backcountry canoe trip to explore the interior, but will likely wait until next summer when our little M is a bit older.
Great, thanks for sharing
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. We had a nice time enjoying all the snow in Algonquin.
Oh my words!! It looks so magical with the snow – and super impressed with the frozen waterfall!! I love it when national parks have museum and exhibits that tells you a bit about the history of the place. It makes the whole experience so much more interesting!
The landscape looked magical with all that snow. The hike to the frozen waterfall was definitely a highlight. And same, it’s always interesting to learn a bit more about the history of an area or how and why a park was created. It gives you a deeper connection or more of an understanding or appreciation for a place.
That frozen waterfall is a winner all round, isn’t it? No wonder your little girl was fascinated. I would have been too xx
The frozen waterfall was definitely the star of the show. It’s even more special in the winter as there’s no visible waterfall during the spring, summer or fall.