With hundreds of interconnecting lakes, ponds, and river systems Algonquin Provincial Park is probably one of the best places in the world to canoe and camp in the backcountry. It is both the oldest and one of the largest provincial parks in Ontario. And one of the best places (that is relatively close to Toronto) to be completely immersed in the thick of the wilderness.
There are 29 access points scattered around the perimeter and along Highway 60 that cuts through the southern part of the park. At many of these access points Algonquin offers a number of camping options on a spectrum ranging from cabin rentals and car camping (where you can just drive up to your accommodations) to backcountry camping in the interior. But in our opinion the best camping experience is in the interior away from the crowds and deeper into the wilderness.
We embarked on our first excursion to the interior of Algonquin back in the summer of 2016. And while we are camping enthusiasts, this was our first time venturing out into the backcountry overnight. Our food, gear, and route had to be meticulously planned beforehand. We might have overestimated our abilities (and brought too much wine and beer) but gorgeous weather coupled with an unparalleled view of the pristine backcountry made for such a memorable camping adventure. So much so that it has since become an annual summer tradition.
But canoeing isn’t the only thing to do in Algonquin. In the winter, the park is transformed into a snow-filled wonderland with an abundance of outdoor activities from skating, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Canoeing trips in Algonquin:
- Grand Lake to Squirrel Rapids (Access Point #22 – visited July 2023 – 9 portages)
- Manitou Lake (Access Point #29 – 4 days – visited August 2021 – 6 portages)
- Erables Lake (Access Point #29 – 4 days – visited August 2020 – 14 portages)
- Galeairy Lake (Access Point #13 – 2 days – visited August 2019 – 0 portages)
- Misty Lake (Access Point #3 – 3 days – visited August 2019 – 12 portages)
- Mink Lake (Access Point #29 – 3 days – visited August 2017 – 4 portages)
- Radiant Lake (Access Point #25 – 4 days – visited July 2016 – 11 portages)
Other trips to Algonquin
- Mew Lake (visited November 2022 – 3 days)
- Pog Lake (visited September 2021 – 2 days)
- Snowshoeing along the Bat Lake and Mizzy Lake Trails (visited February 2022 – 2 days)
- Snowshoeing along the Highway 60 Corridor (visited February 2019 – 2 days)