A Guide To Algonquin Island Park, Toronto

Things to do/highlights

Participate in hiking, biking, and canoeing throughout the rugged trails along serene lakefronts, rivers, and reaching into the mountains. After heading out on the open road to discover some of North America’s large wildlife, head back to participate in storytelling or educational programs.

Canoeing

Depending on your skill level and comfort zone, choose to paddle across the calm, serene lakes scattered throughout Algonquin Island Park or make it adventurous by white water canoeing. For the adventurous and more experienced canoe paddler, enjoy riding through the white water, battling against powerful rapids located along the Petawawa River, Amable du Fond River, and Magnetawan River.

Hiking

During the autumn months, enjoy taking in panoramic views of the fall foliage clothed in red velvet, tangerine, and satiny golds. Hike through the maple trees and rocky ridges hoping to encounter the park’s native wildlife.

Encounter wildlife

Start driving along Highway 60’s wildlife corridor during the evening or early morning hours to catch sight of mighty moose, deer, black bears, wolves, and Canada’s national mascot, the beaver. Pack your binoculars to get good viewings of animals through thickets, lush meadows, and dense forests.

Camping

Pitch your tent to experience sleeping under the unpolluted starry skies during a camping trip in the backcountry of rugged Algonquin Island Park. Awaken refreshed to hike one of the three backpacking trails to explore the thousands of pristine lakes, spruce bogs, mountain ridges, and trickling streams.

Workshops and programs

Enjoy slideshows at the Outdoor Theatre featuring Black Bears, and paddle across the park by canoe. Children ages 5-12 will enjoy special programs designed to educate them about Algonquin through playing games, storytelling, and encounters with animals. Wander over to the Outdoor Theatre to learn all about wolves and their habitat. Afterward, head out on the highway to listen as the Naturalist staff call out to wild wolves hoping they will hear and howl back.

Things to buy

While visiting Algonquin Island Park, fulfill all your outfitting needs by visiting the numerous outposts located throughout the park. Rent a canoe to paddle across the pristine lakes or to battle against the white water rapids. If staying in one of the rustic cabins, take home some books, games, or furry stuffed animals to keep all occupied during the evenings.

Equipment rentals

Venture over to The Portage Store on Canoe Lake or the Opeongo Store on Opeongo Lake to rent a canoe to explore Algonquin Island Park’s mighty rivers. Drive down Highway 60 for about 31.4 km (19.5 miles) where you will find the Lake of Two Rivers Store to rent bicycles so as to ride along the earthen trails to experience the great outdoors.

Literature

Spend time scouring the stacks of books published about the natural and human history of Algonquin Island Park. If you can’t accommodate packing home literature, choose to have it sent by mail order or email, by the friendly staff at The Friends of Algonquin Park bookstores.

Souvenirs

Choose to take home some furry stuffed beavers, fawns, and raccoons as memorable keepsakes for your little ones. Purchase pins, park logo-emblazoned clothing, and postcards celebrating the stunning natural beauty of the park.

Travelers tips

To enjoy your visit, there are numerous amenities to make the experience comfortable. To keep safe from dangerous situations that could result from wildlife encounters, please follow the tips below and be aware of park ranger station locations.

Wildlife

Upon coming across the large mammals found throughout the park, be certain to pull to the side of the road and keep your windows up. If you do choose to depart your vehicle, make certain to remain at least 100 meters (328 feet) back to allow the animals some space and for your personal safety. While hiking or biking through the park, be certain to sing, shout, or talk loudly as this will alert large animals of your presence and will keep you safe. According to a study on North America’s large game, it is best not to bring bear bells as they attract bears and don’t work against other large animals. Also, playing music doesn’t work since the instrumental drowns out the human vocals.

Amenitities

Visitors will be able to experience the luxury of flush toilets throughout Algonquin rather than standard outhouses. Those camping throughout the park will find their campgrounds fitted with flush toilets as well. Laundry facilities are located at many of the park’s campgrounds, making it simple for families and backpackers to enjoy extended stays.

Picnic shelters

Call 705-633-5572 to reserve the East Beach Picnic Pavilion to host a group picnic or a private celebration including weddings, family reunions, school field trips, and more. Enjoy using the propane barbecue or stone fireplace to cook up steaks, hamburgers, or to roast marshmallows over an open flame. The covered picnic facility has running water as well as electricity for operating smaller appliances or to play your favorite setlist from your iPhone or stereo.

Park stores

To pick up maps, souvenirs, and publications on Algonquin Island Park, visit one of the numerous stores at the East and West Gates on Highway 60. Venture over to Sand Lake Gate, Achray on the East side, or Brent on the North side to pick up any useful information to help in your park visit.

How to get there

Visitors looking to travel from Toronto to the incredibly beautiful Algonquin Island Park can do so by driving or taking group tours. Arrive at your campground site after spending nearly half a day on the open highway, voyaging out of Toronto’s metropolis.

Driving

Rent a car while in Toronto and prepare for an exciting adventure spent exploring the majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and wild rivers of Algonquin Island Park. Drive the 387. 2 kilometers (240.6 miles) journey by driving along Highway 28, 115, or 404 to reach the park in under 6 hours.

Tours

Sign up for one of the many online tours through respectable tour companies to experience the rugged natural beauty of Algonquin Island Park. Choose from day trips to multi-day excursions to satisfy your adventurous interests.

Algonquin Island Park information

Algonquin Island Park

Address: Algonquin Island Park, Toronto, ON M5J 2M9

Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)

Cost: 1 - 275 USD

Official website: Algonquin Island Park

Department of tourism: See Toronto Now