Algonquin Park

Algonquin Ice Out April 15 2017

The Countdown Continues

Our last ice out report back on March 20th 2017 reported that we did indeed still have lots of snow and ice in Algonquin Park. Well, that’s still the case here on April 15th 2017. We have seen many of the rivers and lakes along major rivers open up but many of the larger lakes like Canoe Lake, Lake of Two Rivers, Lake Opeongo and Smoke Lake all remain solid with ice.

We updated our previous March report with several mini updates that included photos and even ice measurements from Lake Opeongo and Source Lake. During the last three and a half weeks we’ve had lots of fun with our Lake Opeongo Ice Out Contest, where over 700 people entered their guess for the 2017 ice out date for Lake Opeongo. This contest closed on April 9th well before we had a good feeling as to when Ice Out would actually occur. This is probably why nearly 18% of all votes (Those who were extra optimistic) picked dates prior to April 15th.

It seems most people picked dates around Opeongo’s average ice out historical dates between April 20th and May 1st. We’ll have to wait and see who our winners are once the ice actually goes out on Lake Opeongo.

Lake Opeongo Ice Out Contest

MODIS Imagery from March 20 / April 9 / April 15 2017

Useful Ice Out Links

Friends of Algonquin Park updates

Starting on April 3rd the Friends of Algonquin Park started their annual Algonquin Park ice out report too, posting many photos from April 10th – April 13th, with more to come I’m sure. You can see their updates on the Friends of Algonquin Park website here (www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/ice-out.php)

Algonquin Park Announces a Delayed Opening

On Thursday April 13th 2017 Ontario Parks announced that there would indeed be a delay in Algonquin Park’s opening for this spring. Here’s the official announcement from the Friends of Algonquin Park website: (www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/2017/2017-04-13_delayed_spring_opening.php)

Issued: April 13, 2017 Current as of Saturday, April 15, 2017

Algonquin Park Delayed Spring Openings 2017

Ontario Parks, the government organization responsible for the management of Algonquin Provincial Park, is reporting that the 2017 opening dates for the following areas of Algonquin Park will be delayed until April 28, 2017 (subject to change) due to the late spring arrival:

All backcountry campsites, ranger cabins, portages, and access points
Rock Lake, Tea Lake, Achray, Brent, and Kiosk Campgrounds (Mew Lake Campground is open year-round and developed camping is available)

Most areas of Algonquin Park are still impacted with winter conditions and inaccessible snow covered roads. In addition, most backcountry lakes still have ice on them and these lakes are expected to remain ice covered for at least another couple weeks. Conditions are being monitored and we will be updating this information regularly.

Wednesday April 12th 2017 Ice Out Update Photos

April 12th 2017 Panoramic Images from Algonquin Park Ice Out

Algonquin Outfitters Oxtongue Lake

Tea Lake Rock Cut

Tea Lake

Smoke Creek

Smoke Lake

Mew Lake

Lake of Two Rivers Store

Lake of Two Rivers

Lake Opeongo

Lake Opeongo Store

Lake Opeongo

Madawaska River

Oxtongue Lake

April 13th Muskoka River, Huntsville

High water on the Muskoka River in Downtown Huntsville

Friday April 14th Ice Out Report from Rain Lake Road

Took a trip down Rain Lake access road on the west side of Algonquin Park. Condition was good, mostly dry with several muddy spots requiring extra ground clearance. Construction work was being done on the road so I didn’t make it all the way down to Rain Lake itself.

Rain Lake Access Road

Rain Lake Access Road – high flowing rivers

Rain Lake Access Road Work – Thank you to these guys who were doing a great job of making sure Rain Lake access road was passable.

Thursday April 20th 2017 Update

Ice persists on many of the major lakes in Algonquin Park and will continue to do so through the weekend (April 22-23 2017) and well into next week. Ice thickness has decreased by nearly half the thickness in the last week and major openings along the edge of lakes, where rivers flow and even extending as large cracks out into the lakes. I would think that we would see much if not most to all of the ice gone by the April 29th 2017 weekend. Nights are still remaining cool with often temperatures dipping below freezing still, day temperatures are seldom double digits but with a warmer week in the forecast for April 24-28th 2017 things should start to change rapidly now.

Please remember that water temperatures are still right around freezing and most lakes are still ice covered. As the lakes start to open up dangerous conditions still exist with large sections of ice moving around on the lake. We do not recommend (or rent canoes) during this time period, until the lakes are free of ice. Even after the ice goes out the water and air temperatures can lead to hypothermia if not properly prepared. ALWAYS WEAR YOUR PFD this time of year and I highly recommend that you be prepared if you were to end up in the water, wear appropriate gear (Drysuite) and travel with others who know what to do should such a situation arise.

We value each and everyone of you and want to see you back year after year for some great Algonquin Park adventures.