Algonquin Park

Where should I go for a canoe trip?

It is difficult to give specific route advice without knowing your preferences and if you have previous experience in Algonquin Park or similar areas. It’s also a good idea for you to have a park map to look at while discussing options.

We often suggest routes starting from Canoe Lake (access point #5 – we have an outfitting store there), Lake Opeongo (access point #11 – we have an outfitting store there), Cedar Lake (access point #27 – we have a store there too), Rock Lake (access point #9), or Smoke Lake (access point #6). If you’re approaching from the west, our outfitting store at Oxtongue Lake is the most convenient option for the last two access points, which are just inside the park’s west gate. If you would like more detailed descriptions, please call us, at 1.800.469.4948, with a map handy.

You can order most of the Algonquin Park maps on our online store and have them shipped directly to you.

A digital version of the Algonquin Park Map is available at mapsbyjeff.com

You can order the Algonquin Park Canoe Routes Map (along with guidebooks and many other useful park publications) online at www.store.algonquinpark.on.ca

For the most comprehensive unofficial site, lots of trip planning information, route ideas, trip logs and other related links, check out ‘Algonquin Adventures’ at www.algonquinadventures.com

Descriptions of many Algonquin routes can also be found at the Canadian Canoe Routes website’s Algonquin page www.myccr.com

There are guidebooks available that can help you with your canoe trip planning. A Paddler’s Guide to Algonquin, by Kevin Callan, has some excellent route descriptions and canoe trip tales. Don Lloyd’s fine book, Canoeing Algonquin Park, is another very useful resource for trip planning. Different sections of the park are described and mapped so that you can put your own trip together. A great deal of historical information and natural history is also presented. You can order these books on-line at www.store.algonquinpark.on.ca

We suggest that you make camping permit reservations before making equipment reservations. The park permit reservation system has been centralized for all provincial parks in Ontario. You can make reservation up to five months ahead of your trip. Reservations for Algonquin Park interior trips can be made by calling toll free: 1-888-668-7275 (outside of North America: 1-519-826-5290), or by visiting the Ontario Parks website at www.reservations.ontarioparks.com. They will want to know where you intend to camp each night of your trip. To check campsite availability in advance of making a reservation or get route advice, call the Algonquin Park information line at 1-705-633-5572.