In a hurry? Then click the moose pictured above. You'll find all the trails and all their respective highlights on a single page! All the Algonquin Park trails are different from one another and offer a variety of options. Some parts of Algonquin Park are situated at a higher elevation, and so you may find yourself on top of a cliff overlooking a vast sea of pine. Or maybe you'd prefer to be lazy and hike along Algonquin Park's marsh boardwalks. What’s great is that now you can choose which trail best suits your needs without wasting time and energy. The Ontario Parks guide doesn't go into too many details about their trails, so we thought these walkthroughs would come in handy. If your Algonquin Park visit happens to be limited in time, this resource acts like a cheat sheet. Spoiler alert!
This is Algonquin Park history right here folks. First, the trail is very easy and mostly flat. If you're hiking with a stroller, this trail is perfect for you. Not only is it flat and easy, but there's plenty to see. Ontario Parks built this trail as a historical walk back through time. A great history lesson the kids and family are sure to enjoy. Along the way you will see numerous exhibits on display showcasing tools, lodging, equipment and much more. See the history of Algonquin Park, the people who helped shape the logging industry, and compare with where we are today. Take your time and read the posted literature. It really is amazing how much progress we've made in such short time.
Ontario Parks is known for their awesome hiking trails, especially in Algonquin Park. Many might agree that Algonquin is home to a few favorites. Bat Lake is perhaps our favorite trail that Algonquin Park has to offer. It throws a little bit of everything at you. Starts off flat and magical for quite a bit (we're fans of the pine needle pathway). The trail then hits you with a few rocky bumps (so strollers are not recommended). Then leveling out, and offering a nice variety of changing scenery. The dock, the grassy marsh, and the bench are especially nice if you can get it. Leaving early in the morning seems to be the best time. If you want to see moose in Algonquin Park, earliest is the ticket. This trail is also quite long so make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Although this Algonquin Park hiking trail is only two kilometers in length, it feels more like five. The path is quite rough with lots of big rocks and many ups and downs, which includes some stairs. A good ankle warm-up before starting might be a good idea. Don't underestimate those rocks. But despite having to work for this one, Beaver Pond does offer some rewarding views and tranquil lakes towards the end. In case you're wondering why they call this hiking trail Beaver Pond, its because this little big pond has beavers in it. Notice their homes along the way, and if you're lucky, you may actually see a few scattering about, doing their business. Beavers always like to keep busy, so chances are good you might see one. When taking these photographs, I was fortunate enough to see a couple here and there. Sometimes it helps if you stand still.
It’s all in the name. Sadly though, there aren't that many large Pines along this hike. Still a pleasant, flat hike. The white pine trees that we do get to see along the way are somewhat big. Nothing earth shattering though. And if we took notes while strolling through Algonquin Park's Logging Museum, we learn that it is these White Pine trees that were in such high demand.
Algonquin Park's Booth Rock is sure to please. If you like water and stunning views, this trail comes highly recommended. Ontario Parks has this trail marked down at 5kms, so again, make sure to keep hydrated. There are no options when you run out of water on a blistering hot day. This hike is also marked down as difficult, and we concur. If you're going to sweat for a while, why not do it at Booth's Rock. As you can see from the pictures, when you arrive at the lookout, the views are spectacular! The two lakes along the hike are also quite nice and peaceful on a hot sunny day.
Why did Ontario Parks insist on making this hiking trail so long. At a distance of 10k, you'll definitely want to bring lots of water with you. Some food might also be a good idea. When you get to the ridge, the scenery is fantastic, making this hike worth it. If you leave early enough the air should still be cool as you start your hike. An umbrella is a must if you think there's even the slightest possibility of rain. Centennial Ridges also gives us an opportunity to get up high and get a good look at Algonquin Park. A magnificent landscape for sure.
If you're short on time but would still like to get up high, then you have to try hiking Algonquin Park's Hardwood Lookout. This trail is a short 1km loop that takes you straight up, and back down again. You're legs will feel the burn for sure. Don't be fooled by the smooth surface when starting this hike. Eventually the path turns wild forcing you to actually do some work. It is important to remember that although this trail is somewhat short, having plenty of water is essential. Anything can happen and its always best to be prepared.
Hemlock Bluff trail is 3.5km long and not quite easy, according to Ontario Parks officials. To take on this hiking challenge you will definitely require a beverage or two, maybe three. We can't stress this enough. Good sunscreen and lots of water. During the peak summer months Algonquin Park gets kinda hot. Don't be a fool just to be cool. As luck might have it, a good chunk of Hemlock Bluff runs alongside a body of water.
The Lookout hiking trail is interesting because the path is smooth and stroller friendly until you get to the top. Have a look at the pictures and be the judge. If you're travelling with a stroller, one might say this trail is do-able. Ontario Parks rated this hike to be most difficult. We believe they were referring only to the slope of the incline so hikers beware. In a way, Lookout trail goes straight for the gold in tourist fashion giving everyone an opportunity to enjoy a spectacular view. You'll actually have to sweat a bit to get some though, but finally you reach the top and it’s worth it!
If you're the physical type and wish to burn some calories during your camping stay at Algonquin Park, then perhaps give Algonquin Park's 11km Mizzy Lake a try. The trail starts off easy, but don't be fooled. Ontario Parks can only do so much to keep things level, then nature creeps in and you find you don't need that jacket anymore. A common situation shared by many, especially when starting a hike early in the morning. This may be fixed simply by leaving the jacket in the car and doing a quick warm up to get the blood flowing. Mizzy Lake is a long and difficult hike, start early and plan accordingly.
Another hiking option offered at Algonquin Park, the Peck Lake hiking trail, which runs a loop around Peck Lake. This is an easy hike with no big ups or downs, but the path is a mine field. Watching your step is critical to successfully completing this hiking adventure. Sometimes Algonquin Park can get very busy. If all other hiking trails are full, then give Peck Lake a try.
To many, the Spruce Bog Boardwalk needs no introduction. You'll either love it or hate it. It’s flat and stroller friendly all the way. Ontario Parks did a great job on constructing the boardwalk, hence the name. For the first half you'll have zero shade so make sure you're well protected from the sun. The rest of the hike takes you through a cool forest, then some more time without shade, so suntan lotion is important for this hike.
It seems this Algonquin Park hiking trail needs no introduction. Each time you pass by, the parking lot is always overflowing with parked cars and RVs. If you wish to go hiking along the Track and Tower trail, try to arrive early. This is a fairly long trail which demands your attention. Ontario Parks gives this hiking trail their rating of most difficult, which mostly means bumpy and quite long. And they're not lying. Overall the Track and Tower hiking trail has a good mix of everything to see along the way.
Located directly across from the Lake of Two Rivers campground, the Two Rivers hiking trail will take you around a 2km medium difficulty loop. A great little convenience if you happen to be staying at the Lake of Two Rivers campsites. Having the option to leave the campground for a quick hike has its perks and advantages! This hike gradually rises quite a bit in elevation, eventually giving you a nice view of Algonquin Parks green pine canopy.
Whisky Rapids is not really a "rapids" kinda rapid. The water is on the shallow side and runs down in trickle formation. We're confident it was once a raging behemoth before the last ice age. Definitely do give Whisky Rapids a try should other trails be too congested. Ontario Parks would you build us some more trails? Thanks!
This is for you bicycle riders. We've added this additional piece of track because if there's one thing Algonquin Park lacks is bike trails! No fault of Ontario Parks on this one. I can imagine it's difficult to build track through Algonquin’s unpredictable terrain. So we introduce you to this stretch of run which used to be an old rail track, now turned bike path. In fact, the track runs much further than our pictures show. Our goal was to introduce you to this bicycle friendly path in Algonquin Park and let you take the wheel from there.
(Going in the other direction on the rail-trail) The ride on this trail really is quite beautiful as you can see from the pictures. Normally this route is very quite. You're riding out there alone and in the blistering hot sun with little to no shade. Please make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen and bring plenty of water. Keep in mind, your water supply needs to last you for your return trip. Thirst has a way of sneaking up on you so don't cut your water supply budget too thin. This path too is much longer than our pictures show. We didn't bring enough water and had to turn around haha. Enjoy :)
