About
Algonquin Provincial Park lies in the province of Ontario, in eastern Canada. It is the oldest provincial park in Ontario and one of the best-known wilderness areas in the country, so it draws visitors who want to be out on the water and among the trees rather than in town.
What a visit is like
The park is most often explored by canoe. Paddling between lakes, carrying a canoe over short portages and camping along the shore is the way many people come to know it, and the network of waterways makes it possible to plan trips of very different lengths. Those who prefer not to paddle can still spend time on the trails, at the lakeshores and in the park's interpretive programs.
Wildlife viewing is another reason to come. The park is known for the animals that live in its forests and waters, and quiet early mornings or evenings on the lake offer the best chances to see them. Keep in mind that you are visiting a wild place, so watching from a distance and keeping food secured are the norm.
Seasons and planning
Autumn is the season most associated with Algonquin, when the fall foliage turns the hardwood and conifer forest into a wide range of colours. Summer suits canoeing and camping, and the other seasons bring their own quieter character. Because the park is large and much of it is remote, it helps to decide early whether you want a day visit, a short stay or an extended backcountry trip.
The surrounding area
The park sits in a region of lakes and small communities in central Ontario, and the towns nearby are a practical base for supplies, meals and accommodation before or after your time in the wilderness. Planning your route, and checking current conditions and park regulations before you set out, will make the most of a trip here.