Lying East of Huntsville, ON and West from Pembroke, ON,  Algonquin Provincial Park is a vast area spanning across 7,725 square kilometres (2,983 square miles) and is host to many natural, beautiful lakes, rivers, bogs, forests, and escarpments.  The park is divided into two unique sections - the Parkway Corridor, a 56 kilometre (35 mile) stretch of the Frank MacDougall Parkway (Hwy. 60) running through the southern regions of the park, and the massive Interior section which may only be accessed by canoe and/or foot.

Within the Interior canoeist have their option of 1,500 kilometres (923 miles) of canoe routes which are all linked via different lengths of portages.  There are 29 access points scattered throughout the park with 11 in total stemming off the Hwy. 60 Corridor.  Most of the 29 access points (or gates) can be found at the end of a winding dirt or gravel road which filter into the park.  Each access route will usually have one or more outfitter within reasonable range to, and in most circumstances in route to, the gate.

Hikers have there choice of 3 overnight backpacking trails located within the Interior of the Park.  These trails vary in loop size from 19 - 71 kilometres (12 - 44 miles)

Reservations

Making a reservation to camp at Algonquin Park is always a good idea, especially in the summer months.  In the case of Interior camping, it is important to know if there is going to be a campsite available for you when you reach your destination at the end of the day.  There are only so many campsites available on any given lake or route and depending on the number of people within the Park, whether they are on the same route or happen to intersect with it, you could find yourself sleeping in your canoe without a reservation.

This service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and includes both car campgrounds and the Interior (canoe routes and backpacking trails). However, there are different ways of doing each one so pay attention!

For car campgrounds in Algonquin (including the eight campgrounds in the Highway 60 Corridor plus those at Kiosk, Brent, and Achray on the northeast side of the Park) you can either call 1-888-ONT-PARK or book your site via this modern technology we call the Internet, at www.OntarioParks.com. All reservations require a valid credit card to which a non-refundable reservation fee of $9.00 will be charged. Other payment options include a cheque or money order provided they are receieved within 14 days of making your reservation. If you are unable to keep the reservation, call 1-888-ONT-PARK to notify. The fee for cancelling or changing is $6.00, so don't make it unless you mean it! Show some commitment!

(right - Dave and Jeff pose for a pic in the early morning waiting for the permit office to open)

For trips into the Interior of Algonquin Park, including stays at our historic ranger cabins, there is one way to make and confirm your reservation ahead of time, which is to call 1-888-ONT-PARK. (You can apply for a canoe or backpacking trip reservation on the Ontario Parks reservation web site www.OntarioParks.com but confirmation, if possible, may take several days). The same fees as above apply here as well. Before calling, be sure you know the route you're planning to take through the Park. (If you can't make up your mind, try calling the Algonquin Park Information number, (705) 633-5572. They'll help you out, but don't think you're gonna be making your reservations with them, you have to go back to the Ontario Parks number. No cheating.) It's also a good idea to have an alternative route planned in case your original one is not possible. Be sure to know specifics of your route including departure dates and gate, lakes and campgrounds. If you're paying by credit card, have it ready. And go run outside and look at your licence plate number, you'll need that too.

Fees And Permits

Day Use Fees

Daily Vehicle Permit 
$10.00/vehicle/day* 
Bus Permit 
$80.00/bus/day 
Ontario Seniors Bus Permit 
$60.00/bus/day 
Ontario School Bus Permit 
$40.00/bus/day 
Bus Permit for Persons with Disabilities 
$40.00/bus/day 

Season Vehicle Fees

Summer Vehicle Permit (April 1st - November 30th)  $60.00*
Winter Vehicle Permit (December 1st - March 31st)  $40.00*
Annual Vehicle Permit $90.00*

Summer Campground Fees (April 24th - October 12th)

Car camping (per night)  $24.75* with hydro and showers 
$21.75* with showers 
$20.25* without above 
$ 9.00* each additional vehicle 
(Interior) Per person
$3.00/night* for ages 6 - 17
$7.00/night* for ages 18 +  

Winter Campground Fees

Mew Lake Campground (per night)  $13.75* with hydro 
$ 10.75* without hydro 
$ 9.00* additional vehicle 
Yurt Rental (at Mew Lake Campground)  $55.00 per night 
$350.00 per week 
$9.00 reservation fee (non-refundable)
(Interior) Per person $3.00/night* for ages 6 - 17
$6.50/night* for ages 18 +   

* Ontario Seniors discount by 25% and persons with disabilities discount by 50%

Contacting Algonquin Provincial Park

If you feel you want to contact the Park you can call the information line at (705) 633-5572 or send a letter off to:

Park Superintendent
Algonquin Provincial Park

Box 219

Whitney, Ontario K0J 2M0

 

All of the above information and more can be found at The Official Algonquin Park Web Site !