Stefanie’s Algonquin and Whitney Guidebook
City/town information
Whitney is a small and very friendly town just outside the East Gate of Algonquin Park. I feel at home here although I just bought my place in 2020.
Whitney
Whitney is a small and very friendly town just outside the East Gate of Algonquin Park. I feel at home here although I just bought my place in 2020.
Trails I love
I just love all the trails in the park, but here are a few of my absolute favorites:
This link is the Algonquin Park site of trails and they keep their site up to date for which areas are open.
https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/recreational_activites/interpretive-walking-trails-in-algonquin-park.php
This is the site to book your day or seasonal permit:
https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/general_park_info/fees-algonquin-park.php
Cross-country Skiing:
Leaf Lake is my go to, and I haven't ventured to other trails yet so I cannot really compare. If you want to make a full day of it, you can pack a snack or meal and start a fire in the warm-up cabin - masks are required here. There is a washroom available as well. FYI the blue moderate sections of the trail I find quite challenging.
I have heard wonderful things about Fen Lake. This site gives up to date conditions of the trails.
https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/recreational_activites/skiing-in-algonquin-park.php
Snowshoeing:
Spruce Bog is a good flat trail to go snowshoeing on. Mizzy Lake Trail would also be a good option, but I suggest bringing a bag to carry them for the sections that have a higher elevation. The old railway trails around Mew Lake would also be great options, and if you stay into the evening and night, you can even try to howl for wolves and you might just get a response! This website also gives some recommendations.
https://www.snowshoemag.com/2020/02/14/snowshoeing-in-algonquin-provincial-park-ontario/
Hiking with Children:
The area around the Visitor Centre is a great place to explore with young kids. The bird feeders out back not only offer a stunning view of the park, but you can often see some of the iconic Algonquin bird species.
Spruce Bog and the Logging Museum trails are short and flat. The trail guides are well worth it, there is a lot of incredible information and if you want to bring seeds, the chickadees will eat out of your hand. They like the black shelled sunflower seeds best.
For a bit more of a challenge with children who can walk independently, I love Lookout and Bat Lake. Note that these trails have steep cliffs.
Hiking:
My favourite trail in the park is Beaver Pod. I love it because of the unique ecology and the river otters that often can often be found in the lake.
Mizzy Lake is a close second. This is the best trail to explore if you want to see wildlife and moose. It is a full day usually, so I always pack food and plenty of water. There are a couple of beautiful ravens who will express interest in your lunch or snacks, they are persistent but won't do you harm.
Big Pines is spectacular if you like to be surrounded by elder trees. I am never disappointed on this trail and the wetlands are stunning.
In the spring, summer and fall - Centennial Ridges is incredible. The trail isn't open in the winter. It is a challenging full day hike, but the views - especially during the changing colours are unbeatable.
Booth's Rock is a great hike if you want a challenge, but aren't up for as many hours of hiking. It generally takes me a half day to complete, and has very interesting features.
Canoeing and Back Country:
I have had wonderful experiences in the Tea Lakes and the sites that start from Lake Opeongo. Lately, I have been setting out from Galeary Lake and returning. You can rent canoes from the East Gate Motel or I highly recommend Opeongo Outfitters, they deliver to any of the sites in and around the park. This site gives more detailed information. Be sure to plan your trip with your ability, equipment and weather in mind and make sure that you have what you need to stay safe in the backcountry and on the water:
https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/camping/backcountry-canoeing-in-ap.php
Here are a few videos I have created for Toronto District School Board that highlights some of the geographic and ecological features of two of my favourite trails:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3F1RK6_J4XWMI9jeFcidQ
Whitney Trails - there are many access trails into the park from Whitney. If you have a canoe, you can set out on Galeary Lake and paddle into the park, if you want to stay over, you will need to book a site. Here is a map of a popular trail in Whitney:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/ontario/bear-trail--2?ref=result-card
417 íbúar mæla með
Algonquin Park
I just love all the trails in the park, but here are a few of my absolute favorites:
This link is the Algonquin Park site of trails and they keep their site up to date for which areas are open.
https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/recreational_activites/interpretive-walking-trails-in-algonquin-park.php
This is the site to book your day or seasonal permit:
https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/general_park_info/fees-algonquin-park.php
Cross-country Skiing:
Leaf Lake is my go to, and I haven't ventured to other trails yet so I cannot really compare. If you want to make a full day of it, you can pack a snack or meal and start a fire in the warm-up cabin - masks are required here. There is a washroom available as well. FYI the blue moderate sections of the trail I find quite challenging.
I have heard wonderful things about Fen Lake. This site gives up to date conditions of the trails.
https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/recreational_activites/skiing-in-algonquin-park.php
Snowshoeing:
Spruce Bog is a good flat trail to go snowshoeing on. Mizzy Lake Trail would also be a good option, but I suggest bringing a bag to carry them for the sections that have a higher elevation. The old railway trails around Mew Lake would also be great options, and if you stay into the evening and night, you can even try to howl for wolves and you might just get a response! This website also gives some recommendations.
https://www.snowshoemag.com/2020/02/14/snowshoeing-in-algonquin-provincial-park-ontario/
Hiking with Children:
The area around the Visitor Centre is a great place to explore with young kids. The bird feeders out back not only offer a stunning view of the park, but you can often see some of the iconic Algonquin bird species.
Spruce Bog and the Logging Museum trails are short and flat. The trail guides are well worth it, there is a lot of incredible information and if you want to bring seeds, the chickadees will eat out of your hand. They like the black shelled sunflower seeds best.
For a bit more of a challenge with children who can walk independently, I love Lookout and Bat Lake. Note that these trails have steep cliffs.
Hiking:
My favourite trail in the park is Beaver Pod. I love it because of the unique ecology and the river otters that often can often be found in the lake.
Mizzy Lake is a close second. This is the best trail to explore if you want to see wildlife and moose. It is a full day usually, so I always pack food and plenty of water. There are a couple of beautiful ravens who will express interest in your lunch or snacks, they are persistent but won't do you harm.
Big Pines is spectacular if you like to be surrounded by elder trees. I am never disappointed on this trail and the wetlands are stunning.
In the spring, summer and fall - Centennial Ridges is incredible. The trail isn't open in the winter. It is a challenging full day hike, but the views - especially during the changing colours are unbeatable.
Booth's Rock is a great hike if you want a challenge, but aren't up for as many hours of hiking. It generally takes me a half day to complete, and has very interesting features.
Canoeing and Back Country:
I have had wonderful experiences in the Tea Lakes and the sites that start from Lake Opeongo. Lately, I have been setting out from Galeary Lake and returning. You can rent canoes from the East Gate Motel or I highly recommend Opeongo Outfitters, they deliver to any of the sites in and around the park. This site gives more detailed information. Be sure to plan your trip with your ability, equipment and weather in mind and make sure that you have what you need to stay safe in the backcountry and on the water:
https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/camping/backcountry-canoeing-in-ap.php
Here are a few videos I have created for Toronto District School Board that highlights some of the geographic and ecological features of two of my favourite trails:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3F1RK6_J4XWMI9jeFcidQ
Whitney Trails - there are many access trails into the park from Whitney. If you have a canoe, you can set out on Galeary Lake and paddle into the park, if you want to stay over, you will need to book a site. Here is a map of a popular trail in Whitney:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/ontario/bear-trail--2?ref=result-card
Grocery Store
This is the nearest place to get groceries. If you are looking for more variety, the closest spot would be Barry's Bay, Huntsville or Bancroft.
7 íbúar mæla með
Charbonneau's Freshmart
32 Ottawa StThis is the nearest place to get groceries. If you are looking for more variety, the closest spot would be Barry's Bay, Huntsville or Bancroft.
Food scene
I love the fish and chips here. It is open seasonally, so call in advance to make sure. The owner is a wonderful wildlife photographer.
15 íbúar mæla með
The Mad Musher
29588 ON-60I love the fish and chips here. It is open seasonally, so call in advance to make sure. The owner is a wonderful wildlife photographer.
Perry's Pit Stop Ice Cream
My favourite ice cream stop in town. Open seasonally.
Pharmacy
Whitney Pharmacy
29542 Ontario 60You can find many pharmacy related items here.
Gas/Mechanic
Perry's Pit Stop
29847 Ontario 60Gas and car service available here.