Events Calendar

Current Weather

Issued: March 11, 2015 Updated: March 17, 2015

Enjoy the March Break in Algonquin Park

Below is an update of activities and conditions expected in Algonquin Park during March 14 - 22, 2015. For more information see Winter in Algonquin Park or the suggested links below.

March Break Conditions in Algonquin Park

Conditions in Algonquin Park

Snow - Snow depth in Algonquin Park is recorded hourly at the Park’s East Gate. A daily summary of snow depth from Algonquin Park’s East Gate is available on the Algonquin Park Weather webpage. With recent above freezing temperatures, light fluffy snow has compacted to approximately 40 centimetres with below freezing conditions permitting the formation of a "crust".

Smoke Lake, Algonquin ParkWaterbodies - All lakes in Algonquin Park remain ice covered. Moving water is opening with recent above freezing conditions and the fastest water generally remaining open for the winter. Visitors should always use caution around moving water in winter and also avoid ice travel due to a range of environmental variables and the difficulty in detecting hazards.

Roads - Highway 60 remains ploughed and maintained throughout the winter months. Most secondary roads leading to Access Points or other facilities are closed for the winter. Some roads ploughed for the winter months have now been closed for the spring melt, this includes the Barron Canyon/Lake Travers Road near the Sand Lake Gate. See the Algonquin Park Advisories page for additional closures and advisories.

Live View of Algonquin Park - Watch the live video images from the Algonquin Park Webcam for up-to-date conditions in Algonquin Park.

Facilities and Things to Do

West Gate and East Gate - The West Gate and East Gate are both open daily during March Break to provide Park permits and information. Check the Events Calendar for specific details. Self-serve fee stations for Park permits are available during non-operating periods.

Visitor Centre - The Algonquin Park Visitor Centre is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Check the Events Calendar for all the details. The Visitor Centre offers Park permits, information, bathrooms, the Bookstore and Nature Shop, the Sunday Creek Cafe, exhibits, theatre, observation deck, and more. Bird feeders are also in operation providing a sample of Algonquin Park’s bird-life. See the Birding Report for the latest Visitor Centre sightings.

Skiing the Leaf Lake TrailSkiing - All nordic (cross-country) ski trails are expected open during March Break depending upon the conditions. Spring skiing conditions are currently being reported with recent above freezing temperatures. Skiers should always use caution especially in spring as hazards may begin to emerge from the snow pack. Check the latest ski trails conditions as fluctuating temperatures and new snow may alter conditions.

Ice Rink - The skating rink within Mew Lake Campground may be operational for March Break, depending upon conditions. Check the signage at the rink for the current status.

Interpretive Walking Trails - Many interpretive trails are available for the winter months, check the Winter in Algonquin Park webpage for a list of trails with ploughed parking lots. Guide booklets are removed from trailhead dispensers for the winter but are available at the East Gate, West Gate and the Visitor Centre, or by ordering online. Snowshoes are always a good idea when walking the Interpretive Trails. However, they may not be required depending upon the temperature and snow conditions. The Whiskey Rapids Trails is currently closed for the spring melt, see the Algonquin Park Advisories webpage for details.

Snowshoeing - Snowshoeing enthusiasts can go virtually anywhere except trackset ski trails (Fen and Leaf Lake). If you prefer to stay on marked trails, visit the interpretive walking trails, the Western Uplands or Highland Backpacking Trails, or the Minnesing Wilderness Ski Trail where snowshoeing is permitted.

Ruffed Grouse in Algonquin ParkWildlife Watching - Wildlife watching can be rewarding during the winter months. Check the Algonquin Park Sightings Boards at the Park Gates and Visitor Centre for the latest sightings or for bird updates check the weekly Algonquin Park Birding Report. To spot wildlife, carefully drive Highway 60 or other secondary roads, or better yet, walk or snowshoe a trail (see above).

Eating and Sleeping

Food Services - The only food service facility available in Algonquin Park during winter is the Sunday Creek Cafe at the Algonquin Visitor Centre. Operating hours are the same as the Visitor Centre. Please note that the Sunday Creek Cafe is not available during periods of “limited service” but a self-serve snack bar is available during this period. See the Events Calendar for details.

Gasoline - No gasoline or diesel is available in Algonquin Park during winter. Fill up your tank in neighbouring communities such as Oxtongue Lake, Dwight, or Whitney if visiting the Highway 60 Corridor.

Winter SnowshoeingCamping - Two forms of camping are available during March Break (and throughout the winter months). Developed camping is available only at Mew Lake Campground and the Park’s backcountry is always open. Mew Lake Campground offers developed camping (heated comfort station with flush toilets, electrical or non-electrical sites) are available. No reservations are possible for campsites (but are required for campground Yurts). Campsites are nearly always available with staff opening the Lake of Two Rivers Campground if Mew Lake becomes full. Backcountry camping is also available year-round. Most backcountry campers explore the Western Uplands or Highland Backpacking Trails on snowshoes. Check Winter in Algonquin Park for more details.

Roofed Accommodation - No roofed accommodation (other than reservable Yurts at the Mew Lake Campground) are available in Algonquin Park in winter. To find accommodation providers outside Algonquin Park in neighbouring communities search the Commercial Service webpage.

Safety

Winter visits require special preparation and attention to safety and equipment. On any trip it is wise to tell someone back home your exact itinerary and expected return date. Even following this advice and the fact that the Park staff do patrol the Park, we cannot assure that you would be found in time if you were to become lost or have a serious accident in sub-zero temperatures. Cellular telephone coverage is not Park-wide; generally it is limited to 3 kilometres on each side of Highway 60 and, even in this area, service can be "none" to "limited." Your safety in Algonquin Park – as elsewhere – is ultimately your responsibility. Be prepared for winter in Algonquin Park and you will undoubtedly have an enjoyable visit!


Related Information

 

Reserve your developed or backcountry campsite for your next visit.

Share your passion for Algonquin Park by becoming a member or donor.

Special regulations for Algonquin's special fishery.