Issued: March 7, 2016 Updated: March 18, 2016

Enjoy March Break in Algonquin Park

Below is an update of activities and conditions expected in Algonquin Park during March 12 - 20, 2016. For more information see Winter in Algonquin Park or the suggested links below.

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.

Waterbodies - All lakes in Algonquin Park remain ice covered. Some moving water is opening with recent rain and above freezing conditions. Water levels are generally high. Visitors should keep a safe distance of flowing water during the spring melt.

During the winter of 2015/2016, ice thickness is reduced compared to traditional winters given the extended mild temperatures associated with this 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 during March Break. 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. A portion of the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre viewing deck remains temporarily closed for exterior siding replacement.

Skiing - All nordic (cross-country) ski trails may be open during March Break depending upon the conditions. Check the latest ski trails conditions as fluctuating temperatures and new snow may alter conditions. Skiers should always use caution especially in spring as hazards may begin to emerge from the snow pack.

Skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, hiking and winter camping is permitted on the Old Railway Trail which can be accessed near the comfort station at Mew Lake Campground.

Ice Rink - A skating rink near the Mew Lake Campground comfort station is in operation during winters in Algonquin Park and may be open during March Break as weather conditions permit. If you are coming to Algonquin Park pack your skates and hockey sticks. The Mew Lake Campground ice rink is located near the heated comfort station and has lights for evening skating plus a campfire pit. Nets are provided for hockey games. Please note Park staff may close the ice rink during periods of above freezing temperatures to preserve ice conditions. Check at the rink for important or closures notices.

Naturalist-led Programs - Several Naturalist-led programs are available during March Break. See the Special Events Calendar for all the details.

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, Old Railway Trail, or the Minnesing Wilderness Ski Trail where snowshoeing is permitted.

Wildlife 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.

Camping - 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) and are reservable up to five months in advance through the centralized Ontario Parks Reservation Service. A portion of campsites in Mew Lake Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 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 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 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!

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Related Information

• Winter in Algonquin Park
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