April 12, 2024

Algonquin Park Backcountry Access Point Status

On April 12, 2024, Ontario Parks announced that Algonquin Park's backcountry has reopened for camping (including canoeing and backpacking).

Algonquin Park's backcountry was previously closed to camping from March 31 to May 2, 2024, for the spring thaw, and has reopened three weeks earlier than planned (on April 12, 2024). Learn how to make a backcountry camping reservation.

Below is a list of the status of Algonquin Park's backcountry access points, as of the date above. Conditions are expected to change. Check back for updates.

Backpacking Trails

Legend

= Open, accessible = Caution (see description) = Closed, inaccessible

• Eastern Pines Backpacking Trail
  • Closed. Road washout at km 34 of the Barron Canyon Road. Not accessible.

• Highland Backpacking Trail
  • Open

• Western Uplands Backpacking Trail
  • At km 3 of Highway 60 is open
  • At Rain Lake Access Point is open, but accessible for four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles.

Canoeing Access Points

Status of backcountry access points for canoeing. See the Algonquin Park Canoe Routes Map for more details.

• Aylen Lake (18)
  • Backcountry access point accessible.

• Basin Lake (19)
  • Backcountry access point accessible for four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles.

• Bissett Creek Road (24)
  • Backcountry access point accessible.

• Brain Lake (28)
  • Backcountry access point accessible for four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles.

• Cache Lake (8)
  • Backcountry access point accessible.

• Canoe Lake (5)
  • Backcountry access point accessible.
  • On-site access point office closed.

• Cedar Lake – Brent (27)
  • Backcountry access point accessible for four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles. Road is icy.
  • Access point office closed.

• Galeairy Lake/Whitney (13)
  • Backcountry access point accessible.

• Grand Lake – Achray (22)
  • Backcountry access point not accessible. Road washout at km 34 of the Barron Canyon Road.
  • Sand Lake Gate closed.

• Hay Lake (16)
  • Backcountry access point accessible.

• Hollow River/Dividing Lake (14)
  • Backcountry access point accessible.

• Kawawaymog (Round) Lake (1)
  • Backcountry access point accessible.
  • On-site access point office closed.

• Kingscote Lake (15)
  • Backcountry access point accessible for four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles.

• Kioshkokwi Lake – Kiosk (29)
  • Backcountry access point accessible.
  • On-site access point/campground office closed.

• Lake Opeongo (11)
  • Backcountry access point accessible.
• On-site access point office closed.

• Lake Travers (23)
  • Backcountry access point not accessible. Road washout at km 34 of the Barron Canyon Road.
  • Sand Lake Gate closed.

• Magnetawan Lake (3)
  • Backcountry access point not accessible.

• Mallard (Sec) Lake (20)
  • Backcountry access point accessible.
• Sand Lake Gate closed.

• McManus Lake (21)
  • Backcountry access point not accessible. Road washout at km 34 of the Barron Canyon Road.
  • Sand Lake Gate closed.

• North River (26)
  • Backcountry access point accessible for four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles. Road is icy.
  • Access point office closed.

• Pinetree Lake (12)
  • Backcountry access point accessible.

• Rain Lake (4)
  • Backcountry access point accessible for four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles. Snow on the road.
  • Access point office closed.
  • Western Uplands Backpacking Trail open and accessible.

• Rock Lake (9)
  • Backcountry access point accessible. Rock Lake Road is in poor condition.
  • On-site access point office closed.

• Shall Lake (17)
  • Backcountry access point accessible. Access road in poor condition.
  • On-site access point office closed.

• Smoke Lake (6)
  • Backcountry access point accessible.

• Source Lake (7)
  • Backcountry access point accessible.

• Sunday Creek (10)
  • Backcountry access point accessible.

• Tim River (2)
  • Backcountry access point accessible for four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles. Snow on the road.
  • Access point office closed.

• Wendigo Lake (25)
  • Backcountry access point accessible.
  • Access point office closed.

Safety

• Some lakes in Algonquin have some lingering ice sheets, please remember that shifting winds may create a navigation hazard as it blows ice around.
• Water temperatures remain near freezing and submersion could quickly become a life-threatening situation.
• Canoe tripper/backpackers may encounter flooded sections on our portages/trails and should be prepared for wet, snowy, muddy, and icy conditions.
• Backcountry access roads are not yet maintained and could be in poor condition. Expect some roads to still have snow, potholes, minor washouts, fallen debris and even water over the roads. Use at your own risk and please drive with caution.
• Ontario Parks remind everyone that spring conditions mean increased risk due to cold-water, ice-covered lakes and unmaintained roads, trails, and portages. Be safe, stay off ice, and away from fast moving and icy cold water at this time of year. Please exercise extreme caution when near rivers and waterbodies and stay away from open and fast flowing water, culverts, and dams.

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Related Information

• Ice Out Conditions
• Spring in Algonquin Park
• Algonquin Park Advisories