Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Q: How big is Algonquin Park?

A: 7,630 km² (or about 2,946 square miles). Algonquin Park is larger than Prince Edward Island (~5,684 km²), Canada's smallest province, or about the same size as the US states of Delaware (~1,955 square miles) and Rhode Island (1,045 square miles) combined. See the Canoe Routes Map for more details.

 

Q: What is there to do in the Park?

A: See the Events Calendar, Recreational Activities, Camping, or Programs for a few of many activities that take place in Algonquin Park. You may also want to base your activities upon the season you are going to be visiting, since canoeing in the winter really isn't feasible!

Q: Do I need a pass if I’m just driving through?

A: No. If you are driving Highway 60 (a provincial highway) you do not need a permit. As soon as you stop to use a Park facility (bathroom, picnic ground, Visitor Centre, trail, etc.) you require a Park permit.

 

Q: Where can I get a canoe routes map and/or backpacking map of the Park?

A: The latest version of the official Canoe Routes Map of Algonquin Provincial Park is available online or print copies are available for sale for use in the backcountry. The Backpacking Map of Algonquin Provincial Park is available in print through the Bookstore. You may also obtain the Canoe Routes or Backpacking Maps at Access Points, West Gate, East Gate, Sand Lake Gate, Algonquin Visitor Centre, Algonquin Logging Museum and some other Park venues. Retailers outside Algonquin Park also carry the Canoe Routes Map.

 

Q: Do you have accommodations in the Park?

A: Yes. There are a variety of accommodations in the Park including developed campgrounds, yurts, backcountry campsites, rustic ranger cabins, camp cabins, and lodges. See Commercial Services for more information on the Park's lodges plus accommodation options outside the Park.

 

Q: Do you have guided walks?

A: Yes. See Summer Interpretive Program, Group Education Program or the Events Calendar for details.

 

Q: Where can I eat in the Park?

A: There is a range of dining opportunities in (and just outside) Algonquin Park. See Commercial Services for details.

Q: Where can I rent a canoe? How much is it to rent a canoe?

A: See Outfitters page or Commercial Services for details for canoe rental businesses inside and outside Algonquin. Prices typically vary by the material (i.e. the weight) and model of canoe -- contact a business for exact rates. The lightest canoes are best for backcountry excursions were you need to portage your canoe and gear.

 

Q: What’s the best campground?

A: It really depends upon how you define “best”. To some, that might be a social camping experience, to others, it means privacy and solitude. See the Developed Campground page or even consider the Backcountry Camping opportunities depending upon your desired camping experience.

 

Q: Are you open year-round?

A: Technically yes, but many Park facilities are only open from spring (April/May) to fall (September/October). See the Events Calendar for exact operating dates.

 

Q: Where can I rent bikes?

A: See Commercial Services for providers both inside and outside Algonquin Park.

 

Q: What’s the best time of year to see the maple leaf colour change?

A: The last week of September or the first week of October is usually the peak of the Sugar Maple canopy colour in Algonquin Park. Depending upon environmental conditions, the area of the Park and the tree species of interest, great leaf colour change can be observed from mid-September to mid-October. See Fall Colour Watching or Fall in Algonquin Park for more details.

 

Q: Where can I go for a swim?

A: See Visit > Recreational Activities > Swimming

 

Q: Do you offer children’s programs?

A: Yes. See Group Education Program, Summer Interpretive Program or Experience Algonquin Workshops depending upon your interests.

 

Q: When do you howl for the wolves?

A: Ontario Parks ended the popular Public Wolf Howl Program in 2022. You can still book your own private wolf howl for your group through the Algonquin Park Group Education Program.

 

Q: How do I make a backcountry reservation?

A: See Backcountry Reservations for all the details.

 

Q: How far is it to the Visitor Centre?

A: It really depends upon where you are coming from. Check the Algonquin Visitor Centre page for directions. Or see Directions to Algonquin Park.

 

Q: If after reviewing information on this website, I still have questions about Algonquin Park or need specific trip planning advice, what should I do?

A: First you should use the Search Box in the top right hand corner of this page to search for your subject of interest. Then if you require more information contact us by telephone or email.