Backcountry Camping
1. The Experience
The heart of Algonquin is its vast backcountry of maple hills, rocky ridges, great pines, and over 2,400 lakes with some of the best trout fishing opportunities in the world. The park is known for its breathtaking landscapes, old logging depots, abandoned homesteads, as well as old growth pine stands and unique wildlife such as Moose, Beaver, Otters, and Loons.
There are two ways to explore Algonquin’s backcountry: the backpacking trail network and the canoe routes network. The backpacking trail network features three different trails with loops ranging from 6 km to 88 km for a total of 140 km of trails. Algonquin paddling routes suit all skill levels, ranging from an easy paddle-in campsite, to a weeks-long paddling trip.
Every backcountry campsite is marked by an orange sign and features a fire pit, box privy, and flat area for your tent. Every portage is marked with a yellow sign that indicates the portage length and what lakes it connects to. Many longer portages feature at least one canoe rest along the way.
2. Reservations and Interior Camping Permits
For backcountry paddling, lake or zone-specific reservations are available online or by phone up to five months in advance of your arrival date. When making a reservation, you will select a pre-defined lake or zone to camp in for each night of your trip. Within your lake or zone, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are recommended to secure your campsite.
For backpacking or backcountry hiking, site-specific reservations are available online or by phone up to five months in advance of your arrival date. When making a reservation, you will select a specific site along the backpacking trail to camp at for each night of your trip. Reservations are recommended to secure your campsite.
When planning your trip, please plan each day’s progress carefully to ensure that you can make it to your reserved campsite each night. You can only camp on existing campsites and on the camp site you have a reservation for because the other sites may have been reserved for other groups. Remember, don’t overextend yourself – travel within your capabilities and according to weather conditions.
You do not need to pick up your permit at the access point offices. Once you have your reservation, simply print out a copy of your reservation letter (or keep a digital copy available) and this will be your camping permit. Nothing is required for your vehicle when backcountry camping. Please ensure the information on your reservation is current and correct - including your licence plate information. If you need to make changes such as occupants or vehicles, you can call the reservation centre at 1-888-668-7275 or log in to your account on the reservation website.
| Paddling Access Point | Location | Permit Pick-up Location |
|---|---|---|
| Aylen Lake | Lat: 45.651084°, Lng: -77.918515° From Hwy 60, 11.8 km east of the village of Madawaska, follow the Aylen Lake Road north for 7.8 km, turn left crossing over a dam and continue 0.4 km, turn left onto North Aylen Lake Road (gravel) and continue for 9km to the access point parking lot. From the parking lot you portage 4km into Wilkins Lake on the cart trail. Information available by contacting the Park at 613-637-2780 ext. 229. |
East Gate Office |
| Basin Lake | Lat: 45.657499°, Lng: -77.580225° From a point on Hwy 58, 7.3 km north of Round Lake Centre, travel to Bonnechere Provincial Park for permits and information for the Basin Lake area. Proceed to Turner’s Road/Basin Depot Lake Road (opposite the Bonnechere Park entrance) and travel 16 km (on pavement, then gravel) to the Park boundary which provides access to Basin Lake (at km 14.3), Foys Lake (at km 23.6), and to the Bonnechere River at the hydroelectric transmission corridor (at km 35). |
Bonnechere Provincial Park Office |
| Bissett Creek Road | Lat: 46.200121°, Lng: -77.881774° From Pembroke, travel west on Hwy 17 for 93.6 km, then go south for 18 km on Bissett Creek Road (gravel) to the access point at the park boundary. Information is available at the Brent Access Point Office on Brent Road. |
Cedar Lake (Brent Permit Office) |
| Brain Lake | Lat: 46.10612°, Lng: -78.689065° From a point on Hwy 17, 10.7 km west of Mattawa, turn south on the Calvin Township Road (gravel). Follow this road for 2.1 km then turn right and travel for another 2.1 km; turn left and proceed for 4.2 km, past the first intersection. At the second intersection, turn right and follow this road for 20.1 km to the access point on the SW shore of Brain Lake. |
Mattawa Information Centre |
| Cache Lake | Lat: 45.551819°, Lng: -78.593209° At km 23.5, follow a gravel road south for 200 metres to the access point. Information is available at the West and East Gates, and the Access Point Office on Canoe Lake (#5). |
Canoe Lake Permit Office |
| Canisbay Lake | Lat: 45.566°, Lng: -78.601° At km 23.1 on Hwy 60, a paved road leads north for 1 km to the Canisbay Lake Campground Office for information, and the Canisbay Lake day-use area provides parking for, and access to, the paddle-in sites. |
Canoe Lake Permit Office |
| Canoe Lake | Lat: 45.535032°, Lng: -78.706570° At km 14.1, a short road leads north to the Access Point Office. |
Canoe Lake Permit Office |
| Cedar Lake – Brent | Lat: 46.025477°, Lng: -78.486176° Just west of Deux Rivières on Hwy 17, turn south on Brent Road (gravel) and travel 0.5 km to the Access Point Office. Then continue on the Brent Road for 40 km to the access point and Brent Campground. |
Cedar Lake (Brent Permit Office) located on Brent Rd along way to the Access Point |
| Galeairy Lake | Lat: 45.489075°, Lng: -78.242151° At Whitney, 5.6 km east of the East Gate on Hwy 60, turn south on Ottawa Street and continue 0.7 km to Second Avenue, turn right and follow a short gravel road to the public boat launch. Overnight parking available at 41 Hay Creek Road in Whitney. Information is available at the East Gate. |
East Gate Office |
| Grand Lake | Lat: 45.945182°, Lng: -77.606144° At a point 19.2 km west of the Sand Lake Gate, turn left and proceed 4.8 km to the access point and Achray Campground. |
Sand Lake Gate |
| Hay Lake | Lat: 45.383236°, Lng: -78.164693° From Hwy 127, 9.9 km south of Hwy 60, follow the McRae-Hay Lake Road west for 4.6 km, keeping to the left, to the public boat launch. A 4 km paddle takes you to the boundary of Algonquin. Information is available at the East Gate. |
East Gate Office |
| Hollow River – Dividing Lake | Lat: 45.370117°, Lng: -78.722191° From Hwy 35, 1.1 km north of the village of Dorset, turn east onto County Road 8 (Kawagama Lake Road). Follow this road 0.8 km to the intersection with County Road 12 (Livingstone Lake Road). Follow County Road 12 for 23.1 km to the landing/parking area. Information is available by contacting the Park at 613-637-2780 ext. 229 or at the West Gate. |
East Gate Office |
| Kawawaymog (Round) Lake | Lat: 45.922976°, Lng: -79.184990° In South River on Hwy 11, turn east at Ottawa Avenue. Follow this road (paved for 15 km, then gravel) for 21.6 km to the Access Point Office. |
Round Lake Access Point Office |
| Kingscote Lake | Lat: 45.188173°, Lng: -78.232629° From Hwy 648, 1.6 km east of the village of Harcourt, follow the Elephant Lake Road north for 12.3 km. Turn left onto the Kingscote Lake Road and follow it for 7 km. Keep right to the access point. Information is available by contacting the Park at 613-637-2780 ext. 229. |
|
| Kioshkokwi Lake – Kiosk | Lat: 46.090153°, Lng: -78.881519° From Hwy 17, 17.6 km west of Mattawa, follow Hwy 630 south for 30.4 km to the Access Point Office. |
Kiosk Access Point Permit Office |
| Lake Opeongo | Lat: 45.635804°, Lng: -78.360447° At km 46.3, follow the Opeongo Road north for 6.2 km to the Access Point Office. |
Lake Opeongo Permit Office |
| Lake Travers | Lat: 45.960188°, Lng: -78.062545° Continue on the main road past the Sand Lake Gate for 54.4 km before reaching the access point at the mouth of the Petawawa River at the SW tip of Lake Travers. |
Sand Lake Gate |
| Magnetawan Lake | Lat: 45.668067°, Lng: -78.986728° At Emsdale on Hwy 11, turn east and follow Hwy 518 for 8 km to Kearney. The Park Office can be found in the town of Kearney at 1734 Highway 518. Then continue on Hwy 518 for 14.4 km to the Forestry Tower Road and follow it for another 24.2 km to the access point. |
Permit Office located inside Kearney Community Centre |
| Mallard (Sec) Lake | Lat: 45.830102°, Lng: -77.542750° From the Sand Lake Gate, go back 2.5 km east, turn right, and proceed 2 km to the lake. |
Sand Lake Gate |
| McManus Lake | Lat: 45.945182°, Lng: -77.606144° At a point 6.4 km beyond the Sand Lake Gate, turn right (north) and proceed 8.3 km to the south end of McManus Lake. Note that travel below McManus Lake on the Petawawa River is prohibited because of the military artillery range, and travel upstream is difficult beyond Whitson Lake. This access point serves chiefly as a pick-up spot for canoeists descending the Petawawa River from Lake Travers. |
Sand Lake Gate |
| North River | Lat: 46.098940°, Lng: -78.423090° Just west of Deux Rivières on Hwy 17, turn south on Brent Road (gravel) and travel 0.5 km to the Access Point Office. Then travel 26.4 km on the Brent Road to the access point on the North River. |
Cedar Lake (Brent Permit Office) |
| Pinetree Lake | At km 49.9, a portage of 1885 metres leads from a parking lot to the northern end of Pinetree Lake. Information is available at the West and East Gates | East Gate Office |
| Rain Lake | Lat: 45.603500°, Lng: -78.952518° At Emsdale on Hwy 11, turn east and follow Hwy 518 for 8 km to Kearney. The Park Office can be found in the town of Kearney at 1734 Highway 518. Turn south at this corner onto Main Street and follow it across the bridge for 0.5 km. Turn east onto Rain Lake Rd. and follow this road (paved at first, then gravel) for 24.5 km straight through to the access point. |
Permit Office located inside Kearney Community Centre |
| Rock Lake | Lat: 45.525077°, Lng: -78.413210° At km 40.3, follow the Rock Lake Road (gravel) south for 8 km to the Rock Lake Office for information. Continue 150 metres to the access point. |
Rock Lake Campground/Permit Office |
| Sand Lake Gate Park Office | Barron Canyon Road to Grand Lake and Lake Travers. On the Hwy 17 bypass 3.5 km west of the Forest Lea Road (approx. 9 km west of Pembroke), turn south on County Road 26 (Doran Road). Travel 300 m, then turn right onto County Road 28 (Barron Canyon Road) and travel 26 km (on pavement, then gravel) to the Sand Lake Gate at the Park boundary. | |
| Shall Lake | Lat: 45.649107°, Lng: -78.099287° From the village of Madawaska on Hwy 60, follow the Major Lake Road (paved, then gravel) NW for 26.2 km (crossing the hydroelectric transmission corridor) to the Access Point Office. |
Shall Lake Permit Office |
| Smoke Lake | Lat: 45.533032°, Lng: -78.701837° At km 14.1, a short road leads south to the access point. Information is available at the Access Point Office on Canoe Lake (#5). |
Canoe Lake Access Point |
| Source Lake | Lat: 45.564304°, Lng: -78.63224° At km 20.1, follow a gravel road north for 1.6 km to the access point. Information is available at the West and East Gates, and the Access Point Office on Canoe Lake (#5). |
Canoe Lake Access Point |
| Sunday Creek | Lat: 45.587205°, Lng: -78.373677° At km 42.5, Hwy 60 crosses Sunday Creek, providing an access point. Parking is available at the nearby Spruce Bog Boardwalk trail entrance. Information is available at the West and East Gates. |
East Gate Office |
| Tim River | Lat: 45.740064°, Lng: -79.060106° At Emsdale on Hwy 11, turn east and follow Hwy 518 for 8 km to Kearney. The Park Office can be found in the town of Kearney at 1734 Highway 518. Then continue on Hwy 518 for 14.4 km and turn right onto the Forestry Tower Road. Follow it for 19 km to the access point on the Tim River. Tim Lake, inside Algonquin Provincial Park, is 2 km downstream (east). |
Permit Office located inside Kearney Community Centre |
| Wendigo Lake | Lat: 46.132946°, Lng: -78.295508° Just west of Deux Rivières on Hwy 17, turn south on Brent Road (gravel) and travel 0.5 km to the Access Point Office. Continue 16 km and turn left onto the Wendigo Lake access road, 1.9 km to the access point. |
Cedar Lake (Brent Permit Office) |
| Backpacking Trail | Location | Permit Pick-up Location |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Pines Backpacking Trail | Lat: 45.867°, Lng: -77.558° Trail via Sand Lake Gate/Achray. See Access Point #22 (Grand Lake-Achray). |
Sand Lake Gate |
| Highland Backpacking Trail | Lat: 45.573°, Lng: -78.525° At km 29.7 on Hwy 60, a short gravel road leads south to a parking lot and the entrance to the trail on the shore of Pewee Lake. Information is available by contacting the Park or by visiting the Mew Lake Campground from late April through October. |
Mew Lake Campground Office (end of April to Thanksgiving) West Gate (winter only) |
| Western Uplands Backpacking Trail | Lat: 45.463177°, Lng: -78.797785° At km 3 on Hwy 60, a short gravel road leads north to a parking lot serving the Western Uplands Backpacking Trail and the Oxtongue River Picnic Ground. Information is available at the West and East Gates. |
Permit Office located inside Kearney Community Centre West Gate |
For additional information including hours of operation, please contact the Algonquin Provincial Park information line: 705-633-5572 or email: algonquin@ontario.ca
Winter Backcountry Camping Protocol: Algonquin welcomes visitors all year long, but there are some differences in access and permitting during winter protocol (December 1-March 31). The park offers winter zone-specific reservations up to 5 months in advance. Reservations can be made by calling 1-888-668-7275 or at: reservations.ontarioparks.com. Winter backcountry camping is not permitted on designated summer campsites or within 30 metres of a lakeshore, trail, or portage marked on the Canoe Routes Map or Backpacking Trails Map.
Spring Backcountry Camping Protocol
Algonquin welcomes visitors all year long, but there are restrictions on backcountry camping in the spring, due to unpredictable ice out timing on our lakes and rivers, normal spring conditions, accessibility challenges and safety concerns. Backcountry camping is closed starting April 1st until the conditions allow. While backcountry camping is closed, you cannot make backcountry reservations and there are no first-come, first-served campsites. This applies to both backpacking and paddling. If conditions allow, we will open reservations sooner. Check the reservation website for available dates.
Updates will be posted on our social media channels and our alerts page.
3. Trip Planning
The Algonquin Canoe Routes Map is available as a digital file online. Paper copies are available for purchase online, or in-person at many locations in and around the park including park offices, stores, and local outfitters.
The Algonquin Backpacking Trails Map is available for sale online through The Friends of Algonquin Bookstore and may be purchased in-person at many locations in and around the park including park offices, stores, and local outfitters.
There is a ban on cans and glass bottles and in Algonquin’s backcountry.
Motor restrictions exist on most lakes in Algonquin.
Possession or use of live baitfish is prohibited in Algonquin.
Please refer to the most recent version of the Ontario Fishing Regulations before fishing in any of Algonquin’s Lakes. There are special restrictions in place to protect the fisheries.
ParkBus is a service that offers transportation to Algonquin from Toronto and Ottawa and makes stops along the Highway 60 Corridor including Opeongo and Canoe Lake Access Points. For more info visit the ParkBus website.
For information about Algonquin and local outfitters, click here.
Please be respectful of the natural environment and other visitors. Practice leave-no-trace camping, camp only on designated campsites, and be aware of your surrounding neighbours, ecology, and wildlife. We appreciate your efforts to maintain this pristine environment.
Radio-Free Camping
All backcountry areas prohibit the possession of audio equipment (weather radio, ear phone are the only devices permitted).
Walk-In Camping
Five walk-in campsites are available at Kingscote Lake Access Point. These campsites are less than 100 m from the parking area and include designated fire pits and tent pads. Vault privies are located adjacent to the parking area.
Roofed Accommodation
Backcountry Cabin
Number at Park: 1
Site Number(s) / Name: Wenda Lake # 754
The Wenda Lake Cabin is believed to have been built by a Park Ranger in the early 1920s. It is a one room, open concept log cabin located on the north shore of Wenda Lake.
Check-in/Check-out
4pm/10amSleeps:
4Amenities
All cabins are equipped with fire extinguishers, wash basin, metal pail, shovel, broom, dust pan, bunks (no mattresses), table and chairs, and an outside closed-in toilet.
Please note there is no wood stove, running water, indoor bathrooms or electricity and no cell phone reception.
What to Bring
Sleeping bags, air mattresses, cooking stove, pots and pans, utensils, flashlight, lantern, matches, food, drinking water.
Restrictions
Domestic animals (pets) are not permitted in the facility or on site. Smoking is prohibited in all facilities. Tents are not permitted to be set up outside of the cabin.
Closest Access Point
Grand Lake / Achray
How to access
Paddle to
Parking
Available at access point parking lot. Parking for 1 vehicle is included in the rental fee. All additional vehicles require an additional vehicle permit.
Check in Process
No check-in required. Cabin is unlocked.
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) (or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America) or online at https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/
To reserve this cabin on https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/ select the following: 'Backcountry' tab, 'Paddling' button, and ‘Algonquin Backcountry' under the park drop down menu. Select ‘22 – Grand Lake – Achray’ under the access point drop down menu for the closest access point to this cabin and select the cabin on the map view.
Backcountry Cabin
Number at Park: 1
Site Number(s) / Name: Tattler # 761
The Tattler Lake Cabin was the living quarters for the successive towermen who manned the Preston fire tower situated on a hilltop about two kms west of the cabin. At 579 metres, or 1900 feet, it’s the highest spot in all of Algonquin. The tower itself was put up in 1932, but there is no record of the cabin’s construction. Good location for wildlife viewing, but a poor location for swimming.
Check-in/Check-out
4pm/10amSleeps:
4Amenities
Cabins are equipped with fire extinguishers, wash basin, metal pail, shovel, broom, dust pan, bunks (no mattresses), CSA-approved wood stove and chimney with heat shields, table and chairs, outdoor firepit and an outside closed-in toilet.
Please note there is no running water, indoor bathrooms or electricity and no cell phone reception.
What to Bring
Sleeping bags, air mattresses, cooking stove, pots and pans, utensils, flashlight, lantern, matches, food, drinking water.
Restrictions
Domestic animals (pets) are not permitted in the facility or on site. Smoking is prohibited in all facilities. Tents are not permitted to be set up outside of the cabin.
Closest Access Point
Shall Lake or Lake Opeongo
How to access
Paddle to
Parking
Available at access point parking lot. Parking for 1 vehicle is included in the rental fee. All additional vehicles require an additional vehicle permit.
Check in Process
No check in required. Cabin is unlocked.
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) (or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America) or online at https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/
To reserve this cabin on https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/ select the following: 'Backcountry' tab, 'Paddling' button, and ‘Algonquin Backcountry' under the park drop down menu. Select ‘17 – Shall Lake’ under the access point drop down menu for the closest access point to this cabin and select the cabin on the map view.
Backcountry Cabin
Number at Park: 1
Site Number(s) / Name: Rain Lake # 750
The existing cabin was moved to Rain Lake in Algonquin from Cache Lake, where it was a private leased cottage in the late 1970s. It was used as an Interior access point office until 1995. This waterfront log cabin is located at the end of the public access road at Rain Lake. It features a propane fridge, stove, lights and heat.
Check-in/Check-out
2pm/11amSleeps:
4Amenities
This cabin has a propane fridge, stove, lights and heat (propane provided). Composting toilets are shared with other campers when sites are occupied. There is a beach and boat launch area. Cabins are equipped with fire extinguishers, wash basin, metal pail, shovel, broom, dust pan, bunks (vinyl covered mattresses), table and chairs.
Please note there is no running water, indoor bathrooms or electricity and no cell phone reception.
What to Bring
Sleeping bags, air mattresses, pots and pans, utensils, flashlight, lantern, matches, food, drinking water.
Restrictions
Domestic animals (pets) are not permitted in the facility or on site. Smoking is prohibited in all facilities. Tents are not permitted to be set up outside of the cabin.
Closest Access Point
Rain Lake
How to access
Drive to
Check in Process
Must stop in at the Magnetawan Park Office in Kearney to pick up the cabin key and learn the proper operations of the propane facilities.
Parking
Available at access point parking lot. Parking for 1 vehicle is included in the rental fee. All additional vehicles require an additional vehicle permit.
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) (or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America) or online at https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/
To reserve this cabin on https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/ select the following: 'Backcountry' tab, 'Paddling' button, and ‘Algonquin Backcountry' under the park drop down menu. Select ‘4 – Rain Lake (Watercraft)’ under the access point drop down menu for the closest access point to this cabin and select the cabin on the map view.
Backcountry Cabin
Number at Park: 1
Site Number(s) / Name: McKaskill # 753
McKaskill Lake Cabin in Algonquin was built in 1932. It’s a waterfront, one room, open concept log cabin located on McKaskill Lake. This cabin can be reached through Shall Lake access point # 17, travelling by canoe for one day.
Please note: located near a logging road – when the haul route is active you may hear logging trucks.
Check-in/Check-out
4pm/10amSleeps:
4Amenities
All cabins are equipped with fire extinguishers, wash basin, metal pail, shovel, broom, dust pan, bunks (no mattresses), CSA-approved wood stove and chimney with heat shields, table and chairs, and an outside closed-in toilet.
Please note there is no running water, indoor bathrooms or electricity and no cell phone reception.
What to Bring
Sleeping bags, air mattresses, cooking stove, pots and pans, utensils, flashlight, lantern, matches, food, drinking water.
Restrictions
Domestic animals (pets) are not permitted in the facility or on site. Smoking is prohibited in all facilities. Tents are not permitted to be set up outside of the cabin.
Closest Access Point
Shall Lake
How to access
Paddle to
Parking
Available at access point parking lot. Parking for 1 vehicle is included in the rental fee. All additional vehicles require an additional vehicle permit.
Check in Process
No check in required. Cabin is unlocked.
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) (or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America) or online at https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/
To reserve this cabin on https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/ select the following: 'Backcountry' tab, 'Paddling' button, and ‘Algonquin Backcountry' under the park drop down menu. Select ‘17 – Shall Lake’ under the access point drop down menu for the closest access point to this cabin and select the cabin on the map view.
Backcountry Cabin
Number at Park: 1
Site Number(s) / Name: Lost Coin # 755
Lost Coin Lake Cabin was built in 1936. This waterfront, (waterfront is not suitable for swimming - weedy shoreline) one room, log cabin is located on Lost Coin Lake in Algonquin. Visitors must hike the 7 kms from the Park boundary to the cabin after driving the Bissett Road to the Park boundary where there is a small parking lot at km 17. This is beyond the Big Bissett access point # 24, after turning off Highway 17 one km east of Big Bissett Creek village.
Check-in/Check-out
4pm/10amSleeps:
4Amenities
All cabins are equipped with fire extinguishers, wash basin, metal pail, shovel, broom, dust pan, bunks (no mattresses), CSA-approved wood stove and chimney with heat shields, table and chairs, and an outside closed-in toilet.
Please note there is no running water, indoor bathrooms or electricity and no cell phone reception.
What to Bring
Sleeping bags, air mattresses, cooking stove, pots and pans, utensils, flashlight, lantern, matches, food, drinking water.
Restrictions
Domestic animals (pets) are not permitted in the facility or on site. Smoking is prohibited in all facilities. Tents are not permitted to be set up outside of the cabin.
Absolutely no unauthorized vehicles are permitted past km 17 on Bissett Road. Bicycles are not permitted to access Lost Coin Cabin.
Closest Access Point
Bissett Creek
How to access
hike to (7km)
Parking
Available at access point parking lot at km 17. Parking for 1 vehicle is included in the rental fee. All additional vehicles require an additional vehicle permit.
Check in Process: No check-in required. Cabin is unlocked.
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) (or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America) or online at https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/
To reserve this cabin on https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/ select the following: 'Backcountry' tab, 'Paddling' button, and ‘Algonquin Backcountry' under the park drop down menu. Select ‘24 – Big Bissett Lake’ under the access point drop down menu for the closest access point to this cabin and select the cabin on the map view.
Backcountry Cabin
Number at Park: 1
Site Number(s) / Name: Kitty # 752
Built in 1935, Kitty Lake is one of the larger Backcountry cabins in Algonquin. This one room, open concept log cabin is situated on Kitty Lake. It can be easily reached by canoeing one hour from Shall Lake access point # 17.
Check-in/Check-out
4pm/10amSleeps:
8Amenities
All cabins are equipped with fire extinguishers, wash basin, metal pail, shovel, broom, dust pan, bunks (no mattresses), CSA-approved wood stove and chimney with heat shields, table and chairs, and an outside closed-in toilet and an outdoor firepit.
Please note there is no running water, indoor bathrooms or electricity and no cell phone reception.
What to Bring
Sleeping bags, air mattresses, cooking stove, pots and pans, utensils, flashlight, lantern, matches, food, drinking water.
Restrictions
Domestic animals (pets) are not permitted in the facility or on site. Smoking is prohibited in all facilities. Tents are not permitted to be set up outside of the cabin.
Closest Access Point
Shall Lake
How to access
paddle to
Parking
Available at access point parking lot. Parking for 1 vehicle is included in the rental fee. All additional vehicles require an additional vehicle permit.
Check in Process: No check-in required. Cabin is unlocked.
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) (or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America) or online at https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/
To reserve this cabin on https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/ select the following: 'Backcountry' tab, 'Paddling' button, and ‘Algonquin Backcountry' under the park drop down menu. Select ‘17 – Shall Lake’ under the access point drop down menu for the closest access point to this cabin and select the cabin on the map view.
Backcountry Cabin
Number at Park: 1
Site Number(s) / Name: Highview # 758
The original Highview Cabin in Algonquin was built in 1922 as headquarters for fire rangers on patrol. It was destroyed by fire in 1928 and rebuilt in that year. This one room, open concept log cabin is located just off the Nipissing River west of the 840m portage to Gibson Lake. It could take one or two days to access this cabin by canoe, depending on your access point.
Check-in/Check-out
4pm/10amSleeps:
4Amenities
All cabins are equipped with fire extinguishers, wash basin, metal pail, shovel, broom, dust pan, bunks (no mattresses), CSA-approved wood stove and chimney with heat shields, table and chairs, and an outside closed-in toilet.
Please note there is no running water, indoor bathrooms or electricity and no cell phone reception.
What to Bring
Sleeping bags, air mattresses, cooking stove, pots and pans, utensils, flashlight, lantern, matches, food, drinking water. Appropriate cold weather gear for winter.
Restrictions
Domestic animals (pets) are not permitted in the facility or on site. Smoking is prohibited in all facilities. Tents are not permitted to be set up outside of the cabin.
Closest Access Point
Kioshkokwi Lake (Kiosk), Kawawaymog (Round) Lake and Tim River
>How to access
Paddle to
Parking
Available at access point parking lot. Parking for 1 vehicle is included in the rental fee. All additional vehicles require an additional vehicle permit.
Check in Process: No check-in required. Cabin is unlocked.
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) (or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America) or online at https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/
To reserve this cabin on https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/ select the following: 'Backcountry' tab, 'Paddling' button, and ‘Algonquin Backcountry' under the park drop down menu. Select ‘1 – Kawawaymog (Round) Lake’ under the access point drop down menu for the closest access point to this cabin and select the cabin on the map view.
Backcountry Cabin
Number at Park: 1
Site Number(s) / Name: Crooked Chute # 762
Construction of the original Crooked Chute Cabin was completed in 1929. It served as a shelter for rangers covering the Petawawa log drive. It was replaced with a modified replica in 1997 using logs donated by the Shaw Lumber Co. of Pembroke and with the assistance of the Algonquin Forestry Authority.
Located on the Petawawa River, a whitewater river, and downstream from Lake Travers. In the spring when water levels are high, you cannot paddle back up the river to Lake Travers.
Check-in/Check-out
4pm/10amSleeps:
8Amenities
All cabins are equipped with fire extinguishers, wash basin, metal pail, shovel, broom, dust pan, bunks (no mattresses), CSA-approved wood stove and chimney with heat shields, table and chairs, and an outside closed-in toilet.
Please note there is no running water, indoor bathrooms or electricity and no cell phone reception.
What to Bring
Sleeping bags, air mattresses, cooking stove, pots and pans, utensils, flashlight, lantern, matches, food, drinking water.
Restrictions
Domestic animals (pets) are not permitted in the facility or on site. Smoking is prohibited in all facilities. Tents are not permitted to be set up outside of the cabin.
Closest Access Point
Lake Travers
How to access
Paddle to
Parking
Available at access point parking lot. Parking for 1 vehicle is included in the rental fee. All additional vehicles require an additional vehicle permit.
Check in Process: No check-in required. Cabin is unlocked.
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) (or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America) or online at https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/
To reserve this cabin on https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/ select the following: 'Backcountry' tab, 'Paddling' button, and ‘Algonquin Backcountry' under the park drop down menu. Select ‘23 – Lake Travers’ under the access point drop down menu for the closest access point to this cabin and select the cabin on the map view.
Backcountry Cabin
Number at Park: 1
Site Number(s) / Name: Bissett Road # 756
Bissett Road Cabin is located in a very secluded location about one km inside the Algonquin boundary off the Bissett Road. This one room log cabin was built in 1922 by the first District Forester for the Department of Lands and Forests as a moose hunting camp. Good location for wildlife viewing but is not located directly on water.
Check-in/Check-out
4pm/10amSleeps:
4Amenities
All cabins are equipped with fire extinguishers, wash basin, metal pail, shovel, broom, dust pan, bunks (no mattresses), CSA-approved wood stove and chimney with heat shields, table and chairs, and an outside closed-in toilet.
Please note there is no running water, indoor bathrooms or electricity and no cell phone reception.
What to Bring
Sleeping bags, air mattresses, cooking stove, pots and pans, utensils, flashlight, lantern, matches, food, drinking water.
Restrictions
Domestic animals (pets) are not permitted in the facility or on site. Smoking is prohibited in all facilities. Tents are not permitted to be set up outside of the cabin.
Absolutely no unauthorized vehicles are permitted past km 17 on Bissett Road. Bicycles are not permitted to access this cabin.
Closest Access Point
Bissett Creek
How to access
Hike to (1km)
Parking
Available at access point parking lot at km 17. Parking for 1 vehicle is included in the rental fee. All additional vehicles require an additional vehicle permit.
Check in Process: No check-in required. Cabin is unlocked.
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) (or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America) or online at https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/
To reserve this cabin on https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/ select the following: 'Backcountry' tab, 'Paddling' button, and ‘Algonquin Backcountry' under the park drop down menu. Select ‘24 – Big Bissett Lake’ under the access point drop down menu for the closest access point to this cabin and select the cabin on the map view.
Backcountry Cabin
Number at Park: 1
Site Number(s) / Name: Birchcliffe #760
Birchcliffe Cabin was built in 1962. This log sided cabin sits right on Birchcliffe Lake in Algonquin. It has two bedrooms with an open concept kitchen and dining area. Accessible only by canoe, it could take one or two days to reach this cabin, depending on which access point you leave from.
Check-in/Check-out
4pm/10amSleeps:
4Amenities
All cabins are equipped with fire extinguishers, wash basin, metal pail, shovel, broom, dust pan, bunks (no mattresses), CSA-approved wood stove and chimney with heat shields, table and chairs, and an outside closed-in toilet.
Please note there is no running water, indoor bathrooms or electricity and no cell phone reception.
What to Bring
Sleeping bags, air mattresses, cooking stove, pots and pans, utensils, flashlight, lantern, matches, food, drinking water.
Restrictions
Domestic animals (pets) are not permitted in the facility or on site. Smoking is prohibited in all facilities. Tents are not permitted to be set up outside of the cabin.
Closest Access Point
Kioshkokwi Lake (Kiosk), Kawawaymog (Round) Lake and Tim River
How to access
Paddle to
Parking
Available at access point parking lot. Parking for 1 vehicle is included in the rental fee. All additional vehicles require an additional vehicle permit.
Check in Process: No check-in required. Cabin is unlocked.
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) (or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America) or online at https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/
To reserve this cabin on https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/ select the following: 'Backcountry' tab, 'Paddling' button, and ‘Algonquin Backcountry' under the park drop down menu. Select ‘29 – Kioshkokwi Lake – Kiosk’ under the access point drop down menu for the closest access point to this cabin and select the cabin on the map view.
Backcountry Cabin
Number at Park: 1
Site Number(s) / Name: Big Crow # 757
Big Crow Cabin, with its boathouse and fire tower, was built in 1956. The fire tower was one of the last in Ontario to be used for fire detection up to the mid ‘70s. The cabin has two bedrooms complete with a kitchen and living area, but there is no tower or boathouse. It will normally take one day to reach this cabin.
Check-in/Check-out
4pm/10amSleeps:
4Amenities
All cabins are equipped with fire extinguishers, wash basin, metal pail, shovel, broom, dust pan, bunks (no mattresses), CSA-approved wood stove and chimney with heat shields, table and chairs, outdoor firepit and an outside closed-in toilet.
Please note there is no running water, indoor bathrooms or electricity and no cell phone reception.
What to Bring
Sleeping bags, air mattresses, cooking stove, pots and pans, utensils, flashlight, lantern, matches, food, drinking water.
Restrictions
Domestic animals (pets) are not permitted in the facility or on site. Smoking is prohibited in all facilities. Tents are not permitted to be set up outside of the cabin.
Outboard motors up to 6hp allowed for use on Big Crow lake from the day following Labour Day to the last Thursday in June.
Closest Access Point
Lake Opeongo
How to access
Paddle to
Parking
Available at access point parking lot. Parking for 1 vehicle is included in the rental fee. All additional vehicles require an additional vehicle permit.
Check in Process: No check-in required. Cabin is unlocked.
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) (or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America) or online at https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/
To reserve this cabin on https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/ select the following: 'Backcountry' tab, 'Paddling' button, and ‘Algonquin Backcountry' under the park drop down menu. Select ‘11 – Lake Opeongo’ under the access point drop down menu for the closest access point to this cabin and select the cabin on the map view.
Backcountry Cabin
Number at Park: 2
Site Number(s) / Name: Thistle Cabin, Pinetree Cabin
Pinetree Cabin
Direct skiing route to Pinetree Cabin (total distance: about 8 km)
From the Leaf Lake Parking Lot proceed to junction ‘A’, turn right and ski 1.4km to junction ‘B’, ski 1.7km to junction ‘E’, proceed straight for 6.1km towards Pinetree Cabin
Direct skiing route from Pinetree Cabin to Leaf Lake Parking Lot (total distance: about 8 km)
From Pinetree Cabin proceed towards junction ‘F’ at Dee’s Cabin (please note there is a steep difficult hill to descend), ski straight 0.5km to junction ‘G’, ski straight 0.3km to junction ‘H’, turn left and ski 1.2km back to junction A and proceed back to the Leaf Lake Parking Lot.
*Please note that there are two steep downhill sections to reach Pinetree Cabin and there are two steep downhills to return to the parking lot, including a section identified as ‘more difficult’ and a section identified as ‘most difficult’.
Thistle Cabin
Direct skiing route to Thistle Cabin (total distance: 6 km)
From the Leaf Lake Parking Lot proceed to junction ‘A’, turn left and ski 1.2km to junction ‘H’, ski straight 1.4km to junction ‘I’, turn right and ski 0.6km to junction ‘J’, turn left and ski 2.1km to junction ‘K’, turn left and ski 0.8km to junction ‘L’ and Thistle Cabin.
Direct skiing route from Thistle Cabin to Leaf Lake Parking Lot (total distance: 4.5 km)
From Thistle Cabin ski 1.9km to junction ‘I’, turn left and ski 0.6km to junction ‘J’, keep right and ski 0.9km to junction ‘F’, ski 0.5km to junction ‘G’, ski straight 0.3km to junction ‘H’, turn left and ski 1.2km back to junction ‘A’, proceed to Leaf Lake Parking Lot.
*Please note there is one steep downhill section to return to the parking lot from Thistle Cabin.
Check-in/Check-out
6pm/8amSleeps:
4Amenities
Both cabins are equipped with a wood stove (CSA-approved wood stove), table with chairs, fire extinguisher, smoke and carbon monoxide detector, metal pail, shovel, broom, dustpan and 2 bunkbeds (single beds – mattresses NOT included). Outdoor privy and a picnic table. In winter, outdoor fires are not permitted.
What to Bring
Sleeping bags, air mattresses, cooking stove, pots and pans, utensils, flashlight, lantern, matches, food, drinking water.
Restrictions
Domestic animals (pets) are not permitted in the facility or on site.
Smoking and vaping is prohibited in all facilities.
Cook stoves are not permitted to be used inside, but you can cook on the wood stove. The Leaf Lake Ski Trail System is for skiing only. Snowshoeing, walking and dogs are not permitted on the trails. You must follow the directional arrows on the ski trails.
Only reservable Monday to Thursday (Monday, February 20 excluded), for maximum one night at a time.
The renter will have exclusive use of the cabin from 6:00 pm to 8:00 am the following morning. The renter may use the cabin before and after this time but must make it available for use by other skiers.
In winter, outdoor fires are not permitted.
Parking
At the Leaf Lake parking lot.
Thistle Cabin is about a 6km ski from the Leaf Lake Parking Lot.
Pinetree Cabin is about an 8km ski from the Leaf Lake Parking Lot.
How to Reserve
You can reserve these cabins by calling the reservation line at: 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) or by calling the park information line at (705) 633-5572, or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America.
Only reservable Monday to Thursday (Monday, February 20 excluded), for maximum one night at a time.
To reserve this cabin on https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/ select the following: 'Backcountry' tab, 'Hiking' button, ‘Algonquin Backcountry' under the park drop down menu and ‘East Gate (Leaf Lake Cabins)’ under the access point drop down menu.
Backcountry Cabin
Number at Park: 1
Site Number(s) / Name: Dee's
Dee’s Cabin is dedicated in memory of Dee Dunsford. Dee, an Algonquin Park Warden and Interior Group Leader, died tragically in an accident on Clarke Lake in January 2001.
This cabin is the closest to the parking lot in a mixed hardwood forest and is the most easily accessible location. You may faintly hear highway noise on a quiet night.
Please note that day users are permitted to hike these trail systems and horseback riding is permitted on the Leaf Lake Trails. As the cabin is located right on the trail, there is little privacy from passing day users. People who have reserved Dee’s Cabin should expect to see or encounter hikers or horseback riders passing by their cabin.
Check-in/Check-out
4pm/10amSleeps:
4Amenities
Equipped with a wood stove (CSA-approved wood stove), dining table with chairs, benches, fire extinguisher, smoke and carbon monoxide detector, metal pail, shovel, broom, dustpan and two bunkbeds (single beds – mattresses NOT included). Outside there is a pit toilet located nearby, a fire pit, picnic table. There are also two rain barrels that are to be used for extinguishing fires in the fire pit.
Please note there is no running water, indoor bathrooms, or electricity.
What to Bring
Sleeping bags, air mattresses, cooking stove, pots and pans, utensils, flashlight, lantern, matches, food, drinking water.
Please note: You must bring your own drinking water. Drinking water is not available at Dee’s Cabin or at the Leaf Lake Trail parking lot. Unlike our other backcountry cabins, this cabin does not have direct waterfront or water access. This means you must carry in your own water. There is no water source available directly at the cabin or on the hike to the cabin. There is potable water available at the East Gate Comfort Station (unless posted otherwise).
Restrictions
Domestic animals (pets) are not permitted in the facility or on site. Smoking is prohibited in all facilities. Tents are not permitted to be set up outside of the cabin.
Parking
Available at the Leaf Lake Ski Trail parking lot. Parking for one vehicle is included in the rental fee. All additional vehicles require an additional vehicle permit.
How to Access
Hike-in. Approximately a 3 km hike from the parking lot to the cabin.
These are remote backcountry trails with low maintenance and low use. Expect rough trail conditions such as mud, puddles, roots, rocks, uneven ground, brush, etc. and plan accordingly.
Check-in Process
No check-in required. Cabin is unlocked.
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) (or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America) or online https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/.
To reserve this cabin on https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/ select the following: 'Backcountry' tab, 'Hiking' button, ‘Algonquin Backcountry' under the park drop down menu and ‘East Gate (Leaf Lake Cabins)’ under the access point drop down menu.
Backcountry Cabin
Number at Park: 1
Site Number(s) / Name: Fen Lake Cabin
Fen Lake Cabin is located on the Fen Lake Trail system. The cabin looks out towards a picturesque wetland which offers excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing. It is within a typical Algonquin mixed hardwood forest and faces southeast.
Please note that day users are permitted to hike the Fen Lake trail system. Campers staying at the cabin should expect to see or encounter day users passing by their cabin during the day. As the cabin is located right on the trail, there is little privacy from passing day users.
Check-in/Check-out
4pm/10amSleeps:
4Amenities
Equipped with a wood stove (CSA-approved wood stove), dining table with chairs, benches, fire extinguisher, smoke and carbon monoxide detector, metal pail, shovel, broom, dustpan and two bunkbeds (single beds – mattresses NOT included). Outside there is a pit toilet located nearby, a fire pit, picnic table. There are also two rain barrels that are to be used for extinguishing fires in the fire pit.
Please note there is no running water, indoor bathrooms, electricity, and there is no cell phone reception.
What to Bring
Sleeping bags, air mattresses, cooking stove, pots and pans, utensils, flashlight, lantern, matches, food, drinking water.
Please note: You must bring your own drinking water. Drinking water is not available at Fen Lake Cabin. Unlike some of our other backcountry cabins, this cabin does not have direct waterfront or water access. There is no water source available directly at the cabin or on the hike to the cabin, this means you must carry in your own water. There is potable water available at the West Gate Comfort Station (unless posted otherwise).
Restrictions
Domestic animals (pets) are not permitted in the facility or on site. Smoking is prohibited in all facilities. Tents are not permitted to be set up outside of the cabin.
Parking
Available at the West Gate Parking Lot. Parking for one vehicle is included in the rental fee. All additional vehicles require an additional vehicle permit.
How to Access
Hike-in. Approximately a 4km hike from the parking lot to the cabin.
These are remote backcountry trails with low maintenance and low use. Expect rough trail conditions such as mud, puddles, roots, rocks, uneven ground, brush, etc. and plan accordingly.
Check-in Process
No check-in required. Cabin is unlocked.
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) (or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America) or online https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/.
To reserve this cabin on https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/ select the following: 'Backcountry' tab, 'Hiking' button, ‘Algonquin Backcountry' under the park drop down menu and 'West Gate (Fen Lake Cabin)’ under the access point drop down menu.