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 | Permit Pick-up Location |
|---|---|
| Aylen Lake | East Gate Office |
| Basin Lake | Bonnechere Provincial Park Office |
| Bissett Creek Road | Cedar Lake (Brent Permit Office) |
| Brain Lake | Mattawa Information Centre |
| Cache Lake | Canoe Lake Permit Office |
| Canoe Lake | Canoe Lake Permit Office |
| Cedar Lake – Brent | Cedar Lake (Brent Permit Office) located on Brent Rd along way to the Access Point |
| Galeairy Lake | East Gate Office |
| Grand Lake | Sand Lake Gate |
| Hay Lake | East Gate Office |
| Hollow River – Dividing Lake | East Gate Office |
| Kawawaymog (Round) Lake | Round Lake Access Point Office |
| Kingscote Lake | |
| Kioshkokwi Lake – Kiosk | Kiosk Access Point Permit Office |
| Lake Opeongo | Lake Opeongo Permit Office |
| Lake Travers | Sand Lake Gate |
| Magnetawan Lake | Permit Office located inside Kearney Community Centre |
| Mallard (Sec) Lake | Sand Lake Gate |
| McManus Lake | Sand Lake Gate |
| North River | Cedar Lake (Brent Permit Office) |
| Pinetree Lake | East Gate Office |
| Rain Lake | Permit Office located inside Kearney Community Centre |
| Rock Lake | Rock Lake Campground/Permit Office |
| Shall Lake | Shall Lake Permit Office |
| Smoke Lake | Canoe Lake Access Point |
| Source Lake | Canoe Lake Access Point |
| Sunday Creek | East Gate Office |
| Tim River | Permit Office located inside Kearney Community Centre |
| Wendigo Lake | Cedar Lake (Brent Permit Office) |
| Backpacking Trail | Permit Pick-up Location |
|---|---|
| Eastern Pines Backpacking Trail | Sand Lake Gate |
| Highland Backpacking Trail | Mew Lake Campground Office (end of April to Thanksgiving) West Gate (winter only) |
| Western Uplands Backpacking Trail | 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.
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.
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 and smoking is prohibited in all facilities.
Parking
Not accessible
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275)
(or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America)
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.
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.
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 and smoking is prohibited in all facilities.
Parking
Not accessible.
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275)
(or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America)
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
4pm/10amSleeps:
4Amenities
This cabin has a propane fridge, stove, lights and heat. Vault toilets are shared with other campers when sites are occupied. There is a beach and boat launch area. All cabins are equipped with fire extinguishers, wash basin, metal pail, shovel, broom, dust pan, bunks (vinyl covered mattresses), CSA-approved wood stove and chimney with heat shields, table and chairs.
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 and smoking is prohibited in all facilities.
Parking
Parking for 2 vehicles is included in the rental fee.
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275)
(or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America)
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. It can also be accessed through Basin Lake access point # 19 by biking, carting and hiking 8 kms over a forest access road.
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.
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 and smoking is prohibited in all facilities.
Parking
Not accessible.
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275)
(or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America)
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 or bike the 7 kms from the Park boundary to the cabin after driving the Bissett Road to the Park boundary. 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.
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 and smoking is prohibited in all facilities.
Parking
Not accessible
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275)
(or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America)
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.
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 and smoking is prohibited in all facilities.
Parking
Not accessible
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275)
(or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America)
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.
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 and smoking is prohibited in all facilities.
Parking
Not Accessible
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275)
(or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America)
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.
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.
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 and smoking is prohibited in all facilities.
Parking
Not Accessible
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275)
(or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America)
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.
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.
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 and smoking is prohibited in all facilities.
Parking
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275)
(or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America)
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.
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 and smoking is prohibited in all facilities.
Parking
Not Accessible
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275)
(or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America)
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. 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, and an outside closed-in toilet.
What to Bring
Sleeping bags, air mattresses, cooking stove, pots and pans, utensils, flashlight, lantern, matches, food, drinking water.
Restrictions
Tents outside are not permitted. Domestic animals (pets) are not permitted in the facility or on site and smoking is prohibited in all facilities.
Parking
Not Accessible
How to Reserve
Call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275)
(or 1-519-826-5290 for outside of North America)
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 towards Pinetree Cabin
Direct skiing route from Pinetree Cabin to Leaf Lake Parking Lot (total distance: about 6 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). Outside there is an outdoor fire pit, outdoor privy and a picnic table.
What to Bring
Sleeping bags, sleeping pad/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. If you are pulling a sled or pulk, please stay off the trackset area of the groomed trail. 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.
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.