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Algonquin

Algonquin Provincial Park - Canisbay Lake Campground

Biking

The Canisbay Campground is the perfect starting point for exploring the Minnesing Mountain Bike Trail; located 23 km from the West Gate and 33 km from the East Gate, just off of Hwy 60. The trail consists of four loops, with distances of 4.7, 10.1, 17.1 and 23.4 kilometres. All four loops are hilly and unsuitable for small children and unfit adults and are rated at a moderate level of technical difficulty. The western or return side of each loop follows the old Minnesing Road where the trail is smoother and the grades are less steep. Expect extensive muddy sections until the drier weather of August and September. Cabins are located at the start of the trail and on the return run of the second loop. The trail passes through hardwood forest with views of three lakes along the way.

In addition, the Old Railway Bike Trail between Rock Lake and Mew Lake Campgrounds was extended in 2011 and is just a short drive away. The extension adds 6.2 km of bike trail that runs west from Mew Lake Campground to the Track and Tower Trail. You can now plan a combined adventure by cycling to the most westerly end of the bike trail and then hiking up the “Tower” portion of the Track and Tower Trail to take in a premier vista of Algonquin Provincial Park.  The full bike trail is now 16.2 km in length and is accessible from Rock & Raccoon Lake, Pog Lake and Mew Lake Campgrounds.  This leisurely trail runs along the abandoned rail bed of the historic Ottawa, Arnprior, and Parry Sound Railway built across the park in 1895. The trail has several interpretive panels along the route which explain Algonquin’s history.

Birding

More than 260 bird species have been recorded in the park. Many southern and overseas birders make special trips to Algonquin just to see northern specialties such as the Gray Jay and the Spruce Grouse, not to mention the rich variety of warblers or Algonquin’s most famous bird of all—the Common Loon, found nesting on just about every lake.

Canoeing

Canisbay Lake offers excellent canoe opportunities. Canoes may be rented from outfitters located within the park.

Discovery Program

Conducted walks are led by park naturalists every day from late June to Labour Day. These consist of an hour and a half leisurely walk, exploring and learning about some part of the park environment. Times and locations are posted at bulletin boards within the campground.

Algonquin for Kids : Come with your kids (ages 5 to 12) to the Visitor Centre for an hour of discovery with games, stories and animals. Times and topics are posted at bulletin boards within the parks.

Evening Programs begin at dusk every evening at the Outdoor Theatre (at km 35.4) from late June to Labour Day. Each program lasts about an hour and a half and consists of a film, a slide talk about some aspect of the park, a question period and them another film. When bad weather interferes the programs are held at the Visitor Centre. Times and topics are posted at bulletin boards within the parks.

Special Events are listed in This Week in Algonquin Park posted at all bulletin boards in the park. Public Wolf Howls take place on Thursdays in August if a pack has been located in a suitable location and if the weather is favourable. Check the bulletin boards, call the Visitor Centre (613-637-2828) or check the Friends of Algonquin Park website on the Thursday morning to find out if a Wolf Howl is going to be held that day.

Fishing

Algonquin has a reputation for some of the best trout fishing in Canada. More than 230 lakes have native Brook Trout and 149 have Lake Trout—a fantastic concentration of trout waters that continue to yield good fishing because of the park’s tradition of wise conservation.

Along the highway, many of the lakes are stocked with Splake (a hybrid of Brook and Lake Trout) and fishing is outstanding. Spring is the best season for trout and summer brings on more enjoyment with Smallmouth Bass. Spend a July day with the family at a prime bass location, enjoying the scenery and reeling in the night’s dinner.

Fish Stocking List for Algonquin Provincial Park — 2013 to 2018

Hiking

Algonquin offers many opportunities for hiking. The following trails are located near to the Canisbay Campground.

Peck Lake Trail located at km 19.2 - 1.9 km (1 hour) moderate
This trail circumnavigates the shoreline of Peck Lake. The trail guide explores the ecology of a typical Algonquin lake.

Track and Tower Trail located at km 25 km - 7.7km (3 hours) moderate
This looped trail features a spectacular lookout over Cache Lake. An optional 5.5 km side trip follows an abandoned railway to Mew Lake.

Hemlock Bluff Trail located at km 27.2 - 3.5 km (2 hours) moderate
This trail leads through a mixed forest to an impressive view of Jack Lake.

Bat Lake Trail located at km 30 - 5.6 km (2.5 hours) moderate
This looped trail introduces the hiker to basic park ecology while visiting a beautiful hemlock stand, a fine lookout, and acidic Bat Lake.

Two Rivers Trail located at km 31 - 2.1 km (1 hour) moderate
This looped trail includes an easy climb to a pine-clad cliff.

Hunting

Hunting in this park is subject to the Ontario Hunting Regulations. Certain restrictions apply. For more information, contact the park or a Ministry of Natural Resources office.

Swimming

Canisbay Lake Campground has two swimming areas; one in the campground and one in the day use area. Both have sandy beaches. Please note that pets are not allowed at the beach and that the beach is not patrolled or supervised.