Roofed Accommodation - Algonquin - Leaf Lake Ski Cabins
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.