Winter adventures at Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin Provincial Park is among the most iconic locations in Ontario all 12 months spherical, and that’s for good purpose!

With so many actions to attempt, the huge winter panorama is a chance so that you can select your personal journey.

Snowshoeing by means of the forest is rewarded by the scenic vistas and solitude. Winter tenting offers you a surprising a view of the moon casting lengthy shadows by means of the bushes on a transparent winter evening. Making a discovery of your personal by following tracks alongside the trail is an actual deal with.

This 12 months, West Gate will function weekend campfires and facilities like a drying rack!

Listed below are seven causes you have to go to this winter:

1. Winter tenting decisions

When you’re a summer season tenting fanatic, now stands out as the time to place your abilities to the take a look at in a special season.

Algonquin has choices for individuals who need to pitch a tent for the evening. Mew Lake Campground presents plowed websites and a winterized consolation station. Websites may be reserved on-line or by cellphone at 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275).

If you’d like a extra adventurous expertise, Algonquin’s backcountry is open as properly.

Tenting within the winter has its challenges, so be ready for the circumstances. Learn extra about winter tenting 101 or scorching tent tenting.

New for this 12 months: Backcountry tenting is not permitted within the Mew Lake Airfield. (Don’t get upset; you’ll like the rationale!) A brand new 2.2 km novice ski path is ready for you on the Mew Lake Airfield.

Backcountry winter tenting remains to be permitted elsewhere, so long as you:

• have a allow
• are usually not on a delegated winter or summer season campsite
• are over 30 m away from a lakeshore, waterbody, path or portage

You will need to make a reservation for winter backcountry tenting in Algonquin on-line or by calling 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275).

2. Roofed lodging

After all, for those who’d like to remain in a single day in a bit extra consolation, there’s an possibility for that too. Algonquin presents 10 roofed lodging which are obtainable this winter. Cabins and yurts are in excessive demand, so attempt reserving for midweek to enhance your odds.

Six yurts and 4 camp cabins in Mew Lake Campground are open all 12 months lengthy, and may be reserved on-line.

Every yurt and cabin has a desk and chairs, in addition to two bunkbeds that may sleep as much as six. Every additionally has electrical warmth, fluorescent lighting, and electrical outlet(s).

Right here’s a information to winter and yurt tenting in Ontario Parks.

3. Discovery applications with park naturalists

Inquisitive about how Algonquin’s wildlife survive the winter? Uncover the secrets and techniques with us!

This winter, Algonquin is providing quite a lot of Discovery applications led by park naturalists, good for all ages and pursuits.

Try our occasions web page for dates and places! Cease in on the Customer Centre to take a look at the displays or convey your inquiries to our educated workers.

4. Winter wildlife viewing

A lot of Algonquin’s resident animals keep energetic all through the winter.

Hike any of our year-round trails to your likelihood to identify indicators of those creatures.

Bear in mind, you’ll be able to assist us document wildlife viewing on the park on the East Gate, West Gate, and the Customer Centre or by means of the iNaturalist app.

Observant (and quiet) guests will discover tracks of moose, martens, fishers, otters, foxes, and elusive Algonquin Wolves, and will often see the animals themselves.

Hold your eyes on the skies as properly! Birds such because the Widespread Raven, Canada Jay, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, and vibrant winter finches are frequent guests.

Hear fastidiously for the calls of birds flying overhead, and the tapping of 4 species of woodpecker.

Bear in mind to take care of a protected distance from wildlife, respect their boundaries and park guidelines.

5. Uncover winter’s wild coronary heart: backcountry snowboarding at Algonquin Provincial Park

Step off the crushed path and glide into the quiet wilderness of Algonquin’s backcountry ski trails. Right here, snow-laden bushes body infinite white corridors, and each flip reveals untouched magnificence, frozen lakes, silent forests, and the crisp stillness of true northern solitude.

Algonquin presents 72 km of groomed ski trails for all ability ranges, taking you deep into Algonquin winter woods. Many ski trails function warm-up cabins with a wooden range – an excellent place for a mid-ski picnic or to chill out hearth. Each Fen and Leaf Lake Ski trails even provide warm-up cabins that may be rented in a single day for an actual wilderness snowboarding expertise.

New this 12 months is the Airfield Ski Path! This 2.2 km loop is groomed, trackset, and meant for novice skiers. Notice: backcountry winter tenting is not permitted within the Mew Airfield.

Verify the Ontario Parks Snow Report for up to date ski and snow circumstances.

6. Skating on the rink

Pack up the youngsters and spend the day on the ice.

A part of the parking zone within the Mew Lake Campground is changed into a modest skating rink within the winter. And in case you overlook a stick, web, or pucks, Algonquin presents some on mortgage on the rink. Shinny, anybody?

7. Snowshoeing alternatives

Snowshoeing lovers can go just about anyplace within the park besides the groomed and track-set cross-country ski trails. We suggest staying off ice as circumstances may be unpredictable.

When you want a set path, you would possibly attempt one of many brief strolling trails alongside the Freeway 60 hall. Go to a park workplace for suggestions.

When you don’t have your personal snowshoes, Algonquin presents a restricted variety of leases on the East and West Gates. Alternatively, various close by companies additionally provide leases.

8. Winter biking

Snow on the paths not implies that bike season is over; it implies that winter biking season has begun!

Winter bikes are mountain bikes with outsized tires that permit cyclists to journey over snow with ease.

The Outdated Railway Bike Path is the right spot to get out and check out them out.

Try Algonquin Outfitters at their Huntsville location. They provide a variety of winter bike makes and fashions for rental and sale.

Go to Algonquin this winter

There’s a lot at Algonquin to discover, and this checklist solely scratches the floor!

To assist assure entry for day use, our guests can plan their journey forward of time and procure a every day automobile allow upfront.

Reservations may be made on-line.

For extra info, together with how seasonal-permit holders can benefit from this chance, please go to our web site.

The quiet, snowy forests of Algonquin are an incredible place to reconnect with household, mates and nature. See you this winter!

Journey waits for you at Algonquin.