Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin Provincial Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, vast forests and thousands of interconnected lakes and rivers. Established in 1893, it was the first provincial park in Ontario and is one of the oldest in Canada.

This iconic park attracts nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers for a variety of year-round activities such as hiking, canoeing, camping and snowshoeing. Thanks to limited light pollution, stargazing is incredible, especially in the winter. With its rich biodiversity, Algonquin also offers excellent nature photography, wildlife viewing and bird watching opportunities.

Visit the Algonquin Provincial Park website

A couple paddling along a scenic waterway — Algonquin Provincial Park | Destination Ontario

How to get to Algonquin Provincial Park

Location: Highway 60, Whitney, ON

By car: Algonquin Park is best accessed by car. The Backcountry Access Points webpage has a full list of access points located along the periphery of the park.

By bus tour: Travelling Chicken and Parkbus provide transportation and group tours to Algonquin Park, departing from and returning to Toronto. Tours operate on select dates throughout the year.

Know before you go

Algonquin Park requires a daily vehicle permit to enter the park for day use. Obtain your daily vehicle permit up to five days in advance through the Ontario Parks Reservations page.

Availability of some facilities and activities may be restricted to specific areas of the park, may be ecologically dependent, or may be seasonally weather dependent. Get alerts for up-to-date information.

See accessibility features

Things to do at Algonquin Provincial Park

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Algonquin by land and water

Algonquin Park offers an array of outdoor activities. Adventure by foot, bike, paddle, ski or snowshoe through its 7,635 square kilometres of forests, bogs, lakes and rivers.

Discovery Program

Experience another side to Algonquin Park through Ontario Park’s Discovery Program. Check the park’s on-site bulletin boards for information on guided hikes, kids’ programs and more.

Algonquin Visitor Centre

Discover the park’s natural and human history at the Visitor Centre. Find a wide variety of books and products on natural and human history at the Friends of Algonquin Park Bookstore.

Algonquin Logging Museum

Learn the history of logging from the early days to modern forestry management. This experience includes a film and a visit to a recreated logging camp with machines on display.

Algonquin Art Centre

Canada’s top wilderness and wildlife artists are on display at the Algonquin Art Centre. Browse the Gallery Boutique for Canadian-made, eco-friendly gifts and souvenirs.

Articles and itineraries

Get ideas and inspiration for your next trip.

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Fall colours and lakes at Algonquin Park. — Algonquin Provincial Park | Destination Ontario

Interesting Facts about Algonquin Provincial Park

The Group of Seven, also known as the Algonquin School, memorialized the raw and rugged beauty of Canada through their unique style of landscape and urban paintings in the early 20th century.

Algonquin Provincial Park and area is known as “Tom Thomson” country. Although he died in mysterious circumstances in 1917, before the Group was officially formed, his influence on the Group of Seven was profound.

Accessibility Features

Accessible recreation trails

One or more accessible trails with firm and stable surface. All slopes, ramps, handrails, boardwalks and signage comply with the technical requirements of Ontario's accessibility laws.

Accessible washroom

An accessible washroom stall has adequate manoeuvring room for mobility devices. Includes grab bars, transfer space, accessible door latch, sink with knee clearance, and lever handles or automatic sensor faucets.

Service animals welcome

Service animal can be identified by visual indicators (guide dog or other animal wearing a vest/harness); or documentation available from a regulated health professional to confirm the animal is required due to a disability.

Support persons welcome

Support persons are welcome to provide services or assistance with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs or access to facilities. Please check with the organization about entry fees, if applicable.

Wheelchair and/or mobility devices available

Wheelchairs and/or mobility devices are available, free of charge, or for rent.

Last updated: September 13, 2024