Going to Algonquin National Park was the most spontaneous vacation trips I have ever made, and I still can’t believe we pulled that trip off to this date. This trip was booked just two days in advance and it involved almost 3 hours of researching and planning. First, to understand how this trip came to place. I was scheduled to fly out on Saturday midnight 2AM after attending my best friend’s wedding the same night (yes, pulling it close but I couldn’t take more vacation days off!). Midnight flight are the worst because you need to look at the dates very very carefully because technically 2AM is already considered “Sunday”. Well it turns out my flight was actually for Saturday 2AM instead of Sunday 2AM. There were no more flights until Wednesday, so basically I was stuck in Toronto until Wednesday.
This is probably my second trip to Algonquin Park, the first time was when I was a kid with only photos to prove that I was once there. I have no memory of the place, only that it was very beautiful in autumn (according to the photos). I only recall reading a lot of science books bought from the Algonquin bookstore, detailing the animals/plants/parks inside the provincial park while growing up. Other than that, I was quite pleased with this spontaneous trip back to Algonquin, this time with a developed brain that was capable of recalling memories. Also, I found out probably on day 2 of my arrival that Algonquin was considered a “Provincial” park instead of a “National” park; therefore the 100th anniversary park pass did not apply. Darn it.
WHERE TO LIVE
With my trip to Algonquin Park falling on a Thanksgiving weekend, coupled with the fact that I was booking only 4 days in advance, I was looking for a very cheap and livable option with the park vincinity. I settled with Bracebridge Inn (133 Manitoba Street, Bracebridge, ON) , which was about a 30-min drive outside of Algonquin Park. It was also Thanksgiving weekend, so I believe I booked the most expensive rate, $196.62 CAD with tax included which amounts to $98 CAD for 2 Queen beds in a room.
- Pros- Cheaper than most hotels and motels nearby
- Cons- Far from the main entrance to Algonquin National Park (about a 30 minute drive). From the main entrance at Algonquin Park to the nearest tourist destination, another 30 minute drive.
The final verdict: Stay at Bracebridge Inn if you are looking for a cheaper accommodation but note that the amount you will also be dishing out money for gas as well. If possible, stay closer to the entrance to Algonquin Park, or even inside as well.
PARK PRICES & FEES
There is an entrance fee to Algonquin Park, which could be paid at the West or East entrance once you enter the park (two entrances to the park). To the right, you there is a Visitor Center where you can turn in with two lines, cash or credit card (depending on your form of payment). During peak times, there will be people to take your payment while you sit in the car but during off-season, sometimes you need to head into the building to pay. You can also pay for the entrance fee/ park fee at the Visitor’s Center located inside Algonquin.
Is the entrance fee/park fee mandatory? I would say yes, the park fee essentially is a parking fee. It is a day fee, so if you are in the park for 3 days, then you would need to purchase it for 3 days. If you make it a day trip into Algonquin, you still need to pay for it. If you don’t want to pay for it, then you might risk pick up a fine along the way.
*I didn’t pay for the first 2 days and I paid for the 3rd day I was at Algonquin. I didn’t get a fine. Usually the places where you pick up a fine are places with lots of people (hence more police patrol). If you park in those random and far away areas, no police patrol will come. No, I wasn’t avoiding the park fees during the first 2 days because I thought the 100th Canada’s Birthday Free National Park Pass included Algonquin Park, but I found out later it didn’t since Algonquin is considered a “provincial park” and not a “national park”.
PLACES TO VISIT
This is the best map I used for first-time visits to Algonquin Park. It states all the places that should be visited, and the length of the trails. The shorter trails are popular and you can expect more tourists in the area. If you want quiet and peace, try to aim for the longer trails.
Lookout Trail
- very easy trail, suitable for children and the elderly; closest to the East Gate
- come only in the morning- lunch for prime photography angles
- great view of the fall foliage in autumn
- takes about 30-45 minutes from start to finish; longer if you are taking photos; running shoes/flats are fine
(This photo was taken in the afternoon around 3PM. As you can see, the sun was against us so photos weren’t that good)
(Taken along the trail at Lookout)
Algonquin Outfitters- Oxtongue Lake
- There are different Algonquin Outfitters location, if you would like to find out closest to you, a simple google search will suffice
- I went to the one closest to West Gate, not located in Algonquin Park, though
- Come for canoeing and awesome lake photos -they have a small picnic area where you can sit and have lunch by the lake
- People are super friendly, they will recommend different routes and give you a map
- Canoeing trail is more limited to a “lake” trail instead of a “river” trail
- Not good for animal spotting since this is more of a “lake” trail
(Canoeing along one of the trails)
(Fall foliage lake views)
Algonquin Visitor’s Centre
- Great place to grab souvenirs, food and free maps! (Some maps- canoe trails for ex. need a fee)
- Great place to see the fall foliage from their back balcony
- Come in the afternoon for prime viewing
- Parking lot has some nice maple trees if you are looking for a backdrop for photos, come in the morning to take photos, not in the afternoon
Sunset Photos
For sunset photos, drive West on the highway around sunset time (check Google for sunset times as it varies during the year). Along the way out of the park, you will come across amazing sunset views, perfect for photos. Depending on the weather, you can expect to come across views such as this
Bad part about this is, everyone wants this shot so everyone was stopping on the side of the road which was quite dangerous for oncoming traffic (especially when it was getting dark! Luckily, we we took one shot and sped away quickly before more and more cars were heading out of Algonquin Park for the night.
Mizzy Lake
We did attempt to venture the LONG trail at Mizzy Lake, but 1/10 through the trail, we decided to stop and head back. The trail was just TOO muddy and TOO wet for our shoes. I was in boots and my husband was in running shoes. I would suggest anyone who is attempting Mizzy Lake trails to bring boots to brave the hard trails ahead.
Good part about the beginning trail at Mizzy Lake: lots of autumn foliage to take photos! We took some of our wedding shots here at Mizzy Lake, in the forest, off the trails- which was used as our save the dates!
