Algonquin Backcountry Camping, Canada: The Ultimate Outdoor Weekend Adventure

Looking for the perfect outdoorsy weekend getaway from Toronto, Ottawa, or Montreal? Algonquin Provincial Park is your answer! Nestled in Southern Ontario, this stunning park offers a true escape into the wilderness, where you can immerse yourself in nature and encounter amazing Canadian wildlife like moose, bears, and beavers.

Important Tips for Your Algonquin Adventure:

Timing and Bug Control: The park’s thousands of lakes and abundant wildlife mean that bugs can be a nuisance. Plan your trip for August, September, or May to minimize bug activity. Always bring long clothing and choose an exposed campsite by the lake to let the wind keep the bugs away. I have been camping in Algonquin many times during bug season (end of May until August) and have still had a wonderful time, just make sure you find pitches that are higher up allowing a breeze through, this will deter the bugs.
Canoe Camping: For an ideal balance between backcountry and comfort, consider canoe camping. You can pack luxuriously and still venture deep into the wilderness, something you can’t do with car camping. We highly recommend renting from a local company that provides canoes and all necessary gear. Check the portage routes to plan how much gear to carry, and remember, short portages mean you can make multiple trips if needed. I have used this company multiple times, the drop everything off you need at the access points and have excellent, very affordable kit: https://algonquinoutfitters.com/rental/canoes/
Booking Your Campsites: Start by selecting an access point for your backcountry adventure. Book campsites near this access point through the official website: https://reservations.ontarioparks.ca/, but don’t forget to check secondary sites for more options—these often have available spots even when the main site is booked up. This website has extra sites you can book: Home (ahtrails.ca)
Campsites book up fast, but do not worry, there is plenty of beautiful options for other portaging trips, the two best are Kawartha Lakes, this is again a beautiful spot, and only about a 2 hour drive from Toronto. the other great spot is Algonquin highlands, they often have great and available spots,

You can see an example of the map on the booking site here. firstly choose your access point (the red diamonds), there will be parking near your access point. You can then see the green stars are the campsites, and you just click on these to book them whilst planning your route. the red lines are where you will need to portage – portaging (carrying your kit between lakes) gets you to even more remote destinations, but is more challenging. It all takes longer than it looks so don’t try and take on too much!

4. Finding Your Campsite: Once on the lake, look out for the orange camp signs that indicate campsites. These sites are usually well-maintained, featuring benches, fire pits, and ample space for tents, making your stay comfortable and enjoyable.

5. I have always enjoyed a cabin or ecolodge stay either the day before or day after your adventure, please find links below to cabins I have stayed in that have been excellent places to unwind.

Additional Tips:

Gear Essentials: Besides long clothing, pack insect repellent, waterproof bags, and a reliable map of the park.
Safety First: Always let someone know your planned route and expected return time. Carry a first aid kit. You are able to drink water from the lake, but make sure you canoe out to the middle to get your water, and make sure you have purchased a water filter. Also remember to hang your food in the tree at night to avoid unwanted visitors!
Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the park pristine for future visitors.

Plan your visit to Algonquin Provincial Park for an unforgettable backcountry camping experience that will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated, right within the span of your annual leave. Happy camping!