We’ll begin our Algonquin adventure with a scenic drive along the Highway 60 corridor, a perfect introduction to the park’s vast wilderness. Keep your eyes peeled for moose grazing in the lowlands, and spot loons, ospreys, and other wildlife along the way.
The 8 km Track and Tower Trail is moderately challenging, with steady climbs, rocky outcrops, and uneven terrain that demand focus and stamina. It’s a full-day commitment, best suited for those in decent shape who are ready for a rewarding hike rather than a short sightseeing stroll. Along the way, you’ll pass shaded woodlands, open ridges, and tranquil lakeshores, perfect spots to pause, hydrate, and take in the scenery.
At the summit, the payoff is spectacular: a sweeping panorama over Cache Lake and a forest ablaze in peak fall colours. This is one of Algonquin’s most iconic lookouts, offering a view that’s both breathtaking and hard-earned. Wildlife sightings are still possible, including beavers, bears from a safe distance, and soaring birds of prey.
This is a moderately challenging 8km hike. The trail becomes quite challenging - there are some sections with some steep, rocky ascents. While not excessively long, the ascent is pretty significant so you'll need to be in good shape to successfully make it round!
The hike should take a total of about 5 hours with a relatively low average speed of 2km/hour and lots of breaks.
06:50 - Meet at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station. There's a Tims around the corner if you want to grab breakfast. THE BUS WILL LEAVE AT 07:00 whether you are here or not so you must be there on time.
07:00 - Head off to Algonquin. We'll make a short stop at an OnRoute.
10:30 - Meet at trail head. Self-drivers, please ensure you're there on time, we can't wait for latecomers
10:30 - 15:30 - Hike the trail
19:00 - Anticipated arrival back at Keele Station
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
Packing list
Have any questions? Ask us on the Discord!
Have breakfast before you meet us and bring a packed lunch, snacks and at least 2 litres of water.
We'll be making a short stop en route to the park and may not have enough time to get food so don't rely on this.
Self-drivers will need to purchase a daily vehicle permit in advance for the Algonquin Hwy 60 Corridor here. We won't be stopping in at the visitor centre so make sure you get this asap and pre-register. You're able to purchase the vehicle permit 5 days in advance.
You should read all of the instructions in here carefully and make sure you've downloaded and installed the map! It's important that you listen to the guides and follow their instructions at all times.
Hiking injuries: There are a lot of rocks on the trail and it's easy to roll an ankle. Be careful when walking and bring poles if helpful.
Getting lost: All hikers must remain with the group at all times. If you do find yourself lost at any point, stay where you are and call for help. If you have a whistle, bring it.
Trail conditions: Trails may be muddy, ensure you're wearing proper footwear with tread and ankle support.
Falling from heights: There are some steep cliffs on this trail, don't get too close to any.
Wildlife: Bears and moose are not uncommon around this area. If you come across a larger animal, back away and alert the group.
Algonquin Park has a rich indigenous history that predates the establishment of the park itself. The park is situated on the traditional territories of several Algonquian-speaking First Nations, including the Algonquin, Anishinaabe, and Huron-Wendat peoples.
For thousands of years, these indigenous communities relied on the land and its resources for sustenance, trade, and cultural practices. They engaged in hunting, fishing, gathering, and agriculture, establishing seasonal camps and villages throughout the region. The lakes, rivers, and forests provided them with a diverse range of food, such as fish, game, berries, and medicinal plants.
The Algonquin people, in particular, have a deep connection to the land that encompasses Algonquin Park. They refer to themselves as Anishinaabe, which translates to "the people" in their language. Their traditional territories extended across a vast area in present-day Ontario and Quebec.
Algonquin Park, as we know it today, was established in 1893 as the first provincial park in Canada. The creation of the park disrupted the traditional way of life for indigenous communities in the area. Many were displaced from their ancestral lands, and their access to resources and sacred sites within the park was restricted.
Despite these challenges, indigenous peoples have maintained their cultural connections to the region. They continue to assert their rights and engage in land stewardship initiatives, collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to protect and preserve their cultural heritage within Algonquin Park.
We’ll begin our Algonquin adventure with a scenic drive along the Highway 60 corridor, a perfect introduction to the park’s vast wilderness. Keep your eyes peeled for moose grazing in the lowlands, and spot loons, ospreys, and other wildlife along the way.
The 8 km Track and Tower Trail is moderately challenging, with steady climbs, rocky outcrops, and uneven terrain that demand focus and stamina. It’s a full-day commitment, best suited for those in decent shape who are ready for a rewarding hike rather than a short sightseeing stroll. Along the way, you’ll pass shaded woodlands, open ridges, and tranquil lakeshores, perfect spots to pause, hydrate, and take in the scenery.
At the summit, the payoff is spectacular: a sweeping panorama over Cache Lake and a forest ablaze in peak fall colours. This is one of Algonquin’s most iconic lookouts, offering a view that’s both breathtaking and hard-earned. Wildlife sightings are still possible, including beavers, bears from a safe distance, and soaring birds of prey.
This is a moderately challenging 8km hike. The trail becomes quite challenging - there are some sections with some steep, rocky ascents. While not excessively long, the ascent is pretty significant so you'll need to be in good shape to successfully make it round!
The hike should take a total of about 5 hours with a relatively low average speed of 2km/hour and lots of breaks.
06:50 - Meet at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station. There's a Tims around the corner if you want to grab breakfast. THE BUS WILL LEAVE AT 07:00 whether you are here or not so you must be there on time.
07:00 - Head off to Algonquin. We'll make a short stop at an OnRoute.
10:30 - Meet at trail head. Self-drivers, please ensure you're there on time, we can't wait for latecomers
10:30 - 15:30 - Hike the trail
19:00 - Anticipated arrival back at Keele Station
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
Packing list
Have any questions? Ask us on the Discord!
Have breakfast before you meet us and bring a packed lunch, snacks and at least 2 litres of water.
We'll be making a short stop en route to the park and may not have enough time to get food so don't rely on this.
Self-drivers will need to purchase a daily vehicle permit in advance for the Algonquin Hwy 60 Corridor here. We won't be stopping in at the visitor centre so make sure you get this asap and pre-register. You're able to purchase the vehicle permit 5 days in advance.
You should read all of the instructions in here carefully and make sure you've downloaded and installed the map! It's important that you listen to the guides and follow their instructions at all times.
Hiking injuries: There are a lot of rocks on the trail and it's easy to roll an ankle. Be careful when walking and bring poles if helpful.
Getting lost: All hikers must remain with the group at all times. If you do find yourself lost at any point, stay where you are and call for help. If you have a whistle, bring it.
Trail conditions: Trails may be muddy, ensure you're wearing proper footwear with tread and ankle support.
Falling from heights: There are some steep cliffs on this trail, don't get too close to any.
Wildlife: Bears and moose are not uncommon around this area. If you come across a larger animal, back away and alert the group.
Algonquin Park has a rich indigenous history that predates the establishment of the park itself. The park is situated on the traditional territories of several Algonquian-speaking First Nations, including the Algonquin, Anishinaabe, and Huron-Wendat peoples.
For thousands of years, these indigenous communities relied on the land and its resources for sustenance, trade, and cultural practices. They engaged in hunting, fishing, gathering, and agriculture, establishing seasonal camps and villages throughout the region. The lakes, rivers, and forests provided them with a diverse range of food, such as fish, game, berries, and medicinal plants.
The Algonquin people, in particular, have a deep connection to the land that encompasses Algonquin Park. They refer to themselves as Anishinaabe, which translates to "the people" in their language. Their traditional territories extended across a vast area in present-day Ontario and Quebec.
Algonquin Park, as we know it today, was established in 1893 as the first provincial park in Canada. The creation of the park disrupted the traditional way of life for indigenous communities in the area. Many were displaced from their ancestral lands, and their access to resources and sacred sites within the park was restricted.
Despite these challenges, indigenous peoples have maintained their cultural connections to the region. They continue to assert their rights and engage in land stewardship initiatives, collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to protect and preserve their cultural heritage within Algonquin Park.
