Join us for a day in Algonquin Park at peak fall colour, when the sugar and red maples turn the hills into waves of red, orange and gold.
Late September into early October is Algonquin's most famous time of year, and the maples are right at their best. We'll spend the day on the Highway 60 corridor, the 56 km stretch through the park that's known for its fall views. It's also moose season, so keep your eyes peeled along the roadside as we drive.
We'll start with the Lookout Trail, a 1.9 km loop with one steep climb to a wide cliff-top view over the forest. With the short connector from the Big Pines trailhead, it's about 3 km in all.
Next we'll head to the Algonquin Visitor Centre. Its viewing deck looks out over a huge sweep of forest and wetland, and the exhibits are a great introduction to the park's wildlife and history.
After lunch we'll hike the Hemlock Bluff Trail, a 3.5 km loop through mixed forest and quiet stands of eastern hemlock. It leads to a bluff with a view over Jack Lake, a second lookout of the day and a calmer counterpoint to the morning.
On the way home we'll stop in Huntsville at Kawartha Dairy, the Ontario institution that's been scooping ice cream since 1937. Their portions are famously generous, so come hungry. Moose Tracks feels like the right call after a day in Algonquin.
With about 6.5 km of hiking in total, this is a great fit for beginners, or for anyone who wants Algonquin's best fall colour without a long day on the trail.
What's included
This trip is professionally guided by qualified, friendly wilderness guides and includes transportation from Toronto and all safety equipment. You'll just need comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and your sense of adventure.
Join us for a day in Algonquin Park at peak fall colour, when the sugar and red maples turn the hills into waves of red, orange and gold.
Late September into early October is Algonquin's most famous time of year, and the maples are right at their best. We'll spend the day on the Highway 60 corridor, the 56 km stretch through the park that's known for its fall views. It's also moose season, so keep your eyes peeled along the roadside as we drive.
We'll start with the Lookout Trail, a 1.9 km loop with one steep climb to a wide cliff-top view over the forest. With the short connector from the Big Pines trailhead, it's about 3 km in all.
Next we'll head to the Algonquin Visitor Centre. Its viewing deck looks out over a huge sweep of forest and wetland, and the exhibits are a great introduction to the park's wildlife and history.
After lunch we'll hike the Hemlock Bluff Trail, a 3.5 km loop through mixed forest and quiet stands of eastern hemlock. It leads to a bluff with a view over Jack Lake, a second lookout of the day and a calmer counterpoint to the morning.
On the way home we'll stop in Huntsville at Kawartha Dairy, the Ontario institution that's been scooping ice cream since 1937. Their portions are famously generous, so come hungry. Moose Tracks feels like the right call after a day in Algonquin.
With about 6.5 km of hiking in total, this is a great fit for beginners, or for anyone who wants Algonquin's best fall colour without a long day on the trail.
What's included
This trip is professionally guided by qualified, friendly wilderness guides and includes transportation from Toronto and all safety equipment. You'll just need comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and your sense of adventure.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Peak Fall Colours: Early October is historically right on Algonquin's peak, and the park's latest colour report has the sugar and red maples at their most vivid of the season.
Highway 60 Drive: The only road through the park, where every bus window becomes a rolling lookout over lakes, bogs and hardwood hills.
Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream: A cottage-country tradition, with a long list of flavours from the family-run dairy to finish the day.
07:00 - Bus leaves from near Keele Station
We stop at an OnRoute before driving the world famous Highway 60
11:00 - 12:30 - Hike the Lookout Trail
12:40 - 13:30 - Stop at the Algonquin Visitor Centre for lunch
13:30 - 13:50 - Drive to Hemlock Bluff
13:50 - 15:20 - Hike the Hemlock Bluff Trail
15:20 - 16:20 - Drive to Huntsville
16:20 - 16:50 - Ice cream at Kawartha Dairy
20:00 - Anticipated return to Keele Station
Transport is included in the cost of your trip. We leave from the Petrocanada next to Keele Station on the TTC.
Food and Drink
You'll need to bring a packed lunch and water for any of our day trips that don't explicitly say we're making a stop at a restaurant. Where we stop at restaurants, you are responsible for the purchase of any food. Full details are available at the adventure plan, shared above on registration.
Carbon Offsetting
Wilderness Union offsets the estimated carbon emissions of every trip by investing in a global portfolio of verified carbon reduction projects.
Accessibility
Wilderness Union is committed to making our adventures as accessible as possible. If you wish to make an accommodation request relating to a disability or provide feedback, please get in touch through our contact form.
Please read and understand this before registering
Cancellations made:
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Weather or emergency cancellations: If an event is canceled due to severe weather or other uncontrollable factors, members can receive a full credit to their account.
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Where can I find important updates about this hike in the days leading up to it?
Please follow the Discord thread for this adventure under the 'Upcoming Adventures' channel, and reach out to us if you are having any issues.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included on day trips. Please bring your own packed lunch.
Can I bring my dog?
No, this trip is not suitable for dogs.
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