This winter edition of our Best of Algonquin tour serves up amazing views, opportunities to spot wildlife and all when the park is at its most beautiful and serene.
We'll start the day hiking to a set of rapids that are partially frozen this time of year. These rapids are impressive in summer, but with icicles and sheets of ice crashing through them, they become a force to behold in winter.
Next, we will drive through the park's iconic Highway 60 corridor, taking in the sites and looking out for moose along the highway. We end up at a short trail that is one of the best opportunities to spot beavers in the park.
After a short hike, we stop in to the fantastic Algonquin Visitor Centre, which features a mini museum, plenty of animal info and a lookout over frozen rivers and snow-capped trees.
Finally, we're tackling a stunning 3.5km hike up granite cliffs characteristic of the Canadian Shield. The lookout rocks provide a stunning vantage point, shaped by glacial activity during the last Ice Age. This process stripped away softer rock and soil, leaving behind the exposed, weathered bedrock you see today. The lichen-covered surfaces and fissures in the rock add to the area's natural beauty.
This is a uniquely special trip in Ontario and a bucket list experience during the Canadian winter.
This winter edition of our Best of Algonquin tour serves up amazing views, opportunities to spot wildlife and all when the park is at its most beautiful and serene.
We'll start the day hiking to a set of rapids that are partially frozen this time of year. These rapids are impressive in summer, but with icicles and sheets of ice crashing through them, they become a force to behold in winter.
Next, we will drive through the park's iconic Highway 60 corridor, taking in the sites and looking out for moose along the highway. We end up at a short trail that is one of the best opportunities to spot beavers in the park.
After a short hike, we stop in to the fantastic Algonquin Visitor Centre, which features a mini museum, plenty of animal info and a lookout over frozen rivers and snow-capped trees.
Finally, we're tackling a stunning 3.5km hike up granite cliffs characteristic of the Canadian Shield. The lookout rocks provide a stunning vantage point, shaped by glacial activity during the last Ice Age. This process stripped away softer rock and soil, leaving behind the exposed, weathered bedrock you see today. The lichen-covered surfaces and fissures in the rock add to the area's natural beauty.
This is a uniquely special trip in Ontario and a bucket list experience during the Canadian winter.
06:30 - Van leaves from close to Keele Station
09:30 - Meet self drivers and hike to frozen rapids and waterfall
11:30 - Beaver spotting on the East end of the park
12:30 - Lunch
14:00 - Afternoon hike
16:30 - Return from park
20:00 - Anticipated return to Toronto
We plan to make 4 stops throughout the day but may adjust our itinerary according to conditions. We'll stop for lunch at the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre - you're encouraged to bring a packed lunch because there's only very limited food and drink available there.
We're expecting wintery conditions and you'll need ice spikes. We have several pairs to rent at checkout.
Anybody not riding in the WU van will need to purchase a Daily Vehicle Permit for the park in advance.
Member Organized Event Disclaimer
Member-led outings are organized by our community, not by Wilderness Union. We don’t manage the plans, staff, or safety protocols, so you join at your own risk. Please look out for yourself and one another, and have fun!
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.
Members Only
Please note that you'll need an active membership at the time of your adventure to attend. If you booked during a trial that didn't continue or your membership has lapsed, you will need a new membership to attend.
Please read and understand this before registering
Cancellations made:
More than 10 days before the event: Will receive a full refund minus a 5% admin fee.
7–10 days before the event: 50% refund.
Less than 7 days before the event: No refunds.
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.
...
Am I allowed to bring my dog?
Yes, as long as they are leashed and traveling in a private vehicle. All dogs must be able to keep up with the group for the entire hike. Please note that dogs are not allowed in the visitor centre.
Will this event still run if it snows?
Yes, we will be running this event if it snows and is safe to do so.
Full details for this adventure are coming soon. Be sure to check back!
