Summer may be the most usual time for a visit to Algonquin but autumn is probably the best time.

The Algonquin Visitor Centre (at km 43), the Algonquin Logging Museum (at km 55), and the Algonquin Art Centre (at km 20) are all open to our autumn visitors.

Algonquin's walking trails are available for leisurely autumn hikes.

The West Gate of Algonquin provides access from the Huntsville area and is our busiest access point along Highway 60 during "fall colour season." Why not develop an alternate travel route – maybe a "circle route" – which can bring you in to Algonquin Park through our less busy East Gate (access through the Whitney area).

The fall colours alone make a trip to Algonquin worthwhile, especially if you catch the maples at their peak in the last week of September or, occasionally, in the first few days of October.

A couple of weeks later, the aspens, Tamaracks, and Red Oaks hit their best and put on another interesting show before giving way to a more subdued November.

Walking trails along Highway 60 with lookouts offering good views of maple colour include:

Don't forget about SAFETY!

Remember…days are shorter and weather conditions may change quickly as we approach winter.

• Allow enough time to be off trails and back at your vehicle before dusk.
• Wear appropriate footwear, and wear clothing appropriate for the time of year.
• Use CAUTION when walking trails; you may encounter downed trees, wet areas, snow, and icy conditions.
• Cell phone coverage may be "limited" or "none."
• Overnight parking at interpretive walking trail parking lots is prohibited.

Your safety in Algonquin Park is ultimately YOUR responsibility!

Autumn brings wildlife…

During the days of fall, you'll have a good chance of seeing a big bull moose, its antlers now full-grown and polished, ready for the rut (mating season), in late September and early October. Fall evenings are the best time to try howling for wolves.

Autumn offers great camping…

Cool nights and sunny days with no biting insects make autumn an ideal time to camp and hike.

Campgrounds along the Parkway (Highway 60) Corridor…

Canisbay Lake, Lake of Two Rivers, and Rock Lake Campgrounds, and the Whitefish Lake Group Campground remain open until Canadian Thanksgiving (second Monday in October).

Mew Lake Campground (at km 30.6 along the Highway 60 Campground) remains open year-round. After Thanksgiving, Mew Lake Campground offers:
• a limited number of campsites (some with electricity);
• seven YURTS (tent-like structures installed on a wooden deck floor with electric heat and other amenities); and
• a fully-winterized comfort station (with treated drinking water, flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities)
Camping permits are available at the West and East Gates, and the self-service fee station at the campground.

Achray, Brent, and Kiosk Campgrounds

Achray, Brent, and Kiosk Campgrounds operate to Canadian Thanksgiving (second Monday in October).

After Thanksgiving, the road to Achray is gated one kilometre from the campground but visitors may still access the trails and the Interior (backcountry) on foot from the gate. Permits are required for all Park use, year-round, and are available at the self-serve fee station at the Sand Lake Gate.

Backcountry camping in the Park Interior…

All Interior access point offices operate to Canadian Thanksgiving (second Monday in October).

After Thanksgiving, backcountry campers must follow the Backcountry Camping Permit Protocol to register and buy their camping permits.

Prefer roofed accommodation?

The three lodges located within Algonquin – Arowhon Pines, Bartlett Lodge and Killarney Lodge – all remain open until Thanksgiving and on occasion extend their operating season. Check with the lodges themselves or with the Park's Information Office.

A wide selection of roofed accommodations can be found in all areas surrounding Algonquin Park. Check out the Local Services - Accommodation section of our Website for more details.

Services of interest during your autumn visit…

Stores and Restaurants

The Opeongo Store, The Portage Store, the Two Rivers Store, and the Sunday Creek Café, located in the Visitor Centre, are all open to Canadian Thanksgiving (second Monday in October). Dining is available also at the three lodges found in the Park, however, reservations are recommended.

A wide selection of restaurants can be found in all areas surrounding Algonquin Park. Check out the Local Services - Restaurants section of our Website for more details.

Gasoline and Groceries

Limited groceries are available at the Two Rivers Store and the Opeongo Store along the Parkway (Highway 60) Corridor – both are open to Canadian Thanksgiving.

Gasoline is available at The Portage Store and the Opeongo Store along the Parkway (Highway 60) Corridor – both are open to Canadian Thanksgiving.

After Thanksgiving to mid-May (i.e., during the late fall and winter), gasoline, groceries, and lodging are available only outside the Park.

Learn more about Autumn and what it offers

Teachers, clubs, and other groups may wish to take advantage of our Group Education Program offered through The Friends of Algonquin Park. Programs are available for all age groups from elementary school to the adult level. Sleepover programs are offered at the Visitor Centre to students from grades 4 to 8.