Events Calendar
Current Weather
Issued: March 4, 2019
Enjoy March Break in Algonquin Park
Below is an update of activities and conditions expected in Algonquin Park during March 9 to 17, 2019. For more information see Winter in Algonquin Park or the suggested links below.
Image: View from the Algonquin Park Webcam located at the Visitor Centre.
Conditions in Algonquin Park
Snow - Snow depth in Algonquin Park remains some of the deepest in recent years. At the current time, the most snow on the ground for this winter was recorded on February 16, 2019 and measured 90 centimetres (36") at the East Gate. Snow depth in Algonquin Park is recorded hourly at the Park’s East Gate. A daily summary of snow depth from Algonquin Park’s East Gate is available on the Algonquin Park Weather webpage.
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| Highway 60 Traffic Cameras |
Waterbodies - All lakes in Algonquin Park remain ice covered. Some fast moving water (like rivers) are open as is normally the case during the winter. Visitors should always use caution around moving water in winter and also avoid ice travel due to a range of environmental variables and the difficulty in detecting hazards.
Roads - Highway 60 remains plowed and maintained throughout the winter months. Most secondary roads leading to Access Points or other facilities are closed for the winter. See the Algonquin Park Advisories page for closures and advisories. For Highway 60 winter road conditions call 511 or see the Ontario Winter Road Conditions Report.
Live View of Algonquin Park - Watch the live video images from the Algonquin Park Webcam for up-to-date conditions in Algonquin Park.
Facilities and Things to Do
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| Download the Algonquin Park Winter Visitor Guide (PDF) |
West Gate and East Gate - The West Gate and East Gate are both open daily during March Break to provide Park permits and information. Check the Events Calendar for specific details. Self-serve fee stations for Park permits are available during non-operating periods.
Visitor Centre - The Algonquin Park Visitor Centre is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm during March Break. Check the Events Calendar for all the details. The Visitor Centre offers Park permits, information, bathrooms, the Bookstore and Nature Shop, the Sunday Creek Cafe, exhibits, theatre, observation deck, and more. Bird feeders are also in operation providing a sample of Algonquin Park’s bird-life. See the Birding Report for the latest Visitor Centre sightings.
The Algonquin Park Visitor Centre is also hosting a special art exhibit called Memories of Algonquin Park. The show's artists find inspiration in Algonquin Park and love this location which lets them experience nature in their own way. The art in this show captures their Algonquin Park memories. During March Break you can also meet some of the artists at the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre. See the Special Events Calendar for all the details.
Image: Paintings from Memories of Algonquin Park on display at the Visitor Centre until April 24, 2019.
Naturalist-led Programs - Several Naturalist-led programs are available during March Break. See the Special Events Calendar for all the details.
Skiing - All nordic (cross-country) ski trails are expected to be open during March Break. Check the latest ski trails conditions as fluctuating temperatures and new snow may alter conditions. Skiers should always use caution especially in spring as hazards may begin to emerge from the snow pack.
Skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, hiking and winter camping is permitted on the Old Railway Trail which can be accessed near the comfort station at Mew Lake Campground. These activities are also available at the Minnesing Wilderness Ski Trail.
Ice Rink - A skating rink near the Mew Lake Campground comfort station is in operation during winters in Algonquin Park and is expected to be open during March Break, as weather conditions permit. If you are coming to Algonquin Park pack your skates and hockey sticks. The Mew Lake Campground ice rink is located near the heated comfort station and has lights for evening skating plus a campfire pit. Nets are provided for hockey games. During March Break a campfire at the rink will begin at noon each day. Please note Park staff may close the ice rink during periods of above freezing temperatures to preserve ice conditions. Check at the rink for important notices.
Image: Skating Rink at Mew Lake Campground in Algonquin Park.
Interpretive Walking Trails - Many interpretive trails are available for the winter months, check the Winter in Algonquin Park webpage for a list of trails with plowed parking lots. Guide booklets are removed from trailhead dispensers for the winter but are available at the East Gate, West Gate and the Visitor Centre, or by ordering online. Snowshoes are always a good idea when walking the Interpretive Trails. However, they may not be required depending upon the temperature and snow conditions. For safety reasons, plan your trip and ensure you are off all interpretive trails prior to darkness. Please use caution on interpretive trails during the winter months as icy conditions may exist and fallen trees emerging from the snowpack are possible. Some trails may be closed. See the Algonquin Park Advisories webpage for details.
Snowshoeing - Snowshoeing enthusiasts can go virtually anywhere except trackset ski trails (Fen and Leaf Lake). If you prefer to stay on marked trails, visit the interpretive walking trails, the Western Uplands or Highland Backpacking Trails, Old Railway Trail, or the Minnesing Wilderness Ski Trai where snowshoeing is permitted.
Wildlife Watching - Wildlife watching can be rewarding during the winter months. Check the Algonquin Park Sightings Boards at the Park Gates and Visitor Centre for the latest sightings, or for bird updates check the weekly Algonquin Park Birding Report. To spot wildlife, carefully drive Highway 60 or other secondary roads, or better yet, walk or snowshoe a trail (see above).
Image: Male Black-backed Woodpecker in Algonquin Park. See the Algonquin Park Birding Report for the latest bird observations in Algonquin Park.
Eating and Sleeping
Food Services - The only food service facility available in Algonquin Park during winter is the Sunday Creek Cafe at the Algonquin Visitor Centre. Operating hours are the same as the Visitor Centre. Please note that the Sunday Creek Cafe is not available during periods of “limited service” but a self-serve snack bar is available during this period. See the Events Calendar for details.
Gasoline - No gasoline or diesel is available in Algonquin Park during winter. Fill up your tank in neighbouring communities such as Dwight or Whitney if visiting the Highway 60 Corridor.
Camping - Two forms of camping are available during March Break (and throughout the winter months). Developed camping is available only at Mew Lake Campground and the Park’s backcountry is always open. Developed camping is available year-round at Mew Lake Campground with some campsites and yurts reservable up to five months in advance through the centralized Ontario Parks Reservation Service. Plenty of campsites in Mew Lake Campground are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Backcountry camping is also available year-round. Most backcountry campers explore the Western Uplands or Highland Backpacking Trails on snowshoes. Check Winter in Algonquin Park for more details.
Roofed Accommodation - No roofed accommodation (other than reservable Yurts at the Mew Lake Campground) are available in Algonquin Park in winter. To find accommodation providers outside Algonquin Park in neighbouring communities search the Commercial Service webpage.
Safety
Winter visits require special preparation and attention to safety and equipment. On any trip it is wise to tell someone back home your exact itinerary and expected return date. Even following this advice and the fact that the Park staff patrol the Park, we cannot assure that you would be found in time if you were to become lost or have a serious accident in sub-zero temperatures. Cellular telephone coverage is not Park-wide and even in this area, service can be "none" to "limited". Your safety in Algonquin Park – as elsewhere – is ultimately your responsibility. Be prepared for winter in Algonquin Park and you will undoubtedly have an enjoyable visit!
Related Information
Reserve your developed or backcountry campsite for your next visit.
Share your passion for Algonquin Park by becoming a member or donor.
Special regulations for Algonquin's special fishery.