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Algonquin Park Ice Conditions

Algonquin Park Official Ice Out - April 23, 2023

UPDATE: Algonquin Park's ice out was officially recorded on April 23, 2023 when a boat safely navigated from the Lake Opeongo Access Point to the Happy Isle Portage in the North Arm of Lake Opeongo. This ice out date is slightly earlier than average, see below for details.

With its higher elevation and thus colder winters, Algonquin Park is one of the last areas to shed its ice cover in south-central Ontario. The official ice out date for Algonquin Park has ranged from March 29 (2012) to as late as May 15 (1972). This webpage provided by The Friends of Algonquin Park tracks the progress of ice out in Algonquin Park.

Lake of Two Rivers Ice Out 2023

UPDATE: The ice out date for Lake of Two Rivers (shown below) occurred on April 20, 2023. On average Lake of Two Rivers sheds its ice cover 3 days earlier than Lake Opeongo, Algonquin Park's largest lake, and the basis for declaring Algonquin Park's ice out (see below for historical ice out information).

Lake of Two Rivers is a medium sized lake located in south central Algonquin Park. Lake of Two Rivers entire lake surface, covering 315 hectares (780 acres), is easily observed from Highway 60 allowing for detailed freeze and thaw data to be recorded over the years. On average, Lake of Two Rivers freezes on December 11 and thaws on April 25. Ice out dates can vary widely and in the past 45 years, ice out on Lake of Two Rivers has ranged from as early as March 30 (2012) to as late as May 10 (2018).

Algonquin Park Ice Out History

For almost 60 years, the average ice out date for Lake Opeongo, Algonquin's largest lake, is April 28. Given variations in winter and spring conditions, the ice out dates for Lake Opeongo have ranged from March 29 (2012) to as late as May 15 (1972). During 2022, the ice out date for Lake Opeongo was April 25. For 2023, the ice out date for Lake Opeongo was April 23.

Technically, the official ice out date for Algonquin Park is recorded when a boat can safely navigate from the Lake Opeongo Access Point to the Happy Isle Portage in the North Arm of Lake Opeongo.

Algonquin Park Images - Spring 2023

A selection of recent images from Algonquin Park. See the caption for the date and location.

April conditions are extremely important in determining the ice out date for Algonquin Park. Heavy rainfall events, high winds, and warm temperatures all help to speed up ice removal, while cold, snowy conditions can slow the removal of ice from lakes. Watch the Algonquin Park weather forecast for conditions, which are generally colder and snowier than surrounding areas as a result of the Park’s high elevation (the highest in southern Ontario).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 1, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 2, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 3, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 4, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 5, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 6, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 7, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 8, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 9, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 10, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 11, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 121, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 12, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 13, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 14, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 15, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 16, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 17, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 18, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 19, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on April 20, 2023 (click to enlarge).

Satellite Imagery

Below is satellite imagery of the Algonquin Park area. Imagery is taken on a regular basis with the best images recorded on completely clear days, which can be infrequent during late winter/spring. Images are posted to highlight the overall changes in ice conditions in south-central Ontario.

Image: Satellite image taken on April 15, 2023, showing the boundary of Algonquin Park. Lakes showing black are open such as Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay, while lakes showing various shades of gray remain ice covered but the ice is of decreasing quality (see Lake Opeongo and other lakes in Algonquin Park). The strongest ice appears bright white. Click to enlarge the image.

Satellite Image Comparison

Below are satellite images of the Algonquin Park area from recent years and the official ice out date for that year for comparison purposes.

The spring of 2012 was record early by about a month and ice on Lake Opeongo melted by March 29. All lakes in Algonquin Park were ice free by April 2, 2012.

Snow Depth in Algonquin Park

The snow depth recorded by Environment Canada at Algonquin Park's East Gate over the last 2 weeks.

During the early spring, snow depth in Algonquin Park varies greatly depending upon location. On south facing slopes that receive the strongest spring sunshine the ground can be bare, while on shaded north facing slopes snow depths can exceed the values listed below.

Spring and Safety

Please remember that The Friends of Algonquin Park advises against ice travel due to a range of environmental variables and the difficulty in detecting hazards. Be safe, stay off the ice. Park visitors are encouraged to stay away from fast moving and icy cold water at this time of year.

Water temperature in spring remains just above freezing for many days after ice out. Submersion in cold water can quickly lead to hypothermia (a potentially deadly situation). Reduce the risks, by wearing a PFD, stay close to shore, paddle according to your skill/experience level, pack the proper safety gear, and don't take unnecessary risks. Learn more about hypothermia and cold water.

Cold Water Paddling

Even though Algonquin Park lakes will become ice free, water temperature during spring remains just above freezing for many days after ice out. Submersion in icy cold water can quickly lead to severe hypothermia, a potentially deadly situation. Reduce the risks by:

wearing a PFD (personal flotation device) while on the water;
staying close to shore;
paddling according to your skill/experience level and the weather conditions;
packing the proper safety gear; and
not taking unnecessary risks.
Learning more about hypothermia and cold water before you paddle.

For the latest Algonquin Park closures and restrictions see Algonquin Park Advisories.