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Help Us Build A New Interpretive Trail in Algonquin Park

The Friends of Algonquin Park Announces the Construction of a New Interpretive Hiking Trail in Algonquin Park

Algonquin Park, Ontario, [December 3, 2024] – The Friends of Algonquin Park, a Canadian registered charity, is thrilled to announce the construction of a new interpretive hiking trail in Algonquin Park along with a fundraising campaign.

It has been more than 20 years since visitors have experienced a new interpretive hiking trail in Algonquin Provincial Park. The last time was in 2001, when The Friends of Algonquin Park supported the building of the 3 kilometre Big Pines Trail that educates visitors about the history and ecology of Ontario’s provincial tree, the White Pine. Prior to that, The Friends of Algonquin Park funded the spectacular 10 kilometre Centennial Ridges Trail that was opened in 1993 to celebrate Algonquin Park's birthday, and the establishment of Ontario’s provincial park system a century prior.

Since 1983, The Friends of Algonquin Park have been actively involved in supporting Algonquin Park’s interpretive trails. Whether coordinating Adopt-A-Trail volunteers to report problems, focusing maintenance efforts, publishing millions of copies of educational trail guides, or funding the creation of new trails, Algonquin Park’s hiking experiences would not be the same without the recreational, educational, and financial contributions of The Friends of Algonquin Park.

“Algonquin Park's hiking trails, known as interpretive trails for their educational trail guides and corresponding numbered posts, are extremely popular with visitors.” says Lee Pauzé, Executive Director of The Friends of Algonquin Park. Research shows that 94% of Algonquin Park visitors state that access to hiking is an extremely important part of their visit, with more than 80% of visitors walking one or more interpretive trail during their visit to Algonquin Park.

Image: Visitors walking Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail in Algonquin Park.

With the approval of Ontario Parks, and the support of community partners, The Friends of Algonquin Park are constructing this new interpretive trail in Algonquin Park. The new trail, that will visit scenic lookouts, requires the construction of an innovative floating boardwalk and numerous footbridges to protect sensitive areas, plus building two significant sets of stairs like those found on the existing Track and Tower Trail and Booth’s Rock Trail. All these measures will not only provide for a more enjoyable recreational experience, but they will also help to protect Algonquin Park's ecological integrity.

Follow Us for Updates

This new interpretive trail will be the seventh trail The Friends of Algonquin Park have supported since their establishment in 1983. Like the other interpretive trails located in Algonquin Park, this new trail will feature an educational trail guide published by The Friends of Algonquin Park, allowing visitors to better appreciate Algonquin Park’s natural and cultural heritage during their hike.

“The construction of a new interpretive hiking trail doesn’t just happen” says Linda Leckie, Chair, The Friends of Algonquin Park. “Our staff, along with dedicated volunteers have been working relentlessly behind the scenes to create this exciting recreational and educational opportunity for Algonquin Park visitors. At this time, we need your support to help fund this project, and I would encourage everyone to help us by funding a metre (or more) of this brand-new trail.”

Donate to Support This New Trail

The Friends of Algonquin Park is currently seeking private and corporate donations to support this new trail.

Ways to Donate

Donate online. You can support this trail with a one-time donation or become a monthly donor.
Call us at 613-637-2828 during business hours.
By mail. Cheques can be mailed to The Friends of Algonquin Park, Box 248, Whitney, Ontario K0J 2M0.
Make an in-person donation at the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre during operating hours.

Your generous tax-deductible donation to The Friends of Algonquin Park will help to support the purchase of building materials, the hiring of skilled labour, writing and printing of the interpretive trail guide booklet, and much more, that is needed to open this new interpretive trail.

Unlike other organizations or government entities, 100% of your donation to The Friends of Algonquin Park remains in Algonquin Park. Learn other ways to give. Our Charity BN/Registration number is 11923 4060 RR0001.

A History of Supporting Trails in Algonquin Park

Since our inception in 1983, The Friends of Algonquin Park have played a major role in the development of hiking opportunities for visitors to Algonquin Park. Hiking experiences would not be the same without the recreational, educational, and financial contributions of The Friends of Algonquin Park. The Friends of Algonquin Park has developed, or substantially funded, the following interpretive hiking trails since our establishment.

1983 - The Friends of Algonquin Park is established as a Canadian registered charity. The Friends of Algonquin Park soon begins printing and selling trail guides to educate visitors using Algonquin Park's interpretive trails.

1992 - Track and Tower Trail opens with funding from The Friends of Algonquin Park. An interpretive trail guide leads visitors 7.5 kilometres along an abandoned railway line and former fire tower location.

1992 - The 5.8 kilometre Bat Lake Trail opens with funding from The Friends of Algonquin Park. The trail guide explains basic ecological concepts, including details of acidic Bat Lake.

1992 - The Algonquin Logging Museum and the 1.5 kilometre Algonquin Logging Museum Trail featuring logging related buildings and equipment is opened with substantial support of The Friends of Algonquin Park.

1993 - Centennial Ridges Trail featuring spectacular views along the 10 kilometre route is opened to celebrate Algonquin Park's 100th birthday. Funding from The Friends of Algonquin Park and generous donors funds the trail and trail guide.

Image: View from Centennial Ridges Trail in Algonquin Park. This trail was opened in 1993 with support of The Friends of Algonquin Park and generous donors.

1993 - Berm Lake Trail opens near the Achray Campground. This 4.5 kilometre trail introduces visitors to Algonquin Park's pine forest ecology found on Algonquin Park's East Side.

1995 - The Friends of Algonquin Park begins the Adopt-A-Trail program where volunteers walk trails weekly and report problems focusing maintenance efforts.

2001 - The Big Pines Trail opens with funding from The Friends of Algonquin Park. This 3 kilometre trail visits a stand of old growth White Pines and remains of an 1880s lumber camp.

2024 - Adopt-A-Trail volunteers reach more than 50,000 kilometres hiked in support of Algonquin Park's interpretive trails

Coming soon! - A brand-new interpretive hiking trail is coming to Algonquin Park. The Friends of Algonquin Park are constructing this trail with funding from generous donors like you! Make your charitable donation in support of this new trail.

Tell Me More About this New Interpretive Hiking Trail

Image: Footbridge over a small intermittent stream along an interpretive trail in Algonquin Park.

In the days ahead, we will be sharing more information about this exciting project. Keep updated by watching this webpage, following us on social media, or subscribe to eNews updates.

Where is this new trail?

To protect both Algonquin Park’s natural and cultural history the location of this new interpretive trail has not yet been announced. Staff and volunteers with The Friends of Algonquin Park are currently working hard to ensure the correct measures are in place to protect any sensitive sites before the location is revealed. More details about this new exciting interpretive trail will be shared in upcoming weeks, stay updated by watching this webpage, following us on social media, or subscribing to our eNews updates.

What will my donation be used for?

Your generous tax-deductible donation to The Friends of Algonquin Park will help to support the purchase of building materials, the hiring of skilled labour, writing and printing of the interpretive trail guide, and much more, that is needed to open this new interpretive trail.

Tax receipts are issued for donations over $10.

Are there other ways to donate?

Yes. Donations can be made online, or contact The Friends of Algonquin Park via telephone at 613-637-2828. Cheques can be mailed to The Friends of Algonquin Park, Box 248, Whitney, Ontario K0J 2M0. Or visit us in-person at the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre.

I need more information about a donation. Who can I contact?

Contact Stacey Finch, Partnership Coordinator at 613-637-2828 extension 239 or via friends@algonquinpark.on.ca or use this online form.

What other interpretive trails have The Friends of Algonquin Park supported?

Since our establishment in 1983, The Friends of Algonquin Park have played a major role in the development of hiking opportunities for visitors in Algonquin Park. The Friends of Algonquin Park has developed, or substantially funded, Track and Tower Trail (1992), Bat Lake Trail (1992), Algonquin Logging Museum Trail (1992), Centennial Ridges Trail (1993), Berm Lake Trail (1993), Big Pines Trail (2001), and a brand-new interpretive trail coming soon!

Since 1995, The Friends of Algonquin Park has been supporting trails by offering the Algonquin Park Adopt-A-Trail Program, where volunteers coordinated by The Friends of Algonquin Park, monitor trails for problems and improvements so Park staff can best direct their maintenance efforts.

Our Adopt-A-Trail volunteers have logged more than 50,000 kilometres walking Algonquin Park's interpretive trails to benefit visitors.

Will there be a trail guide book?

Yes. Just like all other interpretive trails in Algonquin Park, this new trail will feature an educational trail guide published by The Friends of Algonquin Park, allowing visitors to better appreciate Algonquin Park’s natural and cultural heritage during their hike.

Image: A selection of interpretive trail guides published by The Friends of Algonquin Park. All of Algonquin Park's interpretive trails feature a different trail guide with educational content.

When will the trail open?

In the coming weeks, we will be sharing more information and timelines about this very exciting project. Keep updated on this project by watching this webpage, following us on social media, or subscribing to our eNews updates.

Can I volunteer to help?

The Friends of Algonquin Park are always in need of volunteers for various projects and special events. To express your interest in volunteering, and share your talents and interests, see our Volunteer webpage.

What features will this new interpretive trail offer?

See our News Release above for more details.

Why are you building a new interpretive trail?

Algonquin Park's existing interpretive trails are extremely popular. Research conducted for Ontario Parks shows that 94% of Algonquin Park visitors state that access to hiking is an extremely important part of their visit, with more than 80% of visitors walking one or more interpretive trail during their visit to Algonquin Park.

A growing body of scientific literature shows that spending time in the outdoors, such as hiking, is beneficial to our physical and mental health. This factor, combined with educational components of interpretive trails, makes this project a priority for The Friends of Algonquin Park.

Who has approved this project?

Ontario Parks, the government organization that manages Algonquin Park, has completed lengthy natural and cultural impact assessments concerning this new trail. The Government of Ontario has also undertaken their legal duty to consult with Aboriginal peoples in the Algonquin Park area concerning this development. The Friends of Algonquin Park works within these bounds to ensure continued protection of Algonquin Park and its values.

More About The Friends of Algonquin Park

The Friends of Algonquin Park is a Canadian registered charity for people passionate about Algonquin Park. We dedicate our resources to furthering the educational and interpretive programs to develop current and future stewards of Algonquin Park. This is accomplished through research, the development and delivery of programs, workshops and events, plus the production of educational materials.