Come and join us on a tour to some of the most popular locations in Algonquin during the beautiful snow-covered season, free from the crowds of summer.
We will visit some frozen rapids at the boundary of the park. These rapids are impressive in summer, but with icicles and sheets of ice crashing through them, they become a force to behold in the winter. This is a relatively easy 1 km hike with no significant change in elevation.
Next, we will venture onward to a beaver trail, a 2 km hike with opportunities to cross frozen lakes, provided the ice is thick enough and safe to do so. Along the way, we will see beaver dams, trees cut through by their teeth, and possibly even some beavers themselves.
Afterward, we will enjoy some amazing views from the Algonquin Visitor Centre, which features a wonderful wooden lookout over frozen rivers and snow-capped trees.
Finally, we will embark on a 3.5 km hike along the Hemlock Bluffs Trail, where you'll experience beautiful viewsAlgonquin from granite cliffs that are characteristic of the Canadian Shield.
This is a uniquely special trip in Ontario and a bucket list experience for the Canadian winter.
1km hike to Ragged Rapids
2km hike along Beaver Pond trail
3.5km hike along Hemlock Bluffs Trail
06:20 - Meet at the Petro Canada near Keele Station
06:30 - Transport leaves and drives to Algonquin, we will be stopping for a quick washroom break on the route but not enough time to purchase food. Please note that we leave dead on 7am and can't wait for latecomers.
09:30 - Meet self driver on Ragged Falls Park Road. Do not be late! Fair warning, the van may end up being a few minutes late but self-drivers shouldn't come later than the van or they won't be able to join the hike.
09:30 - 10:30 - Hike to Ragged Falls
10:30 - 11:30 - Drive from Ragged Falls to Beaver Pond Trail loop. Do not be late! Fair warning, the van may end up being a few minutes late but self-drivers shouldn't come later than the van or they won't be able to join the hike.
11:30 - 12:30 - Hike the Beaver Pond Trail
12:30 - 12:40 - Drive to the Algonquin Visitor Centre
12:40 - 13:45 - Stop in for lunch at the Algonquin Visitor Centre
13:45 - 14:00 - Drive from the Algonquin Visitor Centre to the Hemlock Bluff Trail. Do not be late! Fair warning, the van may end up being a few minutes late but self-drivers shouldn't come later than the van or they won't be able to join the hike.
14:00 - 16:30 - Hike Hemlock Bluff Trail
16:30 - 20:00 - Drive back to Toronto
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
Winter clothing
The key for winter hiking is to have breathable layers that allow you to adjust your temperature as you start to heat up or cool down. The biggest problem you're likely to encounter is actually getting too hot - the amount of exercise you're doing means you'll warm up quickly and it's important that you vent your clothes before you start sweating because that will only make you colder once you stop.
Pay attention to your fabrics - there's a saying that cotton kills because it keeps moisture and makes you colder. Instead, go for breathable fabrics, like athletic wear or wool. Wool has the advantage of keeping you warm when it's wet but cheap polyester running gear is just fine. We've put together a simple guide to layering on our instagram.
A common mistake is to bring your heavy winter coat that you'd wear in the city - this will become very uncomfortable very quickly. If you'd like advice on what coat is suitable, we'll give you recommendations no matter your budget.
Because clothing becomes a safety issue in winter, it's particularly important that you're dress appropriately and follow these guidelines. If you turn up in clothes that could put you at risk we may have to turn you away. As always, ask us in advance if you'd like any advice, we'll be delighted to help!
Shoes
You should be switching to proper hiking boots once the snow has started. If the snow is really deep, you can wear a proper winter boot that goes above the ankle but this isn't essential, especially if you have gaiters. These go over your shoe to prevent snow coming in. Trainers and city boots are really not suitable because they won't have sufficient grip.
There's a good chance your feet are going to get wet, either through snow ingress or sweat so you should always pack a spare pair of socks when winter hiking.
Traction
You're going to find that you move more slowly and spend more effort hiking in the snow so we tend to hike shorter distances. From first snowfall you should always bring ice spikes with you. The Kahtoola Exospikes are a great option if you have the budget, otherwise Amazon has plenty of cheaper options. You rarely need snowshoes unless the snow is really deep and powdery and hiking with them usually requires even more energy.
We're bringing ice spikes for anybody who requested them.
Winter Hiking packing list
A head torch
In case we end up out after dark. Unlikely but we should be prepared.
Have any questions? Ask us on the Discord! Members who turn up dressed in a way that puts themselves at risk will not be able to join us.
At least 1.5L of water
A packed lunch and snacks
You'll be glad to also have a hot drink!
Self-drivers will need to purchase a daily vehicle permit in advance for the Algonquin Hwy 60 Corridor here. We won't be stopping in at the visitor centre so make sure you get this asap and pre-register. You're able to purchase the vehicle permit 5 days in advance.
Cars carrying a Canoo member (somebody who recently got their citizenship) may not need to pay but will still need to register.
Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear, ice spikes and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles.
Cold exposure - Ensure that you've brought the clothing outlined above so you're comfortable.
Getting lost - Stay with the group at all times to avoid getting lost. You should also download the map in advance to your phone. If you do find your lost, stay where you are until you've been located. There should be cell phone reception where we're going.
Algonquin Park has a rich indigenous history that predates the establishment of the park itself. The park is situated on the traditional territories of several Algonquian-speaking First Nations, including the Algonquin, Anishinaabe, and Huron-Wendat peoples.
For thousands of years, these indigenous communities relied on the land and its resources for sustenance, trade, and cultural practices. They engaged in hunting, fishing, gathering, and agriculture, establishing seasonal camps and villages throughout the region. The lakes, rivers, and forests provided them with a diverse range of food, such as fish, game, berries, and medicinal plants.
The Algonquin people, in particular, have a deep connection to the land that encompasses Algonquin Park. They refer to themselves as Anishinaabe, which translates to "the people" in their language. Their traditional territories extended across a vast area in present-day Ontario and Quebec.
Algonquin Park, as we know it today, was established in 1893 as the first provincial park in Canada. The creation of the park disrupted the traditional way of life for indigenous communities in the area. Many were displaced from their ancestral lands, and their access to resources and sacred sites within the park was restricted.
Despite these challenges, indigenous peoples have maintained their cultural connections to the region. They continue to assert their rights and engage in land stewardship initiatives, collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to protect and preserve their cultural heritage within Algonquin Park.
