Algonquin Fall Colours Celebration

Algonquin is legendary for it's fall colours and this has to be my favourite time of year to visit. If you're like me, I can't decide whether I most enjoy hiking or canoeing in this play area. So, why not do both!

Join me as we canoe/kayak out of Rock Lake Access #9 to our Whitefish Lake campsite. It's a short paddle, about 4 kms, which lends itself nicely to Friday late afternoon arrivals or for those arriving on Saturday morning.

For the 'lucky' ones arriving at the campsite on Friday evening, slow down and enjoy a relaxed Saturday morning in the fall splendour with a bottomless cup of coffee, a good book, hammock, morning paddle, or whatever you like.

We set off on an 11km hike of the popular Centennial Trail right after lunch. Opened in 1993 as part of Algonquin's 100 year celebrations, it is a loop that ascends 170m (560 ft) from the trailhead. You should be physically prepared for the 360m (1,200 ft) of elevation change as we walk along the two parallel ridge systems. Various lookouts provide some of the best views of the 12 lakes making up the Parkway Corridor and an accompanying guide book tells the stories of 11 historic personages who have helped shape the Park as we know it today. We'll finish this 6 hour hike with a fantastic appetite, just in time to return to our campsite for dinner and an Algonquin sunset (this site has a beautiful open view of the western skies).

Sunday morning we break camp and make the 7km paddle back to my waiting vehicle parked at the East Beach access #A41 (see Jeff's Maps). Our route north follows the Madawaska River upstream, as it meanders into Lake of Two Rivers. A picnic lunch at the beach, then we'll ferry people back for their vehicles, and we should be ready to be on the road by mid afternoon.

One last detail... Lake of Two Rivers Cafe and Grill will be open and you may want to treat yourself to a Kawartha Dairy ice cream and something from their in-house bakery for the ride home. Yumm :p

There you go... paddle and hike.

Costs:

Backcountry camping fee: $12.43/night. Permit registration is at Rock Lake gatehouse (open daily 9am to 5pm). There is also campground camping available for $44.91/night.

I will collect the cost for two nights of backcountry camping and pre-registering you to the campsite. You will have your permits available when you arrive, even if that should that be after 5pm.

Canoe rentals from $23/day at Algonquin Outfitters in Oxtongue Lake (Dwight). Call toll-free for Reservations: 1-800-469-4948. You won't need an ultra-lite for this route if you are renting, so save some money. They can provide you with a $5 tie down kit (foam and straps) for your car. Hours: 8am - 6pm.

This trip is also kayak friendly, as there is only one portage (125m) the entire route.

Equipment:

Evening temperatures likely to dip down to single digits, or freezing. Bring an appropriately rated sleeping bag.

Hiking poles may be helpful on the trail elevations

You may bring your own stove and the campfire will be available for cooking too.

Your preference for water treatment system, or boil. I will be bringing my gravity filter for share.

Driving Directions:

Arriving from the west off Hwy 11, take Hwy 60 into the Park. Turn right onto the Rock Lake Road (gravel) 40 kms past the West Main gate building (the one with the huge Canadian flag). Again, you will register at the Rock Lake gatehouse (open daily 9am to 5pm), no need to stop at the main West gate building.

Experience Level:

The water portion of this trip will not cover large distances. However, beginner level paddlers should be partnered with an experienced paddler for added safety. The hike may be considered strenuous due to the elevation changes and you must be aware that the cliff tops are not fenced. Proper footwear with good ankle support is recommended for the hike.

How to find us: Rock Lake Access #9