Algonquin Provincial Park

Happy World Wildlife Day! The Western Pine Elfin is primarily found in western North America, although this pretty butterfly also has isolated populations in Ontario, including Algonquin. They emerge in late spring and fly for only a short time. This one is feeding on nectar from a violet at the beach. The caterpillars feed on - you guessed it pine needles!

The Logging Museum Trail and Parking Lot will be closed starting later this week until approximately the end of March to assist in an initiative to restore the ecological integrity within Red Pine plantations in Algonquin Provincial Park. The purpose of this project is to encourage natural regeneration for a future natural succession forest. After thinning, tree health/vigor and wind firmness will improve creating a healthier forest and a diverse habitat for wildlife. The tr...ail will be closed for public safety. Closure dates will be posted on our alerts page: http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/algonquin/alerts

Hey teachers! We’re excited to partner with Flipgrid and make some amazing discussion topics about Ontario Parks and the resources we protect available for you ...and your students! Start exploring our Discovery Library Topics today: https://bit.ly/3qUvF7m #DigitalLearningDay #FlipgridForAll #MicrosoftEDU

Student Park Ranger positions for the 2021 season are now posted! Visit the Ontario GoJobs website for more information and to apply: https://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/Preview.aspx

UPDATE: we are extending the temporary closure of overnight visits until March 8 in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This includes: campground and backcountry campsites roofed accommodations (including cabins, yurts and cottages) If you were scheduled to arrive up to and including March 8, your reservation will be automatically cancelled and you will receive a full refund with no penalty.... Provincial parks and conservation reserves continue to be available for local and safe day use activities, such as: walking / hiking cross-country skiing snowshoeing skating We can’t stress this enough. It is vital that Ontarians stay home and stay safe. Travel between regions has the potential to increase spikes in community spread and undo all the progress we have made. We're counting on everyone to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 by following the advice of public health officials. Please visit OntarioParks.com for the most up-to-date information, including: COVID-19 updates: http://www.ontarioparks.com/covid19 finding your local park: http://www.ontarioparks.com/park-locator See more

Are you planning a winter backcountry camping trip this season? Here are a few changes you should know about. Winter backcountry permits are now available by reservation only at ontarioparks.com or the Reservation Service (1-888-668-7275). Reservations can be made on the two Hwy 60 backpacking trails plus these new winter backcountry access points:... o Mew Lake Campground (Old Railway Bike Trail/Airfield Area) o Art Gallery Parking Lot (Source Lake Area) o Minnesing Trail Parking Lot (Minnesing Trail area) o Sanitation Station (Sunday Lake Dogsled network area) We are still using a modified check-in process through the winter season. Once you have your reservation, simply print out a copy of your reservation letter (or keep a digital copy available) and this will be your camping permit. Nothing is currently required for your vehicle when backcountry camping, but make sure the occupant and vehicle information on your reservation is up to date.

Vacancy Alert! We have opened up more than 50 additional campsites at Mew Lake Campground for this upcoming weekend including waterfront hydro sites! With some excellent weather in the forecast, it’s a great weekend to spend some time in nature and enjoy starry nights around a crackling campfire! ... Our staff will continue to create additional camping opportunities this season where weather permits so continue to watch our channels for updates. Reserve now: https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/

Thinking about visiting Algonquin this weekend? Please be advised that Mew Lake campground is FULL for the weekend and we have no remaining sites. Backpacking trails are almost full for the weekend. ... Backcountry paddling sites are still available but by reservation only. Please remember: despite the warm air temperatures, the water is ice cold, and extra precautions and planning is required for a late fall trip. If you are planning on hiking a trail, make sure you leave time to finish the trail before dusk. We hope you have a wonderful weekend and can get out in nature!

Good news! With the extended warm weather in the forecast, you may not have to hang the paddles up for the season just yet! Backcountry paddling reservations are available until November 15 this year! Please note: backcountry permits are currently by reservation only. Book your trip at https://bit.ly/2flQ2ea or by calling 1-888-668-7275. We are still using a modified check-in process this season. Once you have your reservation, simply print out a copy of your reservation ...letter (or keep a digital copy available) and this will be your camping permit. Nothing is currently required for your vehicle when backcountry camping, but make sure the occupant and vehicle information on your reservation is up to date. Please remember: despite the warm air temperatures, the water is ice cold, and extra precautions and planning is required for a late fall trip. Check out our fall safety tips https://bit.ly/3jOpD4K

Reminders: - Trails are wet and muddy, wear appropriate footwear and be aware of trail difficulty ratings - Always check the length, difficulty and time required to complete the trail. - Allow enough time to get back to your vehicle before dusk (we suggest leaving a 30-minute cushion). - Don’t forget to wear trail- and weather-appropriate footwear and clothing.... Visitors should also consider packing water, snacks, hand sanitizer, face masks, phone and extra warm clothes!

Halloween Reminder In order to reduce overcrowding and promote physical distancing, Algonquin will not be hosting any of the scheduled activities as part of our annual Halloween event. You are welcome to display your Halloween spirit on your individual campsite, but we’re counting on people to be responsible when enjoying our parks. Continue to follow public health advice including physical distancing by keeping at least two metres from others, wearing a face covering where required and when physical distancing may be challenging or not possible, washing hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

This is the (unfortunately true) tale of the journey some garbage took this summer after it was left in the remote backcountry. Remember: as park-lovers, it’s our responsibility to dispose of all our garbage correctly! Pack it in, pack it out! http://www.ontarioparks.com/pa/backcountry-garbage-journey/

Attention Campers! Due to freezing temperatures: - The water at Lake of Two Rivers Campground is being shut down today (Oct 28, 2020). Ontario Parks staff will be working hard to contact campers with incoming reservations, and campers currently in the Park to talk about options to cancel, change or modify their reservations. - The taps at Mew Lake Campground will also be turned off today (Oct 28, 2020), but the comfort station remains open. - The Highway 60 Trailer Sanitation Station Sewage disposal facilities are open but the fresh water filling stations are closed

Is white considered one of the fall colours? We had a dusting of snow last night!

Current view from the Algonquin Visitor Centre viewing deck!

Halloween Reminder In order to reduce overcrowding and promote physical distancing, Algonquin will not be hosting any of the scheduled activities as part of our annual Halloween event. You are welcome to display your Halloween spirit on your individual campsite, but we’re counting on people to be responsible when enjoying our parks. Continue to follow public health advice including physical distancing by keeping at least two metres from others, wearing a face covering where required and when physical distancing may be challenging or not possible, washing hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Have you heard of the Golden Encore? Tamaracks are the beautiful golden-yellow coniferous tree you might spot along Highway 60 or the trails in the late fall. For more information visit:... http://www.ontarioparks.com//algonquins-second-fall-colou/ See more

Do you know how many species of owl live in Ontario?

Hello Naturalists! The Algonquin Provincial Park iNaturalist project is nearing an impressive milestone: 50,000 observations! It has been a challenging year for naturalists here in Ontario, but we can all agree having a platform like iNaturalist has been a fun outlet for exploring and documenting nature on our own and sharing it with our community. Thanks to everyone who contributed their observations and expertise in helping identify the diversity of life in this amazing pa...rk. Just a few hundred more to go...! Every observation is important! For more information on how to join, check out https://inaturalist.ca/projects/algonquin-provincial-park or https://www.ontarioparks.com//inaturalist-at-ontario-parks/

CLOSURE: Algonquin has reached capacity and is now closed for day-use on Sunday October 11. Thru traffic and campers with reservations may proceed, day users will be turned around.

Be prepared for wet, muddy & slippery trails! Check the length, difficulty & time needed before you start a trail. Wear appropriate footwear & clothing for the trail & weather. Allow enough time to be off the trails before dusk.... Watch your footing & be careful! See more

CLOSURE: Algonquin has reached capacity and is now closed for day-use. Thru traffic and campers with reservations may proceed, day users will be turned around.

We are expecting to reach day use capacity again this weekend along the Highway 60 Corridor. Plan accordingly. Check our Twitter (@Algonquin_PP) for regular updates on capacity, traffic and closures. https://twitter.com/Algonquin_PP (You don't need to have Twitter to view our posts) We are at 70% leaf fall. Expect to see a mix of bare branches and some rich yellows. For more info and tips visit: https://bit.ly/2fd84it

Did you know that the first loop of the Minnesing Bike Trail is open to hikers in the fall? The first loop, the Sugar Bush Run, is rated as moderate and is about 4 km in length.

The dominant colour of the remaining leaves is yellow as the birch, aspen and tamarack trees are turning a rich yellow and really starting to shine. Leaf fall is already up to 60% and could increase with the forecasted rain. To read our full fall colour report visit:... https://www.ontarioparks.com/fallcolour See more

Just a reminder that there is construction along Highway 60 between Hunstville and the West Gate. Consider entering the Park through the less busy East Gate! Drive responsibly. Observe highway and park speed limits. Do not park along the shoulders of the highway and watch out for distracted drivers. ... Parking is allowed only at designated trailheads, picnic ground parking lots and museums. For more info and tips visit http://www.ontarioparks.com//fall-colours-at-algonquin-pr/ Check our Twitter feed on busy fall weekends https://twitter.com/Algonquin_PP for regular updates on capacity, traffic and conditions.