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Hiking in Algonquin Park

Nestled in the heart of Northern Ontario, Algonquin Provincial Park is a gorgeous, green gem that should not be missed! Nature lovers have enjoyed the over 7,000 km of forests and lakes since the park was initially created in 1893. Although Algonquin has become notorious for its 2,000 kilometres of canoe channels, making it a popular portage destination, the park also boasts a wide array of scenic hiking trails.

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The North and South sections of the park are split by the highway 60 corridor, which spans west from Huntsville towards Whitney in the East. At first it may seem contraindicative to take a highway through such a beautiful area, instead of accessing from a more remote entrance, but let me assure you there are benefits.

Along the corridor, there are still wildlife sightings despite what you may think, which makes any drive through Algonquin more exciting! We saw a young male moose (a bull) peacefully drinking in a swamp area off the shoulder of the road. It was magical! In addition to this, the corridor conveniently borders dozens of easily accessible trailheads that will quickly whisk you away from the car park into Mother Nature’s embrace.

The “Look Out” Trail at point 39 off Highway 60 does just that. At a mere 2.1km, the well maintained loop trail is quite easy to manage for children, dogs and adults alike. Although it does rise in elevation off the start, the trail could be tackled from the right side, offering a more gradual grade for those who wish for an easier ascent.

Picture yourself immersed in a shady, spruce-clad forest, surrounded by birds and a light summer breeze. As you climb the trail, it levels off and opens up into a wide, rock-cliff base, offering a panoramic picture of the park below and beyond.

The look out point offers up views of several hundred square feet of the Northern part of the park from above. During the summer, lush green trees span across the entire viewpoint, with the blue waters of Little Rock Lake popping out like a jewel hanging in the distance. You will also see Kearney Lake and the Lake of Two Rivers as you trace the edges of the cliff line.

In the winter, the trees beyond are a little bare but nonetheless the view is still incredibly gorgeous. I can only imagine the beautiful transformation that occurs in autumn as the leaves undergo their colourful seasonal changes.

All in all, the highway 60 corridor is just a humble snapshot of the beauty and wonder Algonquin Park offers. But, if you are seeking a relatively easy hike with a large scenic pay off, ‘Look’ no further: Look out trail awaits.

Exploring more of Ontario? Don’t miss these 7 hikes in Ontario with awesome views!

Have you been to Algonquin Park?

What’s your favourite hike?

Let me know in the comments below!

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Sarah said:
I loved this hike for the views too! Such a stunning place. Would love to go back and do some more hikes (and moose spotting!) in Algonquin one day.
August 11, 2017 at 1:20 pm
thepinkbackpack.com said:
So glad to hear Reena :) Thanks for stopping by!
August 5, 2017 at 8:15 am
thepinkbackpack.com said:
Come to Canada :) haha yes it was so cool to see the moose (Though it was from afar!), definitely such a great experience!!
August 5, 2017 at 8:15 am
thepinkbackpack.com said:
Hi Tara, So happy to hear that Canada is on your list :) That's funny because I was sort of like that too with hiking, only realized I loved it after I moved closer to the mountains a few years ago. Thanks for stopping by xx
August 2, 2017 at 9:24 am
thepinkbackpack.com said:
Just added some more photos, thank you for the feedback :)
August 2, 2017 at 9:24 am
thepinkbackpack.com said:
Definitely agree, it is such a lush and green area. Thanks for stopping by!
August 2, 2017 at 9:23 am
thepinkbackpack.com said:
Hi Eva, So happy to hear you loved your time spent in Canada and Algonquin. It is rare to see a moose, I've only ever spotted one :)
August 2, 2017 at 9:22 am
thepinkbackpack.com said:
You should definitely make a visit if you can :) Just added some more photos, thanks for the suggestion!
August 2, 2017 at 9:21 am
Tara said:
I have just come to realise how awesome hiking is after my most recent trip to California! Definitely need to check out Canada now, on my list!
July 31, 2017 at 2:06 pm
orangewayfarer said:
beautiful picture at the beginning. Such an interesting post deserves more pictures in it lady! thanks for sharing!
July 31, 2017 at 1:55 pm
May EatCookExplore said:
I didn't have time to do any hiking on my last trip. I spent a week in BC but mainly did things around Vancouver. Would love to do this next time!
July 31, 2017 at 10:09 am
Lien | Get Lost Abroad said:
I love hiking too :-) I have never been to Canada but it is on my wish list! I am so jaleous you saw a moose ;-)
July 30, 2017 at 7:48 am
Reena said:
This looks gorgeous! I'm adding it to my travel wishlist!
July 29, 2017 at 5:26 pm
C-Ludik said:
I'm definitively a nature lover :-) and Algonquin Park seems beautiful: endless lakes, thick woods and giant moose grazing around.. ! And you don’t need a multiday journey to appreciate the sights and sounds that the park has to offer. Thanks for sharing ;-)
July 29, 2017 at 4:58 pm
Eva said:
I visited Algonquin Park in 2011, I travelled there before starting my internship in Toronto. What a beautiful park! It was exactly what I wanted to see when I came to Canada. I had been hoping for some moose encounters, but sadly none happened. But I befriended a few chipmunks and spotted a beaver, so that was something :)
July 29, 2017 at 4:44 pm
Leigh said:
Needs more pictures!!! I would love to visit Algonquin National Park, I love the Northwoods of Minnesota and Michigan and I've heard Canada parks are even better!
July 29, 2017 at 1:28 pm
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