I am planning a short trip to AP around New Years Eve,would possibly stay in Huntsville and make daily trips to the park.I am taking dog w/me and need to know any good trails for cross country skiing/snowshoeing.It would be maybe 3-4 day trip.Is anyone going to celebrate New Years Eve in the park?hk

Man I hope not. Brrr!

It depends on your own tastes. I haven't done much winter-time activity in the Park, so I'll suggest first off that you might click on the winter icon here at Algonquin Adventures. You'll find some information and trip logs there, notably a Big Pines trip log.

There are, of course, several skiing trails set up for the winter season, and snowshoeing is possible on several of the hiking trails. I recall last season someone posting images from a winter trip to Centennial Ridges, but that might be a bit more then you might want to handle, depending on how experienced you are.

You'll find that a good number of people here will be willing to give you their own input and experiences on the matter, so keep coming back here to have a look.

Hopefully I will be there around New Years, just gotta work getting time of with my work and my friends schedules.

Personally I cold tent in the park gonna see about doing a snow shelter this year. Though Algonquin does have Yurts which might work for you. I dont have any info on good trails but for a great winter resource check out wintertrekking.com they have great forum and good articles.

My number one tip is wool I didnt believe it before but surplus wool pants are one of the best purchases i have ever made and only $25

Have fun and maybe ill see, ill have an orange sled and dress like a Russian terrorist.

Later Dayz

Those Yurts at Mew go fast and were probably booked months ago.
Stayed there one year for 8 nights, had a blast!



Mark Rubino
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler - Blog
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler

http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

Hey HK

I do quite a bit of X-country skiing & snowshoeing in the park all winter long. This is what I remember from last year.

For X-country skiing:

1. Leaf Lake trails near the east gate but worth the drive from Huntsville it has the best groomed trails in the park Pine loop is the best but the trail is long and you must be in pretty good shape.

2. Fen Lake trails at the west gate are nice too. I found a moose antler on the first 5 km loop last year & lots of moose tracks too.

http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/mustrails/skitrail.html

For Snowshoeing: The question is usually access due snow plowing.

- Hardwood lookout parking lot is not usually plowed out same with the lookout trail
- Peck lake is usually plowed enough for 1 car to park
- Whiskey Rapids, Track & Tower, Hemlock Bluff, Bat Lake, Big Pines these parking lots are completely plowed out.
- Centennial Ridges you would have to snowshoe in from hwy 60
- Spruce Bog, Beaver Pond, Mizzy Lake I cant remember about the access. I think Spruce Bog & Beaver pond are okay but I can't say for sure.
- Booths Rock unless logging is going on the road is now plowed and it would be a heck of a snowshoe from the road to the trail.
- Oxtongue River/ Ragged Falls is worth the stop too.
http://algonquincanoeing.blogspot.com/2009/01/whiskey-rapids-trail-oxtongue-river_23.html

I hope this helps & the ice isnt usually safe at this time of year. I always check it first. I Ice fish in Muskoka (not in APP) every January 1st and the ice thickness is only about 2 to 4 inches. So be careful.



SBA

If you are bringing your dog along, you may not be able to use the ski trails. I am remembering something I read about skiing only, no walking, snowshoeing, etc on the ski trails. Animal tracks give the ski groomers problems as well. I looked but could not find the info, so you may want to contact the Park and double check this. If anyone else knows if dogs are allowed on the ski trails or not, could you enlighten us....


I have done many of the trails in winter and it gives a totally different view of the Park than the summer time. I did Track & Tower and thought I was going to die once I made it to the lookout, but it was well worth it.


New years in the Park sounds great.





Sean (of Ajax)

http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

Yes, you're right Sean. I've read the no snowshoeing, walking, dogs, sleds, etc. skiing trail rule too. I think its on the APP X-Country ski trail map.

I could see the animal tracks being an issue for the groomers. Especially the moose tracks! Pretty cool to see though.

I love winter in APP.......but I'm trying to find a bad season in the park.........oh wait.........black fly/skeeter season lol!


SBA

I have done the BeaverLake trail,snowshoing,also the Leaf lake,just awesome

Just curious.......are the trails groomed for skate or classic ? I do both, and love the workout you get with the skate, but classic allows you to take in more of the scenery.

Formerly Foxco, Now ?????

Southern Georgian Bay
Ontario

Stay at Wolf's Den Bunkhouse on Hwy 60

Great place, warm, cozy, closer than Huntsville. You can cook there to save money.

http://www.wolfdenbunkhouse.com/

Carl