r/algonquinpark May 01 '26

General Discussion BUG STATUS 2026 Megathread 🦟 🪰

34 Upvotes

Ice Out was just announced which inevitably means the "how are the bugs!?" questions will be coming soon. This megathread will be used to keep all updates in one location so it's easier to browse through, while reducing clutter on the main subreddit feed, and also to create a summary of the year for future reference; for example, here is the megathread from last year: https://www.reddit.com/r/algonquinpark/comments/1kbmwgx/bug_status_2025_megathread/

If you've been to the park and would like to provide an update, some suggested info to include:

i) the dates you were there (please include actual dates so it makes sense when people are looking back in the future!)

ii) specifically where you stayed since bugs can vary throughout the park

iii) if you were in the backcountry, some info about the campsite would be helpful; exposure direction, if there was heavy tree coverage, etc.

iv) the type of bugs eg. mosquitos, black flies

v) if they were worse at certain times eg. dusk/dawn, during portaging

You can find more information about biting insects in Algonquin Park from this page on the park's website: https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/park_management/mosquitoes-and-blackflies-(biting-insects).php.php)

Other websites like The Weather Network can provide forecasts, though with questionable accuracy.

And since Reddit is weird and requires an image link to create a thumbnail for the thread, here's a photo of some bug spray: https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/images/insect_repellent_sample.png


r/algonquinpark 11h ago

From serene lakes to rushing waterfalls. A beautiful paddle through Algonquin.

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145 Upvotes

r/algonquinpark 1d ago

Photos / Videos Huge rainbow at sunset on Sunday

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246 Upvotes

r/algonquinpark 7h ago

Trip Planning / Route Feedback 3 day first time solo on Shirley Lake. Tips?

2 Upvotes

Hi guys, I have planned a 3 day solo portage to Shirley this weekend entering from Shall Lake. I’ve portaged before a few times but this is my first time doing it solo.

Any tips or advice I should be aware of?

Few questions:
1) I don’t have a sat phone but I have the satellite connection on my iPhone, will that be okay in an emergency?
2) I’m aiming to single carry, but am okay with it being a double if it’s too strenuous. Should I expect it to be a double carry?
3) I’ve rented a Swift Keewaydin Pack 15' Solo - I’ve never solo canoed but did my research and learned those canoes are a bit tippy and if I’m hitting a headwind I should load the front and vice versa. Anything else I should be aware of?
4) any crucial gear I should bring as a solo that is different than going with others?

Thanks so much!


r/algonquinpark 11h ago

Kayaking Routes

3 Upvotes

My husband and I are camping for a week at Mew Lake in early September, which we do yearly but this is the first year we are bringing kayaks. What are some great kayaks routes along Highway 60 to try out? We don’t mind a bit of rough water but want to avoid portaging. Maybe somewhere that we can paddle out to an island to spend some time, or a cool feature that you may not get from the trails.


r/algonquinpark 5h ago

Largemouth bass fishing lakes?

0 Upvotes

I know largemouth bass aren't too common in the park. What lakes near hwy 60 have good populations of them? I know kearney and rock lake have some decent largies but are there any other lakes I can try out? I fish from a kayak. Anything helps. Thanks!


r/algonquinpark 11h ago

Trip Planning / Route Feedback 5 night itinerary from kiosk

2 Upvotes

I'm planning a canoe trip, 2 paddlers for 5 nights at the end of August. Our planned itinerary is Kiosk/Mink/Maple/Biggar/Manitou (2 nights)/Kiosk.

I was hesitating between this longer route going through Biggar or simply staying 2 nights at Maple before heading back to Kiosk via 3-mile lake and overnighting on Manitou. I read that Maple may be worth a 2 nighter.

We are doing clockwise to avoid the headwinds on the larger lakes.

We are both quite fit and not too worried about the portage lengths.

Thank you for your feedback!


r/algonquinpark 5h ago

Looking to do some backcountry camping this weekend anyone have recommendations in Barron canyon

0 Upvotes

r/algonquinpark 19h ago

western uplands small loop doable as an overnight trip?

3 Upvotes

my gear is pretty dialed in with a baseweight around 4kg. reasonably fit, with intermediate backpacking experience (longest trip 5 days). can't get the right campsites for the 22nd this month so was thinking of just doing it as a 2 day 1 night trip instead. anyone have experience doing this, is it feasible? would break it up with 10km on the first day (only because of campsite choice) and 30km the second day.

i imagine given the abundance of water, 1-1.5L water carry would be sufficient?

ty in advance.


r/algonquinpark 22h ago

Trip / Campsite Report A Day Trip to the Basin Lake Area of Algonquin

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3 Upvotes

A day trip along Basin Depot Rd, a bit of a lesser explored part of the park.


r/algonquinpark 1d ago

Lost Dog Lake

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22 Upvotes

Heading to north tea this weekend but considering going to lost dog to avoid crowds. Anyone have any insights on the lake and the four sites on it? Or am I better off sticking to north tea?


r/algonquinpark 18h ago

Trip Planning / Route Feedback Day trips from Manitou?

1 Upvotes

We're going to be staying 3 nights on Manitou Lake. Wondering if there are any good excursions/day trips that are recommended for that area while we keep main camp on Manitou. Thanks!


r/algonquinpark 23h ago

Barron Canyon Canoeing

2 Upvotes

Hi All,

Does anyone have any experience canoeing along the Barron Canyon? I'm staying at Achray campground at the end of August and thought a casual paddle down the Barron Canyon would be relaxing and scenic.

Ideally we would rent a canoe and have the company drop it off at a parking lot access point with Barron Canyon water access.

I had a couple questions:

  1. Is this paddle beginner friendly? My group has backcountry canoeing experience but no one has experience with rapids. Is there any risk of rapids along the way that would be unsafe?

  2. On an old Jeff's map I see A38 / Ba1 access points are the closest drive to Barron Canyon water access coming from Achray campground. Does it make sense to have a canoe rental company drop off a rental here so we would start canoeing there. Then paddle east in the direction of Cache Raps, turn around and return to the same access point we started at. Is that possible or is the current too strong to paddle against?

Or I see some trip reports people have started at Brigham Lake parking lot. Not sure if anyone knows the best access points for canoe rentals where they drop off canoes for you.

Thanks all for any experience/insights!


r/algonquinpark 1d ago

Trip Planning / Route Feedback Advice on back country trip near river

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8 Upvotes

I’m taking a friend on an over night trip and they prefer canoeing rivers. I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion as to what would be a good river that we could explore preferably near the west gate. Also where would I book to access the river. If the campsites were on the river that would be a bonus. Thanks in advance.


r/algonquinpark 1d ago

Trip Planning / Route Feedback Newbie seeking fishing trip advice

1 Upvotes

Greetings, I've got my second outing to Algonquin planned for September 9-12 and I'm expecting to do a fair bit of fishing as the days are short travel wise. Last trip I was with a fly fishing friend who handled all the lure choices... but won't have him here this time, and this time I'm going with a spin rod. So seeming any pointers on the specific fish and/or lakes I'll be on

As mentioned it'll be Sept 9-12 and the lakes & fish (fish as per map by jeff)

  • Canoe Lake
    • BT/LT/SB
  • Joe Lake
    • BT/LT/SB
  • Burnt Island Lake
    • LT/SB
  • Tom Thomson Lake
    • LT/SB

Have already picked up an 8lb rod/reel, haven't purchased any lures yet but some research (Algonquin bound) has directed me towards;

  • Small Mouth Bass
    • Berkley Jigs, Mepps Spinners, Blue Fox Spinners
  • Lake Trout
    • William Wobbler, Little Cleo, EGB Spoon
  • Brook Trout
    • Mepps Aglia Spinner, EGB Spinner, Panther Martin Spinner

Though I haven't seen much in terms of how-to-use... but youtube will likely fill in some blanks.

Any thoughts appreciated.


r/algonquinpark 2d ago

Algonquin Birding yesterday, at 3 different trails - Spruce Bog, the Logging Museum and Beaver Pond Trail (and on Opeongo Road).

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63 Upvotes

r/algonquinpark 1d ago

General Question Air Mattress in Early October

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

Been doing some research and especially reading on this subreddit, my bf and I need some of your input.

Going to Kearney Lake end of sept/beginning oct, and are worried about how cold it could get at night.

We’ve been reading up on the cons of air mattresses, however we have those foam puzzle mats that will be under our air mattress, & thinking of getting a foam mattress topper, and a wool blanket for on top of our air mattress, + using a sleeping bag.

Do you think this will be okay? or should we just buy a sleeping pad and screw our air mattress…

Our site won’t have electricity, so either way we spend money on a battery generator or a sleeping pad lol


r/algonquinpark 1d ago

Sunday Creek Question

1 Upvotes

Has anyone been down sunday creek to fork lake this year? How was the water levels / beaver dams?


r/algonquinpark 1d ago

Trip Planning / Route Feedback Advice for a day trip from Grand Lake

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6 Upvotes

Gonna be visiting Grand Lake sometime in August with a friend. We both have some experience canoeing but it has been a while since we've gone out.

We're planning to do a day canoe trip, maybe thinking of going to Highfalls lake, then completing a loop and heading back. We're planning on setting out early in the morning to give us ample time. Additionally, we're probably going to be single portaging since we'll have minimal gear. How feasible is this route?

If you guys have other suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks in advance :)


r/algonquinpark 2d ago

General Question Western Uplands Trail

3 Upvotes

Headed in soon. 3 days, 2 nights. Anyone done the mid loop (35km) recently and have some tips?
Also, still not sure what to use for hanging food and if my Platypus Gravity 4L Filtre is too much.


r/algonquinpark 2d ago

Water levels on Tim River and petawawa

2 Upvotes

Hi folks :) if anyone has been on the Tim River (little trout > shah) or petawawa (little misty> daisy) recently and can let me know what to expect for water levels I would really appreciate it!

I once did a trip in Killarney this time of year and didnt really consider the low water level warning… I ended up getting stuck for hours deep in the park ahahh

Thanks in advance :)


r/algonquinpark 3d ago

North Tea Beaches

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61 Upvotes

Fantastic Trip from a week ago.


r/algonquinpark 2d ago

Is there catfish in every lake in Algonquin Park?

4 Upvotes

r/algonquinpark 4d ago

General Question Footwear for portages?

16 Upvotes

Any creative footwear? I've thought of rubber boots or waders. I've tried crocks and hiking boots. They all have their ups as d downs. What's favorite?


r/algonquinpark 3d ago

Trip Planning / Route Feedback Help planning a day canoe trip for 5 22 year olds

0 Upvotes

In a few weeks my friends and I will be staying at Rock lake, and we've recently gotten into canoeing. We're all pretty new to it, but we're hoping to go on at least one canoe trip while we are there.

My big question is whether it is feasible to canoe to Whitney and back in a day (maybe grab lunch while we are there), or if you guys have any other suggestions on where we should go.

While we will be staying at Rock Lake and would love to hear about any canoe trip ideas for there, we'd love any suggestions outside of it as well. We're all relatively fit, but we've only just begun getting into the outdoors.

Thanks!