Algonquin Park Backpacking
 

My wife & I are thinking of backpacking for a few days in early July in Algonquin. We've never been before.

Do I need advance reservations for backpacking? Is it crowded in July?

Suggestions?

Do you mean reservations for a camp site? If so, yes you shd make a rez.
If you just mean going backpacking on any of the public trails, no.
July 1st is Canada Day(a national holiday). July & August are busy travel/vcation times. A lot of people go to Algonquin Park but it is a huge Park! While it will not be "crowded" you certainly won't be the only people there if you know what I mean! I think if you Google "Algonquin Park" you will get lots of info, maps, etc.
Have a great time! It's a beautiful place!!

WOW: Thanks for the note. We'll be backpacking, not using a campground/campsite. We are driving from Michigan to Montreal, and I thought Algonquin looked like a good place to stop for a few days. (any alternative location between Sault Ste Marie & Montreal recommendation for backpacking?)

Regarding the backpacking in Algonquin, are you restricted to certain designated camping areas, or can you head out on the trail and make camp at any place that looks good?

Start here:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/mustrails/backpack.html

You have to camp in designated campsites.

indy; The link by Eric is a good starting point. I also suggest you simply visit the Algonquin website, as well as the website of Friends of Algonquin Park (just google it). There's lots of info about the park in particular and in general.

There are several trails along the Hwy 60 corridor; the longest is the Mizzy Lake Trail (I think). You can't camp anywhere along any of them but are restricted to established camping sites in the interior. Hence, the need to get advance reservations for hiking the park's interior.

On the more tame side, there are several campsites along the Hwy 60 corridor, but they are all accessed by auto and hence are quite full in mid-summer. Some are better than others but all are mostly full service with showers, laundries, small food stores, etc. So if you are looking for more of a secluded Algonquin experience, the need for advance reservations as per above.

The east side of the park is always much less crowded, mostly because of the approximate 2-hour drive to get to the East Gate from Hwy 60 - the highway to get there meanders south and east of the park but is a pleasant enough drive. There are also fewer amenities on the park's east side, also accounting for less visitors. But the east side offers differences in topography and forest than the west side. Whatever you do, Algonquin is a great park and a natural Canadian experience.

If you'd like to stay "off the beaten path" a little then you might even want to consider renting a boat and portaging into a campsite if you had 4 days....but even those sites require reservations. There are some gorgeous spots with fewer people.

Another website to check out:
http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/...ml#backcountry