Highway 60 Through Algonquin
The most beloved 56 kilometres in Ontario. Highway 60 is the only public road through Algonquin — a slow, stop-often drive past lookouts, lakes and trailheads that explodes into colour every fall. Short on distance, endless on things to do.
Established in 1893, Algonquin is Ontario’s oldest and most famous provincial park — a 7,600-square-kilometre wilderness of maple hills, spruce bogs and thousands of lakes. Almost all of it is roadless backcountry, reached only by canoe or on foot. The exception is Highway 60, the corridor that slices across the park’s southern edge and puts its finest scenery within an easy stroll of the car.
The whole drive is just 56 km, marked by kilometre posts from the West Gate (km 0) to the East Gate (km 56). But nobody rushes it: this is a road trip measured in trailheads and lookouts, not hours. Come in summer to paddle and camp, or in late September and October for the fall colour show that draws visitors from around the world.
At a Glance
The Corridor, Stop by Stop
Driving west to east, here are the milestones worth stopping for (kilometre markers noted).
West Gate
Pick up your permit and park map here. Just before the gate, Ragged Falls on the Oxtongue River is a quick, dramatic warm-up stop. This side is the closest entrance for GTA travellers.
Whiskey Rapids & the Oxtongue
One of the first trailheads: a moderate 2.1 km loop along the churning Oxtongue River. A good leg-stretch to start your park day.
Algonquin Art Centre
A gem often missed: a gallery of Canadian wildlife and landscape art set in the forest, nodding to the park’s deep ties to Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven.
Lake of Two Rivers
The busy heart of the corridor: the main campgrounds, a general store, a sandy beach, bike rentals and canoe access. Nearby Mew Lake stays open year-round and rents heated yurts.
Lookout Trail
The corridor’s signature view. A short, steepish 2.1 km climb rewards you with a sweeping panorama over the maple hills — the classic Algonquin fall-colour photo.
Algonquin Visitor Centre
The must-stop. Excellent natural- and human-history exhibits, a bookstore and cafe, and a viewing deck perched over a vast forest panorama — one of the best colour vantage points in the park.
Algonquin Logging Museum
An easy interpretive loop through the park’s logging past, with a recreated camp and a working log-driving dam. Close to the East Gate — a fitting final stop.
East Gate & Whitney
The eastern entrance, five minutes from the town of Whitney with outfitters, food and lodging. The closest gate for Ottawa Valley travellers, and often less congested than the West.
Best Trails Along Highway 60
Where to Camp Along the Corridor
Eight campgrounds line Highway 60, from big family sites to quieter walk-ins. Reserve early — summer weekends and all of fall book up fast through Ontario Parks.
Festivals Near the Route
Pair your Algonquin trip with a celebration in the gateway towns — Huntsville and Muskoka to the west, or Barry’s Bay, Whitney and the Ottawa Valley to the east all host summer and fall festivals within easy reach of the park.
Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Highway 60 corridor?
About 56 km through the southern part of the park, marked from the West Gate (km 0) to the East Gate (km 56). It’s the only public road through Algonquin and where nearly all the accessible trails, lookouts and campgrounds are.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes — daily vehicle permits are sold in advance and sell out in fall. If a day is at capacity you can’t enter, even with a seasonal pass. Booth’s Rock Trail also needs a special permit in peak fall. Reserve through Ontario Parks.
When do the fall colours peak?
The sugar maple reds usually peak from late September into early October, with golds following through mid-to-late October. Check the Ontario Parks Fall Colour Report, as timing shifts each year.
What’s the best hike?
The Lookout Trail (2.1 km) for the best view with the least effort. Spruce Bog Boardwalk is the easiest family walk; Track and Tower is a great moderate loop; Mizzy Lake is best for wildlife.
Can you see moose?
Often — right along Highway 60, especially in spring and early summer and around dawn and dusk. The park is also known for beavers, loons and its summer Public Wolf Howl events.
More Ontario Road Trips
Planning the trip around a festival?
See what’s happening in Algonquin’s gateway towns while you’re up there.
Explore Festivals by Region →