Algonquin Park has twenty-nine official access points located around its perimeter, and for most paddlers, these are the safest and most practical way to begin a trip. Official access points are clearly marked, maintained, and designed to match the park’s permit system and travel corridors.
That said, a small number of experienced paddlers choose to begin their trips at unofficial access points. These are locations outside the formal access point system that still require a valid Algonquin backcountry permit. They are typically used to make a specific route more efficient, avoid high-traffic entry points, or access quieter areas of the park without unnecessary travel.
Pros of Unofficial Access Points
- A more convenient beginning to a chosen route
- Avoiding busier official access points
- Can allow for shorter portages
Cons of Unofficial Access Points
- Often requires bushwhacking to the water
- Navigating rough logging roads requiring four-wheel drive
- Vehicles left in less than ideal locations with a chance of break-ins
Below are some of the more commonly used unofficial access points in and around Algonquin Park, along with what they offer and the trade-offs involved.
Bear Lake (Access Point 14A)
Road Access: Livingstone Lake Road to Bear Lake Road
Canoe Access: Bear Lake provides access to Dividing Lake
Paddling Options: Big Porcupine Lake, Lake Louisa, Hollow River
Other Adventures: Old-growth forests in Dividing Lake Provincial Park
Why choose this: Avoids a busy paddle across Smoke and Ragged Lake
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Oxtongue Lake
This access point is reached by heading east off Highway 35 near Dorset, following Livingstone Lake Road to Bear Lake Road, which leads to the shores of Bear Lake. From the informal parking area, paddlers should expect a short carry to the water. This unofficial access point offers a quieter entry into the park’s southwest corner and avoids the longer, busier paddle across Smoke Lake and through Ragged Lake.
From Bear Lake, a short paddle leads to the portage into Dividing Lake, where the route officially enters Algonquin Park. Once in Dividing Lake, paddlers have several route options within a relatively short distance: heading north into Big Porcupine Lake via a series of moderate portages, travelling east toward Lake Louisa, or following the Hollow River south, where additional portaging and river travel are required. These options make this access point well suited for paddlers looking to reach the interior efficiently while minimizing travel through high-traffic areas.
Brent Crater (Access Point 27A)
Road Access: Brent Road south from Highway 17
Canoe Access: Creek crossing Brent Road
Paddling Options: Maska Lake, Tecumseh Lake, Gilmour Lake
Other Adventures: Brent Crater and Trail
Why choose this: Short paddle to quiet backcountry campsites
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Cedar Lake
This access point is located on Brent Road, approximately 4 or 5 km north of the Brent Campground on Cedar Lake. A small creek crosses the road at this location, providing paddlers with entry to the waterway. From here, paddlers can travel east into Maska Lake, which contains a single campsite, or west into Tecumseh Lake, where three campsites are available. A further option is a 485-metre portage into Gilmour Lake, where one campsite is located.
Brigham Lake (Access Point 38A)
Road Access: Barron Canyon Road leading into the east side of Algonquin Park
Canoe Access: Barron River
Paddling Options: A loop through Brigham, Opalescent, Cork, Length, Marie and Highfalls Lake
Other Adventures: High Falls and The Cascades
Why choose this: Smaller, scenic lakes
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Opeongo Lake
Accessed from Barron Canyon Road via the Barron River, this access point provides entry to a scenic loop through Brigham, Opalescent, Cork, Length, Marie, and Highfalls lakes. From the road, a short paddle on the Barron River leads to the first portage, after which the route follows a series of moderate-length portages connecting the lakes. Travel distances between lakes are relatively short, making the loop well suited to relaxed day-to-day travel.
Most of these lakes contain only one or two campsites, contributing to a quieter backcountry experience. Using this access point also avoids the long, exposed paddles across Grand Lake and Stratton Lake that are otherwise required to reach this area.
Cauliflower Lake (Access Point 16A)
Road Access: Four-wheel drive Hay Creek Road from Whitney
Canoe Access: Cauliflower Lake
Paddling Options: Extended stay in Cauliflower Lake or north through a series of lakes to the Madawaska River
Other Adventures: Angling for brook trout, lake trout and smallmouth bass
Why choose this: Difficult access provides a quieter paddle
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Opeongo Lake
From Whitney, the rugged four-wheel-drive Hay Creek Road leads south to Cauliflower Lake, which lies just inside the Algonquin Park boundary. From the informal parking area, paddlers should expect a short carry to the water. Cauliflower Lake contains fewer than half a dozen campsites and offers good fishing for brook trout, lake trout, and smallmouth bass.
Those wishing to stay put can comfortably spend several days exploring the lake and nearby waters. For paddlers continuing onward, a series of short paddles and moderate portages leads north through a chain of small lakes to the Madawaska River, with additional travel required to reach Galeairy Lake. While not a high-traffic route, the combination of portaging and river travel makes this access point better suited to experienced paddlers seeking a quieter approach to the park’s interior.
Crown Lake (Access Point 6A)
Road Access: A series of backroads from Dorset on Highway 35
Canoe Access: Crown Lake
Paddling Options: Leads into the southwest corner of Ragged Lake
Other Adventures: Visit historic log chute on Ragged Lake
Why choose this: Avoids crossing Smoke Lake
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Oxtongue Lake
A series of backroads running east from Highway 35 near Dorset leads to a put-in on the western shore of Crown Lake. From here, paddlers enter Algonquin Park at Crown Bay and continue into Ragged Lake via a short paddle. From Ragged Lake, options include exploring the lake itself – including the historic log chute – heading west into Parkside Bay via a moderate portage, or travelling south into Big Porcupine Lake through a series of short paddles and portages. Big Porcupine Lake provides numerous loop possibilities, allowing paddlers to customize trip length and difficulty while minimizing long open-water crossings.
Dennisons Bay (Access Point 18A)
Road Access: From Aylen Lake, north of Barry’s Bay, North Aylen Road leads to the north end of the lake
Canoe Access: Dennisons Bay
Paddling Options: Provides access to the Wilkins Lake and Alsever Lake Routes
Other Adventures: Those looking for a longer trip can make their way to the McKaskill Ranger Cabin or even a linear trip finishing at Opeongo Lake
Why choose this: Various loop or linear paddling options
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Opeongo Lake
From Highway 60, west of Barry’s Bay, the Aylen Lake Road and North Aylen Lake Road provide access to Dennisons Bay at the northern end of Aylen Lake. From this point, a 1,425 metre (4,675 foot) portage leads into O’Neill Lake, followed by a 1,235 metre (4,055 foot) portage into Robitaille Lake. Robitaille Lake offers about half a dozen campsites and good fishing, making it an ideal spot to relax for a couple of days.
Paddlers can continue toward Wilkens Lake and use a 4 km (2.5 mile) cart path to loop back south, or proceed into Alsever Lake. From Alsever, routes lead north to the Bonnechere River or eastward toward the East Arm of Opeongo Lake, offering options for extended trips deeper into the park.
Maggie Lake (Access Point 5A)
Road Access: From Highway 60 at Grassmere, Highway 8 and the North Camp Road lead to Maggie Creek
Canoe Access: Maggie Creek
Paddling Options: Provides an easy out-and-back canoe trip
Other Adventures: Hike portions of the Western Uplands Backpacking Trail
Why choose this: Easy access with no portages
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Oxtongue Lake
From Highway 60 at Grassmere, Highway 8 leads to North Camp Lake Road, which provides access to Maggie Creek. A short, leisurely paddle of approximately 500 metres along the creek leads to Maggie Lake. The lake itself spans roughly 2 km (1.2 miles) from west to east and offers around a dozen backcountry campsites. The Western Uplands Backpacking Trail forms a loop around the lake, providing opportunities for additional exploration on foot. This access point is ideal for an easy out-and-back canoe trip, as no portages are required, making it well suited for beginners or those seeking a relaxed overnight trip.
Nahma Lake (Access Point 1B)
Road Access: From South River on Highway 11. Follow Chemical Road east to Route 42
Canoe Access: Nahma Lake
Paddling Options: Explore the lake or use this as a starting point for a loop through North Tea, Manitou, Three Mile and Biggar Lakes
Other Adventures: This quiet northwestern section of the park offers good wildlife viewing
Why choose this: Less busy than North Tea Lake
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Oxtongue Lake
Nahma Lake can be reached from Highway 11 at South River by following Chemical Road to Route 42. The road runs south along the eastern shore of Kawawaymog Lake before turning into the Deadhorse Trail en route to Nahma Lake. From the put-in, a short paddle of roughly 500 metres leads into Nahma Lake.
From Nahma Lake, a 750 metre portage carries paddlers into the larger Craig Lake, which spans about 1.5 km from west to east and features a few backcountry campsites along its shores. From Craig Lake, paddlers can explore several smaller adjacent lakes via short paddles and minor portages of 200 to 600 metres each, or head north into North Tea Lake. From North Tea Lake, a loop through Manitou, Three Mile, and Biggar Lakes involves a combination of paddles of 1 to 2 km and portages of 300 to 800 metres, depending on the chosen route.
Another unofficial access point is located further north at Northern Wilderness Outfitters (Access Point 1A). From this location, paddlers can take a 1.5 km paddle down the Amable du Fond River to reach North Tea Lake, providing an alternative entry into the area.
When Unofficial Access Points Make Sense (and When They Do Not)
Unofficial access points can be useful in very specific situations, but they are not a better option by default. They often involve rough access roads, unmarked portage, limited parking, and increased risk to vehicles. For paddlers unfamiliar with Algonquin’s interior routes or travelling for the first time, official access points remain the safest and most reliable choice.
For experienced paddlers with a clear route plan, realistic expectations, and the right vehicle and equipment, unofficial access points can provide efficient access to quieter areas of the park. The key is understanding why you are using one and what you are trading off in exchange.
No matter where you begin your trip, a valid backcountry permit is always required, and park regulations apply equally at official and unofficial entry locations. Thoughtful planning and realistic route choices go a long way toward ensuring a safe and enjoyable Algonquin experience.
