The Highway 60 corridor offers the most convenient entry into Algonquin’s backcountry, with well-signed access points located directly off the road. Each put-in provides reliable parking, straightforward water access, and quick proximity to outfitters for rentals and last-minute supplies. Whether you are planning a short overnight or a multi-day interior route, Highway 60 makes it easy to get on the water and into the wilderness.
What paddlers can expect along Highway 60
- Direct access to lakes and canoe routes
- Reliable parking at every access point
- Nearby outfitters in Huntsville, Dwight, and Whitney
- Permit offices at major access points
- Interior reservations are available up to five months in advance
- First-come, first-served campsites within your reserved lake or zone
Interior camping reservations are made through Ontario Parks at reservations.ontarioparks.ca. When booking, you select a specific lake or zone for each night of your trip, and campsites within that area are first-come, first-served. This system gives paddlers flexibility while ensuring each lake stays within capacity. With so many access points spread along a single stretch of highway, getting into Algonquin’s interior has never been easier.
Cache Lake (Access Point 8)
Road Access: Easy, large parking area
Canoe Access: Access to Lake Louisa, one of Algonquin’s most popular interior lakes
Paddling Options: Multiple loop options in all directions
Other Adventures: Historic interpretive trail at the parking area
Why choose this: Typically less busy than Smoke Lake
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Canoe Lake
Cache Lake sits at kilometre 23.5 on Highway 60, reached by a short access road that leads to a spacious parking area. Once the heart of Algonquin’s railway era, the site still features remnants of the Highland Inn and the old rail line, now interpreted through a short walking trail.
From the launch, paddlers can head south toward Bonnechere Lake, Lake Louisa, Ragged Lake, and Smoke Lake, with several loop options branching in all directions. The 30-kilometre Cache Lake Loop is a popular three- to four-day trip, weaving through nine portages and eight lakes before circling back to the start.
Cache Lake is quieter than neighbouring Smoke Lake, but still busy in peak season. Permits can be picked up at Canoe Lake or the West Gate.
Canoe Lake (Access Point 5)
Road Access: Paved access and large parking lot
Canoe Access: Quick access to Joe Lake with no portage
Paddling Options: Central location with many route variations
Amenities: On-site rentals, supplies, food, and showers, and water taxi available to the north end of the lake
Why choose this: Ideal for first-time trippers and family routes
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Canoe Lake
Canoe Lake, at kilometre 14.1 on Highway 60, is the busiest and most energetic access point in Algonquin – so lively that regulars jokingly call it “Yonge Street.” A short access road leads to a full-service hub with a permit office, outfitter, restaurant, gas bar, gift shop, and coin-operated showers. On sunny summer days, the parking lots fill quickly and cars often line the shoulder of the road.
Despite the bustle, Canoe Lake is an excellent launch point for both beginners and seasoned trippers. From the sheltered put-in, paddlers can head north through Joe Lake, Teepee Lake, and Little Doe Lake, eventually reaching Burnt Island Lake and beyond. Routes also branch west through Gill and Sam Lakes toward Tea Lake and the Oxtongue River.
For those looking to skip the long paddle up the lake, a water taxi shuttles paddlers to the portages leading into Potter Creek or Joe Lake. The Tom Thomson Cairn at the top of the lake is a popular destination for day paddlers and history buffs alike.
Lake Opeongo (Access Point 11)
Road Access: Easy, paved road and large parking area
Canoe Access: Excellent access to the Happy Isle, Redrock, and Big Crow regions
Paddling Options: Largest lake in Algonquin with extensive route options
Amenities: Water taxi service to reach remote interior areas quickly
Why choose this: Costello Creek offers reliable moose viewing
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Opeongo Lake
At kilometre 46.3, a 6.2-kilometre paved road leads to the south end of Lake Opeongo, the largest lake in Algonquin and a major gateway to the interior. The access point includes a large parking area, a permit office, and full outfitting services.
The North and East Arms offer numerous multi-day route options, though wind and waves can be significant. Most paddlers take a water taxi to the far end of the lake, reducing travel time and exposure to open water. From there, routes extend toward Happy Isle, Big Crow, Hogan, Redrock, Laveille, and Dickson.
For a quieter outing, paddlers can explore Costello Creek, a wildlife-rich corridor known for frequent moose sightings.
Pinetree Lake (Access Point 12)
Road Access: Parking area near a long portage keeps traffic low
Canoe Access: Long portage into Pinetree Lake
Paddling Options: Good option for basecamp trips
Other Adventures: Fishing for brook trout, lake trout, and smallmouth bass
Why choose this: Excellent solitude and quiet camping
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Opeongo Lake
Located at kilometre 49.9, Pinetree Lake is one of the quietest access points along Highway 60. Reaching the lake requires an immediate 1,885 metre (6,185 foot) portage, which keeps traffic low and rewards paddlers with solitude.
The lake has only a handful of campsites, making it ideal for a peaceful basecamp. Paddlers can continue deeper into the interior by heading north and west toward Rock Lake or south toward Galeairy Lake, but most visitors come here specifically for the quiet. Permits are available at the East Gate.
Rock Lake (Access Point 9)
Road Access: Large parking area and easy launch
Canoe Access: Access to Pen Lake and Lake Louisa with minimal portaging
Paddling Options: Popular loop options for 2–4 day trips
Other Adventures: Good fishing for lake trout and smallmouth bass
Why choose this: Scenic cliffs, pictographs, and historic sites
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Lake of Two Rivers
An 8-kilometre gravel road at kilometre 40.3 leads south to the Rock Lake access point on the Madawaska River. The parking area is large and well-maintained, with a boat launch and permit office nearby.
From the launch, paddlers can explore a scenic loop through Pen Lake and Lake Louisa, with opportunities to visit smaller lakes such as Clydegale and Welcome. Fishing is excellent, and the area features several historic sites, including old logging structures, shoreline cliffs, and pictographs. With a shuttle, paddlers can also complete a linear route to Smoke Lake.
Smoke Lake (Access Point 6)
Road Access: Quick, easy access from the highway
Canoe Access: Short portage into Ragged Lake
Paddling Options: Popular for weekend loops
Why choose this: Large lake with multiple campsite clusters
Amenities: Rentals and supplies nearby
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Canoe Lake
Located directly off Highway 60 at kilometre 14.1, Smoke Lake offers immediate access to a large, open lake with numerous route options. The parking area is spacious, and the launch is only steps from the road.
Smoke Lake is one of the busiest lakes in the park due to the number of cottages and camps along its shoreline. From the put-in, paddlers can head south into Ragged Lake via a short portage or continue deeper into the interior toward Big Porcupine Lake and beyond. A narrow water channel connects Smoke Lake to Tea Lake, offering additional route variations.
Supplies and rentals are available across the road at the Algonquin Outfitters Canoe Lake store.
Source Lake (Access Point 7)
Road Access: Gravel road
Canoe Access: Sheltered paddling to the first portage
Paddling Options: Small lakes with limited campsites, ideal for 1–3 day loops
Other Adventures: Good wildlife viewing opportunities
Why choose this: Quiet, low-use access point
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Canoe Lake
At kilometre 20.1, a 1.6-kilometre gravel road leads north to the Source Lake put-in. This quiet access point provides entry to a chain of small lakes – Raven, Owl, Linda, and Polly – each with only a few campsites. The result is a peaceful, low-traffic route ideal for paddlers seeking solitude.
Portages are longer than those on neighbouring routes, but the sheltered shoreline makes for calm paddling to the first carry. Supplies, showers, and meals are available at the Algonquin Outfitters store at Canoe Lake.
Sunday Creek (Access Point 10)
Road Access: Easy, parking nearby
Canoe Access: Easy access for short paddles
Amenities: Close to interpretive trails and facilities
Other Adventures: Wildlife-rich marsh and creek environment
Why choose this: Good option for beginners or half-day trips
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Lake of Two Rivers
Located at kilometre 42.5, Sunday Creek is one of the quietest access points along Highway 60. Parking is available at the nearby Spruce Bog Boardwalk trailhead. From the put-in, paddlers can travel north or south through a marshy, wildlife-rich corridor that is ideal for short outings or relaxed overnight trips.
A gentle 480 metre portage leads into Sproule Lake, which has several campsites. Sunday Lake holds lake trout, while Sproule Lake holds brook trout. Water levels can vary seasonally, so early spring and fall paddlers should check conditions.
Choosing the Right Access Point
With so many access points along Highway 60, paddlers can choose everything from quick, portage-free overnighters to multi-day backcountry loops that reach deep into the park. Each put-in has its own character – a quiet creek, a sprawling lake, a long portage that keeps traffic low – and together they offer an impressive range of options for every skill level.
Whether you are exploring close to the road or heading far into the interior, the south end of Algonquin delivers endless route possibilities and a true sense of wilderness. And when you return, a stop at the Algonquin Outfitters Lake of Two Rivers store for a well-earned ice cream is practically tradition.
