Those looking to explore the backcountry of Algonquin Park by foot have three options, the Eastern Pines Backpacking Trail with loops of 6 to 15 km (3 to 9 miles), the Highlands Backpacking Trail with loops of 19 or 35 km (12 to 22 miles) or the Western Uplands Backpacking Trail, the most extensive trail system in the park, offering loops from 32 to 88 km (20 to 55 miles) in length.
In total, the Western Uplands Backpacking trail features three loops, with the middle loop covering 54 km (34 miles) and marked with colour-coded trail markers: Blue for the small loop, Yellow for the middle loop, and Red for the largest loop. While the trail has an elevation gain of 120 metres (395 feet), expect plenty of ups and downs, and plan on 4 to 5 days to do the whole loop.
In addition to scenic lakes, there are several spectacular lookouts and numerous large, towering glacial erratic boulders scattered throughout the loops.
Trailhead Access
There are two starting points for the Western Uplands Backpacking Trail. The first and easiest access is located at Km 3 on Highway 60, just a short distance from the west gate, and is known as the West Gate (#31) access. The trailhead is shared with the Oxtongue River Day-Use Picnic Area. There is typically plenty of parking found here.
The other is at Rain Lake (Access Point #30). It is reached by turning east onto Highway 518 from Highway 11 and following it to Kearney. Pick up Main Street and the Rain Lake Road, which finishes at the western end of the lake after a 24.5 km drive. From here, it is an additional 9 km (5.6 mile) hike along the south shores of Rain Lake to meet the top of the largest loop of the backpacking trail.
The trail can be done in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
Backcountry Campsites
Campsites are spread along the trail, designed to be roughly a day’s hike for an average individual. These campsites are set along the many lakes found throughout the loops. Amenities vary by campsite, with all featuring a spot to pitch a tent and a Thunderbox (backcountry toilet) located a short distance from the main campsite. Most sites also have a metal fire grate or a fire ring and rustic furniture (benches).
Heading in a clockwise loop from the West Gate (#31) Access Point, look for campsites at Maple Leaf, Steeprise, Maggie, Clara, Pincher, Islet, Ishkuday, Brown, Gervais, West Otterpaw, Rainbow, Susan, Redwing, Lupis, Thunder, Ramona and Guskewau Lakes. Those travelling the small loop will also find campsites at Nora, Oak and Panther Lakes, while Tern Lake offers sites for those hiking the middle loop.
Tip: The campsites at Maggie Lake are spread around the lake, and those at the western end, arguably described by some backpackers as the nicest, require an extra 2 km out and another 2 km back to rejoin the trail.
Catching Dinner
If you are carrying fishing gear and have a fishing license, backpackers can always try to nab a fresh dinner from one of the main lakes along the trail. Depending on the lake, look for brook trout, lake trout, rainbow trout or smallmouth bass.
