Must-Sees Near Algonquin Park

Heading to Algonquin Park for a camping trip this summer? If you’re coming from south or east of the park on the roads that carve through rolling hills alongside picturesque lakes, you’re soon to find that the natural beauty extends beyond the park’s gates well into Ontario’s Highlands.

Make the journey as memorable as the destination by slowing it down and stopping along the way at one of the many delicious eateries, quirky shops, or natural attractions that show off the alluring geographical diversity of the region. Or if you’re experiencing less than ideal weather on your camping trip, these stops double as rainy-day road trip destinations during your park stay!

Highway 60

If your starting point is the Ottawa area, you’ll find yourself coasting through the Ottawa Valley along Highway 60. Schedule in a few breaks spaced out along the route for a bite to eat, shopping breaks, and fun attractions to get you out of the car and enjoying some fresh air.

Eat

If you're missing your daily caffeine injection, Fifth Chute Coffee in Eganville is a trendy spot to indulge in specialty drinks and heavenly pastries. Nearby is the town of Killaloe, where the iconic BeaverTails got their start – and yes, they still dish out those nostalgic goodies today. Peckish for lunch? Bring your appetite to Polka Spudz food truck, where you'll find Polish favourites like like perogie poutine and Polish sausages, or check out Charlie D’s to explore more than 16 types of poutine.

Shop

Doubling as a both a restaurant and shop, The Cottage Cup is truly a one-stop shop where you can browse houseware, clothing, and souvenirs while you wait for your meal from the take-out window. In Barry’s Bay, shop unique hand-made goods at Grumblin’ Granny’s, or pick up last-minute items for your trip at Mad Outdoors.

See

A slight detour off Highway 60 to Bonnechere Caves (check ahead to see if they are open due to COVID-19) provides an unforgettable pit stop where you can stretch your legs during a guided tour through underground caves. In Wilno, visit the open-air Polish Kashub Heritage Museum to learn about the first Polish Kashub settlers who made their home in the Ottawa Valley.

Highway 62/127

Travellers originating from Kingston or Belleville have a fairly straight route directly north on Highways 62 and 127 through Hastings County, a route loaded with countless options for scheduled or spontaneous stops.

Eat

Early in your trip you will pass through the quaint town of Madoc, where the smell wafting from Hidden Goldmine Bakery will beckon you to pull over for a snack. Before you reach Algonquin Park, the Sun Run Cafe in Maynooth offers last chance option for a home cooked meal. Bonus: In Bancroft you can load up your cooler with beer from Bancroft Brewing Co. for later!

Shop

In Bancroft, the Old Tin Shed bills itself as an intriguing mix of now and then, a spot where you can shop antiques and other unique items for home. Foxfire Gallery, Gifts, & Antiques, further north in Maynooth has got you covered for the things you may have forgotten (plenty of pajamas!) as well as new trinkets.

See

L’Amable Dam on a quiet little lake south of Bancroft is a kid-friendly public beach to pull over and have a little walk around. While in Bancroft, take a stroll to Millennium Park on the York River where you can spend a few minutes perusing the symbolic padlocks on the Love Lock Bridge, and even add your own memento.

Highway 35

The approach from the western side of the park is connected to Peterborough and the eastern GTA by Highway 35, which winds around the picturesque lakes of Haliburton County and right through the town of Minden.

Eat

In Minden, you'll find the Minden 50s Diner exceptionally appropriate for a road trip stop. Dessert in the form of a double scoop is served just a bit up the road at Kawartha Dairy. Boshkung Brewing Co.’s locations in Minden and Carnarvon provide a spot to pick up brews for the campsite while a dozen of Pizza on Earth’s woodfired bagels in Dorset will set you up for the next day’s breakfast.

Shop

Up River Trading Co. in Minden has a solid supply of clever gifts, and giant animal floaties in case you realize how much you need one to truly make your trip memorable. Algonquin Outfitters has shops in Minden, just outside the park in Oxtongue, or a short detour off Highway 35 into Haliburton, for last minute gear.

See

Stretch your legs with a short hike to Hawk Lake Log Chute, a log chute dating back to 1861 which is now the only of its kind in Ontario. Take a few photos, soak up the sounds, and head on your way!