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Regulations

Immediately below are the Regulations Governing Use of Algonquin Park Interior, as recently shown in official publications, on the back of the Canoe Routes of Algonquin Provincial Park Map (2001-2002) and on the official Algonquin Park site.

The Friends of Algonquin remind readers of their Canoe Route Map that, "Excessive numbers of people simultaneously crowding through certain access points and the destructive camping practices of some inexperienced or uncaring people have threatened to degrade the very qualities of solitude, beauty, and wilderness sought after by most people using the Park Interior. In order to protect these qualities for present and future visitors, it has been necessary, after extensive public consultation, to enact certain regulations governing the use of the Park Interior."

Alongside each regulation is related editorial commentary. I'll endeavor to keep this list current with updates as they are received. For authoritative and up-to-date accuracy, check the latest MNR documentation.


1. Possession of Permit

Any party camping in the Interior of Algonquin Park must possess a valid Interior Camping Permit, and appropriate copies must be displayed on the dash of their vehicle.

  • It's a practical suggestion to place the permit in a transparent and waterproof sheath or bag. The same protection should be afforded your wallet. You may opt to keep both items in the same protective enclosure. However, make sure they are accessible .. that is, not buried in the bottom of your pack.
    • 2. Size of Party

    The number of people permitted to camp at one campsite in the Park Interior is limited to 9 individuals. In principal, larger groups may travel and eat together but they must break up to camp and should plan their trips accordingly. Each campsite is designated by an orange campsite poster.

  • It should be realized that some campsites possess inadequate flat areas for more than a couple of tents. Groups with more than a couple of tents would do well to verify that a site will accomodate their group before starting to unload the canoes.
  • Overworn sites are often posted with a symbol-sign showing a red line through a tent. It's prohibited to use these sites for anything more than lunch, swimming or rest-stops.
    • 3. Respect for Vegetation

    Within Algonquin Park, it is forbidden to cut or damage any live tree or other plant. This specifically prohibits such disfiguring and outmoded practices as cutting evergreen boughs for bedding, and cutting birch bark from living trees.

  • Destroying and harming live trees opens up a site's sheltering tree canopy. This couples with the increased impact of rain to erode the site of its natural humus floor, exposing roots and rocks. This produces an oversized, rough and hard-packed site, which tends to enlarge even further as people repeat the process around the site's edges..
    • 4. Firearms Prohibited

    Except for legal hunts it is forbidden to possess firearms in Algonquin Park.

  • This regulation should be clear to everyone. Unfortunately, the odd "cowboy" still claims he needs protection from the wildlife. In reality, the wildlife needs protection from such people.
  • An educated mind, proper camping procedures and a strong hilted belt-knife should be enough to keep one's fears at bay.
    • 5. Can and Bottle Ban

    This ban applies everywhere in Algonquin Park except organized campgrounds and picnic grounds where ther is regular garbage collection.

    Under the ban, non-burnable disposable food and beverage containers (and eating utensils) are prohibited. Returnable beverage bottles are banned, but not other containers such as cups or pitchers specifically designed for repeated use. Metal foil is permitted, as are containers of fuel, insect repellant, medicine, or other items that are not food or beverages.

  • Food can be carried in a wide range of plastic containers .. including twist-tie bags, zip-lock bags, snap-lidded boxes and screw-top jars.
  • Part of the logic behind this regulation is that broken glass bottles and jagged metal cans are impact dangerously on the natural environment.
  • Hauling out glass and metal items would involve weight, bulk and the danger of being cut.
  • Plastic items are typically light and easily hauled out. As a last resort, they can be eliminated in a campsite fire-pit.
    • 6. Motor Boats

    Motor boats are not permitted on Algonquin lakes. There are however, four groups of exceptions:

    (a) Motors of unlimited horsepower may be used on Galeairy and Opeongo Lakes.

    (b) Motors of 20 horse power or less may be used on the following lakes: Bonita, Cache, Canoe, Cedar, Kingscote, Kioshkokwi, Little Cauchon, Rock, Smoke, Source, Tanamakoon, Tea, Two Rivers and Whitefish.

    (c) Motors of 10 horsepower or less may be used on the following lakes: Cauchon, Cauliflower, Grand, Joe, Little Joe, Madawaska, Manitou, North Tea, Radiant, Rain, Tepee and Travers.

    (d) Motors of 6 horsepower or less may be used, except from the last Friday in June to the first Monday in September inclusive, on the following lakes: Big Crow, Hogan, La muir, Proulx (and river to), Little Crow and White Partridge.

  • The official Canoe Routes map contains a map on which this regulation's restrictions are colour-coded, helpfully indicating the affected lakes.
  • As with all of these regulations, each year's official Canoe Route map contains that year's current regulations.
  • Operators of motor boats must not only be in compliance of these regulations. They (as well as canoeists and kayakers) are subject to Canadian Coast Guard regulations, to be found at ... www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/obs-bsn/sbg-gsn/main_e.htm
  • Motor boat operators should also be aware of the negative impact their actions might have on waterfowl, fish, acquatic mammals and vegetation.
  • Harrassing wildlife, speeding through marsh weeds and wake-wave washing shorelines are all destructive to the natural environment.
    • 7. Caching of Motor Boats and Canoes

    Canoes and boats may not be left unattended anywhere in Algonquin except by written authority from the Park Superintendent, except on Little Cauchon Lake at the Carl Wilson Lake portage; Little Cedar Lake at the entrance to Aura Lee Lake; Manitou Lake at the Three Mila and Shada Lake portages; North Tea Lake at the Manitou Lake portage; Opeongo Lake at the Happy Isle, Redrock, Proulx, and Wright Lake portages; Rock Lake at the Pen and Louisa Lake portages; and Smoke Lake at the Ragged Lake portage, and all marked portages off of Cedar, Grand, Kioshkokwi, Mangotasi, and White Partridge. All boats and canoes must be removed from the Park at the completion of each trip.

  • The practice of "double carrying" over a portage doesn't constitute "leaving unattended". Rather, this regulation is primarily aimed against the "caching", "stowing" or "storing" of watercraft to facilitate "return-tripping" by fishermen or organized groups.
  • The exceptions, to the prohibition against leaving boats unattended, basicly extend the affected lakes' allowed use of motor boats .. to be pulled ashore while canoe-tripping or hiking proceeds along the adjacent portage.
    • 8. Camping in the Park Interior

    Camping along Algonquin canoe routes (and on backpacking trails) is permitted only at designated Interior campsites. Each of these is marked on the ground by an orange sign and on the official Canoe Route Map by a red or black triangle. In some areas, especially within one day's travel of the access points and at certain times of the canoe/backpacking season, the number of camping parties has the potential to exceed the number of available sites. To avoid this problem, the Park must therefore limit the number of camping parties. To avoid disappointment, the Reservation Service at www.ontarioparks.com/reservations.html is recommended.

    At the time you reserve or buy your permit therefore, you will be asked to specify your route. Assuming there is space still available, your permit will then list certain lakes where you may camp and the nights when you may camp on those lakes. You must not camp on other lakes or at times not specified on your permit because the campsites involved may have been reserved for other groups.

  • Sometimes an unforeseen development may force you to deviate from your permit's designated lakes. Heavy winds and/or rainfall could effectively render you "shorebound". Or a medical condition could incapacitate a member of your party, forcing you to stay-put until their condition improves. If you're located on a large lake, chances are that empty sites remain to counter your unplanned presence. However, if you're located on a lake with a small number of sites, you should appreciate the awkward position your presence puts arriving canoeist in.
  • If you're "shorebound" due to dangerous lake conditions, any other party unfortunate enough to be searching for a site on your windswept lake, deserves your welcoming gestures and open hospitality. Under such conditions .. generously sharing the site is the decent thing to do.
  • Likewise, if you find the only site on your scheduled night's lake occuppied by someone with an incapacitating migraine or a swollen ankle, don't wave your permit in their face and try to send them packing. Rather, insist on being their site-neighbour and on helping them however you can. Again, generosity and comradery are called for.
    • 9. Closed Roads

    Roads not shown on the large Canoe Route Map are closed to vehicles and, except where noted in #10 below, to bicycles also. Road closures in the field are indicated by gates and/or signs, and/or red circles on either side of the road.

  • Logging activities, research activities, bad road conditions and sensitive wildlife are among the reasons that areas may be off-limit to vehicles.
  • Such roads, unless specifically posted to the contrary, can provide opportunities for unique day-hikes. However, one should recognize that such areas are usually isolated and take appropriate precautions.
    • 10. Bicycles

    The use of bicycles and other pedal-operated conveyances is permitted off public roads in Algonquin only on designated trails and (otherwise closed) roads - both indicated on a smaller map on the back of the Canoe Routes Map, by thin solid red lines.

  • Given the rugged terrain, rocks and trees that are prevalent in Algonquin, it's important to wear all manner of protective equipment.
    • 11. Noise Restrictions

    Noise restrictions preserve the tranquility of camping in Algonquin Park.

    (a) The possession or use of chainsaws, powersaws, or similar devices are prohibited in all of Algonquin Park from April 1 through the Monday of the (Canadian) Thanksgiving Weekend.

    (b) The possession or use of gasoline generators, radios, casette players, or other electronic listening devices (except two-way radios or Walkmans) are prohibited in the Interior of Algonquin Park from April 1 through the Monday of the (Canadian) Thanksgiving Weekend.

  • The innocent shrieking of children or an "unskilled" paddle repeatedly banging on an aluminum canoe can easily take on the dimensions of disruptive rowdiness when they break the peace of an Algonquin lake.
  • On the other hand, the soft laughter of children or a gentle campfire sing-song wafting across a lake after sunset can add the pleasing realization that others are also under Algonquin's spell.
  • In Algonquin, sensitivity and tolerance are measured differently by different people. However, it can only help one to "be quiet and listen".
    • 12. Pet Regulations

  • All pets must be on a leash not greater in length than 2 metres at all times.
  • You must be in control of your pet at all times.
  • Poop and scoop is mandatory.
  • Dogs are permitted on many hiking trails (on leashes) but are always prohibited on the Mizzy Lake Trail.
  • Dogs are permitted in campgrounds (on leashes) but are prohibited in specified areas of the Mew Lake, Canisbay Lake, Pog Lake, and Achray campgrounds (for details see the maps contained in each campground's individual leaflet).
  • Dogs assisting disabled persons are permitted in all public areas including Park buildings
  • If a dog is let loose to explore its surroundings, it could easily come across a bear and come running back to you .. with the bear right behind.
  • Pets could also get themselves into dangerous encounters with skunks, porcupines, wolves and other wildlife.
  • Neither wildlife nor park visitors want to hear a barking dog.
  • Young children could be bitten by a dog that's "running wild".
  • Small wildlife, such as chipmunks and birds deserve protection from harassing and hunting dogs.
  • For public health reasons, dogs should be excluded from beaches and buildings.
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