Summer in Ontario is the best time to escape to the great outdoors and reconnect with nature. If you are looking for a destination just a few hours from Toronto but worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city, look no further than the Haliburton Highlands. Plan your escape with Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa in Haliburton and discover the perfect destination to relax in nature. Enjoy outdoor fun at Haliburton Forest nearby, or plan a day trip to Algonquin Provincial Park, Canada’s oldest provincial park. Drive to the Algonquin Provincial Park West Gate Entrance, approximately an hour from our Haliburton inn, and kick off your adventures. Whether you want to canoe, hike, bike, fish, or watch wildlife, there is something for everyone to discover!
Algonquin Provincial Park West Gate
The Algonquin Provincial Park West Gate entrance is located along the Highway 60 corridor, near the hamlet of Oxtongue Lake. You will know you’ve arrived when you see the large birch bark sign and flag poles. Permits are not available for purchase in person, so make sure you buy a valid park permit online before your visit. Once you have arrived, you will have endless outdoor adventures at your fingertips:
Canoeing
Algonquin is a paddler’s paradise, offering a canoe route network of over 2,100 km. If you don’t have a canoe, there are many rental options available near the West Gate, like Algonquin Outfitters and The Portage Outpost. Use the official canoe routes map to plan your trip, or enlist the help of a local guide to show you the best paddling areas in the park.
Nature Trails
Discover the natural beauty of the park on over 20 hiking trails. Just 7km from the West Gate entrance, you can find the Whiskey Rapids Trail, taking you along the Oxtongue River and scenic Whiskey Rapids. Continuing down Highway 60, you will come across the popular Track and Tower Trail, featuring spectacular lookout points, waterfalls, and forest views.
If you prefer to explore the park on wheels, the Old Railway Bike Trail and Minnesing Mountain Bike Trail are the trails for you!
Fishing
With thousands of lakes and streams, Algonquin offers some of the best brook and lake trout fishing in the world. Fish one of the lakes along Highway 60, or bring your fishing pole on a backcountry adventure to fish in one of the hidden lakes.
Wildlife Watching
As you explore the park, you will likely encounter some native wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like moose, beavers, loons, foxes, owls, and bald eagles. Larger predators, such as black bears and wolves, also inhabit the park. Be sure to review the black bear safety information before your visit.
Enjoy the Natural Beauty of our Haliburton Lakefront Resort
Enjoy year-round fun near the Algonquin Provincial Park West Gate entrance and find an adventure for everyone’s interests. After a day of adventures, return to Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa in Haliburton to unwind and recharge. Relax on the shores of Eagle Lake, soothe your muscles at the WaterSpa, indulge in a luxurious spa treatment, and dine at our on-site restaurant. Book one of our rooms or suites and find the perfect lodging for your Haliburton Highlands getaway today!
