Big Trout Lake Loop in Algonquin Park is one of Ontario's most iconic and popular backcountry canoe routes, featuring the stunning centerpiece of Big Trout Lake: a massive, beautiful wilderness lake approximately 8 kilometres long surrounded by rocky shorelines and 36 well-maintained campsites. The route combines scenic creeks (particularly Otterslide Creek with its five portages), multiple interconnected lakes, and manageable portages with exceptional Canadian Shield scenery including sand dunes, high cliffs, and abundant wildlife (moose, bald eagles, otters). Paddlers encounter moderate to challenging conditions depending on approach, with wind a factor on Big Trout Lake itself. Accessed via Highway 60, making it accessible for dedicated paddlers despite being deep in park interior. Best paddled May-October, with less crowding in shoulder seasons.
About 84 percent of this route runs through crown land. Crown land is public land. In Ontario a resident of Canada may camp on most of it for free, up to 21 days on any one site in a calendar year. Being crown land is not the same as being open to camping: a provincial park or conservation reserve follows different rules.
Big Trout Lake Route Canoe Route is estimated at Advanced. Whitewater ratings are not exact: grades change with water level and season. Verify current conditions locally before you paddle.
The best time is May-October.
Big Trout Lake Route Canoe Route is located in the Ontario region of Canada.
alltrails.com · canoedaddy.com · myccr.com · algonquinbeyond.com · cottagelife.com
Conditions change with water level and season. Grades and positions are for planning, not navigation. Verify locally before you paddle. Terms of use
Something wrong on this page? Report it