Scoutergriz, is that private road the one before you enter the park, where there is a cabin that appears to be on an island in the middle of a swamp on the north side of the road? Just before the "shooting range".

I used it a lot too, especially on longer trips. In Algonquin, I will probably just tune into the closest Moose station now. You can tune into one almost anywhere in the park as they broadcast from both west and east of the park, and do regular, albeit less detailed, weather forcasts. 105.5 Huntsville is usually pretty easy to get.  
 
Further abroad though it will be a bit tougher. Each summer I do a coastal canoe trip, either Superior or East Coast, and the weather radio, with the added marine forecast, was something we relied on heavily. From what I have read, areas where there is a Coast Guard station, they will be broadcasting a forecast. Unfortunately, that won’t really work for Algonquin. I believe that Algonquin and some of the other big parks across Canada would relay the weather radio, or provide a weather/conditions forecast on the parks information radio stations. I have never tuned into it, but maybe there is something there.  
 
Some PLB’s have weather forecast abilities which could be an option as well. I am not keen on them, other than in case of an emergency, but it could be an option.  

utes mAlthough the Lost Coin Cabin rules on both the Ontario Parks and FOAP sites say nothing about biking (they just say you have to hike), the Bissett Road cabin, which comes before the Lost Coin cabin says you cannot access this cabin on a bike. The Park Rules say you are only allowed bikes on “park roads and designated bike trails”.
 
Bissett Road Ranger Cabin | Algonquin Provincial Park | The Friends of Algonquin Park
Roofed Accommodations at Ontario Parks - Algonquin - Bissett Road Cabin
 
By “park roads” I believe they mean any road shown on the Canoe Routes map.
Closed Roads | Algonquin Provincial Park | The Friends of Algonquin Park

Seems weird, like a lost opportunity. Although, I imagine they are just trying to keep people of the interior roads in general.  Never hurts to call the park and ask if you can. 




 

I am pretty good at checking the car now after an incident a couple years ago. Since put-ins can be a bit chaotic, I tend to lower one of the windows as we get ready. This way there is no chance of locking the key in the car. I accidentally did this as a teenager.  Then just before I leave, I start the car, put the window up. However, a couple years ago I forgot to do this on a winter trip and got back the car and a back seat full of snow. Oops!

Now, I put the key in a small roll top waterproof bag with my wallet. My biggest concern now is that I accidentally break the fob, and it creates an issue with the security system when I get back. No issues yet, but, new cars are finicky.

 

The Stinson gas station / Iron Moose (new owners-new name) just as you leave Whitney heading towards the park, on the south/west side of the road, has firewood. There are new owners and they have been fixing the place up. It is not as cheap as the road side guys, but its dry.  

AlgonquinLakes, I am curious if you made it?

My wife and I have been doing a post Remembrance Day trip for close to 15 years now. For the first time, we were denied a paddling permit because of early ice. They closed back country paddling permits Nov. 12. They said that ice came much earlier this year. ...which seemed to be an accurate observation as many of the big lakes had a little more ice coverage than in years past.   

Not to much to it other than to say I really like the park in the winter! …and long days!


 

trippythings wrote:

When I have some spare time I was going to do something similar except focus more on the leave no trace aspect. "First time tripping in Algonquin? Before you read any of my trip reports / campsite reports, read this about Leave No Trace." 

I would emphasize LNT as well.

Maybe also add an etiquette question. Example:

Is there any canoe camping etiquette I should be aware of?

Yes there is! Remember that Algonquin is a shared space and as such there are some things to keep in mind. At a portage don't leave your equipment in the way. If you fish, don't clean your fish at an empty site, somebody may camp there later. Leaving some firewood for the next campers is always nice! Don't store your axe in a tree. Although a nail in a tree from a previous camp may come in handy, don't add anymore nails. Ditto with camp "furniture". Remember that noise carries across a lake very easily. Double carrying a portage and heading back one way empty handed? If there are people heading in the opposite direction offering to carry a something may be appreciated, even carrying a fishing rod or paddle can make a difference...(and so on, giving people a bit of general dos and dont's)

(OK that last one doesn't seem to be common etiquette but I think it should be )