"Some Algonquin Park facilities, including the backcountry, are currently under a delayed opening[opening on April 28, 2017 (subject to change)]. Watch this webpage for updates in the hours ahead."

I DO NOT like the way that is worded.

But then again theres NO WAY they can delay the backcountry even further! I'm betting APP will be 75%++ ice free by tomorrow afternoon.

Last edited by ATVenture (4/24/2017 5:09 pm)

I'm not sure I'd go with "no way" after last year, we were camped at Rock Campground, paddling a wide open Pen on a Saturday, but I recall permits weren't issued until the following Tue/Wed?  Hopefully its more common sense this year, and the usable access points are open for this weekend (roads permitting) Grand area, Kiosk/Manitou/North Tea etc.

Here's hoping anyone with plans gets the green light for the weekend!!!

 

100% ICE FREE KIOSK LAKE. April 25/2017

Uppa wrote:

The Friends of Algonquin Park just reported today as "ice out" day! HAPPY CAMPING EVERYONE!!

-------------Official 2017 Ice Out Date Recorded for Algonquin Park — High winds and heavy rain caused Lake Opeongo, Algonquin Park's largest lake, to shed its ice cover today (April 25, 2017), just slightly earlier than the average ice out date of April 28 (1964 to 2016). Technically, the official ice out date for Algonquin Park is recorded when a boat can safely navigate from the Lake Opeongo Access Point to the Happy Isle Portage in the North Arm of Lake Opeongo. Ice out has ranged from as early as March 29 (2012) to as late as May 15 (1972). For more details see http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/ice-out.php

WooHoo! I just told my girlfriend this morning that APP will be ice free today and she disagreed. :-P I wonder when they will start issuing permits??

I think I am going to try and get through the Brent Road today. I would assume it would be all fixed up considering AO on Cedar has to get ready for Friday morning? I'm sure Jake wants to get home too!

PhillyPhilster wrote:

ATVenture wrote:

I think I am going to try and get through the Brent Road today. I would assume it would be all fixed up considering AO on Cedar has to get ready for Friday morning? I'm sure Jake wants to get home too!

That is a great idea!
 

I figured you'd think so. :-P

I'm on the Brent road now.. could only make it about half way through the Esker reserve. They brought machinery out there today (can tell by the tracks). When I stopped and got out to check the snow situation I could hear them digging in the distance presumably fixing the washout (s). Some spots where the snow is over a few inches deep​ it looks like they dropped a blade to break it up, so it will be mostly melted by tomorrow me thinks.

ATVenture you rock!....I wish I was close enough to go and check things out.  I really apppreciate the reports and pictures you've been posting....now, how about that road into Magnetawan?

"Algonquin Park Delayed Spring Openings 2017April 26, 2017 Update
Beginning April 28, 2017, camping permits will be issued for all backcountry campsites. For current access road conditions and restrictions, please Algonquin Park Advisories.Spring conditions vary throughout Algonquin Park. Thorough trip planning and appropriate safety precautions should be taken to ensure a safe experience. Park users should expect to encounter some or all of the following hazards when traveling in Algonquin Park:

• Ice remaining on water bodies in sheltered areas;
• Snow, ice and muddy conditions on portages, trails and campsites;
• Extremely cold water temperatures;
• High water levels and fast currents; and/or
• Limited or varied accessibility on many access roads due to snow conditions or other spring hazards."

None of the roads on the west side are listed on the advisory page so everything should be good to go except MAYBE Brent/Achray?

Last edited by ATVenture (4/26/2017 3:15 pm)