Algonquin Adventures / Off Season Permits

**Posted by AlgonquinLakes** 10/01/2024 12:05 pm

Hey, does anyone know which access points continue to be staffed once the Park goes to first come first serve? For example, if I want to do a trip out of Shall Lake in November, do I have to go to the east gate for the permit?

**Posted by Barbara** 10/02/2024 8:18 pm

I seem to recall that you couldn't get canoeing permits after Thanksgiving or thereabouts.

Pretty sure all access points other than the East and West Gates are closed after Thanksgiving or thereabouts.

The Algonquin website used to post the actual dates for when "winter" season started, but I didn't see it there today.

You really should just contact the Park and find out.
705-633-5572

Barbara

Last edited by Barbara (10/02/2024 8:31 pm)

**Posted by TripperMike** 10/03/2024 6:57 am

I don't know about Shall, but if I recall correctly most (if not all) of the main corridor offices close after Thanksgiving Monday. I wonder if you could just call your trip in day of, instead of having to go all the way to the East Gate?

**Posted by Shayne74** 10/03/2024 10:24 am

Did you have a spot in mind or just want to get another trip in? If trouble getting a permit I'd think about just leaving a car at AO Oxtongue and paddle up the Oxtongue to Park Lake. Crossover and head into Victory Lake or hold up and stay at Hardwood or Cedar Raps sites.

**Posted by MartinG** 10/03/2024 10:39 am

After Thanksgiving I call in to the east gate to get my permit. Usually do it on my drive up to the park (705) 633-5572. I've never been given any grief about Canoeing permits being closed. Quite the opposite. One time in December I was given advice on a lake based on ice conditions. Won't mention a name as I don't want to throw anyone under the bus.

**Posted by AlgonquinLakes** 10/03/2024 4:06 pm

Shayne74 wrote:
Did you have a spot in mind or just want to get another trip in? If trouble getting a permit I'd think about just leaving a car at AO Oxtongue and paddle up the Oxtongue to Park Lake. Crossover and head into Victory Lake or hold up and stay at Hardwood or Cedar Raps sites.

I was wondering specifically about the ranger cabins. Or do those close when the regular season ends?

**Posted by Barbara** 10/03/2024 8:23 pm

AlgonquinLakes wrote:
I was wondering specifically about the ranger cabins. Or do those close when the regular season ends?

Ranger Cabin Regulations:
https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/camping/ranger-cabin-regulations.php

Ranger cabins are available for rent only from the late April/early May to late October.

Pets are not allowed inside cabins nor on the site.

Ranger cabins must be booked through the Reservation Service.

Barbara

**Posted by AlgonquinLakes** 10/04/2024 5:54 am

Barbara wrote:
AlgonquinLakes wrote:
I was wondering specifically about the ranger cabins. Or do those close when the regular season ends?
Ranger Cabin Regulations:
https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/camping/ranger-cabin-regulations.php

Ranger cabins are available for rent only from the late April/early May to late October.

Pets are not allowed inside cabins nor on the site.

Ah, well, there goes that dream
Ranger cabins must be booked through the Reservation Service.

Barbara

**Posted by SeekingSolitude** 10/09/2024 9:40 pm

I have booked trips after Thanksgiving in October in the past without much trouble. I checked the online reservation system & you can book backcountry paddling & hiking with last date of Oct 26. So after that you would have to call in & I guess weather & conditions dependent you could get a backcountry permit. But anyhow, you would have to call in to book a Ranger cabin. All the ones that you can book online up to Oct 26, are easy to get to & would have already been booked up long time ago.

FYI, I was just up at the Brent Ranger Cabin for 4 days/fall viewing & it was a nice experience, although it also shakes my faith in humanity. There were several burn marks in the wood flooring (I presume carelessness with the wood fireplace, but I don't know how you would even do that as there is stone flooring for several feet in front of the fireplace...), burn marks on bedside table tops & mattresses (presume smoking in bed...). In a way I'm surprised the cabin has not been burned down yet, please visit & enjoy these treasures before some idiot burns them down.