Explore Algonquin

Hiking – There are currently 15 interpretive hiking trails to be explored along the park corridor.   They range from short and easy (Spruce Bog Boardwalk and the Logging Museum trail are actually wheelchair and stroller accessible!) to much lengthier and more challenging (such as Centennial Ridges, which is 11km long and has a steep incline but rewards your efforts with one of the most phenomenal views of the park).  Information on these hiking trails can be found in the park newsletter available on the tea cart in our kitchen or at either of the Park gates.  We would also be delighted to sit down with you when you arrive to offer trail tips and answer any questions you might have.

Wildlife Viewing &  Birding – Algonquin is home to 40 mammal, 30 reptile and amphibian, and 130 breeding bird species.  If you are interested in seeing a certain species we’d be happy to discuss their usual habitat with you, and where those habitats might be found.  There’s never a guarantee that you’ll see your favourite species but narrowing down where to look can help a lot.  The Visitors’ Centre inside the park also keeps tabs on animal sightings.

Bicycle Rental – The Lake of Two Rivers store is a 20 minute drive into the park from us. Here you can rent a variety of bikes for adults and children including bike tows for the really wee ones. The best leisure biking paths in the park, which follow the old railway line along streams and lakes, also begin from Lake of Two Rivers. If you’re into more hard-core mountain biking and are bringing your own equipment, the Minising bike trail at kilometre 23 is the one for you. If you’d like to take a bike guide along with you for the day, our friends over at Algonquin Adventure Tours would be happy to host you – they will also arrange your equipment rental.

Programs for families – The Friends of Algonquin Park charitable organization, in conjunction with park staff, does a magnificent job creating programming for families all year round, and particularly throughout the summer. Any family coming up for a visit should check out their calendar of scheduled events, including the Wolf Howl on Thursday nights in August and September.

Swimming – The Wolf Den has its own perfect swimming spot on the Oxtongue River.  Coming straight out of the park, the water is beautifully clean and deep – a pleasure to swim in.  As of last summer we also have a dock to leap into the river from or sunbathe on.

Paddling the Oxtongue River and Lake – Just a one minute drive from the Wolf Den is the Algonquin Outfitters Oxtongue Lake store  where you can rent canoes and kayaks and launch from right off their dock.   Meander by canoe along the Oxtongue River back to the Wolf Den and onwards to Ragged Falls (round trip: about 3 hours) or paddle around Oxtongue Lake for the day.  You can also rent voyageur canoes (for 10 people) and stand up paddle boards from there.

TreeTop Trekking – Enjoy a half-day way up in the tree tops, zooming across zip-lines and obstacle courses 50 feet in the air.  We’ve done it and loved it.  Previous guests who have done it rave about it.   (And its an excellent cure for minor vertigo – seriously!).  TreeTop Trekking is just twenty minutes from the Den by car, towards Huntsville.

Sugar Bush Hill Maple Farm – Every Canadian neighbourhood needs its own Sugar Bush and this is ours. Pay them a visit to find out how maple syrup is made and get your sugar hit for the week. They offer a great afternoon out – in fact, Sugar Bush Hill has been named by Trip Advisor as the #1 place to visit in Muskoka! They’re located just south of Huntsville, about 30 minutes away. Make sure to check their website for tour dates and times before you go.

Hiking & Snowshoeing – There are currently 15 interpretive hiking trails to be explored along the park corridor. They range from short and easy (Spruce Bog Boardwalk and the Logging Museum trail are actually wheelchair and stroller accessible!) to much lengthier and more challenging (such as Mizzy Lake or Track & Tower). Information on these hiking trails can be found in the park newsletter available on the tea cart in our kitchen or at either of the Park gates. We would also be delighted to sit down with you when you arrive to offer trail tips and answer any questions you might have. Snowshoes can be rented at fair rates from our neighbours, the Algonquin Outfitters store at Oxtongue Lake. And if you’d like to take along a guide, Algonquin Adventure Tours would be pleased to head out into the bush with you, offering you insights into our gorgeous winter ecosystem and tips on staying warm and comfortable on cold days out.

Ragged Falls – a 20 minute hike away to a beautiful waterfall with a short trail along the river. Most guests will spend about 1 hour at the waterfall.

Gravel/High Falls – this is a much lesser known, but equally dramatic, waterfall accessible from the Wolf Den’s own property, about an hour and a half hike or snow-shoe away. Gorgeous. Ask Jennifer or Jacques for specific directions to the trail head before you set out as the trail is very clear, but unmarked.

Beetle Lake Trail – Beginning just down the road from us, this 6km hike goes along a high cliff, through hemlock forests, into maple forests, down to a stream and then over to Algonquin Outfitters.

Cross-Country Skiing on Groomed Trails – Our wonderful neighbours over at the Blue Spruce Resort welcome guests from other resorts in the area to enjoy their groomed skiing trails. The cost is just $5 per person for the day.

Back Country Skiing – Timber Trail Lane, an old logging road, runs north from our property through the northern edge of Ragged Falls Park and ultimately into Algonquin Park itself. In the winter this lane is an absolute pleasure to ski and snowshoe on when conditions are right.

Frost Centre – Some of the best cross-country skiing trails in Ontario are at the Frost Centre, just 30 minutes south of us.

Sugar Bush Hill Maple Farm – Every Canadian neighbourhood needs its own sugar bush and this is ours. Pay them a visit to find out how maple syrup is made and get your sugar hit for the week. They offer a great afternoon out – in fact, Sugar Bush Hill has been named by Trip Advisor as the #1 place to visit in Muskoka! The farm is located just south of Huntsville, about 30 minutes away from the Den. Make sure to check their website for tour dates and times before you go.