Lookout Trail Algonquin: A Little Hike With a Stunning View

The Lookout Trail at Algonquin Provincial Park is a 2.1km loop trail that takes you up to a scenic viewpoint. While it's a somewhat steep hike to reach the top, the views are well worth the effort. It doesn't take too long to reach the top, and then you can spend as much time as you like admiring the scenery.

As this is a shorter hike, you can pair it with other trails at Algonquin Park for a fun day of hiking. I suggest making your hike at Booth's Rock Trail the focal point of your day, and adding the Lookout Trail and the Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail. Booth's Rock Trail is the longer hike of the three, and the Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail is an easy jaunt across the Algonquin bogs.

Hiking the Lookout Trail Algonquin Provincial Park

I didn't add a map of the Lookout Trail Algonquin Park to this blog post. That's because you really don't need one. Simply follow the trail from the parking lot. There's only one path in and the same one heading back.

After a short walk on a flat path, you'll reach a fork in the road. Follow the arrows and keep to the right. This will take you in a counter-clockwise loop up to the top of the lookout. At this point, there's a fairly steep hike up a hill. As the trail continues upwards, you'll get closer and closer to the viewpoint. Even though there's an uphill trek, I still feel as though this hiking trail is great for beginners.

Once you reach the lookout point, you'll be able to appreciate the amazing views across the treetops. You can see a lake off in the distance. Go hiking here in late September and early October for the most vibrant fall colours. I visited just after the Thanksgiving long weekend (mid-October), so this is towards the end of the peak fall colours at Algonquin Provincial Park.

After stopping at the scenic viewpoint, continue hiking in a loop back down the hill. You'll loop back around to the beginning and the parking lot.

Plan Your Visit to the Algonquin Lookout Trail

You'll find the parking lot for the Lookout Trail at the 39.7km mark on Highway 60. It's a pretty large parking lot. You're likely to find a spot here as there's a fair amount of turnover on this trail. It doesn't take too long to hike it, meaning that more people can enjoy it throughout the day.

If you find that the Lookout Trail parking lot is full, it might be a good opportunity to keep driving down the road to check out the Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail. Then, try the Lookout Trail parking lot again and you might have better luck in getting a spot.

Making a Reservation at Algonquin Provincial Park

As you need to make reservations to enter several popular provincial parks in Ontario, you’ll need to reserve your place at Algonquin in advance through the Ontario Parks website. There are several options to book at Algonquin Provincial Park as the park is so big. Select “Day Use”, and make sure you choose “Algonquin – Hwy 60 Corridor”.

You can enter Highway 60 from either the East Gate or the West Gate. The West Gate tends to be more popular (as it’s closer to Toronto and the GTA) and the traffic will be slower from this side of the park during the peak season. Ontario Parks recommends that you enter from the East Gate during these times to avoid being stuck in traffic.

More Hiking Trails in Muskoka, Parry Sound, Algonquin Region

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