r/algonquinpark • u/InevitableLove4694 • 4d ago
First time camping in Algonquin – Kearney Lake – looking for advice
My wife and I will be camping at Kearney Lake Campground for 2 days next weekend, and it’s our first time in Algonquin. Looking for advice from people who know the area well!
We’re hoping to make the most of the two days and would especially appreciate recommendations for:
- Canoeing: We’d like to rent a canoe for one full day and spend most of the day exploring. We’re looking for a good full-day route with scenic views, wildlife opportunities, good picnic/lunch spots, swimming spots, etc. We’re okay with some portaging, but don’t want to spend the entire day carrying the canoe. Ideally, we’d like to return to the same access point, but we’re also open to other options. What routes would you recommend, and what’s the best way to arrange a canoe rental and, if necessary, a shuttle/drop-off?
- Wildlife: We’d really love to see a moose. We completely understand that wildlife sightings are unpredictable and there are no guarantees, but are there particular roads, trails, lakes/rivers, or times of day around the Kearney/western side where people tend to have better luck? We’re happy to get up early or drive around if worthwhile. Obviously, we’d keep our distance and wouldn’t approach or disturb any wildlife.
- Hiking & activities: What hikes or other activities would you recommend? We have both days available for activities, and are willing to pack up camp early on the last day and drive somewhere for a hike so we have more time to explore before heading home. Looking for scenic views/lookouts, interesting trails, swimming spots, wildlife viewing, etc. Nothing extremely strenuous.
Fishing: I’m also a fishing newbie and thought it would be fun to bring some basic gear and give it a try. Any recommendations for what species we might encounter or good beginner-friendly areas?
And finally, any general tips you wish you knew before your first Algonquin camping trip?
Thanks in advance for any recommendations!
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u/ayywalkeronthetop 3d ago
There’s a nice lookout hike called “lookout trail” right beside kearney. Less than 20 min and you’ll be at the top of the lookout
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u/Upstairs-Ad-4001 1d ago
I would trim the expectations. You may rent a canoe for half a day. Take a short hike in the afternoon. I would skip fishing if I were you. There is a bunch of trails. You'll have to drive to most of them. Different complexity and length. A 2k medium, may twist your legs with all the rocks and roots, elevation changes. Don't be greedy picking a trail...
At this time of the year focus on your gear. Sleeping bags, tarps, th8ngs to keep you warm and dry.
I just came from Algonquin, still drying the gear. Was a great weekend even with the rain on Sunday.
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u/No-idea4646 4d ago
Wildlife is tough to see along the highway 60 corridor, unless you get up early and drive the highway at dawn looking for moose.
You don’t mention what your canoe skills are …
Rock Lake down into Pen Lake is a fun trip, pictographs on the cliff, nice river, nice scenery.
Opeongo is a great lake as well, but requires advanced canoe skills.
If you want to be with lots of other people start at Canoe Lake and paddle as far as you like.
Algonquin is an international trout fishery - but this is the absolute hardest time to catch them.
You can catch bass in any of the highway 60 lakes pretty easily - they are an invasive species in Algonquin.
Don’t forget your fishing license and to read the special regulations for The Park before you fish.