Algonquin Park - Western Uplands Trail

We camped at Maggie Lake and our site was around 15km from the trailhead. We were surprised by the elevation changes which made the hike much more difficult than we were anticipating! Definitely leave ample time and expect some challenges when it's wet. Very very buggy this time of year late May, I would recommend a bug net for your head.

Caveat: I was a 64-year-old newbie at backcountry hiking when I did this trail but in good shape, being a frequent cycler - strong legs and aerobic health are key. Did the 32-k inner loop over three days. The "difficult" rating is appropriate - lots of roller-coaster, steep 50-m climbs and descents - especially on the traverse from the eastern to the western legs of the trail we walked counterclockwise. LOTS!!! of mud - both across the trail but often the trail itself was wet mud that you could sink into over your hiking boots. It had rained a lot, but I think you'd need to have had an extended period of very dry weather for that not to be the case. Consequently, a good ability to balance your way across logs and rocks was essential. In many places, hikers have broken trails through the adjoining forest because the official trail was impassable. Our three campsites Ra-Mo-Na, Maggie and Maple Leaf lakes were fabulous - roomy with nice flat, soft tent pads and secluded from other sites. Going counterclockwise, trail markings are minimal, but sufficient as long as you pay attention. Some better signage at various main and side trail junctions would be appreciated.

Just took the little kids to a Guskewau Lake site for an intro to backpacking. Beautiful site but well-used, not much firewood around. They loved it. Surprised, because with the wet summer the trail was boggy, but bugs weren't overwhelming. edit: came back solo in November for the 1st loop, trail still very swampy, which meant skirting it through the bushes for what seemed like half the time. Also stream crossings were challenging due to flooding and the extreme cold, but hey it wasn't crowded! Point is, take good waterproof footwear! I also discovered that west arm of the 1st loop is a little more scenic than the east arm. The east-west section of the 1st loop is more hilly and stunning.

I have hiked this two years in a row! The beauty is worth the struggle BUT I'd hope to advise beginners: this trail is VERY HILLY. so the kms take longer than you'd expect. Also lots of mud. I brought my mom 58 and at her speed it took us 6.5 hours to reach Maggie Lake. I'm sure some folks could do it much faster, but I do think if you are a beginner, give yourself LOTS of time, or try to get a site at Maple Leaf on the way to Maggie. I've camped at Maggie twice and I think my site on the East side was prettier. Maple leaf we camped on the North side and it was stunning.

Always a great trip. Doesn't have the lookouts of other trails, but the beauty of the trail and lakes makes it worth while.

If you enjoy mud and infinite mosquitoes this trail is for you! Highly recommend a bug net. Pictures are all from the only site I found safe enough to take out my phone without getting my hand swarmed. Still would definitely hike it again and again. Love this park.

An amazing place to try a solo trip. Met some great people along the way and had some really great solo time. ~12hrs and 36kms for the blue trail over 3 nights and 4 days was perfect. Easy pace with some downtime at camp. I highly recommend it.

33 km hike in 3 days! Tough terrain, Moose everywhere! Loons howling like wolves at midnight! Beautiful untouched wilderness! Clean of garbage! 7 of us hiked in and out! Definitely an ultra light pack requirement!

Went out and did the medium loop, ended up doing 61.07km in 3.5 days. We started down at the West Gate picnic/parking area at around 11AM. Took the loop on the east side and connected Maggie east day1: 11.88km to Pinscher North day 2: 16.04km to Lupus Lake day 3: 20.95 and all the way back to the parking lot day 3.5: 12.2km. The sites and trails were well marked and well maintained. No bear boxes for this park so be sure to bring your bear bag setup. An absolutely gorgeous hike, all kinds of terrains and crossings. It is fairly muddy this time of year we went September 12th so I'd recommend bringing hiking poles some water proof shoes and some blister preventative measures leuko tape, ktape or toed socks [injinji]. Unfortunately some careless people left a pile of garbage and cans of food at one of the Maggie east campsites at which we stayed. It was also slightly maddening that all the campsites were booked over 8 weeks ahead of our trip and no one showed up at their sites. With COVID19 the provincial parks waived cancellation fees so this prompted many people to book the sites, not show up and get their money back. It's too bad. But I am grateful to have had the park to myself and my partner. Respect the ecosystem, leave no Trace.

Beaver made lake with lots of plant life.Recommended activitiesWalking