Immerse yourself into nature at Algonquin Park’s Canisbay Campground. With towering trees, plenty of hikes and the opportunity to spot wildlife, this is the perfect summer escape. We even saw a moose and her baby just behind our campsite here, such an incredible experience.
How To Get To Canisbay Lake Campground
You’ll find Canisbay Lake campground along highway 60. It’s about a 3 hour drive from Ottawa. I recommend spending at least 2 nights here.
Best Time To Visit Canisbay Lake Campground
May/June is the easiest time to get a reservation but the weather can be hit or miss.The best time for summer camping is July/August. This is when you’ll get the most reliable temperatures.
You can camp at Canisbay Lake until Thanksgiving. With so many stunning forest hikes, this is a great spot to catch fall colours. Keep in mind it gets quite cold at night in fall so make sure to be prepared and bundle up.
Accommodation Options at Canisbay Lake Campground
All the sites are surrounded by forest but I recommend getting one of the back campsites that backs onto even more forest. We had a moose and her baby visit the forest behind us and you may have a better chance of having the same happen.
You can also book paddle-in campsites. These are perfect if you want a mix between reserved campsites and backcountry. This is also a great step if you’re looking to get into backcountry camping.
How To Book Camping at Canisbay Lake Campground
You’ll need to reserve through Ontario Parks here. These spots fill up quickly so make sure to book in advance.
Things To Do At Canisbay Lake Campground in Algonquin Park
Day Trip to Ragged Falls
You need to check out this stunning waterfall during your trip to Canisbay Lake campground. Get all the details on this day trip here.
Hiking at Canisbay Lake Campground
One great thing about Canisbay Lake Campground is the quantity and range of trails it has nearby. Here’s the top ones I recommend:
Hardwood Lookout Loop Trail
This 1.3km trail will take you to a beautiful lookout for sunset. I love that this trail is lined by towering trees and then out on the rocks it looks like you can see out for miles.
Spruce Bog Boardwalk
I loved this 1.5km loop. Make your way through towering trees and onto the boardwalk for some stunning views. There’s a lot of different views you can enjoy on this hike from in the forest to overlooking the bog.
Track and Tower Trail
This trail is a 7.5 km loop featuring a spectacular lookout over Cache Lake, you’ll learn about the trail’s abandoned railway and other scenic views. We got stuck in torrential downpour on this trail and we still loved it.
Centennial Ridges
This is one of the more challenging hikes but i’m told its worth it for the views. This is a hike I’d like to tackle next time I’m there. This 10.4 km loop will bring you to two high ridges with amazing lookouts.
Time at the Beach
We drove to the beach but there are also some trails within the campground that will take you there.
Helpful Notes on Canisbay Lake Campground:
- Forget something? Not to worry. There are plenty of shops within the campground and even spots you can get Kawartha Dairy ice cream.
- You need to buy firewood from the camp office/store
I also recommend this campground at Algonquin Park that is perfect for water adventures. It has some epic views and a natural waterslide.
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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