Ontario Route: Rideau River to Algonquin Provincial Park

This route through Ontario showcases the province's most significant natural features, from the Rideau River's historic canal system to the vast wilderness of Algonquin Provincial Park. Travelers can experience the engineering legacy of 19th-century construction, pristine waterways, and Canada's oldest continuously operated canal system spanning Eastern Ontario.

Mode
Places
Start
Welcome to Ontario
End
Algonquin Provincial Park
Stops
4
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Welcome to Ontario
  2. Rideau River — 146 km waterway flowing from Upper Rideau Lake to Ottawa River at Rideau Falls
  3. Gatineau Park
  4. Algonquin Provincial Park — Natural paradise with maple and fir woodlands, wildflower meadows, lakes, and wildlife

Useful for your trip

Timing
Visit Georgian Bay by early September when summer cottage crowds have left but water and air are still warm enough for kayaking and canoeing.
Timing
Autumn is the best season to visit Algonquin Provincial Park for spectacular forest colors.
Timing
In winter, the Rideau Canal in central Ottawa transforms into the world's largest skating rink (7.8 km), equivalent to 90 Olympic rinks.
Transport
Gatineau Park is accessible in just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa and offers nearly 200 kilometers of cross-country ski trails in winter.
Transport
North Bay is located 3.5 hours north of Toronto and features more than 85 kilometers of hiking trails including the scenic Kate Pace Way.
Tip
Big Tub Harbour features two famous shipwrecks (Sweepstakes and City of Grand Rapids) in shallow 20-foot depths, accessible to snorkelers and beginners.
Tip
Niagara-on-the-Lake is only 20 kilometers from Horseshoe Falls and boasts close to 40 wineries with award-winning vintages.
Tip
Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world with virtually every community offering its own unique hiking trail.
Tip
Albion Falls is visible from two viewing platforms, but there is currently no access to the bottom of the waterfall.
Tip
Georgian Bay Islands National Park contains 32 historic lighthouses and 30,000 islands forming the world's largest freshwater archipelago, accessible by water only.
Timing
Over 300 of Ontario's 500+ bird species have been spotted in North Bay, making it ideal for birdwatchers.

Video on this route

Wonders of Ontario | Secret Places Only Locals Know About | Travel Video 4K

More routes nearby

Map