Haliburton and Algonquin Park stay active in winter. This guide lists the winter activities that Ontario Parks, Haliburton Forest and the municipality publish, with the permit and access rules that apply.
Facts box
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Algonquin winter access | Highway 60 is plowed and sanded all winter; a valid park permit is required |
| Open all year | Mew Lake Campground (camping and roofed accommodation), January 1 to December 31, 2026 |
| Park phone | 705-633-5572 |
| Haliburton Forest winter line | 1-800-631-2198 |
| Wolf Centre snowshoe trails | Over 13 km |
Quick answer
Ski or snowshoe at Algonquin, snowmobile on the trails Haliburton Forest lists, and use the Wolf Centre’s indoor viewing rooms on a cold day. Winter fishing is not permitted in Algonquin.
Algonquin Provincial Park in winter
A valid park permit is required, and Ontario Parks sells permits at 1-888-668-7275 or online. Highway 60 is plowed and sanded all winter.
Cross-country skiing.
| Trail | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fen Lake | 17.5 km | From the West Gate |
| Leaf Lake | 5 to 36 km | 1 km west of the East Gate |
| Airfield | 2.2 km | Easy |
Multi-use trails. Ontario Parks lists three along the Highway 60 corridor.
| Trail | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesing | 4.7 to 8.2 km | Unmaintained wilderness trail |
| Old Railway Bike Trail | 16 km | Groomed |
| Sunday Lake | 36 km | Groomed, km 35.5 |
Camping and skating. Mew Lake Campground is open year-round. Skating is on the Mew Lake campground parking lot, weather permitting.
Snowmobiling. Snowmobiling is not permitted in Algonquin, except on the hydro line across Clyde Township with valid OFSC permits.
Fishing. Winter fishing is not permitted. Ontario Parks says the park is a fish sanctuary from December 1 to the last Saturday in April.
Wildlife. Winter visitors can see finches such as Evening Grosbeak, Redpolls and Crossbills. Moose tracks are common on the Fen Lake ski trail.
Visitor Centre
The Algonquin Visitor Centre is open year-round, including most holidays. Check the Events Calendar for hours. See Algonquin Visitor Centre.
Haliburton Forest in winter
The Wolf Centre has more than 13 km of winter snowshoe trails. There is no wolf viewing from the trails. The forest’s winter pages link to snowmobile and winter ATV trails, guided snowmobile tours, guided ice fishing, ice climbing, snowshoe rentals and a poker run permit. Its page gives no distances, prices or dates, so call 1-800-631-2198. The Wolf Centre’s winter hours, from September 20, 2026 to June 18, 2027, are Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 4:30 pm and Monday to Friday 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. It is closed December 24 and 25.
Haliburton village and Sir Sam’s
Dysart et al lists Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride for alpine skiing, with views from the top of the hill over Eagle Lake; check Sir Sam’s own site for its season and lift rates. For cross-country skiing, the township names Barnum Creek Nature Reserve, the Haliburton Highlands Nordic Trails & Ski Club Association and the Glebe Park Ski Trails. There are snowshoe trails behind the Haliburton Highlands Museum, and the museum lends snowshoes for a recommended $5 donation a pair. Abbey Gardens rents snowshoes on site.
Rules and permits
- Each vehicle in an Ontario park needs a valid provincial park permit.
- Pets stay on a leash no longer than 2 metres.
- Do not store wildlife attractants, including food or beverages.
- Fire bans apply, and fireplaces are designated by park staff.
Nearest services
See Hospitals, groceries and essentials in Haliburton. Call 811 for non-urgent health advice and 911 in an emergency.
FAQ
Is Algonquin open in winter?
Yes. Highway 60 is plowed and sanded, and a park permit is required. Checked November 3 2026.
Can I snowmobile in Algonquin?
Not in the park, except on the hydro line across Clyde Township with valid OFSC permits. Checked November 3 2026.
Which Algonquin campground is open all year?
Mew Lake. Checked November 3 2026.
Is there snowshoeing at Haliburton Forest?
Yes. The Wolf Centre lists over 13 km of snowshoe trails. Checked November 3 2026.
Cottages in this area
Browse cottages in the Algonquin Highlands or the Haliburton and Algonquin region.
Township Rules Check
Thinking of renting out a cottage here? Run the Township Rules Check for Dysart et al and Algonquin Highlands. Our dataset has no confirmed short-term rental rule for this municipality yet, so confirm with its clerk before you list.
Claims table
| # | Claim | Source URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winter: permit required (1-888-668-7275 or online); Hwy 60 plowed and sanded all winter; Fen Lake 17.5 km (West Gate); Leaf Lake 5-36 km; Airfield 2.2 km; Minnesing 4.7-8.2 km ungroomed; Old Railway Bike Trail 16 km groomed; Sunday Lake 36 km groomed km 35.5; Mew Lake open year-round; skating Mew Lake lot; snowmobiling not permitted except hydro line across Clyde Township with OFSC permits; winter fishing not permitted; sanctuary Dec 1 to last Saturday in April; finches; moose tracks Fen Lake | https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/algonquin/activities | 2026-11-03 |
| 2 | Mew Lake Campground camping and roofed accommodation Jan 1-Dec 31 2026; park phone 705-633-5572 | https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/algonquin | 2026-11-03 |
| 3 | Leash 2 m; wildlife attractants; fireplaces designated; fire bans; permit per vehicle | https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/algonquin/rules | 2026-11-03 |
| 4 | Visitor Centre open year-round including most holidays | https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/locations/algonquin_visitor_centre.php | 2026-11-03 |
| 5 | Wolf Centre snowshoe trails over 13 km; no wolf viewing from trails; hours Sept 20 2026-June 18 2027; closed Dec 24-25 | https://haliburtonforest.com/wolf-centre/ | 2026-11-03 |
| 6 | Haliburton Forest winter pages link snowmobile and winter ATV trails, guided tours, ice fishing, ice climbing, snowshoe rentals, poker run permit; call 1-800-631-2198 | https://haliburtonforest.com/winter/ | 2026-11-03 |
| 7 | Dysart et al: Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride alpine skiing, hilltop view over Eagle Lake; XC at Barnum Creek, Haliburton Highlands Nordic Trails & Ski Club, Glebe Park; snowshoe trails behind Haliburton Highlands Museum, $5 recommended donation; Abbey Gardens rentals (old summer-activities URL 404) | https://www.dysartetal.ca/explore-and-play/seasonal-activities/ | 2026-11-03 |
| 8 | 811 nurse line 24/7; 911 | https://www.hhhs.ca/ | 2026-11-03 |