Overview

The Highland Backpacking Trail is the longest maintained backpacking route in Algonquin Provincial Park. It runs as a loop from two access points on Highway 60 — the west trailhead near Rain Lake Parking and the east trailhead near Rock Lake — and passes through the park's highlands, a section of the Canadian Shield sitting roughly 100 to 150 metres above the lowland canoe corridors.

The terrain is predominantly mixed-wood forest — sugar maple, yellow birch, and eastern hemlock at lower elevations — transitioning to red spruce and balsam fir on the ridge tops. The trail crosses ridgelines that offer open views to the north and south, though much of the route moves through closed canopy where navigation depends on blue blazes painted on trees at regular intervals.

Ontario Parks requires a valid camping permit for all overnight use. The Highland Trail is divided into numbered camping zones. Permits can be booked through the Ontario Parks reservation system at ontarioparks.ca. Walk-in permits are sometimes available at the park office on Highway 60.

Trail Sections

West trailhead to Rain Lake (0–12 km)

The trail begins with a gradual climb through second-growth maple-beech forest. The first major viewpoint appears around kilometre 8 on a bare rock outcrop facing northwest. This section has relatively dry footing except for a few low boggy crossings in the middle stretch. The first camping zone cluster is at Rain Lake, where three designated sites sit along the northeast shore.

Rain Lake to Head Lake (12–31 km)

This is the longest continuous section and the most demanding in terms of elevation change. The trail climbs three distinct ridges between kilometres 14 and 26, each offering views over a forested lake basin. The descent into the Head Lake area is steep on the north side; trekking poles are useful here. Head Lake has five designated backcountry sites with bear-hang cables.

Head Lake to Harness Lake (31–52 km)

The central section crosses flatter terrain through a spruce-fir transition zone. Stream crossings here are sometimes knee-deep in early June when snowmelt is still contributing to flow. The Harness Lake section includes a short loop spur (2.4 km) to an elevated lookout that is worth the added distance on a clear day. Campsites at Harness Lake are the most frequently occupied on the route.

Harness Lake to East Trailhead (52–78 km)

The eastern section descends gradually toward Rock Lake. The final 6 kilometres follow the eastern ridge above the lake, passing a mapped glacial erratic field before dropping to the Rock Lake parking area. This section has fewer campsites but more consistent footing compared to the western half.

Fall colours on the Centennial Ridges Trail within Algonquin Provincial Park

Difficulty Rating

Ontario Parks classifies this trail as moderate to difficult. The designation reflects cumulative distance and the ridge crossings rather than technical terrain. There are no fixed ropes, scrambling sections, or route-finding challenges beyond reading blaze markers. The difficulty increases significantly in wet conditions, when clay-over-rock sections become slick. A base fitness level suitable for carrying a 15–18 kg pack over 15 to 20 km per day is appropriate for completing the loop in 5 days.

Gear Checklist

Mandatory or Strongly Recommended
  • Backcountry camping permit (printed or digital) — required
  • Topographic map of Algonquin Provincial Park (1:50,000 scale) — cell coverage is absent through most of the route
  • Water filter or iodine tablets — all drinking water from lakes and streams must be treated
  • Bear hang line (10–15 m) or approved bear canister — required at all designated sites
  • Rain gear and insulating mid-layer — temperatures drop below 5°C on ridge tops even in July
  • Blister kit and moleskin — the clay-soils sections create abrasion hotspots on longer days
  • Trekking poles — recommended for the Head Lake descent
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Emergency whistle and first aid kit
Optional but Useful
  • Camp shoes or sandals — significant relief at end-of-day stream crossings
  • Gaiters — useful in the central section during May and June
  • Insect head net — black flies peak from late May through mid-June
  • Paper field guide to boreal tree species — the transition zones have good diversity

Seasonal Access

The trail is normally accessible from mid-May through late October. Conditions vary significantly by season:

Spring (May–June)
Limited
Stream crossings high; black flies heavy until mid-June; trail may be muddy on clay sections
Summer (Jul–Aug)
Open
Peak season; sites book quickly; carry extra water on dry ridge sections
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Open
Best conditions; fewer insects; fall colour peaks late September; cold nights above 500 m
Winter (Nov–Apr)
Closed
No maintained access; backcountry camping still allowed but no services

Getting There

The Highway 60 corridor, which passes through the southern section of Algonquin Provincial Park, is reached via Highway 60 from Huntsville (approximately 50 km east) or from Ottawa via Highway 17 and 60 (approximately 200 km west). Two trailheads are relevant for the Highland Trail:

  • West Trailhead (Rain Lake): Located at km 25.3 on Highway 60. Signed parking lot on the north side of the highway.
  • East Trailhead (Rock Lake): Located at km 40 on Highway 60, then 5 km north on Rock Lake Road. Seasonal road; verify status before driving.

Day-use vehicle permits are required for parking in Algonquin Provincial Park. These are available at the East Gate, West Gate, or self-serve stations at select parking areas. Current permit fees are listed on the Ontario Parks website.

Park Contact

Algonquin Provincial Park is administered by Ontario Parks. The park office on Highway 60 can be reached by phone during operating hours. Current trail conditions, permit availability, and wildlife alerts are posted at the park gates and on the Ontario Parks website.