Western Uplands Backpacking Trail

Overview

This is Algonquin’s big backpacking classic: three interconnected loops ranging from roughly 32 to 88 km (about 20–55 miles) through lake‑studded Canadian Shield. Expect steady ups and downs, side slopes, sharp turns, and the occasional scenic lookout and glacial erratic boulder. The park rates it Difficult, and that’s fair—fit beginners do fine on the shortest loop, but the full system is a real workout.

Route options (and an easy win)

The shortest “inner” loop is commonly done over 3 days/2 nights and comes out to about 36 km depending on your campsite choices. A proven itinerary from the Highway 60 trailhead: Day 1 to Maggie Lake (~12 km), Day 2 to Ramona Lake via Oak (~15 km), Day 3 out (~8–9 km). Maggie’s west‑side sites add about 4 km of flat shoreline walking; Oak and Maple Leaf make good lunch/swim stops; Ramona’s elevated sites have steep, sometimes muddy water access. Prefer variety? A mid‑length circuit of lakes on the west side—Rain, Islet, Weed, Stammer, Stutter, Brown, Ishkuday—runs about 44 km. Direction matters less than your reserved sites; go whichever way your bookings line up.

Access and seasonality

Start at the Highway 60 trailhead at km 3.0 (Oxtongue River Picnic Ground) or from the Rain Lake Access. The trail system is open year‑round, but Rain Lake Road isn’t maintained in winter, so that west access can be closed while Highway 60 remains open. In late April/early May, the Highway 60 trailhead area is prone to flooding and may temporarily close—build flexibility into spring plans. Autumn brings short daylight and leaf‑covered tread that can hide mud and holes; winter conditions make everything more serious.

Permits, reservations, navigation

Backcountry camping permits are mandatory; you can reserve up to five months in advance. As of 2022, you book specific backcountry sites. You can print your permit at home (leave a copy on your dash) or pick it up at the gate. The route is marked and has boardwalks over some marshy bits, but you should still carry the park’s Backpacking Trails Map and a compass and follow the blue markers—short sections can be faint or overgrown.

Trail reality and tips

Footing runs the gamut: rocky rollers, muddy low spots, creek crossings that get spicier after rain. Waterproof boots help; trekking poles make the hilly, leaf‑covered stretches friendlier. Start early outside of summer; parties on the inner loop typically hike about six hours a day. Campsites usually have a thunderbox and good pads, but firewood can be scarce by mid‑late August. Treat all water, store food properly, and pack enough calories—cool shoulder seasons burn energy fast. One small nav note leaving Guskewau Lake toward Highway 60: ignore the tempting riverside tread and look for a short, steep climb to stay on route.

Best time to hike

• Spring: variable water, potential flooding near Highway 60; bugs ramp up.
• Summer: the most popular and swim‑friendly; expect competition for the best sites and thinner firewood near busy lakes.
• Fall: cooler air, fewer bugs, leaf‑covered tread—watch your footing and daylight.
• Winter: generally accessed from Highway 60 only; snow/ice and short days raise the difficulty.

Nearby alternatives

Want a shorter day on Highway 60 with big views? Centennial Ridges (10.4 km) or Track & Tower (7.5 km) scratch the scenery itch with less commitment.