With many visitors heading to Algonquin this fall season, we are to highlight a few operational details that are important for operators to know in advance of group visits.
How to get a permit
Between September 1, 2026, and October 31, 2026, bus permits are available for purchase in advance of arrival, starting May 15, 2026, by contacting Ontario Parks at 1-866-668-7275 between 7am and 9pm ET. Please note the following important information:
- To guarantee space for your bus, all operators are encouraged to purchase a permit in advance of arrival. You will be able to purchase a permit only until all available bus permits for that day are sold out.
- This year, buses are not permitted to stop at the West Gate on weekends due to congestion and safety issues. You will not be permitted to stop or disembark passengers, including for access to washrooms. If you arrive without a permit on a weekend, please purchase your bus permit by calling 1-888-668-7275. You will not be allowed to purchase a bus permit at the West Gate.
- Bus permits cost $125 and must be paid by credit card. Licence plate information is required at the time of booking. If you do not have licence plate info to provide, please let the call centre agent know, and you can call back to update that info ahead of your arrival. Please purchase a bus permit for the Hwy 60 Corridor, the preferred fall colour viewing area with park facilities.
- Please have a printed or digital copy of the permit confirmation with the bus driver while in Algonquin.
- Outside of the September 1 to October 31 window, bus permits can only be purchased upon arrival at the East or West Gate.
- Bus Permits for the fall season at Algonquin can only be purchased over the phone, not online.
Where to go?
Algonquin offers a stunning landscape for bus tours; however, there are a few guidelines for arriving with large groups in buses.
- Buses are encouraged to enter through and stop at the East Gate to reduce congestion during the fall.
- All buses must have a valid bus permit to use the facilities in Algonquin Provincial Park. You do not require a bus permit to drive through the park; however, you may not stop without a permit.
- Buses are not permitted to drop off passengers along HWY 60.
Buses are permitted to park at the following locations:
- Algonquin Art Centre (km 20)
- Outdoor Theatre parking pods near the East Beach (km 35.4) * This is the preferred location to park after having dropped a group off at another location.
- Algonquin Visitor Centre (km 43)
- Algonquin Logging Museum (km 54.5), overflow at Leaf Lake (across Highway from Algonquin Logging Museum)
Buses, trailers and RVs are not permitted at:
- Whiskey Rapids
- Hardwood Lookout
- Peck Lake
- Centennial Ridges
- Booth’s Rock
- Lookout Trail
- Beaver Pond Trail
- Spruce Bog Boardwalk
- Canoe Lake Store
- Two Rivers Store
- Lake Opeongo Store
The parking lots and roads at these locations are incompatible with large vehicles due to challenges in access and safety.
Trails
Buses are permitted to drop off and pick up passengers at the following trailheads/ trail parking lots. Buses are not permitted to park there. You must park elsewhere (see list of locations above). You must make every effort to be as quick as possible while dropping off and picking up to minimize time blocking traffic. Please ensure you have a way for your group to contact the driver for pick-up. Check the length of the trail before letting the group start, and confirm it is suitable for your group and timelines.
- Track and Tower (7.5 km, 4 hours)
- Hemlock Bluff (3.5 km, 2 hours)
- Bat Lake (5.8 km, 3.5 hours)
- Two Rivers Trail (2.3 km, 1.5 hours)
- Big Pines (2.9 km, 2 hours) (for Big Pines trail and for Lookout Trail 2.1 km, + 900 m with extension trail from Big Pines, 1.5 hours)
- Algonquin Logging Museum (1.3 km, 1 hour)
New! We have created a connector trail from the Big Pines Trail parking lot up to the Lookout Trail parking lot that is 450m (900 m round trip) plus the 2.1 km hike of Lookout Trail (total of 3 km in length). This trail is a safe alternative to dropping off visitors at the Lookout Trail parking lot. Please discourage passengers from walking the side of the highway.
Bus-friendly Attractions and Services to help plan your trip:
- Algonquin Visitor Centre – Museum with dioramas, film, lookout, washrooms, art room, a bookstore and nature shop. Open daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. No restaurant. Km 43.
- Algonquin Logging Museum – Indoor and outdoor museum and re-created logging camps. Open daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The indoor museum is open until October 18; the trail is open year-round. Km 54.5
- Algonquin Art Centre – Gallery featuring art inspired by the Algonquin landscape. Open daily, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm until October 18, Km 20.
Washrooms
A number of locations have flush toilets, vault toilets and portable toilets available. Please use them.
- Washroom facilities are available for tour buses at:
- West Gate (Weekdays only; km 0)
- East Beach Washrooms (km 35.4)
- Algonquin Visitor Centre (km 43)
- Algonquin Logging Museum (km 54.5)
- East Gate (km 55.8)
Please note, there are additional washrooms/vault privies at some of the trailheads, like Track and Tower, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and Big Pines (no bus parking, but for dropped off users) and at some of the day-use areas.
Other helpful tips
- It is up to tour participants to dress for the weather and conditions.
- Garbage Facilities – Help us keep Algonquin beautiful. Please use the garbage and recycling facilities found at day-use areas and park facilities. If no receptacle is present, like at trailheads, please take all garbage with you.
- Buses and cars are not permitted to park on the side of Highway 60. Please only park in designated parking spaces.
- Do not approach wildlife and always maintain a respectful distance.
- In case of emergency, call 9-1-1
- For capacity and condition updates, follow us on X @Algonquin_PP
- For alerts and information, visit ontarioparks.com/park/Algonquin