The best hiking trail in Algonquin Park: Centennial Ridges
If you're wondering where to go hiking, look no further than Algonquin Park for some of the best hiking trails in Ontario. The Park has so many trails that are easily accessible from the Highway 60 Corridor, and you can't really go wrong with any of them. That being said, you should choose one that suits your fitness level, allotted time, and interests. For me, Centennial Ridges is the best hike in Algonquin Park and I always recommend it to Park visitors.
Centennial Ridges is special to me because my family and close friends have a tradition to hike it on Thanksgiving weekend each year, when we've all gathered together for the weekend in Huntsville. On Sunday morning, we get up bright and early and hit the trail before the tourists, earning us the reward of having the trail almost completely to ourselves. All the while, we can't help but think about the delicious turkey dinner than waits for us when we get home!
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What to expect from your hike at Centennial Ridges
Located at kilometre 37.6 from the West Gate, Centennial Ridges is a 10-kilometre loop that takes between 3-6 hours to complete. If you are a regular hiker and are in decent shape, the loop will take 3 hours if you make minimal stops. I prefer to take about 3.5 hours in order to break for a snack at one of the ridges and to take in the views. If you're an inexperienced hiker, Centennial Ridges could take you up to 6 hours to complete, so make sure you start the trail with plenty of time before dark.
At kilometre 37.6 on Highway 60, take the road to right, marked with a Centennial Ridges hiking sign. You'll travel down a dirt road for about 2 kilometres before reaching the trail parking lot (there are bathrooms here). The trail head is located beside the bathrooms and is marked with signs and a map. Be sure to pick up a Trail Guide at the map, because it features explanations of the history of the park and descriptions of what you'll see!
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The hike begins on flat terrain but you'll soon reach a steep uphill incline. At the top of the first hill, you'll see a signpost with a map and arrow pointing to the trail on the left. This is the proper direction to hike the trail, but there's an insiders tip: if you're just here for a quick 2-kilometre hike to see a ridge and vista, then take the path to the right. You'll soon reach two of the highest ridges of the hike and you can return the way you came to keep your hike short. Of course, I don't recommend this route because the entire hike is worth seeing, but if you're in a rush or the weather is bad, this may be a good option.
The terrain on Centennial Ridges varies from rocky, muddy and wet, to dry and flat. There is lots of elevation change since there are about 7 ridges to ascend and descend. The trail is worn enough to be easy to follow, but it is narrow, rocky, and littered with tree roots and stumps. It is very important to have good footwear on this hike - either sturdy running shoes, or hiking boots.
When to go hiking in Algonquin Park
Winter
In the Winter months, trail heads and access roads are not all maintained, so hiking in the Winter could require some extra distance to reach the beginning of the trail. This is true of Centennial Ridges, as the access road is not plowed. If you go hiking in the Winter, you will have to park at Highway 60 and hike along the road (2km) until you reach the trail head. Make sure you have all the proper gear if you're hiking in the winter. Since the trails are not maintained, snowshoes are a must-have for trekking through the deep snow. Make sure you leave plenty of time to complete the hike in the daylight. During the winter months, days are short and it is best not to be hiking after 5 PM when it gets dark.
Spring
Hiking in Spring is also a good option, but if you choose this season I would recommend going in April or early May, otherwise you risk being eaten alive by mosquitos! If you go in March or early April when most of the snow has melted, keep in mind that the packed snow on the trails will probably have turned to ice. If you go hiking early in the season, you run the risk of walking on ice and treacherous terrain. In the Spring and early summer, the trails can be quite muddy after the snow melts, so be prepared to hike through deep mud and flowing streams.
*Note: trails are sometimes closed in early Spring due to flooding. It is a good idea to check the Algonquin Park website before hiking in any season so that you are aware of closures or warnings.
Summer
In the Summer months, many tourists and locals venture into the park to enjoy the warm weather and clear skies. While this is the busiest time in the park, it is still a great time to go hiking. If possible, go throughout the week to avoid the weekend crowds. Also, remember your bug spray and sunscreen!
Fall
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In my opinion, Fall is the best time to go hiking. If I had to choose one month in which to go hiking at Centennial Ridges, I would choose September. By then, most of the bugs are gone and the trails are usually quite dry unless it has rained recently. The main draw for hiking in September are the changing colours of the leaves which make for beautiful vistas. People come from all over to experience this beautiful season, so the park is always quite busy. When I hiked at Thanksgiving, the park was so busy that they had to stop issuing permits by noon because all the trail heads, access roads, and parking lots were completely full! To avoid this, you need to get up early and hit the trail before any of the tourists. I always aim to leave Huntsville at 7:30 AM to be on the trail by 8:30AM. By the time you're done your hike, the bulk of the tourists will just be arriving!
What to bring hiking at Centennial Ridges
The most important things to remember when hiking are plenty of water and good footwear. Centennial Ridges can be quite strenuous if you're not prepared so bring a daypack full of the essentials.
- water
- sturdy running shoes or hiking boots
- weather dependent clothing (e.g. rain coat, warm coat)
- snacks
- camera and/or binoculars
- bugs spray, sunscreen
- first aid kit
You don't need much to enjoy your hike at Centennial Ridges! Remember to leave the trail in better condition when you found it by picking up garbage. Please help conserve the trail so that others can enjoy it too!
Why you should go hiking at Centennial Ridges
The challenge of hiking Centennial Ridges is exciting and allows you to get off the beaten track. Since the hike is long and strenuous, it's not as prone to crowds of people like other hikes in Algonquin (except on long weekends like Thanksgiving!) From the ridges, you can't see any roads or towns, so you feel fully isolated and immersed in nature. I think it's one of the best feelings in the world to go enjoy a little bit of peace and quiet from the outside world. Centennial Ridges provides the perfect opportunity to separate yourself from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and gain an appreciation of the vastness and beauty of Algonquin Park.
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Hiking Centennial Ridges at Thanksgiving is something I look forward to each year. I'm always eager to get out into the fresh Fall air and go for a challenging hike. If you're looking to reconnect with nature, I challenge you to make a tradition of it. Choose a weekend or day throughout the year and commit to doing a specific hike or activity on that day. I promise you'll end up looking forward to it, and traditions are perfect things to share with family and friends.