Algonquin Provincial Park: Kingscote to Scorch Lake (3 days / 24 km)

This report is about a short, muddy and solo trip in South Algonquin. This trip covers 24 km but do not underestimate it! It is a beautiful and less travelled part of the park, plus there is some big lake exposure at the start.

Trip Completed: October 2021

Trip Summary

Starting Point: Algonquin Park access point 15 (Kingscote L.)

Ending Point: Algonquin Park access point 15 (Kingscote L.)

Total Distance: 24.2 km

Duration: 3 days plus + 1 rest day (could be done in 3 days but could also be stretched out into 5 days).

Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate, but there are some long muddy portages so some canoe tripping experience is recommended.

Location: South Algonquin; the closest town would be Harcourt, Ontario.

Traditional Territory: This route in Algonquin Provincial Park is located on the traditional territory of the Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin) and Anishinabewaki (source).

Maps & Resources

Guidebook: Top 60 Canoe Routes of Ontario by Kevin Callan

Map: Friends of Algonquin Park Map (Algonquin 3 - Corridor South also works)

Interactive Route Map: Click here to view and edit this route using the Canoe Route Planner

Permits & Reservations

Campsite Reservations & Permits: Reservations can be made through the Ontario Parks reservation portal. Reserving a campsite on the lake (online or by phone) means one of the sites on that lake is reserved for you. You may not reserve a specific site. First come, first serve. Print your permit at home, there is no office to pick up a copy or check-in at this access point. 

Although most trip reports in this area say that Algonquin permits can be picked up from Pine Grove Point Campground Inc., that is apparently not true (according to Deep Routes Adventure). I'd suggest printing 2 copies of your online booking. One for the dashboard of your car, which you can park at the Kingscote lake put-in and one permit to take with you on the trip.

Outf...