How can I get to Algonquin park from Toronto an inexpensive way?

Question

I want to go on a camping trip with a couple of my friends, HOWEVER none of use have a car. What mode of transportation should I take to get there from Toronto. It's 4hrs away. How much would it cost as well?

Thanks for any suggestions and answers!

Answer 1

That's a real problem.  You can't hitchhike on the #400 highways or other marked highways.  There are no trains up that way.  You could take the bus, but will have to change busses several times and go via Barrie or similar.  Anyone old enough to rent a car??

Answer 2

Greyhound offers a bus service that stops in Maynooth that's close to the south east part of the park. The cost you'll have to figure out using Greyhound's online service here: http://www.greyhound.ca/en/  since I have no clue where in Toronto you're leaving from or what date but from what I could see there, the service runs on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. There is a bus change you need to make from Toronto at Barrie.

There's at least one outfitter in Maynooth that offers a daily shuttle service to the park here: http://www.algonquinbackpacker.com/activ...

For that matter you can also check the various outfitters in town for a camping package where they'll take you in, provide a canoe or whatever you need for your stay and pick you up at the end.

Other than renting a car, Greyhound is your only option. You could purchase one of the tour packages some of the local outfitters offer, but you're still going on that bus.

Answer 3

There are some hostels (http://www.wolfdenbunkhouse.com/ is the website for one of them) that will drive you from Huntsville to their lodge, and can drop you off in the park. So if you were to do your trip as a hostel/cabin sort of trip, and then take day hikes, that would be one option.

Another thing to consider is going somewhere other than Algonquin, and travelling by train. The VIA rail northern lines, Ontario Northland, and Algoma railways all have trains where you can request a stop in remote areas. Obviously you'll have to do some research beforehand, but you can get them to let you off in the middle of nowhere so that you can camp. I'm not sure how much it would cost, though.

Answer 4

My answer is this ..........

Pick another Provincial park that isn't a "wilderness park "

Algonquin is designed for people in vehicles. It is a long way from any town, and  once you get there, the park is huge. more than 3,000 square miles in area.

There are many others that are much closer to Toronto.

Do a google search for "provincial parks in Ontario ".

Jim B.. Toronto.