Early this summer we went RV camping in Algonquin Provincial Park, and had the opportunity to hike a few of the trails along Highway 60 while we were there!
We camped at the Two Rivers Campground, which was a lovely campsite. It was also very close to the Spruce Boardwalk Trail, which was a perfect, easy hike with kids. Plus a great spot to enjoy the peace and beauty of Algonquin Park.
This was such a perfect hike for little legs!
Quick Facts
Length: 1.5 km
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead Coordinates: 45°35’13.5″N 78°22’25.6″W
Washroom at Trailhead: No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Cell Reception: Spotty
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Parking: Right at the trailhead.
Cost: Free if you’re camping at Algonquin, or $21 for a day pass.
Open in Winter: Yes
The trail is so short and level that our little guy was able to walk almost the entire length of it.
Getting There
The trailhead for the Spruce Bog Boardwalk is right off of Highway 60 in Algonquin Park. It’s closer to the east gate than it is to the west gate.
There was a huge parking lot at the trailhead, with space for 50 cars easily. On the day we were there, a Saturday, it wasn’t too crowded though. There was only a handful of cars.
The Trail
We spotted the beginning of the trail near the back of the parking lot. There was a small blue sign posted that said “entrance.” We started out walking over a wide wooden bridge, and then 100 metres along the trail switched to crushed gravel. Despite the change in terrain, the crushed gravel was so tiny and the trail so compact that it remained universally accessible. It also remained wide enough that we were easily able to walk side by side.
Setting out on the trail.
As we walked through the bog itself we were back on a long boardwalk, and there was no shade. So on hot, sunny days this section of trail would be quite warm. But then after walking just 400 metres we found ourselves headed into a shadier section of trail in the forest.
The boardwalk continued to wind through the forest. Because the trail consisted of boardwalk and was otherwise so wide and well established, it would have been nearly impossible to lose it. So despite the fact that there weren’t many trail markers up, we never felt like we were at risk of going off trail.
We had also grabbed one of the guidebooks put together by the Friends of Algonquin, an we followed the numbered posts that correlated with the guide as we hiked along.
These guidebooks are a fun way to learn about the environment around you- they’re available at trailheads during the summer and at park gates or online at other times of year.
Heading Back
We continued through mixed forest and then came back out into the bog, right near the highway as we neared the end of our hike. There was a bench here looking out over a stunning view of the bog, so I think if you were only able to travel a short distance it might be best to hike this trail the opposite way we did, starting at the exit and making your way a short distance to rest at this bench.
View from the bench near the end of the trail.
In this spot there were two bridges before we found ourselves back on a super wide, flat section of trail that ran parallel to the highway, and brought us right back to the parking lot. We re-entered the parking lot from the opposite side where we had begun the trail.
Nealy at the end of the trail.
Trail Thoughts
This trail was perfect for an easy walk with kids. They loved lying down on the boardwalk and searching for insects and frogs. And they also got a break from the sun/some variety in the forest. The entire length of the trail was universally accessible which was amazing. And which also means that strollers and wagons could make it easily along the trail, for parents who may not feel like carrying kids. And having the guidebooks is always fun because there’s so much you can learn about Algonquin Park in general and the specific trail you’re on while you’re on it!
Searching for critters.
Happy hiking!
