Hemlock Bluff

Hwy 60, Algonquin Park
Posted on March 13, 2020 / 1185
Hemlock Bluff
Listing Type : Snowshoe
Note : New Review
X-Ski km : none
Skate km : none
Snowshoe km : 3.5
Skill Level : Intermediate
Terrain : small hills, large hills, narrow paths, steep sections, tight turns, flat sections
Facilities : parking, trailhead map, good trail signage
Trail Fee : Yes

Length – 3.5  km

Cross-Country track set – 0 km
Skate Skiing groomed – 0 km
Snowshoe trail – 3.5 km 

Skill – Intermediate

Terrain – Flat sections, rolling hills,mix wooded  two lakes

Hours – Daylight

Fee –  Vehicle Day pass $ 17

Trail Map –  Trailhead map board, follow blue dots,  no paper map.

Facilities – Parking that’s it. Everything else is about 30km either direction.

Highlights – Scenic, wilderness, lake and bluff views

Phone – 705 633 5572

Website –  Ontario Parks,  Friends of Algonquin

Current Conditions  – refer to Snow Depth tab

Similar Trails – Silent Lake, Arrowhead, Wasaga

Local Clubs – none

Access – Located 27.2 km from the Algonquin Park West Gate or 28.8 km from the East Gate along highway 60. Medium sized parking lot on the south side of the road. Trailhead is on the north side of the road .



In the midst of Algonquin Park, Snowshoers can find numerous trail loops to try. One of them is the Hemlock Bluff Trail, an excellent 3.5 km long trek to explore for a few hours. 

Most Snowshoe trails I have done are within an area that has Nordic skiing. Often it is an add on by the resort due to the resurgence of the sport.

Not so here, as we decided to find a separate hiking trail up in Algonquin Park when we were visiting over a few days last March Break. 

Having the sun come out made this trek a special day. I found the terrain enjoyable, more of an Intermediate path to traverse and the scenery was not all forest and trees. 

As the name implies, your journey twists and climbs then descends to a stone bluff lookout between the trees. There is a bench there (if not buried beneath the snow) to take in the view and have a snack.

Further along, the path goes down to Jack Lake where we walked out onto the ice for a grand view and to take a few pictures.

There were stairs to get there, but even in March, the snow was a metre deep with the stairs buried in snow. Getting down them requires a strategy of holding onto the rail and picking your way down.

A number of other points on the route afforded us views through the clearings before the trail curved inland back up the hill towards the trailhead. 

Blue dot markers are posted on the trees as an aid to finding your way.  But frankly, in the winter, the path (trench) in the snow is evident unless you’re lost in a blizzard.

As with much of the park in the winter, there is little open nearby. The gatehouses at each end of the park are open and parts of the small towns beyond. There you can find a meal and lodging but the choices are few, so book ahead.  

If you’re keen, Mew Lake has winter camping and 7 heated yurts for rent.

Other short Snowshoe loops in Algonquin Park can be found at Peck Lake, Track & Tower, Ragged Falls, Bat Lake, and Whiskey Rapids Trails. All differ in length and difficulty. Off you go…

Opening Hours
  • Monday :Daylight hours
  • Tuesday :Daylight hours
  • Wednesday :Daylight hours
  • Thursday :Daylight hours
  • Friday :Daylight hours
  • Saturday :Daylight hours
  • Sunday :Daylight hours
Algonquin trails off hwy 60

Algonquin trails off hwy 60

Hemlock Bluff Snowshoe trail map

Hemlock Bluff Snowshoe trail map

Reviews
4.4
Total Score 1 REVIEW
Fun Factor: Scenic: Trail Design: Technical: Workout:
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