Things to Do

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul”.

John Muir

A large body of water with trees on the shore

SWIMMING

Our sandy swimming areas are shallow and great for children. The water quality in Hay Lake is excellent with no pollution.

A canadian flag is flying over a row of kayaks

CANOES & KAYAKS

Canoes and Kayaks are included, whether you want to fish, look for wildlife or just enjoy paddling to explore the lake.

Two girls are standing next to each other on a rock in the woods.

HIKING & BIKING

We have well-marked hiking trails that are never crowded and provide a chance to experience the Algonquin region forest firsthand. Or you can hike or bike on the Hay Lake road, either on paved or unpaved sections.

A sunset over a lake with trees in the background

PAINTING & SKETCHING

Algonquin Park and the surrounding region have been popular with artists since the park was established. The solitude of Hay Lake, the surrounding woodlands, birds & wildlife and our spectacular sunsets are all subjects for anyone wishing to capture these images in art.

A bunch of small white flowers with yellow centers

DOING NOTHING

Many of our guests come here to unwind and unplug from the demands of work and daily life. Our cottages have no TVs or radios. As the saying goes: While you won’t find the internet in the forest, you will still experience a great connection!

ALGONQUIN PARK

A reflection of trees in a body of water

EXPLORE

With its magnificent 3,200 square miles of wilderness, Algonquin Park is a world renowned treasure. Explore and learn more about this famous park through the Visitor Centre or the Logging Museum, and its many hiking trails and programs.

A moose with antlers is grazing in the grass in the woods.

EXPERIENCE NATURE

During May and June, you’re almost guaranteed a moose siting as you drive through the Park.The area has a wide variety of wildlife, waterfowl and other birds. September and October are the perfect time to enjoy Algonquin’s spectacular autumn colours.

A green frog with black spots is laying on some rocks

GO FURTHER

If your schedule allows, consider the Experience Algonquin Workshops for an in-depth exploration.

FISHING

A man is holding a large fish in his hands.

FISH

Hay Lake has a variety of fish habitats and underwater structures and is home to smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, lake trout and panfish. The lake is 16 km (10 miles) long with islands, weed flats, marshes and bays.

A man is holding a large bass in his hands.

SEASONS & LICENSES

Current fishing seasons and regulations can be found online at Ontario Fishing Regulations for Fisheries Management Zone 15 (FMZ 15). A current fishing license is required for all adults age 18-65 who are fishing and can be purchased online.

A couple in a boat on a lake with trees in the background

GETTING TO THE FISH

Your chances of catching fish are best when fishing from a watercraft where you can try different depths and areas. Hay Lake has a variety of fish-holding habitats which are only accessible from the water.

A woman is holding a large fish on a boat

BRINGING YOUR OWN BOAT?

Free private docking and electric charging outlets for boat batteries are provided. There is a public boat launch for Hay Lake a 3-minute drive away. Our shallow beach area is fine for launching your boat if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle.