Algonquin Park Wildlife
Algonquin Park Wildlife
Algonquin Park is home to some of Canada’s most iconic wildlife, from moose and wolves to beavers, otters, and hundreds of bird species. Algonquin Provincial Park lies in a transition zone between deciduous forests typical of areas to the south of the Park, and coniferous forests, more typical of areas to the north. The result is that both forest types provide numerous habitats for all sort of Algonquin wildlife species to enjoy.
What Wildlife lives in Algonquin Park?
45 Species of Mammals
Moose, Bears, Wolves...
50 Species of Fish
Trout, Bass, Pike...
262 Species of Birds
Loons, Eagles, Bluejays...
7000 Species of Insects
Pollinators, Beetles, Dragonflies...
30 Species of Reptiles & Amphibians
Frogs, Turtles, Salamanders...
over 1000 Species of Plants
White Pine, Cedar, Birch and over 1000 Species of Fungi...
What Wildlife Might You See or Hear on an Algonquin Park Adventure?
Moose
Algonquin Park is one of the best places in Ontario, perhaps North America, to see wildlife and a moose sighting is always a fan favourite! In spring and early summer, moose are seen in ponds, rivers and lakes feeding on water lilies. If you are keen to get a picture of a moose, Voyageur Quest operate Moose Safari canoe trips every June and July.
Loons
What is more classic in Algonquin’s backcountry than listening to the call of the loon. Hearing the long and haunting wail, or the wild, dramatic tremolo, is a reminder that we are in the wilderness.
Most lakes have at least one pair of loons in Algonquin Park and some lakes bigger Lakes often have 2. Surprise Lake, where our Algonquin Log Cabin is, often has a pair at the west end of the lake and another pair near Kitchie Island, right in front of the Log Cabin.
Loons are seen on almost every one of our Algonquin canoe trips, Algonquin Log Cabin adventures, and with a stay at the Algonquin Cottage Outpost on Kawawaymog Lake.
Wolves
The Algonquin Wolves, once called Eastern Wolves, are very hard to see in the wild. Having said, many of our Algonquin Park canoe trips and Algonquin Log Cabin adventures have had the thrill of lying in their tents or sitting around the campfire and hearing a spine-tingling howl or a pack howling together.
While we see wolf tracks and scat throughout the year, we most often hear wolves in August and September. In the winter, in late January , we see lots of tracks near the Algonquin Log Cabin and the occasional wolf kill on a frozen lake.
If you are keen to hear wolves, come on one of our Fall canoe trips or a 3 day trip at the Algonquin Log Cabin.
Beavers and Otters
Beavers are very common in Algonquin Park. At Algonquin’s north west, numerous beaver damns clog the Amable du fond river and can be a challenge to get over in your canoe. Over at the Algonquin Log cabin, Surprise Creek is filled with Beaver damns and lodges and there are excellent places to see beaver chews on soft wood trees.
The best time to see beavers is early in the morning or at disk. We often see Beavers on night paddles from the log cabin and hear the occasional “slap! ” of their tail. In terms of seasons, April is the best viewing month as you are able to see the beavers out of the water, sitting on the ice in the fresh spring air. After a long winter spent mostly in their lodge and under the ice, they seem keen for the sun, warm air and freedom of spring!
Otters are also quite common and seen throughout the year. Late November and early winter is ideal Otter viewing times as they can be seen popping their heads out of the ice and sliding across the ice. In winter , Otter slides ” are seen on many of our ski and snowshoe trails around the Algonquin Log Cabin.
Bald Eagles, Woodpeckers…
Algonquin Park is positioned in a transition between the southern Carolinian Hardwood forests and the conifers of the Boreal Forest to the north. This translates into excellent diversity of birds and over 270 recorded species. Pileated, Hairy, and Downy Woodpeckers are all around the Algonquin Log Cabin and are seen throughout the year. To our delight, Bald Eagles have returned after a long absence due to DDT and other chemicals being used in Ontario. In 2009, Bald Eagles were sighted on our Algonquin Island Retreat on Kawawaymog Lake. They have stayed ever since and can be seen most often at the mouth of the Amable du Fond River.Most birds in Algonquin Park are seasonal residents or migrants. May and June are excellent times to come and see a wide variety of species. In May 2014, Dr. Darryl Edwards of Laurentian University counted 56 bird species in 5 days at the Algonquin Log Cabin ! Wild Turkeys have also returned and are seen on the roads between the Algonquin Cottage Outpost and the Algonquin Log Cabin .
Algonquin Park Wildlife Resources
Black Bear Safety
There are Black bears in Algonquin Park. While it is quite unlikely you will see one, there are some good tips from Algonquin Park Wardens on how to prepare yourself.
Check out their suggestions here
Algonquin Wolf Howls
Algonquin Park is likely the best place in the world to hear wolves. Every Thursday in August, Algonquin Park Biologists run a public wolf howl along the highway 60 corridor.
Check out the wolf howl program here
Bug Season
Bug season in Algonquin is typically late May and most of June.
Here is some more information about Mosquitoes and Blackflies.
Algonquin Park Wildlife Checklist
How many bird, mammals, reptiles and fish can you check off?
View the checklist here
Best Algonquin Park Adventures for Wildlife Enthusiasts
Protecting Wildlife through Sustainable practices
Voyageur Quest is committed to issues of sustainability and being a responsible Algonquin Park Adventure tourism supplier. The incredible diversity of wildlife in Algonquin Park — from soaring Bald Eagles to Pileated Woodpeckers — reminds us of the delicate balance of these ecosystems. At Voyageur Quest, we don’t just celebrate these animals; we actively protect their habitats through sustainable practices that minimize human impact, promote conservation, and support local biodiversity.
Voyageur Quest - Our Sustainable Tourism Pledge
Voyageur Quest has signed the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge, to demonstrate our commitment to improving the sustainability performance of our business between now and 2030.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLERS CODE OF CONDUCT
At Voyageur Quest, we hold ourselves accountable to the benchmarks in our Code of Conduct. This guides our organization, our staff, and our guests to act as Responsible Travellers. Below, you can explore the section focused on Wildlife. To learn about our other sustainability practices, visit our full Sustainability page
Respect Nature and Algonquin Park Wildlife
- Stay on marked trails to prevent habitat disruption whenever possible.
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife using binoculars for observation.
- It is illegal for any visitor to feed wildlife in any of Ontario's provincial parks, including Algonquin Park.
- Avoid loud noises and sudden movements to prevent stressing animals.
- Do not remove or disturb plants, logs, or natural materials that animals rely on for shelter.
- Dispose of trash properly and pack out all waste to keep habitats clean.
- Keep pets leashed and under control to protect wildlife and their environment.
- Take photos responsibly — never chase or harass animals. If wildlife alters its behaviour, you are likley too close. Use zoom.
- Follow seasonal restrictions, closures, and guidelines to protect nesting or breeding areas.