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DISTANCE: 1.5 km loop TRAIL TYPE: Unpaved trail DIFFICULTY: Moderate slopes. EXTREME CARE needed at unfenced canyon rim

Barron Canyon Information The Barron Canyon Trail is a 1.5 km long interpretative trail that passes through pine forest to the rim of a 100 m deep canyon, which is one of the most spectacular sights in Algonquin Park. The canyon was formed 10 000 years ago as raging water from melting glaciers made its way to the Champlain Sea. Today, the Barron River, accompanied by canoes, gently courses through the impressive canyon. How to get there From the intersections of Hwys 17 and 58 west of Pembroke, drive eight kilometers north-west along Hwy 17, pass the Forest Lea Road turnoff and take the next left turn onto Doran Rd (Cty Rd 26). Travel 300 metres, and then turn right onto the Barron Canyon Road. Drive 26 km on pavement, then gravel to the Sand Lake Gate at the Park boundary, where you can buy a day-use vehicle permit and excellent publications by The Friends of Algonquin Park. Continue west for another 11 km to the signposted Barron Canyon parking lot on your left hand side.

Directions	Further Information   At the Sand Lake Gate pick up the excellent Barron Canyon Trail guide published by The Friends of Algonquin Park.
From the car parking lot, hike up the gradual incline to the edge of the canyon. The path follows the canyon rim, then cuts back into the forest. CAUTION is needed at the unfenced canyon cliffs.

Map -- Barron Canyon

 

Points of Interest

Barron Canyon Formation  Ten thousand years ago the glaciers, often five kilometres high, receded and formed Algonquin Lake to the north of the Park. The water from Algonquin Lake drained away in raging torrents through the Fossmill Outlet following the present path of Petawawa and Barron Rivers on its way to the Champlain Sea.

Canoeing through the Barron Canyon. The 7 km-long route shown below is one of the most popular and awe-inspiring of the 1,600 kilometres of established canoe routes in Algonquin Park. A one-way excursion is to drive one vehicle to Brigham Access, then canoe down river to a second (shuttle) vehicle left at Squirrel Rapids. Look out for Barn Swallows and Eastern Phoebes nesting on the canyon walls and rare relict species of glacial times, such as the Encrusted Saxifrage and Fragrant Cliff Fern. The Canoe Routes of Algonquin Park map brochure, obtained at the Sand Lake Gate, is an essential aid to a successful trip.

Links of interest
		• The Friends of Algonquin Park • Ontario Parks

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First Posted: July 20th, 2001

Authors: Richard Richardson & Gregory Richardson