Scenic Views · Camping & Hiking · Ontario
Lookout Trail
A steep 1.9 km loop to a clifftop view over Algonquin Park's forests and lakes, one of the most popular short hikes on Highway 60. Go early; the parking lot fills fast.
What visitors say
Lookout Trail climbs to the top of a cliff with one of the widest views in Algonquin Park: layer after layer of forested hills and lakes. Reviewers call it one of the best short hikes in the park and say the view is spectacular in the fall.
The loop is about 1.9 km. The first part is a steady climb; one hiker explained that the left side is shorter and steeper, while the right side is longer and easier but rocky and slippery on the way down. Most people take an hour to an hour and a half with photo stops. It's well marked, but not stroller friendly, and there are cliff edges at the top, so keep a close eye on children.
The trail itself is the attraction; there's no water access, but the park's lakes offer fishing with an Ontario licence. Bring a snack and sit on the rocks at the top. One reviewer found a quieter trail across the highway with a similar view and far fewer people.
Parking is the hardest part. The small lot fills quickly on fall weekends, so arrive early. You need an Algonquin daily vehicle permit.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 1,119 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.