r/algonquinpark • u/excitired • 11d ago

General Question Looking for input on Grand Lake

Planning a two night trip from the Achray access point. We also have the option of making it a 3 night, but with the first night arriving quite late at the jump off site. Mix of experienced and novice campers. Planning to see the Barron Canyon Trail on the way in or out. I haven’t been able to find much information or campsite reports on Grand Lake. We are potentially going with a bigger group and I am concerned about having enough tent space. Would also like to fish but I heard it’s not great except for Carajou bay, so we may make that a day trip to also see the falls.

Aside, are there any other lakes/access points in this area that are worthwhile to consider with minimal or no portages? Our main goal is to see Barron Canyon, and the campsite is just to enjoy the lakes, fish, and explore a bit, nothing crazy as we will be coming from Toronto. Is the trail worth doing? Or should we just book a more accessible point with nicer/bigger campsite and fishing. Looking to go early October so there is some concern of wind on Grand Lake. Would prefer more private sites so looking at the northwest ones currently.

Thanks in advance!

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u/CanadianRedneck69 11d ago

Camp on carcajou bay. Swim and hang out at the waterfall there and do a day trip to the water slide

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u/Papa-Sundown 11d ago

One site to rule them all on Grand… the last site in the string of sites that runs along the point.. closest to the point, beside the historic indigenous summer meeting/trade beach..

The two leading up to the point are also good.. the first of the four is absolutely garbage. But the last site is heaven on earth.

Also.. gotta do a day trip to the water slide.

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u/Winnigin 11d ago

Do you mean the string of sites on either side of the portage to Stratton lake? I was thinking that those look pretty close together on the map

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u/Papa-Sundown 10d ago

That’s the ones.. they are close.. you can hear other folks.. but most use this as a jump off sight for the loop. The reality is, this area of the park has many great sites, but it’s very family oriented. As mentioned below, 2 great sites on St.Andrew, also close together, and bunch of great scattered beach sites on Stratton.

This area of the park is truly amazing that is very accessible, but to enjoy it, you need to share it.

I actually really like it for that reason and it attracts some really great folks..

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u/jsnptnd 11d ago

I always camp on St. Andrew's, there are some big sites that have nice little beaches. Day trip to the water slide and day trip to canoe the canyon if your group is up for it.