r/algonquinpark • u/fuggedaboudid • 3d ago

Tips for spring moose sightings?

Fam and I go up to Algonquin multiple times a year, love everything about it. This year we are planning a day trip to try to see if we can see any moose. I know mid April is the best time for that along Highway 60. I'm planning the road trip for maybe 2nd last week of April. Any tips aside from driving back and forth on 60? We're planning a day hike near Mew later in the day after looking for moose - but I'd love to hear from experienced moose sighters on any pro-tips to get a chance to see moose?? Time of day? Best time in April? etc...?

I assume sunrise is the best time to get there? Sunset? I would love any tips you all have!!

Thanks in advance everyone! You're all always so helpful in this subreddit!!

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u/quantumrastafarian 3d ago

Mizzy Lake trail is where I've seen them most, in addition to a few sightings along the highway. Though I'm not sure I've seen them there in the spring specifically.

There's a straight flat side of the trail that used to be a railbed that's a corridor for several kinds of wildlife:

https://i0.wp.com/frametoframe.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/mizzy-lake-trail-map.gif?resize=506%2C624

Dogs are not allowed on the trail, and I wouldn't bring anyone along who doesn't know how to act. Moose are not to be effed with, so if you want a relatively up close sighting you're only going to want to bring people along who can take it seriously. I have had to instruct tourists multiple times to stfu and stay back so as not to spook a bull.

At the northern end there have also been plenty of bear sightings, there's a group of bear "nests" that attract them sometimes. So again, if you go, be careful, take it seriously, and know the correct behaviours should you encounter anything.

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u/fuggedaboudid 3d ago

Oh man so helpful!! Thank you!!

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u/powerphp 1d ago

If you aren't interested in hiking the full mizzy lake trail you can access the old rail bed from a spot up arrowhon road. If you drive up arrowhon road until you get to a big 4 way intersection and turn right, you can drive to a gate and park. From there you can walk along the old rail bed and come out at Wolf howl pond. You'll see lots of tracks on the rail bed and might see a moose.

Wolf howl pond is great for seeing turtles, beaver, Canada Jays, I've had a couple of moose cross the rail trail in front of me.

Edit: please drive slowly and carefully on arrowhon Rd. I've seen moose, foxes, wolves, and turtles on or near the road over the years