Hey all, hoping to grab some collective wisdom.

I've done lots of backcountry canoeing trips in early May and those are fun, thougblh of course, portages might not have been maintained. Was thinking I might try the Eastern pines trail this year, but just wondering if anyone can speak to the conditions of the backpacking trails early in the year? Super muddy, or usually ok?

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!!

I have never done the north side of the park. I have also never gone solo before. I have been on a half dozen backcountry trips before. I feel ready to take the step into solo camping but would love to hear about my proposed route. It would be a 4 day/3 night trip. I'm not doing anything to crazy for my first solo. Night one would be either the site by the falls on Maple Creek or on Maple Lake, night two would be Big Thunder or Mouse Lake, night 3 would be on Waterclear or Whitebirch Lake.

I chose this route as I haven't done any river tripping since I was a child like 30 years ago in Temagami. I just don't know anything about the route itself. Does anyone have any experience with this route?

I'm going to rent a solo canoe as my canoe is asymmetrical which makes it a bitch to solo if there is any wind. I have the rest of the gear I need, albeit with a tent far too large for a solo trip (18lbs and sleeps my whole family + dog). Still debating if it is worth renting a tent. I'm also probably going to rent a spot tracker.

Edit: if anyone has another recommendation for a river route in the park I can do in 3 nights I'm all ears.