My paddling partner and I are looking for a non-Quetico late fall trip (end of September/early October) for a 6 day trip. We are thinking about Algonquin since (1) it will be so late in the season and might not have the crowds that would keep us from going there any other time and (2) it would let us see something different, with likely amazing fall colors.

Would welcome any input on routes that wouldn't be on the main highway 60 corridor.

The easiest direction to head is up highway 11. There are several access points up that way before you make the turn east over the north end of the park. The only one I'm meh about is Tim Lake. If you want to stay off big water, try Rain Lake. Beautiful campsite on an island. For bigger water try Ralph Byce Lake or North Tea Lake. If some of the portages look unreasonably long, rest assured they are much more passable than Quetico portages. Usually quite flat and wide. On the south side of Rain Lake is an abandoned rail line which is a good hiking trail. I'll be there in a couple of weeks. Lots of moose in these areas.

The colours could definitely be peaking at that time of year. If you're fishing, plan on only catching lake trout. Not really much in the way of bass or walleye there. And the lake trout aren't as eager as they are in Quetico.

Going from the north via Cedar is beautiful and quiet as well.