"An Algonquin Teamwork Blueprint" Top 5 Page for this destination Algonquin Provincial Park by richiecdisc

Algonquin Provincial Park Travel Guide: 296 reviews and 363 photos

fire in the sky - Algonquin Provincial Park

When most people think of the great Canadian outdoors, images of the Rocky Mountains rising from dense forest and surreally turquoise lakes generally come to their heads but all the spectacle aside, the lakes region of Eastern Canada offers perhaps a more genuine Canadian experience. This is cottage country at its very best and though the natural terrain of the area lacks the grandiose scale of its western cousin’s, it is a gently beautiful one that is bound to beguile anyone that investigates it. Perched on age-old granite near the edge of the Canadian Shield, Algonquin Provincial Park offers a microcosm of this landscape within its 7725 square kilometer borders. Once the realm of a few hardy aboriginal inhabitants, this area only came under man’s closer scrutiny due to the logging of white pines that once grew in generous profusion. The park was created in 1893 to help stem the tide though by no means stop this activity as wildlife protection and restricted logging existed side by side. Located in a transition zone between north and south Ontario, the park is prime habitat to 45 species of mammals, 262 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles and amphibians, 50 species of fish, and approximately 7000 species of insects (and no, they are not all mosquitoes!). With its close proximately to urban centers like Toronto, it is no wonder it is popular and once one visits, it is easy to understand the affection regulars hold for this special corner of their woods. Though an easy park to scratch the surface of via a corridor road that bisects the enormous tract of land, it is the park interior that affords its true appreciation. With over 15,000 kilometers of canoe and portage routes traversing an innumerable number of lakes, streams, rivers and bogs, one can literally get lost for weeks on end without ever crossing the same area. But no matter how you visit, the cry of a loon or wolves at night will quickly have you joining the legion of park fans in realizing, proximity aside, just how far this place is fundamentally from civilization.

Last visit to Algonquin Provincial Park: Sep 2003
Intro Updated Nov 12, 2003
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Reviews (25)

up, up and away... - Algonquin Provincial Park

all portages are not created equal.... Warnings Or Dangers (3)

I know there can be hills on hikes and I guess I knew that portages are more or less hikes, but no one told me there... more travel advice

close the hatch when you are done, please - Algonquin Provincial Park

finding the toilet game... Off The Beaten Path (5)

The campsites all have pit toilets but you have to look around to find them. They are generally far off to the back of... more travel advice

a lucky mistake? - Algonquin Provincial Park

a lucky mistake.... Off The Beaten Path (5)

Sometimes you make a mistake that costs you, other times you make out on the deal. One day on the trip I rushed in... more travel advice

say hello to my little friend - Algonquin Provincial Park

lions and tigers and frogs, oh my... Off The Beaten Path (5)

Ok, we did not see one bear on our trip nor even a moose this time out though I had seen one on a previous canoe trip... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
cook baby cook
Nightlife (1)
who needs a bar?
Hotels (3)
See All great to find a hostel out here....
Favorites (7)
See All memories of a lifetime....you bet
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Comments (40)

tennisplayr Jul 18, 2007 at 6:46 PM Report Abuse

i'm taking a 6 day canoe trip in Algonquin in 3 weeks...how long is the average portage? or do they vary alot?
toonsarah May 30, 2007 at 12:25 PM Report Abuse

Your "early morning solitude" is one of the loveliest photos I've seen on VT (and there are many great ones!) I credit a trip to Canada when I was 15 with inspiring my love of travel and this page has reminded me of what I loved there - thank you
windsorgirl May 14, 2006 at 6:37 AM Report Abuse

Your photos are stunning! Good advice on picking an east facing campsite, I hope to do a canoe trip in Algonquin this summer. Thanks for sharing.
Wild_Orchid Oct 19, 2005 at 5:21 PM Report Abuse

your tip on "fondest memory with D" featured on the main page-so here I am! : )
EGitan May 2, 2005 at 10:18 PM Report Abuse

Breathtaking pictures! What more can i say? Happy travels to you. Elisa
camilo74 Apr 13, 2005 at 9:15 AM Report Abuse

Wonderful photos!!! , need to say no more
DoreenDe Jan 27, 2005 at 12:40 PM Report Abuse

I think I am VERY much in the mood to do some more paddeling...come on.,richie,..it's fun ;o)
acrijk Aug 20, 2004 at 6:48 AM Report Abuse

A very nice story. Thanks for sharing...
bkoon Jul 4, 2004 at 1:00 PM Report Abuse

Very nice picture of the park.
hevbell Apr 11, 2004 at 10:09 AM Report Abuse

stunning photos! The park looks so beautiful I could just jump ona plane right now!!